Just 40 minutes out of Leeds is a beautiful water park that's been described as a 'hidden gem' by locals.
Located in Wakefield, the spot is popular with locals for its sandy beach and grassy play areas, as well as its open water paddling opportunities.
It's got two lakes - the largest of which is well suited for pedalo rides with its sandy beaches; whilst the smaller lake is designed to be a conservation area to attract local wildlife.
Hemsworth Water Park and Playworld has a gorgeous sandy beach / Image: TripAdvisor
In the play area, there is a giant trampoline to bounce on, a giant tunnel slide and even pedalos to take out into the water - as well as a small slide with climbing frames and swings which is better suited to young families.
And that's not all. There's also a sweet little cafe selling drinks and tasty snacks, making it a top choice for parents looking for something to do with the little ones.
Given the heatwave we've just been having, let's be honest - who doesn't want to go and take a dip in a nice cool body of open water? We certainly do.
Open from 10 am to 8 pm, why not check it out this weekend before the storms hit and the nice weather takes a turn for the worse?
"We visited the cafe and was served by a very friendly lady! The sausage rolls had just been taken out of the oven! They were lovely. She also recommended the salted caramel cheese cake! It was amazing. We will be definitely going back," said one reviewer.
"Good for kids my daughter and my friend's children enjoyed it. Spent a few hours there which was enough," said another.
The adventure park also has an epic tunnel slide that the kids will love / Image: Hemsworth Town Council
"Pleasant little find. Family friendly. Easy spend a good portion of the day here with the family. Family of 7 aged between 15and 3 and everyone enjoyed it," added a third.
There are bathroom facilities open to use on-site, just remember to take your rubbish home with you if you visit - this is a natural place and should be left as it's found.
Find Hemsworth Water Park and Playworld at Hoyle Mill Rd, Kinsley, Pontecraft WF9 5JB.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2021 
