With spring very much in our sights, the thought of wandering outdoors is starting to feel all the more appealing.
And lucky for us in Yorkshire you don't have to travel too far to find some pretty unique places to stay.
Just outside God's Own Country you'll find an Airbnb favourite that's had some serious airtime over the years.
The Lymm Water House is better known as Kevin McCloud's favourite Grand Designs projects.
The conversion of the the 150-year-old building is a multi-award winning endeavour that actually never made it on the classic TV show, but is a restoration project that's been well in the public eye for over two decades now.
After being purchased back in 1997 by a sealed auction bid to Jannette and Russell Harris, the historic building was transformed into a contemporary home that combines that need to escape reality without compromising on any modern conveniences.
Image: Airbnb
The Lymm Water Tower was a working water system up until the 1970s but has since been transformed with an extensive wrap-around extension that makes up the rooms itself.
Described as an ode to 'calm modernity', there's truly nothing quite like it in the north, even the UK - and now, you've got the opportunity to play Grand Designs without any of the construction, and stay here on a countryside escape of your own.
Inside, you'll find two different staycation options.
Images: Airbnb
Set over two floors, the first is a open-plan, double-height suite with a king-size handmade Duxiana bed, a dressing area, with dressing table, extensive wardrobe space with a guest tablet (but no TV), plus and a bathroom floating over the bedroom: so regardless of whether you're staying for a single evening, or a fortnight, you'll have plenty of storage and freedom to make the staycation your own home, for however long you need.
The Penthouse Suite meanwhile is a single-storey, open-plan lounge with en-suite and king-sized bedroom. This suite in particular boasts the award-winning views, and is fitted with stunning sound system, mood lighting and a TV and guest tablet.
Both come with first-class service it would seem. Continental breakfast trays are served in your room and welcome refreshments are provided. You'll also have access to a refreshment area, complete with, tea and coffee making facilities, ice, glasses and a fridge - and the hosts have even received a prestigious 'superhost' rating on Airbnb for their hospitality.
Image: Airbnb
So, why exactly has the water tower become such a popular name across the north over the past two decades?
The restoration and renovation project appeared on TV show Seven Year Makeover, and went on to be selected as one of Kevin McCloud’s Best of Grand Designs, despite the fact that it did not appear on the show itself, and went on to win 11 different awards.
Most notably, the former owners, the Harris's, took home 2006 RIBA Award for the Best Contemporary House before deciding to move on from the project, and was later sold to its current owners, who have decided to share the unique home with the UK by opening it up as a short-term rental.
These days, the site itself is the perfect escape to the country, and with just an hour to drive from Leeds, or slightly further from Sheffield, Lymm has plenty to offer.
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Featured Images — The Hoot
Staycations
Inside the northern spa retreat with one of the most beautiful outdoor pools in the country
Daisy Jackson
If you turn to the great outdoors to relax in your spare time, but you don’t actually want to swim in a pond, then we’ve found the absolute perfect spa retreat for you.
This spa might just have the best swimming spot in the UK, with an outdoor swimming pool sunk right into a natural pool so you can feellike a mermaid without actually touching a mystery plant with your bare toes.
This is the Yorkshire Spa Retreat, part of Hoseasons’ collection of holiday escapes right here on home turf.
It’s set in more than eight acres of gorgeous rolling Yorkshire parkland, an oasis of tranquillity that’s the ideal place to give yourself some well-deserved TLC.
You can enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside with a dip in the hydro-pool, or take a turn in the herbal steam room, sauna, or salt chamber.
Then there is of course that incredible wild swimming pool.
The northern spa retreat with the most beautiful outdoor pool in the country. Credit: Hoseasons
Of course there’s a long list of spa treatments to take your reset to the next level and a menu of locally sourced food and drinks to keep you going.
All that relaxing deserves a good night’s sleep and here you’ll find a blend of bespoke luxury holiday homes and stunning lodges which are cosy and comforting with all of the best modern amenities.
You don’t have to spend the night if you don’t want to, with day spa packages available too.
Credit: Hoseasons
But to be honest, I don’t think we’d ever be able to tear ourselves away once we were submerged here.
With an overnight or weekend stay, you’ll have a number of national parks on your doorstep, including the North York Moors which wraps around the Yorkshire Spa Retreat.
Nearby attractions include a Land Rover tour of the local area, Castle Howard, Rievaulx Abbey, the market town of Helmsley, and the city of York itself.
Sophie Smith -
22nd February 2024 
