Over in the Peak District just over an hour from Leeds is one of the country's most beautiful attractions.
Known as the Heights of Abraham, it's considered to be so picturesque that locals to the area have nicknamed it 'Little Switzerland'.
Whilst the area's rolling green hills certainly have a part to play, it's the eye-catching famous cable cars that really give you that feeling of being abroad, high up in the mountain ranges - allowing you to travel high above the Derwent Valley.
The Heights of Abraham in the Peak District. Credit: Supplied
Visitors to the hilltop park can travel 554 ft uphill to the summit and imagine they’ve transported themselves to the Swiss Alps, reports The Manc.
From the top, there are views of the lush countryside of Derbyshire and of the pretty village of Matlock Bath.
The Heights of Abraham is on the eastern side of the Peak District, reachable by car in around an hour and a half from Leeds
As well as the cable cars and the sweeping views, you can also explore two incredible, illuminated caverns.
Masson Cavern at the Heights of Abraham. Credit: Supplied
Guided tours will take you deep into the hillside where professional guides will tell tales of mining, geology and tourism.
Both the Vista restaurant and the Terrace Cafe stand at around 1000ft above sea level, with views served up alongside local ales and gins, as well as tea and cake.
The Heights of Abraham closes for a short time every winter but is finally back open for business from 11 February and throughout the summer.
The Vista restaurant
New this season will be a trail of willow sculptures by Caroline Gregson, and 12 new butterflies suspended in the treetops.
The estate has actually been welcoming visitors since 1787, when a local hotel owner decided to create a ‘pleasure ground’ for the wealthy Georgian tourists who flocked to the area.
People in those days believed that swimming in the waters around Matlock Bath would improve their health.
After seven years of planting exotic trees and shrubs, tourists began to climb the paths to take in the 360-degree views from the summit.
In 1810, the Great Rutland Cavern opened to the public, followed by the Great Masson Cavern in 1844, with ex-miners acting as tour guides.
The current owners of the Heights of Abraham bought the estate in 1974 and added the cable car 10 years later.
Tickets to visit cost £22 per adult, £15.00 per child and £68.00 for a family of two adults and two children (under fives go free), which includes a cable car flight, two guided cavern tours, access to two adventure playgrounds, a heritage trail, exhibitions, the willow sculptures, the treetop butterfly trail, the restaurant and cafe, and self-guided audio tours.
The Heights offers 20% off to those who work for the NHS, have a Blue Light Card, MOD90/DDS card or MAX card. Take the train or bus to Matlock Bath and save 20% on your tickets too.
Featured image: Supplied
Feature
The UK’s largest independent frozen yoghurt brand is opening in Leeds
The frozen yoghurt craze is taking over the city by storm.
Summer is well and truly in full swing, which means we are constantly craving a refreshing ice-cold treat.
And it seems like a certain someone may have been listening, as Frurt has announced they'll be opening in Leeds.
What is Frurt you may ask? Born in Manchester over 15 years ago, Frurt is now the UK's largest independent frozen yoghurt brand that has become a multi-award-winning staple of the Manchester food and drink scene.
They sell a range of every changing yoghurt flavours, including gluten free and vegan options, with all the toppings you could possibly pile on.
Images: The Manc Group
It seems though that their spot in Leeds will differ from the rest, as they'll be opening inside Morrison's over in Kirkstall.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Frurt said: "The Next Chapter Begins.Sixteen years ago, Frurt opened its doors with one mission: to serve the very best frozen yogurt experience.
"Today, we’re incredibly proud to announce our biggest milestone yet. Frurt is proudly partnering with @morrisons , with our first kiosk opening in Leeds.
"This isn’t just a new location, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we bring Frurt to even more communities across the UK. To every customer, franchisee, supplier and member of the Frurt family who has supported us over the past 16 years, thank you. Your support has made moments like this possible.
"Leeds, we’ll see you very soon."
We can't wait to welcome Frurt to our city, and we'll keep you updated as usual with any more information when we get it.
Where to find the best sandwiches in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Leeds.
From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties and fluffy focaccias, if you’re a sandwich lover in Leeds then you’re well catered for.
Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Leeds and beyond.
Loosen your belts a little, folks.
Cheesy Living Co.
The Corn Exchange, Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're working in the city and fancy something special for your lunch, then popping into The Corn Exchange to pay a visit to the legends at Cheesy Living Co. is just the thing.
Their fluffy focaccia is baked fresh every day and packed with their delicious cheeses, cured meats, local chutneys and topped with tangy pickles to take the edge of. Have in or takeaway, it's completely up to you.
Alfonso's
Grand Arcade
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new on the sandwich scene, Alfonso's Deli in the Grand Arcade is serving up ultimate toasted Cuban sandwiches as well as stacked subs. They're also dishing out unreal breakfast bagels which are the perfect hangover cure if you've had a couple the night before.
Silver's Deli
268 Stanningley Rd, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3BS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a big fat hoagie as long as your arm? Then get yourself to Bramley as soon as possible.
The moment Silver's touched down on the Leeds food scene it's truly been the talk of the town ever since, with people flocking from far and wide to queue for their ridiculously delicious subs.
Stacked breakfast buns good enough to cure any hangover and New York-style hoagies all made using the very best, quality ingredients.
Here Comes The Bun
77 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 3PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you think you can’t love The Swine Bistro and the team behind it anymore, they relaunch their sandwich hatch, Here Comes The Bun.
Open on Fridays and Sunday, you can pre-order and get your mitts on a different sandwich every single week. Chef Paul is pulling out all the stops, think lamb merguez with harissa mayo, chicken fried steak and the ultimate brekkie buns all on homemade potato rolls
Granny G's
36 Wellington Street, LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If fully-loaded subs get you going, then Granny G's inside Green Room is the one to beat.
Choose from shrimp po’boys, spicy deli meats, and our personal favourite - the OG chicken parm (which is 100% worth the mess).
Things In Bread
15 Boar Lane, LS1 6EN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Things In Bread is now a proper Leeds classic, and their concept is perfectly simple. Classic sandwiches which you might find in your average meal deal but elevated to the next level.
The bread is specially created to make the best ever sandwich, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly square and baked fresh on the daily.
With a cracking selection of seasonal specials, you'll constantly be coming back for more to have a taste of what's new.
La Grassa
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Stuzzi comes La Grassa, located inside Amity Brew Co. inside Sunny Bank Mills they're serving up everything Italian American. Expected sandwiches bigger than your for arm which pair perfectly with a pint or two.
Brød Sandwich Bar
31 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod sandwich bar is an institution. This family-run independent sandwich shop has been serving us hungry lot for 20 years now, filling our lunch hour with the tastiest, freshest sarnies that you can get your hands on.
Fully customisable with a HUGE range of ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and all at really affordable prices too.
Friends of Ham
4 - 8 New Station Street, LS1 5DL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Friends of Ham don't just serve up banging charcuterie boards, but they're really good at serving unreal toasties too.
The sourdough is perfectly buttery and jam packed with layers of meat and salty, melted cheese. And of course served with a pile of pickles on the side for good measure.
Eat Your Greens
42 New York Street, LS2 7DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's no denying we love this special spot that champion the very best local produce in everything they do, but their sandwiches are also seriously something to shout about.
Grab to go or savour every mouthful in their light drenched space. The flavours rotate with the season but if you have chance to sample the pork mince sandwich with black pudding, house smoked bacon and bunt apple ketchup then it'll be the best decision you have ever made.
Morty's Focacceria
White Cloth Hall
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside Leeds' newest food hall you'll find Morty's, a dough haven serving up Sicilian style slices and of course, sarnies.
These bad boys are made with freshly-made panuozzo bread that is baked on-site every single day, filled with two big stacks of fried mortadella and topped with melted provolone, mustard mayo, pickles and a drizzle of garlic oil.
You'll need a nap after, but it'll be worth it.
Shokupan
27 Wellington Street, LS1 4EA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem on Wellington Street are serving up delicious, Japanese katso sandos that you'll want to fit into your weekly routine.
Husband and wife team, Alan and Alison, took inspiration from trips around the world to bring Leeds a menu of delicious Japanese-inspired sandos on Shokupan- a Japanese milk bread known for its light, fluffy texture, golden crust and a subtly sweet flavour.
Get a side of the crispy karaage chicken on the side too, you won't regret it.
Livett's Coffee Shop
6 St. Peters Square, LS98AH
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're round that side of town, then grabbing a sarnie from Livett's is a no brainer.
There’s a flavour combo for everyone to get their chops around, from fresh Caprese, Falafel and Houmous, and a packed out Italian Deli sub. But keep your eyes pealed because these flavours are always changing. All served on a satisfyingly soft demi baguette from the best of the best, Balzersen Bakery, and made fresh daily, you already know these bad boys will blow your bog standard meal deal out of the water.
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2022 
