Located along the bank of the scenic River Wharfe lies the charming village of Boston Spa.
Just three miles south of Wetherby and 16 miles north of Leeds, this quaint town is the perfect place to explore on the weekend if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Renowned for it's elegant Georgian architecture, Boston Spa was originally established in 1974 as a spa town and til this day charms with it's natural beauty, ambience and vibrant community.
Bursting with independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, there's so much to do in this lovely village that you'll be spoilt for choice.
Here's a list of our favourite spots in the area for you to choose from and visit this weekend.
CORA
Image: CORA
CORA is an innovative fine dining room and bakehouse, brought to you by renowned chef Elizabeth Cottam. Having just opened in Spring 2021, they have quickly made a name for themselves amongst the locals and is a must visit when in Boston Spa.
Pop by for a loaf of their legendary truffle sourdough to enjoy over the weekend or sample an indulgent, twice baked hazelnut croissant alongside your morning coffee. Stick around til the evening and enjoy the chef's tasting menu which changes seasonally and is guaranteed to be a meal you won't forget.
For more information including how to book, take a look at their website.
162 High Street, Boston Spa, Leeds.
Pudding Lab
Image: The Pudding Lab
This bakery and patisserie does in fact live up to it's name and serves up the most fantastic puddings. Their offerings are creative and unique, with flavours that will blow your socks off and show-stopping creations that almost look too good to eat.
From Blackberry, White Chocolate and Pistachio Tarts to Chocolate and Hazelnut Eclairs, there really is something for everyone at this delightful little cafe. There's also an extensive savoury menu so you can pop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. If you've got a sweet tooth then this really is the place to be.
154 Boston Spa High Street.
SALT
Image: SALT
Award-winning Yorkshire craft brewery SALT Beer Factory have been expanding across Leeds over the past year and later this month, the brand will be fusing craft beer and a casual dining experience at the former Stew & Oyster venue in Boston Spa.
Jamie Lawson, Founder, has commented on the opening: “We want to continue extending the retail presence of SALT, through our branded taprooms. SALT Boston Spa will be our second rebranded site after the acquisition of the Stew & Oyster Group. Our goal is to brew the best beer and serve it in the best environment, for us that’s beer perfection”.
Looking for a nice cosy pub to settle down in after a glorious walk along the river bank? Then The Crown is the place for you. This beautiful Grade II listed building has been transformed into a contemporary country pub which boasts a modern dining area, conservatory restaurant and landscaped garden terrace.
Here you can find more than just your average pub grub, the menu is curated seasonally and features produce from local and regional Yorkshire suppliers. Expect the likes of beer battered haddock and chips, freshly handmade pizzas, along with a traditional Sunday Roast served with proper gravy and all the trimmings.
128 High St, Boston Spa.
La Casita
Image: La Casita
There's no better weekend activity than sharing some delicious Spanish tapas alongside a jug of sangria amongst friends, right? Head to La Casita where you can sample a taste of Spain in a glorious setting for a reasonable price.
Choose from your tapas classics such as Patatas Bravas, Pimientos de Padrón and Calamares. Or opt for something a little different like their fried halloumi popcorn which is drizzled with honey and served with a harissa aioli. They also host a Bottomless Brunch every weekend where you can enjoy 3 tapas and an unlimited drink of your choice for just £28.95 per person.
This quaint coffee house and delicatessen is a foodie's paradise. Passionate about homemade food and Yorkshire produce, here you can find vibrant salads, freshly baked scotch eggs and delicious sweet treats to be enjoyed in their charming cafe adorned with hanging baskets and flowers.
They also have a lovely outdoor terrace which is the perfect sun trap and a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
High St, Boston Spa.
Kate Mell Flowers
Image: Kate Mell.
This beautiful boutique florist is the place to go for a carefully curated, one-of-a-kind bouquet of flowers.
This floral emporium bursts with the freshest flowers and foliage, seasonal plants, a range of their own handmade candles, British wool throws and gifts from artisan & small businesses. Whether you're looking to celebrate, congratulate or commemorate, you'll find the perfect gift in this wonderful shop.
160 High St, Boston Spa.
Kanyu
Image: Kanyu
Kanyu is one of the most innovative escape rooms in Yorkshire and is well worth the trip out to Boston Spa. You'll find this puzzle haven in a Grade II listed Georgian Gatehouse in the middle of a roundabout just off the A1.
The historic space has been transformed into a suite of escape rooms, all designed by a group of film set designers. Choose from the spooky abandoned laboratory, the oak-panelled study room or their outdoor poacher’s camp. The question is, will you manage to escape within 60 minutes?
South Lodge, Moor End, Boston Spa.
Ali's Kitchen
Image: Ali's Kitchen
This family run restaurant and takeaway serve up the freshest and most delicious Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine.
All their dishes are cooked fresh to order and are bursting with flavour. Opt for their homemade king prawns marinated in lemon and garlic butter or go for the staff special which features tender lamb cooked on the bone for five hours with lentils, yoghurt and chilli.
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Escape to the countryside and discover some of the best walks in and around Leeds this Bank Holiday
Tassy Heslop
It's time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoors.
As Easter bank holiday weekend approaches, many of us will be looking for the best bar or pub to enjoy a tipple in this spring.
And don’t get us wrong, we will be doing that too, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have some outdoor activities planned to offset those…alcohol emissions!
Fortunately, Leeds and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of scenic walks, perfect for a day of countryside exploration.
So stick with us as we take you through the top walks to discover, from historic landmarks to sprawling parks.
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate's extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself. There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park's tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there's something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Bank Holiday walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
Clementine Hall -
5th July 2022 
