Located along the bank of the scenic River Wharfe lies the charming village of Boston Spa.
Just three miles south of Wetherby and 16 miles north of Leeds, this quaint town is the perfect place to explore on the weekend if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Renowned for it's elegant Georgian architecture, Boston Spa was originally established in 1974 as a spa town and til this day charms with it's natural beauty, ambience and vibrant community.
Bursting with independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, there's so much to do in this lovely village that you'll be spoilt for choice.
Here's a list of our favourite spots in the area for you to choose from and visit this weekend.
CORA
Image: CORA
CORA is an innovative fine dining room and bakehouse, brought to you by renowned chef Elizabeth Cottam. Having just opened in Spring 2021, they have quickly made a name for themselves amongst the locals and is a must visit when in Boston Spa.
Pop by for a loaf of their legendary truffle sourdough to enjoy over the weekend or sample an indulgent, twice baked hazelnut croissant alongside your morning coffee. Stick around til the evening and enjoy the chef's tasting menu which changes seasonally and is guaranteed to be a meal you won't forget.
For more information including how to book, take a look at their website.
162 High Street, Boston Spa, Leeds.
Pudding Lab
Image: The Pudding Lab
This bakery and patisserie does in fact live up to it's name and serves up the most fantastic puddings. Their offerings are creative and unique, with flavours that will blow your socks off and show-stopping creations that almost look too good to eat.
From Blackberry, White Chocolate and Pistachio Tarts to Chocolate and Hazelnut Eclairs, there really is something for everyone at this delightful little cafe. There's also an extensive savoury menu so you can pop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. If you've got a sweet tooth then this really is the place to be.
154 Boston Spa High Street.
SALT
Image: SALT
Award-winning Yorkshire craft brewery SALT Beer Factory have been expanding across Leeds over the past year and later this month, the brand will be fusing craft beer and a casual dining experience at the former Stew & Oyster venue in Boston Spa.
Jamie Lawson, Founder, has commented on the opening: “We want to continue extending the retail presence of SALT, through our branded taprooms. SALT Boston Spa will be our second rebranded site after the acquisition of the Stew & Oyster Group. Our goal is to brew the best beer and serve it in the best environment, for us that’s beer perfection”.
Looking for a nice cosy pub to settle down in after a glorious walk along the river bank? Then The Crown is the place for you. This beautiful Grade II listed building has been transformed into a contemporary country pub which boasts a modern dining area, conservatory restaurant and landscaped garden terrace.
Here you can find more than just your average pub grub, the menu is curated seasonally and features produce from local and regional Yorkshire suppliers. Expect the likes of beer battered haddock and chips, freshly handmade pizzas, along with a traditional Sunday Roast served with proper gravy and all the trimmings.
128 High St, Boston Spa.
La Casita
Image: La Casita
There's no better weekend activity than sharing some delicious Spanish tapas alongside a jug of sangria amongst friends, right? Head to La Casita where you can sample a taste of Spain in a glorious setting for a reasonable price.
Choose from your tapas classics such as Patatas Bravas, Pimientos de Padrón and Calamares. Or opt for something a little different like their fried halloumi popcorn which is drizzled with honey and served with a harissa aioli. They also host a Bottomless Brunch every weekend where you can enjoy 3 tapas and an unlimited drink of your choice for just £28.95 per person.
This quaint coffee house and delicatessen is a foodie's paradise. Passionate about homemade food and Yorkshire produce, here you can find vibrant salads, freshly baked scotch eggs and delicious sweet treats to be enjoyed in their charming cafe adorned with hanging baskets and flowers.
They also have a lovely outdoor terrace which is the perfect sun trap and a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
High St, Boston Spa.
Kate Mell Flowers
Image: Kate Mell.
This beautiful boutique florist is the place to go for a carefully curated, one-of-a-kind bouquet of flowers.
This floral emporium bursts with the freshest flowers and foliage, seasonal plants, a range of their own handmade candles, British wool throws and gifts from artisan & small businesses. Whether you're looking to celebrate, congratulate or commemorate, you'll find the perfect gift in this wonderful shop.
160 High St, Boston Spa.
Kanyu
Image: Kanyu
Kanyu is one of the most innovative escape rooms in Yorkshire and is well worth the trip out to Boston Spa. You'll find this puzzle haven in a Grade II listed Georgian Gatehouse in the middle of a roundabout just off the A1.
The historic space has been transformed into a suite of escape rooms, all designed by a group of film set designers. Choose from the spooky abandoned laboratory, the oak-panelled study room or their outdoor poacher’s camp. The question is, will you manage to escape within 60 minutes?
South Lodge, Moor End, Boston Spa.
Ali's Kitchen
Image: Ali's Kitchen
This family run restaurant and takeaway serve up the freshest and most delicious Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine.
All their dishes are cooked fresh to order and are bursting with flavour. Opt for their homemade king prawns marinated in lemon and garlic butter or go for the staff special which features tender lamb cooked on the bone for five hours with lentils, yoghurt and chilli.
Make the most out of your day in this picturesque town nestled in the Wharfe Valley with our insider's guide to the best things to eat, drink and do in Ilkley.
Fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a day away in the countryside?
Then Ilkley is the place for you. Only a 25 minute train ride away from Leeds, Ilkley is a quaint town drenched in history with lots to explore.
The area’s often named as one of the best places to live in the UK — and with so much to offer and the Yorkshire dales on your doorstep, it’s easy to see why.
Stuck where to begin?
The Hoot’s got your back.
Morning
There's no better way to kickstart your day than with a banging brunch.
Just a five minute walk away from Ilkley train station is Thirty Nine The Grove, a family-run independent cafe that is your one-stop-shop for everything homemade.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From fresh barista coffee with hunks of banana loaf to perfectly poached eggs atop your favourite brunch dish, it’s a wonderful spot to visit and people watch on their sunny terrace that overlooks one of Ilkley's busiest streets.
Once you're all fuelled up and ready to embrace the day, it's time to get your stomp on and take to the Ilkley moors.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Head upward toward White Wells and from there you can choose a route as long or as short as you fancy, but we do recommend stopping by the iconic Cow and Calf rocks where you'll find the best views overlooking the Wharfe Valley.
But beware of the sheep as they're often wandering aimlessly through the bracken-laden hills and taking in the stunning vistas themselves.
Afternoon
Success! You've got some of the city air out of your lungs and now it's time for a spot of shopping.
Take a leisurely stroll down The Grove where you'll find some of the town's best independent boutiques and shops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Make sure to pop into The Grove Bookshop which has been there for over 40 years and stocks a wide range of titles in pretty much every genre.
If you're a homeware fiend then Covet is the place for you, a treasure trove of carefully sourced unique pieces that will bring a smile to your face just by looking at them. From authentic Turkish towels to Danish ceramics, we could spend hours in here curating our dream home.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And of course it wouldn't be a trip to Ilkley without popping into Betty's, the famous tea rooms are a proper Yorkshire institution and if you don't have time for a spot of sophisticated afternoon tea then a takeaway bag jam-packed with fat rascals and fondant fancies will most definitely do the trick.
Gosh, all this shopping is thirsty work isn't it? And luckily for us, just at the end of The Grove you'll find Friends of Ham.
A firm favourite in Leeds, this craft beer and wine bar is the perfect afternoon pick me up that also serve up a mouthwatering selection of (yes, you guessed it) ham and tapas plates if you're feeling peckish.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Take a seat on their sun drenched terrace, order an Aperol Spritz and get stuck into one of their delicious charcuterie boards. You'll be cancelling your flights to Barcelona in no time.
Evening
Right, now that you've wet the whistle with a couple of spritzes it's time to visit some proper Yorkshire pubs and luckily, Ilkley's got plenty of them.
Paying homage to the iconic song, the Bar T'at is a lovely pub that have a fantastic selection of local beers and a local, friendly atmosphere.
Image: Fuggle and GoldingImage: Bar T'at
If the sun is shining then The Black Hat just across the way boasts a huge outdoor terrace that is perfect for soaking in those precious rays.
Fuggle and Golding Tap House is a local favourite and if you can nudge yourself in there on a busy evening, then it's a wonderful little place to enjoy a taster of some beer from their ever-changing keg lines which showcase some of the best breweries in Britain and from around the world.
Right, it's time for tea and we hope you fancy Italian because that's what Ilkley does best.
Emporio Italia is a family-run eatery that has a real cult following, with a menu that changes daily you can guarantee that the freshest ingredients of the highest quality are used in creating authentic dishes made from the heart.
Image: Emporio Italia Image: The Hoot Leeds
Allow Luigi and his wonderful family look after you in their warm and cosy restaurant, but make sure to book in advance as this place is always bursting at the seams.
Born in Ilkley, Pranzo Italian are dishing up homemade pasta inspired by founder Marco’s legendary Nonna. Their four-hour braised beef shin ragu mafalde never misses and paired with a glass (or bottle) of red, that'll top your day off in Ilkley just perfectly if you ask us.
Escape to the countryside and discover some of the best walks in and around Leeds this Bank Holiday
Tassy Heslop
It's time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoors.
As the second May Bank Holiday weekend approaches, many of us will be looking for the best Aperol Spritz to enjoy in the sun.
And don’t get us wrong, we will be doing that too, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have some outdoor activities planned to offset those…alcohol emissions!
Fortunately, Leeds and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of scenic walks, perfect for a day of countryside exploration.
So stick with us as we take you through the top walks to discover, from historic landmarks to sprawling parks.
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate's extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself. There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park's tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there's something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Image: Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Bank Holiday walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
Clementine Hall -
5th July 2022 
