Christmas is the both the most wonderful time of the year and the busiest! To help you plan which events are perfect for your family, we’ve rounded up the top Christmas events and activities in Yorkshire. Our list includes the best Santa experience, festive train rides and Christmas markets you won’t want to miss!
Chow Down Winter Village. 11th Nov – 31st Dec, Temple Arches. Your favourite outdoor food experience is having a festive makeover.
Christmas at Harewood. 13th Nov – 3rd Jan
Celebrate the festive season at Harewood. Delve into a voyage of the imagination with Lord Whitney’s fantastic Upon a Christmas Wish installations in the House. Take a magical walk around the Lakeside Path, twinkling with festoon lights. Let the kids run free and explore the Woodland Wonderland and Adventure Playground, and see the Terrace Gardens beautifully decorated with sparkling lights and giant Christmas trees. Visit the Bird Garden and see how the animals are preparing for Christmas! You can even spend a winter evening exploring the house after dark.
THOR’s Tipi. 19th Nov – 2nd Jan
Celebrate Christmas in a Viking inspired, pop-up tipi bar nestled in the heart of the city! Once inside you’ll find cosy log fires, twinkling lights & Christmas cheer in abundance. Outside you can enjoy the Winter garden with Christmas trees, atmospheric lights and outdoor heating. Feast on wholesome Winter fodder, from outdoor BBQ’s, washed down with the best Ales, Mulled Wine, Hot Cider, Hot Chocolate, Prosecco and much more.
Leeds Wheel of Light. 19th Nov – 1st Jan
Looking for the best views of the city? Take a ride on the Big Wheel and enjoy the breath-taking views of Leeds! Located in Victoria Gardens, the 110ft Wheel will open on Friday 19th November and run right through until New Year’s Day.
Carousel. 19th Nov – 1st Jan
The dazzling Golden Gallopers will take centre stage on the new events plaza on Cookridge St between 19th Nov and 1st Jan. The traditional carousel ride, thought to have begun its remarkable life back in 1881, has captivated thousands of families in Leeds over many years at Millennium Square and is sure to remain a popular Leeds Winter Favourite!
Briggate Tipi. Mid Nov to end Dec
NEW Briggate Pop-up Tipi, with Christmas themed decorations, family café and seating. You can bring your own food and drink so why not make use of the stalls and street food vendors around the city. Mid-November to end December 10am to 8pm Mon-Sat, 11am to 5pm Sun.
Ice Rink and Igloo Bar in Millennium Square. 26th Nov – 24th Dec
Millennium Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice rink and Igloo Bar opening from the 26th of November and also new for this year are pop-up market stalls and a free festive themed family trail located around key locations across the city centre. The traditional Carousel returns to the newly created public space on Cookridge Street.
Christmas at Temple Newsam. 26th Nov – 2nd Jan
After Dark illuminated trail through the grounds. Discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath the trees illuminated in Christmas colours. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising, flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the specially chosen illuminations and glimpse Father Christmas along the way!
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton. 27th Nov – 2nd Jan
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton returns this year, with Santa and his elves ready to welcome visitors. BRAND NEW for 2021 is the Festive Woodland Walk which will include larger than life Christmas traditions including interactive elements for all of the family to enjoy. Families are invited to come on down to the elven bivouac to meet Santa and the elves under the magical wishing tree for stories and elf tales. Gather reindeer food for Rudolf and post a letter to Santa before finally meeting the main man himself outside Santa’s Cabin. You can also join the elves and Mrs Claus for Christmas crafts and Gingerbread decorating. Then take a walk through the magical, interactive festive woodland walk, visit the Wildlife World with the playful penguins, flamingos and many more and see the house in all its Christmas glory. There is even a shorter Santa experiences for pre-schoolers every weekday. Tickets and more information available here.
Harewood: Father Christmas Family experience. 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th, 18th – 23rd Dec
Make their Christmas magical with a private family visit to Father Christmas at Harewood from Saturday 4 December. This year he will be taking up residence in the historic Old Library, where twinkling lights and rich decoration make for a truly authentic experience. There will be storytelling and gifts to add a sprinkle of magic to all who visit. With each individual family group having their own short private audience with Father Christmas, tickets are limited for this unforgettable experience. Each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas and there will be an opportunity for a family photograph.
The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park. 20th Nov to 4th Jan
What was once but a simple Christmas Tree shop, from this small acorn grew what came to be Stockeld Park’s most famous adventure season. Join Stockeld for Christmas fun, get active and discover large themed outdoor playgrounds within the beautiful woodland of Stockeld Park. Watch the Enchanted Forest come alive after dusk with their famous winter illuminations!
November is potentially a great time for selling your home, there tend to be fewer properties on the market which can often result in higher prices and a quicker sale. If you would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
W:davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
I am just in the process of booking a few days away, and always look at the ratings on Trip Advisor to confirm the hotel receives excellent customer reviews, I think that this is key. But not only do I look at hotel reviews, whatever I am buying or wherever I go, I tend to do the same, particularly with restaurants.
As we approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many people will be shopping online from home rather than physically visiting retail outlets and shops, therefore reviews become even more important!.
The internet though has evolved as a place to read customer reviews, this can help people to determine the services and products they want to buy from people who have already experienced using that company..
With more than 90% of all customers using online reviews as part of their research at a local and national level, this shows that merely informing a potential customer of the availability of a product or service is no longer enough – consumers want to hear about first hand Customer experiences.
Reviews not only have the power to gain trust, and encourage people to interact with the company but they are also the ideal vehicle for building a relationship between the provider and the consumer, they encourage people to interact with the company, influence customer decisions and strengthen the company’s credibility.
Studies show though that a customer is more likely to leave a review after a negative experience, this could have an extremely detrimental effect on a business, but also should be used as an opportunity to review the Customer Experience and make improvements to service levels.
At David Phillip Estate Agents the Customer Experience is absolutely key to us, particularly as we are a relatively new company in North Leeds.
We encourage all our clients to leave reviews through All Agents, Facebook and Google, and are pleased that so far we have received a clean sweep of 5 star ‘Customer’ reviews, with comments such as:-
All Agents reward the best people and Companies for their Customer Experience
At David Phillip Estate Agents we have access to various review sites including Google and Facebook, however the main site we have an affiliation with is All Agents which is considered the best portal for property reviews. This week we were delighted to get the news that we have been awarded the Best Sales Branch of the year in LS16 – gold, and the Best Sales Branch in Yorkshire – Bronze. We currently hold gold, silver and bronze for the Best people awards too. We are really pleased to have won these as they are awarded for our Customer reviews.
David Phillip commented “The customer experience is paramount to us, and to win these award shows the priority we place on looking after our customers – we know that our clients appreciate all the hard work we put in to ensure the best house selling experience”
So, if you want to use an Estate Agent that works really hard at getting results and providing the best Customer Experience read our 5 star reviews on All agents or call 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds.
Each year, planners around the world engage in activities this week in celebration of World Town Planning Day. At David Phillip Estate Agents, we are pleased to work in partnership with ELG in Harrogate who provide advice around Residential planning.
If you are looking to buy a new home, the support and experience of a good planning company can guide you through any pitfalls you may encounter, these can range from the following :-
If you are looking to sell your home, then ELG can also help you get planning approval for any retrospective home improvements that may have taken place without the required planning approval, this may only become obvious at the property search stage as well as the above.
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal call us on 01134 676 400, or if you have any specific questions around planning applications, then we may be able to assist too.
Celebrate World Town Planning Day with David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk
Andrew Bailey, the Bank’s Governor said the decision was a “very close call” and put the City on notice that interest rates were likely to rise from the lowest level in the Bank’s 327-year history over the coming months.
A rise may seem likely in the near future and the Bank of England’s decision to hold off for a little while reflects this. In the last few weeks several mortgage lenders anticipate that mortgage rates may nudge up, however these have been small moves with mortgage rates moving from below 1% with the best five-year rates still coming at around 1.2% - historically, this is still incredibly cheap. This provides a much-needed breathing space for home-owners worried about their mortgage payments.
The property market, however, still remains strong and we are advising borrowers to act quickly even if they are locked into a deal. Mortgage offers can be held for six months so it is worth speaking to an expert to discuss possibilities.
David Phillip commented “Hopefully this will ensure stability in the property market over the coming months amid fears that it may take a downwards turn following the end of the Stamp Duty holiday”.
At David Phillip Estate Agents we recommend the Mortgage Advice Bureau (Bingley).
So if you are looking to move in the New Year and your preparation has been completed, call David Phillip Estate Agents now to book a free market appraisal on 01134 676 400.
#mortgage #property #home #Bramhope #Adel #Leeds #mortgagerates #interestrates
Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house – having good window locks can make all the difference.
Keep any valuables out of view from downstairs windows
Keep on top of the garden maintenance as bushes and shrubs can provide ideal cover for burglars
A light that comes on when someone approaches your house can be inexpensive and a good deterrent – these are also easy to install
Ensure fencing is in a good state of repair (no gaps) and that gates are locked too
Be careful if you are having building work done – scaffolding can help provide access to upstairs windows
CCtV is now becoming much more popular amongst homeowners, as well as helping identify burglars, it also acts as a deterrent. There are a wide variety of cameras to choose from including wireless, remote access and even night vision
There are now many apps that can help you turn lights on and off, draw and open curtains and watch CCTV footage of your home from wherever you are in the world – well worth investing in
It is a classic trick of burglars to ring the front door bell to see if anyone is in the home before sneaking around the back of the property, if you install a nest security camera, this can help you see who is there via a wifi enabled camera – and even speak to them.
When you are installing your CCTV be careful as the law states that your camera can’t point onto anyone else’s property or public land.
You can check for crime in your area by checking on the Police.uk website.
These are some tips to help keep your home protected, but in the meantime enjoy the firework display in Bramhope and also the organised events around Leeds over the next few days.
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS call us now on 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
#photography #kerbappeal #declutter #bathrooms #bramhope #adel #poolinwharfedale #otley #3Dvirtualtour #selling #home #property #leeds #yorkshire
The price of property updates coming to the market has surged past last month’s record and jumped by an average of 1.8% (+£5,983) in October. This is the highest percentage monthly rise at this time of year since October 2015 according to Rightmove. In addition, this is the first time since March 2007 that Rightmove have delivered a ‘full house’ of price records in all regions and in all property market sectors (first-time buyers, second stepper and top of the ladder).
The new number of properties coming to the market ticks up compared to summer, but not enough to satisfy strong Autumn demand from buyers.
2021 has been the year of the power-buyer – those with their property already sold subject to contract or who have nothing to sell – and thus have the best negotiating hand to secure their ideal home in these ‘full house’ market conditions.
The continued fast turnover of property for sale and a window of opportunity to buy before potential interest rate rise seem to have overcome the final expiry of all stamp duty incentives and are keeping activity robust.
The latest snapshot shows that the number of new sellers coming to market is marginally down on the same period in 2019, but only by 3.2% as opposed to 9.3% for the period as a whole.
The continuing imbalance, with demand outstripping supply presents an opportunity for owners looking to sell and cash out if they are downsizing or not needing to buy another property.
So if you are thinking of selling your home, then November could be a lucrative time to start the ball rolling. The property update market doesn’t grind to a halt, although there is generally less competition on the market which often means higher prices and potentially a quicker sale. If you do decide to wait until the New year, now is a good time to start getting everything in place, particularly in terms of arranging the marketing (photographs, and 3D tours taken before the Christmas decorations go up). Boxing Day is the biggest day of the year for property searches so it is important that your property is visible on the portals, with viewings arranged for early January.
If you are considering selling your home, call for a free Market Appraisal with David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400.
A: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk
#property #rightmove #newyear #home #bramhope #adel #poolinwharfedale #home
Recently we have had the cutest robin visiting our garden – it waits very close to the outside door at around 7.30am every morning (but starts singing much earlier), and if I am working in the garden it is always perched close by – it really is a very tame.
Here are some facts about this very cheery garden bird
So as we approach the winter months and Christmas, keep a look out for these cheery birds, as one of England’s natural treasures, they are definitely worth protecting.
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, t: 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk
Tidying your garden in autumn not only keeps it looking neat in Winter, but also means that you will get a head start in Spring.
Autumn is the perfect opportunity to get rid of dead vegetation left over from summer, clear out your gutters and tidy up your borders, this month is all about picking up and packing down before the arrival of Winter.
Here are some top tips to make the most of Autumn in the Garden.
Tidy up Borders
To ensure that you have a beautiful display next Spring, remove dying leaves and collapsed stems from herbaceous perennials, either by hand or with secateurs, dig up annuals and plant your beds with pansies, bellis daisies and wallflowers. Cut back any perennials that have faded to around 5cms above ground level – leave some seed heads as these are great for insects and birds to enjoy whilst also providing some beautiful winter silhouettes on a sunny day.
Once your borders are tidy and clean, spread a thick layer of well-rotted manure, bark chips or compost. Don’t worry about fully digging in as the worms will help with this.
Collect Autumn leaves
Autumn leaves fall in large quantities in October and November. If you leave them in place they can smother the grass and fill the crowns of herbaceous perennials.
A few leaves that are out of the way such as under hedges can provide shelter for overwintering wildlife. Remove leaves from your garden and paths though – as these can be slippery.
Clean out your compost bins
The big Autumn clear up of borders and vegetable plots will generate a lot of plant material for your compost heap. Clear out last year’s compost and use it around the garden, making room for this year’s waste.
If your compost isn’t quite ready, turn it to improve decomposition, and create a new heap next to it for fresh organic matter. You can never have too much compost!
Work on the lawn
Remove moss and thatch using a rake and add to the compost heap. Use a moss killer if you have large amounts of moss. Brush in a sandy tip dressing afterwards followed by an application of Autumn lawn feed to prepare your lawn for the cold winter months.
Autumn is also a great time to add new turf to ensure it will be established before the summer months.
Make leaf mould
Once leaves reach a crumbly texture, spread as much as you can throughout your borders. Beech, oak, alder and hornbeam rot fairly quickly while sycamore, horse chestnut and walnut may take a little longer. Shredding leaves first will help to speed things up, but in general, this is not a fast process.
Plant evergreens
During the drab months of winter, evergreens provide structure and interest. Warm soil and cooler air temperature make Autumn the perfect time to fill gaps in your borders with evergreens like daphne and sarcococca which provide glossy leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers, even in the depths of winter.
Maintain garden equipment
Before you put away the lawn mower, it’s well worth investing in a service to ensure that it is in perfect condition when you need it in Spring, this includes, changing the oil, adding fuel stabiliser to the fuel system or removing all fuel from the mower, replacing the spark plugs and air filter, sharpen and balance lawn mower blades.
Shears and secateurs need sharpening and spades, forks and other tools benefit from a good wash. Ensure that you dry everything thoroughly and oil metal parts to prevent rust. Linseed oil can be used to protect wooden handles - ensure you dispose of rags carefully as linseed oil can combust as it dries.
Clean out nest boxes and feeders
Take down bird boxes and empty them of old nesting materials, unfertilised eggs and other debris that may carry diseases. Also remember to clean off feeders and birdbaths, and regularly re-fill them.
Sort out your garden pond
Scoop out any leaves before they sink down to the bottom and start to rot. Remove pond pumps and fountains that are no longer in use. Wash them thoroughly and then store over winter.
Put away plant supports
Cut down annual climbers in borders and climbing beans in vegetable plots and remove the dead stems and foliage from their supports. Wash off any soil and then treat with preservatives. Store indoor over winter.
Now that your autumn garden is clean, tidy and ready for winter, not only will the view from your house be so much more pleasant but when Spring arrives you will have a really good head start for when it’s time to get going again.
Gardens in Bramhope are blessed with having some beautiful and very well- tended gardens, outdoor spaces now add a price premium to your house sale. If you are considering a move and would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip Estate Agents on 01134 676 400 w:davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN.
You are about to move home and are enthusiastic about the future and entering a new phase of your family life. Moving house represents a transition in life and whilst the ‘grown-up’s’ in the house may focus on many of the practical elements of moving, change is easier for adults to accept than children
For a child, moving home can have a greater emotional impact, certainly in terms of the losses the move represents. This may be the loss of a safe and familiar environment, the potential of leaving friends behind, having to start again or being a new person at school. The impact can be huge, but there are ways to keep your children re-assured and enthusiastic about the future move.
Once you have moved get back to the status quo as quickly as you can, children are resilient and will adapt well to the move quickly – they will almost certainly enjoy their new home and the lifestyle that goes with it as much as the old one, but by following simple steps you can ensure the lead up to the big day and beyond is stress free and one of excitement for your child.
The North Leeds area has some amazing schools, we frequently find families want to move to the area specifically for schooling. The deadline for school admissions is in January 2022, so if you are looking to move or sell your home then now may be an ideal time to start marketing of your property.
If you would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS then please call us on 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk a:86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN
#bramhope #otley #adel #poolinwharfedale #cookridge #children #school #property #home
Then marketing your property now could still ensure you meet the Christmas deadline.
Buyers see Christmas as a key-influencing factor with many people determined to be in their new home in time for the big day celebrations.
With preparation and planning, and a race against time, you could be putting up your Christmas tree in your brand new home.
Rightmove expect properties to take an average of 61days to sell, and if you add two months to get to exchange and completion, then September is realistic particularly as the Christmas excitement can help to keep the property sale on track.
School holidays are now well out of the way, which helps to keep the house tidy and ready for viewings and your garden will still look lovely – the leaves are starting to drop, this can enhance the views from the property too – especially with the stunning views around the Bramhope area.
So if you are looking to move before Christmas, here are some things to consider when choosing your agent:-
And, if you are looking for an amazing property to move into for Christmas, take a look at The Barn House, Leathley (with no onward chain). The property boasts some beautiful features, including beamed ceilings and a stone fireplace in the lounge - the rooms lend themselves to a beautiful tree and stunning Christmas decorations. The idyllic surroundings are stunning too – and would be even more so if there was a white Christmas!
So if you are looking to move or sell by Christmas then please give us a call, or take a look at The Barn House in Leathley, it really is beautiful
For further information call David Phillip Estate Agents t: 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip .co.uk, a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds.
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