Get your buckos together because there’s an epic pirate-themed water park just thirty minutes drive away from Leeds.
Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Calypso Cove boasts a splash zone, wave pool, a hidden diving area behind a huge pirate skull, big slides and more.
The impressive pirate skull, which sits as the centre of the park, also functions as an under-water viewing platform where guests can watch other swimmers.
The Yorkshire waterpark also has its very own partially sunken pirate ship or Sunken Galleon, complete with water cannons and a tipping bucket. From here, you can slide right into the water or fire jet streams at your friends from the deck.
There are two pools, a wave pool and a larger one for swimming lengths, and four slides - including some of the UK’s fastest flumes.
The biggest slide is the Terror Torrent, described as “darker than Davy Jones’s locker.” Said to be one of the speediest in the country, it’s sure to give you an adrenaline rush.
Of course, if that’s not for you there’s more family-friendly slides too, like the Kraken - where plucky pirates can choose their own music before sliding down more gently. Note that there are no height restrictions here, but parents cannot ride together with children.
Meanwhile, on Eruption, riders must be 1.2m tall and able to swim up to 50m as the slide finishes in a little pool. Again, parents cannot ride with children here.
Then there’s the Splash Ahoy area, complete with four lane slides perfect for racing, and secure, interactive splash zone Barnacle Bay - ideal for younger children aged 8 and under.
Weekend tickets start from £8 for children and £11 for adults, with family tickets beginning at £25.
Note that, In line with government guidance, Calypso Cove is only accepting groups of a maximum of 6 people from the same household or support bubble. Booking is essential.
The Top 50 gastropubs in the UK have been revealed, and it’s safe to say we’re well and truly spoilt here in Yorkshire.
This year’s prestigious Estrella Damn Gastropubs awards, also known as the ‘pub Oscars’, took place this week - and a whopping six Yorkshire pubs have made it onto the list.
Coming in at number 5 is The Star Inn (Harome, North Yorkshire), a critically acclaimed Michelin-star pub that has had a turbulent few years after burning down in 2020 and reopening only in late 2021.
This certainly hasn't stopped the pub winning numerous accolades since, and it's not hard to see why with when it's described as "the perfect country pub" by the prestigious awards.
Coming in just behind at number six is The Angel (Hetton, Skipton), praised for its "pub food reimagined in a cosy environment that looks out across stunning landscapes."
At number 12 is The Abbey Inn (Byland, North York Moors), the third venue from The Great British Menu' winner and Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.
This spot also won Sustainable Pub of the Year for 2025, so it's safe to say its scooping up the accolades left, right and centre.
Coming in at number 30 is the one we're most excited about it has to be said, The Highland Laddie is our very own city centre pub that has taken the foodie world by storm since it opened back in May last year.
Having just received a glowing review from Jay Rayner and bagging the Good Food Guide's Best Pub in Britain for 2025, this is a spot we're very proud to have in our city.
The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, Yorkshire) has been placed at number 31 where guests can dine on "hearty and moreish dishes only, cooked from the heart."
And finally for our delicious county, at number 49 is The Shibden Mill Inn (Halifax, Yorkshire), which has held a spot on the list since 2020 and also snapped the title of Best Pub for Food at the 2022 Great British Pub Awards.
A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
After making a huge name for themselves in the market, Pollini's Pizza Slice is opening up a brand-new site.
Okay, it's safe to say we're spoilt for choice for brilliant pizza spots in Leeds but there's not many places where you can grab a slice on-the-go.
And that's exactly what Pollini's Pizza Slice are bringing to the city.
Huge, giant, 24-inch slices of New York-style pizza cooked fresh and served to you within seconds.
Whether you're after a simple margarita, a fiery pepperoni or you like to be that little bit controversial with ham and pineapple - there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
They opened inside Kirkgate Market back in 2022, and ever since then they've been inundated with hungry punters looking to grab a slice on their lunch break.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And now they're venturing out of the market and opening a new shop in the old Poco Sicilian Street Food site on Lands Lane.
Announcing the exciting news to their social media, Pollini's Pizza Slice said: "We have some EXCITING NEWS!
"With the new year, we’re opening a brand new pizza shop to satisfy all our amazing customers—there are so many of you! Still here every day at Kirkgate Market, serving up massive fresh slices and big smiles to keep you happy!
"But very soon… we’re opening our brand new home at 24A Lands Lane, right in the heart of Leeds city centre.Here’s your first look inside… Can’t wait to welcome you there as well!"
At their new site you'll be able to get your classic slices as well as whole pies, the perfect Friday office pick-me-up if you ask us.
We don't know the exact opening date yet, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.
Georgina Pellant -
28th April 2021 
