Every now and then, you find a place that manages to pull you entirely out of your everyday rhythm, and that break is what makes it so relaxing.
Titanic Spa, tucked away in the rolling Yorkshire countryside near Huddersfield, is one of those places.
Housed in a beautifully restored Edwardian mill, Titanic Spa doesn’t feel like a modern wellness complex dropped into the countryside; it feels like part of it.
This is a spa that has disguised itself into traditionally British architecture, so it doesn’t take away from the character of North England.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
I arrived mid-morning, and after a friendly welcome and a quick tour, I slipped into the spa’s main facilities; the heat and ice experience, saunas, aromatherapy rooms, and the salt steam room.
Love it or hate it, there was also the cold plunge. Two minutes there had me feeling like Jack Dawson.
Eventually, hunger (and the scent of garlic drifting from the bistro) lured us to lunch. The Titanic Spa Bistro is relaxed and bright, with huge windows flooding the room with green and orange blend from the autumnal trees outside.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also something special about having lunch in a robe and slippers. It really makes you feel at home.
I ordered the tiger prawn tagliatelle, which came perfectly cooked in a silky, garlicky sauce with just the right hint of chilli, and we shared a halloumi focaccia, still warm from the grill, soft and salty and not too heavy before heading back into the spa.
After lunch, it was time for my 60-minute full body massage, and honestly, it was the perfect way to round off the day. My therapist was incredible, attentive, intuitive, and completely unhurried.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
I was asked beforehand whether I had any particular pain points I wanted them to focus on and honestly, I didn’t, so I was apprehensive that this massage couldn’t make a huge difference. I stand corrected. I floated out of that room an hour later. The pressure was spot on, and I could feel every bit of tension leaving as the treatment progressed until ending with a few recommendations of oils I could benefit from using. A nice touch.
Before heading home, we couldn’t resist a final dip in the outdoor hot tub. The view over the surrounding countryside was stunning.
Just the feeling of knowing you’re miles away from the nearest hustling and bustling city, surrounded by nature and in no rush, it's the final foray into deep relaxation.
If you’re looking for a proper escape - somewhere to switch off completely, eat well, and breathe in a bit of Yorkshire countryside - Titanic Spa might just be the reset button you’ve been craving.
Find out more and book your visit to the Titanic Spa here.
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.