Why go on holiday to visit a stunning chapel when you can stay in one?
Here in Yorkshire, we're blessed with a wealth of historical buildings.
From thatched roof cottages to ancient pubs that have been around since our grandparents' grandparents were young, there are so many stories from generations ago that lie between the four walls of our old buildings.
In Leyburn, North Yorkshire, just a 90 minute drive from Leeds, one staycation property offers the rare opportunity to stay in an old converted chapel. The building has carried its original charm into the present day and features like the stunning stained glass windows have been left inside, making this the perfect weekend escape for anyone in Leeds looking for a piece of history to make their stay truly unique.
Inside, visitors can take advantage of the open-plan living space. Natural light pours in through authentic stain glass windows and unique décor tastefully marries contemporary high-end amenities and furniture with the grandeur and elegance.
Set in a spacious manicured garden, the Old Chapel is a freestanding building with its own entrance through the original chapel doorway. Both bedrooms are on the ground floor, each with an en-suite bathroom and freestanding bath tub.
Upstairs, guests are welcomed by the open-plan living space, abundant soft seating and an engineered wood-burning stove to keep that warm, cosy ambience going from evening well into the twilight hours
According to the owners, The Old Chapel has an, "aesthetic emphasis is on minimalism, with uncluttered, light-filled space, clean, confident architectural lines, and classic, pleasing furniture", making it an ideal spot for those looking for a private escape in a beautiful location- we're really struggling to find any reason not to book a stay here.
Image: Cool Stays
If you're not sold on the buildings amenities: the optional in-house chef will have you convinced this is far better than a travelodge. The owner is a professional cook, and can provide 1-3 course meals with advance communication.
The Blue Lion, an award-winning gastropub, is just a stone’s throw from the Old Chapel for those that don't wish to cook during their stay.
The old chapel itself sleeps a maximum of four across two bedrooms but as the owners run the bed and breakfast next door, so an additional pair can be accommodated in the bed and breakfast with prior liaison. The dining table, sofas, and crockery all allow for six guests.
Popular with walkers and artists, the area draws couples, groups of friends, and families from all over the UK and beyond. Guests at The Old Chapel are encouraged to visit the Jervaulx Abbey, the oldest intact abbey in the country, with delightful tearooms just across the road, amongst other exciting local points of interest.
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Mumford & Sons add new Leeds show at the First Direct Arena to sell out UK tour
Clementine Hall
Two new arena dates have been added to their forthcoming UK tour, after selling out the entire run within two hours.
Ahead of dropping their fifth studio LP Rushmere at the end of the month, the cult favourite folk-rock outfit announced a brand-new European tour in support of the record, including a limited UK leg.
The now sold-out arena run starts in Europe in November before now arriving in Leeds on Sunday 30 November.
The significance of the band’s return can be found in the title of the new album, as Rushmereis the spot where it all began for the boys: a pond located on Wimbledon Common in south-west London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first hung out.
However, the multi-award-winning acoustic-driven British rockers and folk revivalists are now a trio following the departure of Winston Marshall, who quit the band back in 2021 following controversies surrounding his right-wing beliefs.
Image: Supplied
With that in mind, it’s rather fitting that they have insisted that beyond just a place and a title, Rushmere is alsothebeginning of a new phase.
Following an intense period of creativity, the project was produced by fellow nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb and recorded at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and back home at Marcus’ studio in Devon.
The album itself drops on this Friday 28 March and judging by the little that we’ve heard so far, they’ve been well worth the wait.
As for the arena show, tickets will go on sale this Thursday 27 March at 10am.
Best of all, they’re donating £1 from every ticket sold straight to War Child UK – this sort of stuff should be standard for any big act as far as we’re concerned.
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
