Deep beneath the hills and the valleys there's a jaw-dropping network of caves waiting for you to discover.
If you're looking for something a little bit different to do this summer, then look no further than Stump Cross Caverns.
Nestled in the quaint North Yorkshire village of Pateley Bridge is an attraction like no other, a natural wonder that has been hidden from human eyes for hundreds of years.
That's right, we're talking about a vast network of caves all frozen in time and with plenty of stories to tell.
At Stump Cross Caverns you'll discover a trove of prehistoric marvels, from twisting and turning caverns to untouched rock formations and mysterious nooks and crannies.
Image: Stump Cross Caverns
This is the perfect family-friendly activity that will leave you both educated and amazed.
And what's cooler than hopping in a time machine and travelling back 300 million years? We're not even sure Doctor Who can pull that off.
So, what can you expect from a visit to the caverns?
Once entering, the doors will be shut behind you and you'll instantly be transported to a whole new magical world of discovery.
Your adventure will take approximately 50 minutes, and you'll be given all the information needed to self-guide yourself through the caves to spot all the amazing attractions as you go.
Image: Stump Cross Caverns
First up you'll encounter 'The Butcher's Shop', after ducking under a rocky nook you'll be greeted by a jaw-dropping collection of colourful stalactites that look as if they've been frozen in time.
As you make your way through the twisting tunnels you'll spot 'The Twins', two gargantuan pillars of rock that stretch from floor to ceiling, as well as 'The Wolverine Cave', an awe-inspiring cavern where an ancient wolverine scull was found in 1922.
From shimmering walls of limestone to mounds of boulders, this entire experience is a feast for the eyes as you duck underneath hanging stalactites.
And don't worry, all safety gear is of course provided including hard hats and torches to make sure you don't miss out on any of the action.
Other special attractions include 'The Cathedral', 'The Chamber of Pillars' and 'The Curtain'.
Image: Stump Cross Caverns
But of course we're not going to reveal all of Stump Cross Cavern's secrets, you'll simply have to discover them for yourselves.
As well as these incredible rock formations, along the way you'll find free kids activities to spark excitement and curiosity.
From the fossil quiz to the fairy door search, there's never a dull moment as you embark on an adventure of a lifetime.
And if you thought this experience couldn't get even more magical, then think again. As after 3pm the lights inside the caves are turned off for the ultimate magical UV experience.
But the fun doesn't stop there, once you're done exploring why not search for treasures in their gift shop or stop for a light bite and refreshment in their Time Cafe.
So whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family, or you just love to learn about the incredible prehistoric wonders of the Yorkshire Dales - Stump Cross Caverns is ready for you to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Day tickets start at just £15 per adult and £10.50 per child, with children under 4 going in for free.
To book your tickets and discover the incredible wonders of Stump Cross Caverns, take a look at their website.
It doesn’t take long to see why this place has become such a firm favourite with the Farsley crowd.
We finally took a trip to Grumpy's Bar and Wood Fired Pizza and safe to say, you were absolutely right about this one.
Tucked away inside Sunny Bank Mills, Grumpy’s has built a huge reputation for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, laid-back atmosphere, that more or less has a proper community feel at the forefront.
Created by sisters Alex and Cassie, the family-run restaurant was even named after their dad, 'Grumpy' himself, and that personal touch runs through everything they do.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From supporting local community events to creating a genuinely welcoming space where you can rock up in trainers or stay for hours without realising, it feels like much more than just somewhere to grab food. It feels like part of the neighbourhood’s personality.
And then there’s the pizza.
Everything is made fresh in-house, and watching the team stretch out the dough before piling on all the toppings adds a bit of theatre to the whole experience.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The wood-fired pizzas are definitely the stars of the show, coming out with that perfect crispy base, soft airy crust, and smoky finish that makes you immediately think, “yeah, that’s the good stuff.”
They also offer a gluten-free base, so there’s something on the menu for everyone to dig into.
But the small plates deserve their flowers too. Dishes like their burrata are a proper crowd-pleaser, served with fresh seasonal tomatoes and bread perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy goodness.
Add in dough balls and arancini, and suddenly the table starts looking less like a couple of starters and more like a full-on sharing feast.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One thing we loved? The personality behind the menu. A lot of the pizzas are named after famously grumpy TV and film characters, which gives the whole place a bit of humour and fits the vibe perfectly.
And while we came for the pizza, one surprise standout was the banana split dessert. Fun, nostalgic, slightly over-the-top in the best way, and exactly the kind of thing you don’t think you’ll order… until it shows up and suddenly everyone’s fighting for the last spoonful.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes Grumpy’s special, though, is that it never feels like it’s trying too hard - it’s casual, friendly, and welcoming.
Add in the sunny terrace, a few drinks, and a table full of pizzas shared between mates, and it’s easy to see why people end up staying way longer than planned.
There’s no rush here, just good food, good company, and a place that quietly gets everything right without making a fuss about it.
We finally get why Grumpy's Bar + Wood Fired Pizza is such a Farsley favourite… and trust us, we’ll definitely be back.
Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch
Clementine Hall
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept has landed in the city centre.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds combines saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space features two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is absolutely gorgeous, complete with trendy tin ceilings, fairy lights and soft furnishings.
Plunge pools can be enjoyed solo or shared, depending on what guests choose, giving people the opportunity to shape each session around exactly what they need that day.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The same goes for the saunas, with one silent and one sauna giving guests the option to come for conversation or reflection.
Single sessions will cost just £12 for 45 minutes, with 90-minute sessions from £20.
There's a fab little cafe too offering all sorts from electrolyte slushes to ginger shots and a range of coffees and matcha.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Known for making sauna and ice feel more accessible, welcoming and community-driven, Kontrast has grown beyond regular sessions to become a base for recurring events. These include their live ambient DJ set event, Unwind, which celebrates local talent, and their weekly run club, both of which the team hopes to bring to Leeds as part of building a similar sense of community in the city.
Officially opening their doors this Friday 29 May, Kontrast are offering free sessions over the weekend so you can try before you buy. Book your spot here.
Clementine Hall -
9th July 2024 
