Gordale Scar was amongst the locations for the new series of The Witcher.
Netflix’s smash-hit fantasy series The Witcher dropped its second season just before Christmas – and a lot of it was filmed not too far us here in Yorkshire.
The first instalment of The Witcher, which stars Henry Cavill, was filmed all over Europe.
But Covid travel restrictions forced the cast and crew to keep their locations a little more local for season two.
It meant that many scenes of the epic fantasy, which follows mutated monster hunter Geralt, were actually filmed just up the road from Greater Manchester.
Thankfully, there are plenty of magical locations up north.
Viewers will have recognised parts of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and other parkland as they are taken on a journey around the medieval-inspired landmass known as the Continent.
Rydal Cave in The Witcher. Credit: Netflix
Film crews spent a lot of time in the Lake District, even having to winch people and equipment down into the caves at Hodge Close Quarry to shoot.
Eagle-eyed fans of the show quickly recognised another Cumbrian location – the familiar stepping stones and water pools of Rydal Cave.
The amazing man-made cavern is between Ambleside and Grasmere and Joey Batey even braved stripping off for a dip here in episode seven.
Blea Tarn in The Witcher. Credit: Netflix
One of the most jaw-dropping backdrops in season two of The Witcher is also only a couple of hours from us here in Yorkshire too.
The impressive Blea Tarn, with its backdrop of the Langdale Pikes, popped up in the series.
Film crews at Gordale Scar. Credit: Netflix
Moving on from The Lake District, crews then headed to Yorkshire and spent three days filming scenes at Gordale Scar.
The dramatic limestone gorge has 100 metre-high cliffs and two huge waterfalls, and is said to have inspired the writer William Wordsworth as well as famous artists such as J.M.W. Turner and James Ward.
Fountains Abbey in The Witcher. Credit: Netflix
The Witcher’s production designer Andrew Laws said: “We began to explore Yorkshire a lot more deeply and found some just absolutely extraordinary locations up there.
“The Lakes area afforded so many variations without being too spread apart.”
The series also used Plumpton Rocks, a man-made lake near Harrogate, and the ancient Fountains Abbey, for some scenes.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
The Hoot -
3rd February 2022 
