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.
The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.
We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.
But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.
Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).
The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.
Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!
"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.
"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.
"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."
A new female-founded business has opened in Leeds and it’s a trinket-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Lisa Angel has just opened inside the Victoria Gate and it’s an Aladdin’s Cave full of jewellery, prints, gifts and everything in between.
The best part? It’s a female-founded brand that has chosen our wonderful city for their first Yorkshire site. We absolutely don't blame them.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has gone from strength to strength every since.
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Shoppers can expect beautifully handcrafted jewellery, unique trinkets and wonderful staff who are open to have a natter.
It's the perfect shop for when you don't exactly know what to buy that someone special, just pop in here and you'll be hit with a wave of inspiration immediately.
We could've genuinely spent a good hour in there and come out with a much lighter wallet.
Lisa herself spoke about the opening: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Managing Director James Moody said: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."