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 been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Inside Kerala Canteen – the world’s first Kerala tapas restaurant in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Sophie Smith -
1st October 2021 
