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.
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2021 
