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.
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2021 
