2021 has undoubtedly been the year of staycations.
But if you're looking for something a little different though, you can't get much better than this world-first hotel.
While ever-changing travel restrictions over the past 18 months have meant that many UK holidaymakers have chosen to stay in country cottages, seaside huts, wooden chalets, or even glamping yurts to escape from reality, others are looking for a more unique experience.
Luckily, flower brand Interflora - in partnership with luxury holiday hideaway business Kip & Nook - has just launched a brand new sunflower hotel, which gives guests the chance to stay in a room that's decorated with bright yellow summer blooms in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside.
With a sunflower-themed interior and more than 1,000 striking sunflower heads covering the cabin from top to bottom, this is the ultimate relaxing getaway for Brits looking for an unusual stay.
More than 1,000 striking sunflower heads cover the North Yorkshire cabin hotel from top to bottom / Credit: Interflora UK & Ireland
Inside the cabin, the open plan living space boasts a log burning hot tub, a fully-fitted kitchen, a cosy lounge area, and a large bedroom complete with a king-size bed that's perfectly positioned for late-night star gazing, followed by a relaxing waterfall shower in the morning.
And tranquility is guaranteed here too, as not only are there the endless fields of the Yorkshire countryside all around, but there's also no phone signal either.
Plus, as a part of the experience, guests will get to spend an hour and a half with one of Interflora’s artisan florists - creating their very own floral design to take home with them at the end of their stay.
Fancy staying at the Sunflower Hotel then? Well, there is a catch - you'll have to win it.
Announcing the competition prize for two lucky people over on Instagram, Interflora UK & Ireland said: "2021 is the year of the staycation, and we’re offering one lucky pair the chance to spend a weekend immersed in Britain’s beautiful countryside at the world’s first sunflower-themed hotel.
"You’ll also get a one on one flower workshop with one of our lovely artisan florists."
To enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning a staycation experience like no other, all you'll need to do is head on over to Interflora's Instagram or Facebook, like the post and tag the person you’d like to get away with.
The competition ends just before midnight on 23 August, so you've still got plenty of time to get your entries in.
Featured Image - Interflora UK & Ireland
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Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Festival-goers can now get cash back for returning their used tents after Leeds Festival
Clementine Hall
Those heading to Leeds Fest this weekend could get some of their money back thanks to a new tent pledge.
And it's all in an attempt to stop festival waste.
Decathlon is encouraging festival-goers to ditch the ‘one and done’ approach to festival camping by offering refunds when used tents are returned. How class is that?
Under the tent pledge, customers can get 100% of the original purchase price back as a Decathlon gift card, or claim up to 50% back in cash, depending on the condition of their tent.
The offer is available on Decathlon’s QUECHUA tents until Sunday 6 September.
It comes as concerns continue to grow around the amount of waste left behind at UK festivals. According to Decathlon, UK festivals generate around 25,800 tonnes of waste every year, while as many as 250,000 tents are abandoned in fields each summer.
But instead of leaving your tent behind, Decathlon is asking campers to bring it back to one of its stores, along with proof of purchase. It really is as simple as that.
Returned tents in good condition will be assessed, cleaned and potentially resold through the retailer’s Second Life programme, giving them another lease of life rather than sending them to landfill.
Customers have got to be Decathlon Members to take part, although membership is free and the retailer says refunds can be transferred to customers’ bank accounts in as little as an hour.
“Our No Tent Life Behind scheme goes from strength to strength each year,” says Chris Allen, Sustainability Leader at Decathlon UK.
“What started as a small-scale initiative has become an important part of how we approach camping and festivals more broadly - encouraging customers to return used equipment, keep valuable materials in circulation, and give more products a second chapter through our Second Life programme.
"This year, we’re helping customers’ pockets as well as our planet. With our new one-hour bank transfer service, we’re providing the flexibility and value needed to turn unused gear into new adventures."
Emily Sergeant -
17th August 2021 
