Situated in beautiful East Yorkshire, Flamborough Glamping and Vineyard has everything you need for a perfect weekend getaway.
Summer has officially ended, but in a final attempt to basque in the sunshine and experience that holiday feeling, I booked a weekend in a glamping pod on the Yorkshire coast.
Nestled in between the wild East Yorkshire heritage coast and the tranquil village of Flamborough, this family-run glamping site offers astonishing coastal views in a luxurious setting.
Saturday morning came around, my car was packed and off I went. After less than two hours I was sat on my private porch enjoying a glass of wine, overlooking the thousands of flourishing vines and breathing in the fresh sea air. It was hard to believe that just moments ago I was in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Image: Flamborough Glamping and Vineyard
There are eight pods on the site, distanced far enough away from each other so that you experience the privacy and exclusivity that you're after. Inside they are furnished to the highest quality, featuring a comfortable double bed, an en-suite bathroom with a fantastic shower and a kitchen with all the essentials.
Within an instant I felt right at home, my shoes were plonked immediately by the door and the slippers were slipped on, relaxation mode was well and truly activated. Although I could've stayed in that cosy pod all night, I ventured into the quaint and charming village of Flamborough for a wonder and bite to eat.
Image: Flamborough Glamping and Vineyard
Fish and chips from The Lighthouse Fisheries felt like the obvious choice and it most definitely hit the spot, I was on the coast after all. There's a few lovely, traditional pubs dotted around the village to enjoy a drink amongst the locals, I grew fond of The Royal Dog & Duck which was jam packed with old Fishermen heirlooms and whose welcome felt like a warm hug.
A momentous coastal walk was on the cards for the next morning, so a short stroll back to the pod with the lighthouse glaring in the distance for what was one of the best nights sleep of my life was in order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you've ever heard of the phrase 'blow the cobwebs away', then exploring the many coasts surrounding Flamborough in mid-September will do just that. Off I went on a 4-hour walk from my pod to Flamborough head then curving round the cliffs toward Thornwick Bay and North Landing. The views were astonishing and though the wind was brisk, it was well worth it in the end.
Returning back to the site and I was glad to find solace in my comfortable cosy nook, a glass of wine and an early night was just what the doctor ordered as I flicked on the TV and put my feet up.
Image: Flamborough Glamping and Vineyard
As Monday morning came around and reality crept in, I was already planning my next trip back to Flamborough Glamping and Vineyard. Here you will find no stress and no worries, just the nature, sea and the seasons which you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Hosts Marina and Thomas could not have been more hospitable and welcoming, offering personalised recommendations and information about the surrounding areas.
For more information, take a look at their website.
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Clementine Hall -
6th September 2022 
