Ready for a swashbuckling staycation adventure in your very own pirate ship?
If you're looking for a weekend away that combines a love of Captain Jack Sparrow with Captain Morgan, we've found your ideal retreat.
Set in a mesmerising location near Leeds, watch for miles around as the skies turn to dark, day turns to night and pirates turn to party animals in this giant home, with room for up to 25.
Invite up to 25 others to spill across 8 sizable bedrooms and make the most of this villa fit for pirates of all kinds. Explore the mystery pirate ship outside or take cover behind barrels in the private escape.
For those tired from a day of sword fighting or exploring their surroundings, the hot tub is there to take every pressure from the body, whilst the disco room with karaoke is perfect for those wanting to take the party indoors- perfect for winter get togethers.
The owners suggest that the best time to visit the pirate ship is dusk, but visitors are encouraged to make the most of their surroundings throughout their stay.
Celebration Cottages state upon booking that: "as the sun goes down and the stars come out, cast your eyes over the gardens where you will discover the mysterious Black Pearl Pirate Ship. For those of you who dare to climb aboard and explore, look out for Captain Black who has been reported to been seen onboard at dusk."
Inside, take your time to explore all the fabulous facilities this delightful barn has to offer including a cinema and cocktail bar, perfect for relaxed cosy evenings together. Why not begin your stay with canapes and prosecco and end the night by falling asleep between comfy covers in a luxurious location.
Celebration Cottages, the hosts of the Black Pearl staycation are used to the likes of hen dos, stag parties and family celebrations taking place at their properties, and are set to meet just about any demand.
Their alternative property in Huddersfield, House of Selfies is the ultimate staycation for anyone dedicated to the ‘gram, complete with a standalone bar, angel wings and flower wall.
In honour of National Chocolate Week, two big brands are joining forces.
Fancy a freebie? Silly question, of course you do.
Tony’s Chocolonely and Yorkshire Tea have joined forces for National Chocolate Week to ask Brits to declare themselves a ‘Melt’...yes, really.
It comes after the brands discovering a new Gen Z dunking trend, with research finding that 80% of 18–24-year-olds say chocolate is their preferred tea-dunking treat.
To understand why the perculiar pairing has become so popular, the brands recruited Associate Professor of Psychobiology, Dr Lorenzo Stafford, to investigate what happens when tea and chocolate come together.
Associate Professor, Dr Lorenzo Stafford said: "It's fascinating to see how much thought Brits put into what makes a great dunk. Flavour, texture and temperature all shape how we experience food, and the combination of hot tea with melting chocolate creates a particularly enjoyable sensory experience.
"When it comes to dunking, tea and chocolate have great chemistry so it’s no surprise young people have embraced it."
If you want to try it out for yourself, then you can for free - but there is one catch.
From Monday 19 to Friday 23 October, anyone who walks into one of Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds and says ‘I'm a Melt’ will get a free mug of Yorkshire Tea and bar of Tony's Chocolonely.
Not only that, but the first 100 customers will also get a limited-edition ‘Melt’ cap.
Yorkshire Tea & Tony’s Chocolonely said of the partnership, “Brits love their tea and their chocolate and now the science shows why. This National Chocolate Week, we’re inviting everyone to give it a go, embrace their inner Melt and discover just how well chunky chocolate and a proper brew can work together.”
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes will NOT go ahead following ‘late offer’ over pay
Clementine Hall
This weekend's strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been cancelled.
Around 130 workers were set to walk out this weekend, Unite said, but this has been suspended to allow air traffic controllers to consider a new pay offer.
The Unite members planning on to go on strike were a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute had recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity which led to the decision to strike.
However, as of yesterday 15 October, the workers have been given new pay offers from the airport and the strikes will not take place to allow a ballot on the offers.
Air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff are being balloted separately on their respective offers.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: "After receiving offers from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have suspended this week’s strike action in good faith to allow members to vote on pay deals.”
In a statement, Leeds Bradford Airport said: "While the ballot process continues with certain members of our frontline colleagues, we remain hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved and that an agreement can be reached which works for everyone involved.
"Regardless of the outcome of this ballot, LBA has a robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend.
"Our focus remains on supporting a smooth and reliable experience for customers while maintaining safe and efficient airport operations."
Sophie Smith -
13th July 2023 
