With half term just around the corner The Thackray Museum of Medicine is here to help keep you and the little ones occupied.
Ever wanted to see what it's really like to perform open heart surgery first-hand? Or how about learning about the ins and outs of germs and how they affect our day to day lives?
Well, you can do all of this and more at The Thackray Museum of Medicine this February.
Located just a short trip out of the city centre in Harehills, The Thackray Museum is an award-winning haven of learning, jam-packed with an ever-changing collection of immersive galleries, mind-blowing exhibitions and so much more.
Wander through the sights, smells and seems of 19th-century Leeds before visiting a seventies-style sexual health clinic, or why not get behind the microscope yourself and learn about what makes the human body fit for battling against disease.
There's so much to get up to this February, all of which is created to inspire and entertain our next generation of big thinkers.
So, let's have a look at what you can get up to at Thackray this February.
Fragile Microbiomes
Saturday 10 February - Sunday 23 June 2024 | Free with admission
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
Thackray’s newest exhibition ‘Fragile Microbiomes’, features the innovative works of internationally renowned artist Anna Dumitri and delves into the intricacies of the microbial world. The exhibition features sculptures and installations made using bacteria, DNA, altered vintage objects, 3D printing, textiles, video and digital technologies.
A true testament to the transformative power of BioArt, the exhibition showcases the emerging and groundbreaking art movement that incorporates living media, such as bacteria and synthetic biology.
Find out more about this incredible exhibition here.
Germs, Glorious Germs
Saturday 10 - Sunday 18 February 2024 | Free with admission
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Germs are often frowned upon, but in reality it's only a mere 1% of germs that make us poorly. This half term, learn about the trillion microbes in our tummies that help us digest our food and help us fight disease.
The museum's brain box Thackray Boffins will look at what germs really are, and what happens when good and bad germs become unbalanced.
Saturday 10 - Saturday 17 February 2024 | £3 (with a museum ticket)
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
Throughout half term, local artist Jenny Wright will be offering drop-in screenprinting sessions which makes for the perfect half-term activity. All materials will be provided and sessions will run from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, limited spaces are available and you can book yours here.
Thackray Lates: Anatomy of Love
Thursday 15 February 2024, from 6pm | £10 per person
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Warning: not for the faint hearted.
At this one-of-a-kind Thackray Late event, expect a whole host of up-close medical experiments from a heart dissection to a living autopsy to really get you feeling loved up this Valentine's season.
No humans are harmed during this event, but it is most definitely not for the squeamish and is recommended for those aged 18+.
As well as these exciting exhibitions, there's also the permanent immersive street of Victorian Leeds, the Sparks! under 5s play area and so much more to enjoy this month.
Tickets cost just £11.95 per adult, and £8.95 per child with under 5s going in free. Tickets are for 12 months so you can come and go as you please to this wonderful museum.
For more information on exhibitions and ticket prices, visit The Thackray Museum of Medicine's website.
Farmer Copley's Tulip Festival is back and it's just as beautiful as we remember.
Spring has officially sprung and with it, so does Farmer Copley's iconic Tulip Festival that officially opened last Sunday.
Based in West Yorkshire, nestled between Pontefract and Featherstone, the Copley family really know how to get you feeling ready for the season ahead.
Just moments after entering the festival, we can assure you that winter will feel like a distant memory.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Spanning over 8 acres, Jack and the team have planted over 600,00 tulip bulbs consisting of 100+ different varieties of all shapes and colours that arrived directly from the Netherlands.
In addition to the 500,000 planted last year, that means there's over one million tulips to enjoy - now that is pretty impressive if you ask us.
Varieties include Carnaval de Rio, Tom Pouce, Gavota, Lily Flowering Mix, Blushing Appledorn, Wedding Dress and Rodolfo.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The festival includes five sections that have been split by 5 metre walkways enabling the best customer interaction in the field.
There's two dedicated pick your own areas where a mix of bulbs have been planted to ensure that visitors have a wide range of tulips to explore, pick from and create the perfect bunch of tulips. How lovely is that?
Of course there's plenty of photo opportunities, fairground rides and a bar to enjoy the view with a tipple or two.
This really is the perfect family-friendly day out and with the weather looking gorgeous (for now), we'd take the opportunity to see the tulips looking their best whilst you can.
The festival is on until Sunday 3 May 2026, with tickets starting from just £9.
To find out more and to book your ticket, take a look at Farmer Copleys website. We'll see you in the tulip fields.
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Clementine Hall
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
Clementine Hall -
9th February 2024 
