Plans are being drawn up for a chemical-free outdoor swimming pool to be built on top of the West Yorkshire moors, right in the middle of Bronte country - under an hour's drive from Leeds.
During lockdown, outdoor swimming saw a huge boon as people looked for different ways to enjoy the outdoors amidst tough restrictions on personal freedoms and indoor mixing between households.
Many took to wild swimming for the first time and fell in love, particularly in West Yorkshire where there are a large number of outdoor swimming groups and networks.
It became so popular, in fact, that Leeds Dock opened up to wild swimmers with a number of bookable sessions last summer.
Now, it has emerged that a keen local swimmer has been drawing up plans to build the UK's highest altitude lido on the top of the West Yorkshire moorland.
Planning is still in the early stages but, if built here, it would sit at 378 metres (1,240ft) above sea level - making it the highest lido in the country.
Current suggestions for the location of the new lido include Oxenhope, a small village close to Haworth that was once home to the famous Bronte sisters.
According to reports, the team behind the project has their sights set on a 7-acre site near Thornton Moor reservoir that was formerly used as a water treatment plant.
Described as “an accessible, safe, natural outdoor swimming destination for everyone”, the lido would make history as one of the first naturally-filtered public swimming pools in the country.
The pool, if built, would remain open all year round, with a poolside sauna on hand for hardy winter swimmers to warm up in when temperatures hit zero.
Caroline Kindy, the brains behind the project, said on its website: “The Yorkshire Swim Works was conceived during a lockdown quest to find amazing and safe places to swim outdoors. The idea was shared with a group of expansive thinkers and has grown into a project with real potential”.
She continues: "The Yorkshire Swim Works is a new, ambitious and exciting project. The ultimate aim is to offer an all-year-round opportunity for people to connect with nature in a wonderful place to swim outdoors, take a soothing sauna, and stay in a contemporary eco-lodge."
The project has recently received a grant from Bradford Council, home to the city of culture 2025, to explore the viability of the project.
Sarah Ferriby, Bradford council’s lead for healthy people and places, said: “We are thrilled to support the Yorkshire Swimming Works. Bradford is a district that is two-thirds rural with some of the most stunning countryside in the UK, from Ilkley Moor to Brontë country in Haworth. A project like this is perfect for Bradford right now and has the potential to become another unique attraction for our diverse district.”
The Glee Club is celebrating its first year in Leeds with a spectacular birthday celebration featuring internationally renowned comedians.
We hope you're ready to laugh your socks off Leeds.
Since opening its doors in March 2025, The Glee Club has made a name for itself as the city's best destination for a hilarious night out.
Welcoming huge crowds every weekend, it's now a must-visit venue if you're looking for a good laugh and an unforgettable night.
To celebrate their first birthday, they are pulling out all the stops and welcoming a lineup of world-class comedians to the stage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off on Monday 23 March, guests include the much loved comedian and TV presenter, Joe Lycett; German-American comedian, Mario Adrion; acclaimed stand-up Russell Kane; rising star and award-winning comedian, Michael Odewale; Birmingham’s funniest export, Lindsey Santoro; TV favourite Matt Richardson; plus London's number one original and longest running comedy clash show, World Comedy Clash.
And it doesn't stop there, as the venue will also be launching a brand-new food and drink menu to add to the ultimate Glee experience.
A spokesperson for The Glee Leeds said: "What an incredible first year it has been in Leeds. The city has embraced us with open arms and the atmosphere on our sell-out weekends has been absolutely electric.
“The birthday celebrations are just the beginning; we have a phenomenal line-up ahead and a brand-new menu to match. We are so proud of what we've built in Leeds, and we can't wait to raise a glass, and a giggle, to many more years of laughter in Leeds.”
You can see the full schedule and book your tickets here.
Inside Leeds’ newest vintage store that’s a Y2K-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Yorkshire's favourite vintage retailer has just opened a permanent store in Leeds city centre.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop-up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is back with a bang having moved into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They've taken over the old Levi's site on Lands Lane and wow is it a beauty.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
If you're a fan of Y2K fashion then you're going to absolutely love their new shop, the entire top floor is dedicated to the era complete with rails stacked with baby tees, long skirts and iconic accessories.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's also an incredible selection of cowboy boots which we've got our eye on.
Downstairs you'll find a huge selection of big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
There's loads of changing rooms so you'll never find yourself queueing, and the prices won't break the bank.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Opening tomorrow Wednesday 18 March at 12pm, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2022 
