After some time away from the city? A weekend away in a cosy train carriage in the countryside might just be that unique staycation you need.
The trains across Yorkshire have been busier than usual this week and we're wondering if the petrol shortage has anything to do with the increased traffic onboard.
Rather than wrestling passengers for a seat, or anxiously wondering whether there will be a delay in departure, the thought of staying in a private train carriage for the weekend seems much more appealing.
Planning a staycation away from Leeds? Why not book a train carriage staycation for a cosy escape from the everyday. Our favourite picks are no more than two hours away from Leeds city centre, perfect for that weekend away you've been planning but not quite booked yet.
Wally's Wagon has a private hot tub is set to the back of the carriage, overlooking rural paddock land / Image: Wally's Wagon / AirBnB
For couples: Wally’s Wagon
This quirky and intimate space hosts a full-size double bed and is heated by a small wood burner. Set in a private garden away from other guests, this quaint accommodation has all the modern amenities needed for a first-class stay.
There is a private hot tub is set to the back of the carriage, overlooking rural paddock land. This is an ideal setting for couples that appreciate the countryside and its inhabitants, with many guests describing tame llamas and donkeys that love to meet new guests.
Wally’s Wagon is located in Green Hammerton, near York, making it a fifty-minute journey from Leeds city centre.
The Flying Yorkshireman II is perfect for escaping the city / Image: AirBnB / The Flying Yorkshireman II
For watching the sunset : The Flying Yorkshireman II
Ever wanted to ride on a traditional steam train? The Flying Yorkshireman II railway carriage has been designed to give guests an authentic train-living experience. The 24 X 9 ft carriage looks over the Nidd Valley railway line, with picturesque views of the countryside.
It’s location makes it perfect for sunset spotting, use the decking ‘platform’ area or watch from traditional carriage seats installed inside.
Just 60 minutes from Leeds city centre, it can be found in the Glasshouses, north Harrogate.
Kimberlina Carriage boasts sea views, cooking appliances and a full-size bathtub / Image: AirBnB / Kimberlina Carriage
For budget-conscious travellers: Kimberlina Carriage
Hidden on private land of a working farm, Kimberlina Carriage offers guests bespoke train carriage living on the Jurassic Coast of Ravenscar National Park. The holiday home boasts sea views, cooking appliances and a full-size bathtub, demonstrating the size of the carriage. The amenities are perfect for travellers on a budget that want to upgrade from regular caravan accommodation.
The natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast is footsteps away from Kimberlina Carriage. Nearby, seal colonies proudly rest in the rockpools, whilst the skies turn from amber to lilac.
Kimberlina Carriage is located north of Scarborough in the village of Ravenscar. Though this takes around two hours by car or train, the fresh sea air is worth every mile travelled.
Family-friendly carriage accommodation is hard to come by, but Helmsley Railway Carriage hosts one of the largest carriages on AirBnB in the North East and boasts two bedrooms for four guests.
The property is an authentic 1887 3rd Class Victorian carriage recently brought into the twenty-first century, complete with designated workspace, a full-sized kitchen and bunk beds on a large plot of garden.
The Helmsley Railway Carriage is around a 75-minute drive from Leeds city centre, located in Helmsley, York.
For Staffordshire staycations: Staffordshire Carriage Stay
Laid on a bed of track, the Staffordshire Carriage Stay offers rustic carriage accommodation saved from 1937. The Great Western Railway carriage is full of original features and holds just as much old-school charm as it would have done in the twentieth century.
The caravan-sized carriage hosts a mini kitchen, saving space for the double bed and bathroom with shower. Guests are invited to use the outdoor decking and chairs and cook on the gas barbecue.
Staffordshire Carriage Stay is located in Dilhorne, Staffordshire. 100% of recent guests have given the location a 5-star rating, suggesting the two-hour drive from Leeds city centre is more than worthwhile.
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Sophie Smith -
1st October 2021 
