In a world where there seems to be no end of plastic bunkbeds and shiny hotel rooms, it's fantastic to see that there's still plenty of unique staycations out there that are restoring parts of Yorkshire's heritage for new visitors to explore.
The Old Ticket Station is the perfect example.
Over in Allerston, where the local train station and railway track to Scarborough once stood is now home to short term rentals both inside the old ticket office and have even relayed tracks to place 1930s-style carriages.
Image: Host Unusual
Listed on Host Unusual, those looking for a proper first-class retreat will find that this rare opportunity to sleep inside a part of the Yorkshire town's heritage a true step back in time (in the best way possible).
Original features in the ticket office space have been painstakingly preserved whilst the cosy lounge and dining area still has the original fireplace from its humble beginnings the 1800s and 1900s.
The vintage details span across the walls with vintage posters and framed railway maps, and are complimented by modern appliances to give that old-world feel without having to compromise on convenience.
In addition to the communal areas, there's two bedrooms that can house either twin beds or a superking, depending on the visitor's preference. There's also two bathrooms fitted with a private garden area to the rear.
Images: The Old Station
Ebberston Station has been fitted to reminisce its 1930s appearance, but the holiday home was actually a functioning station from 1890 all the way up until 1953 when the track was lifted and both the station and surrounding areas became farmland.
Owners Mark and Carol Benson moved in around 1996 and made the decision to restore the space into the one-of-a-kind station staycation it is today.
The carriages were installed in 1998 and were painted and restored to look like the LNER period trains from the 1930s. By using a chocolate, green and cream colour scheme, the couple transformed three carriages to their former glory - with plenty of original features for visitors to peer at during their stay.
A quarter of a century on and all of the staycation homes are proving that character homes make the perfect home-away-from-home. Prices range from £394 for carriages and £560 for the station and are booked out on a three day or weekly basis.
For more information, including how to book either staycation, visit The Old Station website here.
Feature Image - The Old Station
News
Seven in 10 NHS staff think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic if one should arise, a new survey has revealed.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it's 'very poorly' prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it's 'very well' prepared.
When workers were asked how the NHS's level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it's no better prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
16% actively think it's less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of 'transparency' and 'accountability' in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England - from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services - will now be ranked quarterly against 'clear and consistent' standards.
Featured Image - Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
News
Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
Thomas Melia
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Sophie Smith -
25th September 2023 
