For all you Harry Potter fans out there, this could be your dream holiday location.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Hagrid’s Groundskeeper Cottage? Well now's your chance.
Located in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, just under two hours away from Sheffield, the North Shire staycations have the magic wand to make all your wizarding dreams come true.
The cottage comprises of three interlocking circular rooms with medieval-style turrets, mismatching stained-glass windows and lanterns galore as every painstaking detail has been added to make you feel as if you’re part of the Harry Potter movie set.
Image: North Shire
Best of all, this two bedroom cottage has space for all the family, sleeping six, ideally up to four adults and two children.
Inside, wizarding wannabes and muggles will find an overwhelming gothic demeanour that nods to favourite wizarding tales, not just through the furnishings but the fields that lead to views of the Yorkshire coast too.
All the modern comforts are available to make your staycation a true experience. Inside the kitchen, a combi oven, kettle, toaster, fridge and all the utensils needed are provided for guests to use at their leisure, whilst the bathroom compromises of a truly authentic Diagon Alley experience.
Image: North Shire
Floor-to-ceiling emerald green tiles lead to an incredible copper standalone bathtub, that looks like it has been transported straight from a wizard’s home. Complete with sink, toilet and shower, the circular turret style of the rooms create a movie-like atmosphere and allow you to truly immerse yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
The bedroom contrast harsh tones of wooden with soft pillows and bed throws, keeping the authenticity of an old turret alive. For extra guests or children, bunk beds are built into one side of the wall with the same wooden details.
Image: North Shire
As a popular destination for any Potter fan, this staycation is booking up for the 2022 season quickly.
In order to ensure that you can live out the rest of your muggle days in peace before you take a trip to Platform 9 3/4, book your staycation on the North Shire website.
Featured image - North Shire
The Sheff
Inside Sheffield’s newest Italian trattoria from the team behind The Pearl and Bench
The talented team behind two of Sheffield's best eateries have opened a restaurant in the city centre.
And it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.
When it was announced last year that the masterminds behind Bench and The Pearl, two award-winning Sheffield venues, were setting their sights on opening an Italian trattoria in the city centre we couldn't believe our luck.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage.
Images: The Sheff
It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
And magic really is happening, because the food is nothing short of brilliant.
They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.
Images: The Sheff
They're making their own focaccia daily, in fact our portion was cooked just twenty minutes prior to it being served to us, still steaming and utterly delicious.
There's a special selection of 'before you wait' cocktails on the list, with £5 negronis and dirty martinis that remain that price throughout the day. This is something more restaurants need to be doing, please.
You could come here and get a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta on your lunch break, or you could get comfy and indulge in three or four courses with a few cocktails. Either way, you'll be leaving very happy.
Images: The Sheff
This is elevated dining in a cosy, neighbourhood setting. Even the tiny touches have been thought of, including tiny bowls of Maldon salt on each table in case you need an extra sprinkling.
They're yet to open their bookings due to awaiting approval from the council, but for now you can pop by Maria to sample their preview menu and they'll welcome you in with open arms.
Sheffield amongst nine areas to be long listed for UK City of Culture 2029
Clementine Hall
It's big news for Sheffield as the city has officially been long listed to become the UK City of Culture in 2029.
It’s one of just nine places across the country to make the cut, alongside the likes of Blackpool, Portsmouth and Wrexham.
Winning the title could bring huge investment to Sheffield, thousands of visitors, and a massive spotlight on everything that makes our city special - and let’s be honest, Sheffield’s got plenty to shout about.
From music and film to art and grassroots creativity, culture runs right through this city, and it would be a huge achievement to receive this title.
So, what happens now? Each arena will now receive £60,000 to develop a full application with the aim to build a vibrant cultural programme by 2028.
The nine confirmed long listed locations are: Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country. The UK City of Culture and new UK Town of Culture competitions recognise the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK who are all part of the story of who we are as a nation.
"I look forward to seeing what the nine long listed places have in store as they progress in the competition. I also urge any towns thinking about entering the UK Town of Culture competition to seize this opportunity and get involved. It’s a chance to show the country what makes them unique and shine a spotlight on their cultural offer, enriching the lives of local people."
Go on Sheffield, we're rooting for you big time. We can't think of a city more worthy.
Clementine Hall -
1st June 2025 
