After some time away from the city? A weekend away in a cosy train carriage in the countryside might just be that unique staycation you need.
The trains across Yorkshire have been busier than usual this week and we're wondering if the petrol shortage has anything to do with the increased traffic onboard.
Rather than wrestling passengers for a seat, or anxiously wondering whether there will be a delay in departure, the thought of staying in a private train carriage for the weekend seems much more appealing.
Planning a staycation away from Leeds? Why not book a train carriage staycation for a cosy escape from the everyday. Our favourite picks are no more than two hours away from Leeds city centre, perfect for that weekend away you've been planning but not quite booked yet.
Wally's Wagon has a private hot tub is set to the back of the carriage, overlooking rural paddock land / Image: Wally's Wagon / AirBnB
For couples: Wally’s Wagon
This quirky and intimate space hosts a full-size double bed and is heated by a small wood burner. Set in a private garden away from other guests, this quaint accommodation has all the modern amenities needed for a first-class stay.
There is a private hot tub is set to the back of the carriage, overlooking rural paddock land. This is an ideal setting for couples that appreciate the countryside and its inhabitants, with many guests describing tame llamas and donkeys that love to meet new guests.
Wally’s Wagon is located in Green Hammerton, near York, making it a fifty-minute journey from Leeds city centre.
The Flying Yorkshireman II is perfect for escaping the city / Image: AirBnB / The Flying Yorkshireman II
For watching the sunset : The Flying Yorkshireman II
Ever wanted to ride on a traditional steam train? The Flying Yorkshireman II railway carriage has been designed to give guests an authentic train-living experience. The 24 X 9 ft carriage looks over the Nidd Valley railway line, with picturesque views of the countryside.
It’s location makes it perfect for sunset spotting, use the decking ‘platform’ area or watch from traditional carriage seats installed inside.
Just 60 minutes from Leeds city centre, it can be found in the Glasshouses, north Harrogate.
Kimberlina Carriage boasts sea views, cooking appliances and a full-size bathtub / Image: AirBnB / Kimberlina Carriage
For budget-conscious travellers: Kimberlina Carriage
Hidden on private land of a working farm, Kimberlina Carriage offers guests bespoke train carriage living on the Jurassic Coast of Ravenscar National Park. The holiday home boasts sea views, cooking appliances and a full-size bathtub, demonstrating the size of the carriage. The amenities are perfect for travellers on a budget that want to upgrade from regular caravan accommodation.
The natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast is footsteps away from Kimberlina Carriage. Nearby, seal colonies proudly rest in the rockpools, whilst the skies turn from amber to lilac.
Kimberlina Carriage is located north of Scarborough in the village of Ravenscar. Though this takes around two hours by car or train, the fresh sea air is worth every mile travelled.
Family-friendly carriage accommodation is hard to come by, but Helmsley Railway Carriage hosts one of the largest carriages on AirBnB in the North East and boasts two bedrooms for four guests.
The property is an authentic 1887 3rd Class Victorian carriage recently brought into the twenty-first century, complete with designated workspace, a full-sized kitchen and bunk beds on a large plot of garden.
The Helmsley Railway Carriage is around a 75-minute drive from Leeds city centre, located in Helmsley, York.
For Staffordshire staycations: Staffordshire Carriage Stay
Laid on a bed of track, the Staffordshire Carriage Stay offers rustic carriage accommodation saved from 1937. The Great Western Railway carriage is full of original features and holds just as much old-school charm as it would have done in the twentieth century.
The caravan-sized carriage hosts a mini kitchen, saving space for the double bed and bathroom with shower. Guests are invited to use the outdoor decking and chairs and cook on the gas barbecue.
Staffordshire Carriage Stay is located in Dilhorne, Staffordshire. 100% of recent guests have given the location a 5-star rating, suggesting the two-hour drive from Leeds city centre is more than worthwhile.
A new hacienda hangout has landed in our city and we're sure it's going to be the place to be this summer.
There's only one thing better then a bar, and that is a rooftop bar. And that's everything that Azotea is and more.
To put it bluntly, entering this venue which is on top of the Hyatt Hotel on Sovereign Street will get you instantly feeling like you're on Love Island.
We're talking fire pits, plush booth seating, lavish greenery and plenty of rattan - the interior really is stunning.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's two massive rooftops which offer jaw dropping views of the city, as well as one long dining room and bar area for when it gets a bit chilly (which let's be honest, is the majority of the time).
Azotea is bringing a slice of Latin America to the city, with a menu inspired by 33 countries.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Expect Mexican street food, Brazilian sharing steaks, Caribbean small plates and so much more to dig your teeth into whilst enjoying the beautiful setting.
There's also a cracking cocktail list for those sun set drinks with friends, of course.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you are wanting to sit outside on one of the bigger tables, it won't come cheap as Azotea will be requesting deposits for group bookings over eight as well as minimum spends.
However, for a special occasion there really isn't anything like it in the city and the views themselves make it worth the money.
Azotea is now open, and you can find out more about the venue and book your table here.
Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
Clementine Hall
Leeds is bursting at the seams with new openings, and we're here to tell you all about them.
The start of 2025 has brought a whole lot of newness to the city, from a brilliant new bakery to a gorgeous independent book shop, it's giving us lots to brag about.
But if you've been living under a rock for the past two months (and to be honest we don't blame you for doing so), then allow us to show off for a minute about five of our favourites.
So, without further ado...
Next Chapter Books
Ground floor of The Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a book worm or reading more is one of your goals for 2025, then you’re going to want to pay a visit to Next Chapter Books.
Located inside the wonderful Corn Exchange, this cosy spot celebrates women-led books and businesses and it's truly something special.
Serving up coffee and soon wine, we can’t think of a better way to browse books and to interact with like minded people.
BAKE
Mustard Approach, Lockside, Holbeck, LS1 4EY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the mastermind behind Things In Bread and Doh'hut comes BAKE, a nostalgic British bakery concept serving up all your classic bakes with a refined twist.
We're talking cheese twists, vanilla slices, chicken bakes and weekly specials which will get you forgetting Greggs ever even existing.
Get there early though, because it's so good that their bakes are selling out day in and day out.
Aesop
25-29 County Arcade Victoria Leeds, LS2 7AU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Aesop has chosen Leeds for its first ever northern store, and we're very excited about it indeed.
This beautiful new store has everything you already know and love about Aesop including their iconic soaps, incense, shampoos, home fragrances, hand creams and skincare - the list goes on.
So if you're feeling a bit smelly, get yourself to Aesop and they'll sort you right out.
Sostrene Grene
4 Commercial St, LS1 6AL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The iconic Danish homeware store has finally landed in Leeds, and yes we have already spent most of our pay check in there.
From crafts to crockery to cooking equipment, and with a gorgeous range of stationery and gifts too, here’s where you can buy yourself loads of well-deserved treats and still have money to spare at the end of it.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit this weekend, make sure you check it out.
Green Room
36 Wellington St, LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everyone's favourite night time venue is back and literally bigger and better than ever before after a sparkling new refurb.
We're talking an extended bar area, a groovy basement cocktail bar as well as improvements to their already amazing rooftop terrace.
It's the place to be for a great night out in the city, go check it out for yourselves.
Sophie Smith -
1st October 2021 
