The unique staycation concept has just opened in Yorkshire.
Located just one hour from Leeds in South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is opening a new hotel and it's offering you and your family the chance to get up close and personal with some of nature's most exciting creatures.
Located moments from the animal enclosures, the HEX hotel is bringing the zoo to your staycation. Imagine waking up and stretching next to the likes of tigers and polar bears before sipping on your morning coffee: there simply isn't anything like it here in the UK.
The new hotel forms part of the £50 million renovation project from the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and is due to open this weekend.
Image: HEX Hotel
Hex Hotel is welcoming visitors with the appeal of: "wak[ing] up on the wildside and make memories from dusk to dawn", warning "You might even wake up to the sound of the Pride of Yorkshire ROOAARING as the sun rises."
In addition to the regular, but nonetheless breathtaking experiences of HEX, the hotel will be offering a range of themed sleepovers and family-friendly break packages including the Peter Pan mini break, Safari Night Concerts, School's Out for Summer and Spooky Sleepover packages.
By day, families can explore the wildlife park and meet the only polar bears in England or make friends with sea lions basking in the sunshine inside the largest man-made sea lion pool around.
Image: HEX Hotel
Dining options are aplenty around the park and inside the hotel.
Casual dining venue Wilds Cafe-Bistro invites guests to put a pin in the day's activities and unwind with hot food and refreshing drink options, whilst Masai Coffee House serves fair trade coffee, hot and cold drinks plus a selection of light lunches with giraffes.
The Hex Hotel is yet to reveal its full potential, but as the new hotel is due to open this weekend, we imagine the raving reviews will start to flock in shortly.
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Leeds
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Sophie Smith -
8th April 2022 
