New research has revealed Harrogate as the second happiest place to live in the UK.
Yes that’s right – the research, which was carried out by Furniture Box, found which locations in the UK were happiest based on a poll of 5,000 people.
And do you know where came in at a very impressive number two? Our very own Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate.
It's not hard to see why. Famed for its beautiful greenery, quaint high street and fabulous architecture, you can see why the people of Harrogate are feeling a bit chuffed to live there.
The research said: "Second place goes to Harrogate, a spa town known for its historic buildings, gardens, natural springs and food.
Image: Unsplash
"The Fat Badger and the Harrogate Tap pubs are renowned. Harrogate Grammar, Oatlands Infants and Western Primary are all rated as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted."
Coming in at number one, though, was Stratford-upon-Avon.
The medieval town that is the birthplace of William Shakespeare topped the survey: "We all know about the Royal Shakespeare Company but Stratford is so much more than a cultural attraction.
"It is a thriving community flanked by the beautiful river Avon. It has independent shops, and fantastic places to eat and drink. It's also home to some of the best state schools in the country."
Need some weekend plans?
Image: Unsplash
Just a forty minute drive from Leeds, there really is so much to do in the wonderful town of Harrogate.
Start off your day with breakfast at Betty’s Cafe and Tea Rooms before taking a stroll down the stray and taking in the beautiful views of the cherry blossom trees, then stop for lunch at Pranzo and browse the high street that is jam packed with fantastic independent shops.
You'll have a cracker of a day, and you may even leave feeling much happier than before.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
Clementine Hall
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Clementine Hall -
21st November 2024 
