For a property to get a big thumbs-up from Kevin McCloud and Grand Designs, you know it must be special – and you can now stay overnight inside one of his favourites, the Lymm Water Tower.
This iconic 150-year-old landmark just outside Greater Manchester has been carefully converted into an Airbnb favourite.
The tower’s restoration has been an award-winning endeavour and has been in the public eye for more than two decades, The Hoot Leeds reports.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Lymm Water Tower. Credit: 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.
You can find more information, including how to book your staycation at Lymm Water Tower on Airbnb here.
Neighbourhood Weekender guide – lineup, set times and stage splits, how to get there and more
Danny Jones
It’s that time again: Neighbourhood Weekender is BACK for 2026, and we cannot wait to descend back on Victoria Park for another two full days of singing till we’re hoarse and dancing our arses off.
We even love the walk from Warrington Central, down that long strip through the centre and over the gorgeous green space as the vibes start to pick up right from the off.
The years off without NBHD Weekender or just having to settle for the Manchester city centre version of the festival always remind us of how much we miss the big boy, so we intend to make the most of every single moment of the sixth edition.
And so should you – that’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide of all the key info, from ticketing and timings
Everything you need to know for NBHD Weekender festival 2026
Are there any tickets left?
For starters, if you’re looking pretty open plan-wise the long weekend and are looking for something fun last-minute, you’ll be glad to hear that there are plenty of ticket options still on offer for Neighbourhood Weekender festival 2026.
Whether it’s the full weekend wristband, just a single day pass, or even VIP packages, there’s a decent amount of allocation left on all fronts. For the first-time ever, there are also payment plans available.
More importantly, NBHD is also a wheelchair-friendly festival, with plenty of accessibility options available, too. Check out all ticket options and prices while you still can.
When does it start and end?
Taking place over this late May Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday, 23 May – Sunday 24 May), the gates will open at 12 noon, and the festival curfew is 22:30pm.
Neighbourhood Weekender lineup, stage splits and set times for 2026
As we’re sure you’ll have already seen by now, we’ve got some big names topping the NBHD Weekender ’26 bill, not least of all Stopfordian indie headliners, Blossoms.
But they’re far from the only Northern name taking to the big stage at Victoria Park, either, as you’ll also be treated to the likes of the legendary Richard Ashcroft and fellow Oasis reunion tour supports Cast, as well as The K’s, Kaiser Chiefs, Jamie Webster, The Royston Club and lots more.
Sadly, Esme Emerson has dropped out due to unforeseen circumstances, but thankfully, local lad John Denton (one of our previous Artists of the Month) will be taking her place on the Viola Beach stage.
Apart from that, there are no other changes, so here’s your full breakdown of the lineup and stage times:
NBHD Victoria Park festival site map and facilities
Besides the stages, toilets, water stations and various food and drink traders located around the roughly 30-acre site, there are plenty of other fun and useful additions that are worth knowing about.
As well as a new cloakroom service run by partners GoHangers – you can see the full bag (basically no bigger than A4) and cloak policy HERE – there are also accessible viewing platforms as alluded to above, along with premium bars by the likes of Brothers Ciders and Tia Maria.
There’s even the ‘corner shop rave’ area taking place over in the southwest corner of the park. NBHD Weekender is also a completely cashless festival, so card machines will be available at all vendors.
You can see the full NBHD Weekender festival map down below.
*It’s worth reminding that there’s no re-entry – once you’re in for the day, you should have all you need.
Travel advice – how to get to NBHD Weekender in Warrington
Now, we would always encourage festival-goers to travel as sustainably as possible, and fortunately, there are plenty of public transport options to get you there and back across the weekend.
By train
Warrington has two train stations – Warrington Bank Quay (BQ)* and Warrington Central, making it easily accessible from most locations. Timetables are obviously always subject to change, but here are some example routes:
Manchester to Warrington Central – 20 minutes
Liverpool to Warrington Central – 22 minutes
Preston to Warrington Bank Quay – 22 minutes
Crewe to Warrington Bank Quay – 17 minutes
Chester to Warrington Bank Quay – 26 minutes
Lancaster to Warrington Bank Quay – 41 minutes
Stockport to Warrington Central – 31 minutes
St. Helens to Warrington Bank Quay – 16 minutes
Widnes to Warrington Central – 7 minutes
Leeds to Warrington Central – 1 hour 20 minutes
*Please note, however, there are some Northern Rail engineering works planned over the weekend of the festival. While operators should be running smoothly throughout both local stations on the Saturday, Sunday, 24 May will see some amended services to and from Warrington BQ:
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No Northern trains are operating (this is the current timetable)
Transport for Wales services running as normal.
Avanti West Coast operating with rail replacement buses between Crewe and Wigan
By coach/bus
Big Green Coach are also returning as NBHD’s official travel partner – Parklife attendees will be more than familiar – providing hassle-free coach returns directly to the Neighbourhood Weekender’s official coach park to multiple locations; pick-up spots include:
Ashton Under Lyne | Birkenhead | Birmingham (Jenners Road) | Blackburn | Bolton | Bradford | Bury | Castleford | Chester | Crewe | Doncaster (Interchange) | Huddersfield | Hull | Leeds | Leicester | Liverpool | Manchester (City Centre) | Manchester (Trafford Centre) | Manchester South (Sharston) | Preston | Sheffield | Stockport | Stoke-on-trent | Wakefield | York.
If you’re heading back to Manchester city centre or Liverpool, the company is offering one-way returns on both days to make getting home after the event as easy as possible. Secure your seat from £30 now.
Meanwhile, the Number 11 and 11a bus services stop at Knutsford Road just outside Victoria Park; it takes 5 minutes to walk there from Warrington Bus Interchange located at Warrington Central train station. Pro-tip: just follow the big queue of punters in their festival-wear finery…
By car – drop-off and parking guidance
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For those arriving by car, the designated pick-up and drop-off zone is located at Sir Thomas Boteler School. Please follow the festival signage to Sir Thomas Boteler School and note there are no residential or other roads or areas to wait, drop off or park.
As for parking, the official car park operated by the Neighbourhood festival organisers is also located at Sir Thomas Boteler (again, please follow festival signage), which is approximately a 15-minute walk to the festival site. However, spaces will be very limited – you can reserve from a limited number of spots HERE.
By foot
Finally, if you’re content getting your steps in, as mentioned, the park is a short walk from Warrington Town Centre, and just a 20-minute walk from Warrington BQ, Warrington Central train station or the Golden Square Shopping Centre. Easy does it.
That should just about do you for all the key details and important info you need to know ahead of a brilliant bank holiday weekender with NBHD taking up the bulk of the vibes.
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How nice that we’re getting pure sunshine and warm temperatures, too, eh? What a treat.
We hope you all have a wonderful time. Make sure to stay hydrated, drink responsibly, abide by the festival site rules and be mindful of the heat; there’s plenty of cover and shade in the large outdoor area to make the most of – oh, and bucket hats at the ready, of course.
Keep an eye out for our Audio North team both online and in person, and we’ll see you there for more sing-alongs!
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (supplied via SJM Concerts)
Travel & Tourism
New record-breaking £8.72m ride opens at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Emily Sergeant
The day has finally arrived… the UK’s tallest ride is now open to the public.
After first being announced back in May 2025, thrill-seekers have been hotly anticipating the arrival of Blackpool Pleasure Beach‘s newest ride, Aviktas, for the past year – and now, the time has come, as passengers have travelled from across the country to be among the first to experience the adrenaline-pumping spectacle.
Not for the faint of heart, Aviktas launches its riders 138 feet into the air while reaching angles of up to 120 degrees.
Now officially open at the iconic Lancashire seaside theme park, Aviktas has became the largest ride of its kind in the UK – almost doubling the size of the previous tallest, Maelstrom at Drayton Manor.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s newest £8.72m ride is now open / Credit: Supplied
The jaw-dropping new ride features a unique design that’s been engineered to ‘maximise thrills’.
According to its creators, Aviktas’ restraints create a sense of freedom leaving its riders feeling weightless as they soar towards its 138 foot peak.
Pleasure Beach has invested £8.72m into the attraction, marking it as its biggest single investment in eight years.
Aviktas is now the tallest rollercoaster of its kind in the UK / Credit: Supplied
“Pleasure Beach has always had a reputation for going big and pushing boundaries, and Aviktas is no exception,” commented Amanda Thompson OBE, who is the CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort.
“Its sheer size and presence speaks for itself, there is simply nothing like it in the UK. We wanted to build something that sets us apart from anywhere else and gives our guests a genuine must-visit reason to come to the park.
Sophie Smith -
25th February 2024 
