Now we're right in the middle of bluebell season, there's not long left to see these stunning traditional woodland flowers.
They usually flower from mid-April to late May, blooming earlier when the spring is mild (but we all know that was not the case in West Yorkshire this year).
Growing very close together, they create a beautiful carpet of blue across the woodland floors they tend to call home.
Although that's not to say you mightn't be able to spot a few growing along hedges and in fields and gardens too.
However, the best place for them to grow is in undisturbed soil - so if you want to catch a really magnificent display, you're best off heading into some of West Yorkshire's ancient woodlands.
We've picked out some of the best countryside walks to see the bluebells in full bloom across Halifax, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Huddersfield to make sure you don't miss out.
Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds
The woodlands around Temple Newsam Estate are carpeted in a sea of bluebells at this time of year. Park near the farm and playground and then take the paths down to the woods.
Middleton Park, Leeds
One of Leeds' hidden gems, this tranquil space just outside of the city centre is home to thousands of flowering bluebells at this time of year. There are also sometimes organised walks that you can join in with here too.
Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve, Leeds
This peaceful spot between Leeds and Wetherby boasts some beautiful areas of woodland and grassland that are home to a variety of species, with an abundance of bluebells to be found here in spring.
Judy Woods near Wyke, Bradford
The third-largest woodland in Bradford, Judy Woods has a gorgeous display right now with a floor covered in the beautiful blue blossoms.
Esholt Woods, Bradford
Four woods in one, this makes for a gorgeous walk with plenty of pretty blue flowers to be seen along the way. Be warned, access is not great but it's all worth it once you see the bluebell display here. Roadside parking only.
Upper Park Wood Nature Reserve, Kirklees
This nature reserve near Holmfirth has a gorgeous array of bluebells on show right now and boasts some fantastic views across the 'Last of the Summer Wine' countryside of the Holme Valley.
Elland Park Wood, Calderdale
A wonderful place to go if you want to see hundreds of bluebells at once. Several different footpaths lead into the woods here, meaning there's plenty to explore.
Hardcastle Craggs, Calderdale
Situated on the edge of Hebden Bridge, seeing the bluebells at Hardcastle Craggs has to be one of the highlights of the year. Peaking in May, the woodland here is filled with the flowers' sweet perfume with a floor of blue as far as the eye can see.
Seckar Wood is an area of ancient woodland and lowland heathland that is just to the south of Wakefield, close to Newmillerdam. There is a carpet of bluebells that covers the wood every Spring.
Seckar Wood, Wakefield
Located to the south of Wakefield, near to Newmillerdam, this area of ancient woodland and lowland heathland is covered in a layer of bluebells at this time of year.
Nostell Priory, Wakefield
With 300 acres of parkland to explore, this 18th century estate is awash with bluebells during the spring.
Feature image - Unsplash
News
Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.
Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.
The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.
His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.
This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.
Jason Derulo gig guide
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo UK tour dates
Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig
If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.
Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.
Jason Derulo setlist
Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.
Swalla
Wiggle
Take You Dancing
Acapulco
Savage Love
Whatcha Say
Who Hurt You
Tip Toe
Breathing
In My Head
Ridin' Solo
Spicy Margarita
Love Tonight
The Other Side
Dame Un Grrr
Talk Dirty
Want to Want Me
Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
Who Hurt You
What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.
How to get to first direct arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Salon Madre – a new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Leeds this month
Clementine Hall
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Georgina Pellant -
26th March 2024 
