Leeds Bradford Airport has had its fare share of headlines over the last few years.
The airport, conveniently located halfway between Leeds and Bradford has been undergoing huge changes over the past few years: most notably making news for the promise (and then scrapping) of a new £150 million terminal as part of a bid to 'level up' the north.
This week, Leeds Bradford Airport has received an altogether different headline: it's been ranked joint with Bristol as the worst airport in Britain, according to The Telegraph.
Image: Leeds Bradford Airport
Whilst it might not be the biggest airport with the most exotic destination list, Leeds Bradford Airport was marked harshly for its time into the city centre (35 minutes) and average delay time of 8 minutes.
The airport did score points for offering free unlimited wifi and generous seating areas, but it wasn't enough to compete with the likes of top winner London City airport- who routinely outshine the big four London airports on proximity, delay times and destination list.
The rankings of Britain's best and worst airports were originally reported by The Telegraph, who questioned everything from how aesthetically pleasing each terminal is and accessibility to top destinations through a Twitter poll, and then compared against their own 16-point checklist that covered everything from average delay time to number of hotels nearby.
Now that the people have spoken, we can see there's few fans of Leeds Bradford airport across the UK.
Travel Writer Emma Beaumont gave her two pence on the airport, stating that: "Up in Yorkshire, Leeds Bradford airport was branded “a random hotchpotch of ageing buildings” in the visual category" and noted that there were no four-star hotels within two miles of the terminal and only two hotels at all to offer accommodation to guests needing to get their forty winks before an early morning flight.
The journalist went on to say that "More importantly, it came bottom for cancellations, with 2.28 per cent of all flights axed last year, according to data from the CAA" but did acknowledge that the airport scored "fairly well in the delay rankings and has a generous 1,440 seats available in the terminal if you need somewhere to wait it out."
Terminal One at Leeds Bradford Airport was not thought of highly by pollsters. / Image: Wikicommons
According to The Telegraph's report, it appears that travelling to any other airport, rather than the closest one to Leeds will offer an overall better experience.
This said, the nearest top ranked option would be East Midlands, a 90 minute journey from Leeds. The full list from best to worst is listed below:
Let's see how Leeds Bradford Airport fares next time the poll is revisited. With Flybe returning to the skies with new management promising flights to Europe under £40, there's a chance that the introduction of these added flights may help to sway voters next time round.
The airport is also reported to turn its attention to developing the extension to the existing terminal, originally approved by Leeds City Council in 2019 now that the scrapping of the £150 million terminal has officially been announced.
Feature Image- Leeds Bradford Airport
News
Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Sophie Smith -
6th May 2022 
