Things To Do

The jaw-dropping country walk that passes a tower taller than The Shard

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 27th February 2022

When we think of tall structures, we tend to think of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, The Shard, maybe even Deansgate Square if we’re thinking a little closer to home.

But there’s a structure across the border in West Yorkshire that towers over them all.

The Emley Moor Mast is a broadcasting facility between Huddersfield and Wakefield with some impressive credentials.

It’s the tallest freestanding structure in the entire UK, and the 25th tallest self-supported tower in the world.

Emley Moor Mast seen in West Yorkshire. Credit: Instagram @susannehughes1

It’s taller than the Eiffel Tower and only 38 metres shorter than the iconic Berliner Fernsehturm, Germany’s tallest tower.

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The Grade II-listed Emley Moor Mast is so massive, you can see it dominating the horizon from right across Yorkshire.

It’s not the first transmission tower to stand here – one of its predecessors famously collapsed in 1969 due to a combination of strong winds and heavy ice that had formed around the top of the tower.

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Emley Moor Mast in West Yorkshire. Credit: Instagram, simon_martin_photography

The size of the tower is something to behold, both from a distance and when you get right up close to it.

You can drive right up to the Emley Moor Mast, officially named The Arqiva Tower, with some limited parking near the foot of the tower.

Read more: Peaky Blinders season six – release date, where to watch, and what happened last time

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Or you can take on a country walk in the rolling hills that surround it, like this 14.8km loop (pack sandwiches) that weaves through several West Yorkshire villages.

It can get muddy in places after wet weather – which we’ve had a lot of – and there are a few stiles to clear, but it’s well worth the effort.

Featured image: Instagram susannehughes1

Things To Do

An adults-only ‘after hours’ event is happening at the Science and Industry Museum next week

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

If you need an excuse to leave the little Mancs at home, then one of Manchester’s most visited museums might have just what you’re looking for.

Fancy releasing your inner child?

If you’re keen to play your way through 50 years of video games, embark on an adventure through the digestive system, or relax with a drink while discovering the small matter of the infinite vastness of the universe, then you’ll probably want to make your way down to the Science and Industry Museum next week.

With the nights drawing earlier than ever now autumn is here, this is your chance to explore the museum in a whole new light after the sun’s gone down.

Back by popular demand, the beloved cultural destination – which has just recently celebrated its 40th year in the heart of Manchester city centre – is hosting another of its special ‘after hours’ for adults next week.

It’s giving grown-ups a unique opportunity to make the most of all the museum’s best-loved exhibitions without the kids running around.

Kicking off from 6pm next Thursday 5 October, tickets to the one-off Museum After Hours event are now on sale, and include evening passes to the museum’s showstopping special exhibitions ‘Power Up’ and ‘Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You’, as well as access to the popular Revolution Manchester, Textiles Gallery, and Experiment areas.

There’ll also be the chance to see Paul Miller’s MicroCosmic installation, as well as talk to the artist himself, and get involved with lots of drop-in activities too.

An adults-only ‘after hours’ event is happening at the Science and Industry Museum next week / Credit: Science Museum Group

Several exciting textile demonstrations will also be taking place throughout the evening.

And of course, because this is an adults-only event, the museum’s events bar will be popping up on the night, and will be serving up a wide range of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks to wet your whistle while you’re looking around.

Read more:

Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 5 October from 6pm-9pm, with tickets setting you back £10 each or £8 for consessions.

Book your place and grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

Things To Do

You can now stay at Shrek’s Swamp on Airbnb — yes, really

Danny Jones Danny Jones You can stay at Shrek's Swamp on Airbnb

Are you a Dreamworks fan or perhaps an onion/ogre enthusiast? Well, you can now book to stay at Shrek’s Swamp in a land far, far away… and it’s completely free!

‘What are you doing in my swamp?!’ is something that Shrek may roar at you as you lay your weary head in his humble abode this autumn but now, thanks to Airbnb, you’re actually welcome to stay there.

So, if you’re thinking of treating yourself to a getaway, forget the romantic vistas of Rome, say nay to the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and revel in the mud-laden, moss-covered surroundings of Shrek’s very own swamp instead.

For those looking to live out their swampiest childhood fairytale dreams, Airbnb is giving you the opportunity to escape to the Scottish Highlands and embrace your ogre-like tendencies.

shrek's swamp scotland
strange airbnb listings
Credit: Airbnb

Bookings for this special stay open on Friday, 13 October at 6pm and, if you’re lucky, up to three of you will be picked to enjoy a two-night swamp stay at absolutely no cost to yourselves from 27-29 October. A nice pre-Halloween treat.

You’ll need to make sure you have a good rating on Airbnb to stand a chance of being chosen and, if you are, you can expect the following:

  • To relax in the ambience of ‘earwax candlelight’
  • Kick your feet up with a parfait (everybody likes a parfait!)
  • Swap stories around the fire until late in the night
  • Enjoy a stack of freshly made waffles in the morning
  • And, of course, enjoy the ultimate privacy of Shrek’s trusted outhouse (you know the one)

The Airbnb website also states: “To honour good childhood memories that last a lifetime, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.”

shrek-themed getaway
shrek's swamp airbnb stay

Guests must also note that the shower and toilet facilities are located 20 metres away from the swamp and that those chosen to stay must make their own travel arrangements to and from Scotland.

Might we suggest a fairytale-style horse and carriage shaped like an onion? No reason…

To find out more and to place your booking on 13 October, visit the Shrek Swamp listing on Airbnb.

Disclaimer: Donkey not included.

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Featured Image – Airbnb

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