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  1. Enjoy a Stress-Free Festive Season With Our Christmas Club Accounts!

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    Enjoy a Stress-Free Festive Season With Our Christmas Club Accounts!

    As the holidays approach, many of us may start to feel the pressure of managing the associated expenses, like buying gifts, arranging celebrations and planning journeys to visit family and friends.

    Luckily, our Christmas Club savings accounts are here to help you enjoy a stress-free holiday by enabling you to start saving early!

    Why Choose the Christmas Club?

    1. Dedicated Savings for the Festive Season.

    The Christmas Club is a special savings account that encourages you to save for the holiday period well in advance. You can contribute throughout the year, with the funds only accessible in November, just in time for the Christmas rush. This system keeps your savings secure and prevents the temptation of dipping into them early, ensuring you have enough money set aside for when the festive expenses begin.

    1. Avoid Credit Card Debt and High-Interest Loans.

    Christmas Club accounts also stop you from relying on credit cards or high-interest loans to cover your Christmas costs. By saving regularly, you’ll have a dedicated pot of money for gifts, food and any other holiday expenses, helping you avoid the debt trap many fall into around the holidays.

    1. Manageable, Consistent Savings.

    Instead of facing large, last-minute holiday costs, the Christmas Club allows you to spread your savings across the year. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, contributing smaller amounts over time makes it easier to manage your budget and reduces the strain on your finances in the lead-up to Christmas.

    1. Security and Peace of Mind.

    We ensure that your money is safe and protected. Unlike informal savings methods, such as putting money aside at home, your Christmas savings with LCU are secured in a proper account with full access to your balance once November arrives. You can trust that your holiday funds will be there when you need them.

    1. Simple, Hassle-Free Setup.

    Opening a Christmas Club account is easy and hassle-free!

    We offer flexible deposit options, allowing you to save at your own pace. The account is specifically designed for members to build savings without the complexity of a typical high-street bank account.

    Start Early, Enjoy More.

    Saving early with the Christmas Club not only helps you manage your finances better, it also brings peace of mind knowing you are prepared for the festive season. Imagine enjoying your holidays without the stress of bills looming over you in January! By planning now, you can focus on the important things: time with loved ones, celebrations and creating joyful memories.

    If you’re looking for a smart, reliable way to handle your winter expenses, join Leeds Credit Union’s Christmas Club today and make this Christmas one to remember!

    For more information or to apply for a Christmas Club account, click here.

  2. We’re Empowering The City’s Workforce!

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    We’re delighted to announce that we’ve helped workers in and around Leeds save more than £1.1 million in high-interest loan repayments on £1.5 million of lending in the past year!

    By enabling our members to avoid the high costs associated with unethical doorstep lenders and loan sharks, we’ve saved them £1,130,616 in interest repayments over the last 12 months through our payroll loans service.

    A simple way of increasing financial resilience among workers in the local area, our payroll loans enable employees of selected employers to access affordable and responsible loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, with repayments taken directly from the borrower’s salary.

    We recognise that financial stress can greatly affect individual happiness and wellbeing, so we’re delighted to be fostering financial well-being and empowering individuals across Leeds. By partnering with LCU, employers can facilitate this process too, making it easy for employees to reduce the stress associated with unexpected expenses, giving them peace of mind and allowing them to focus better on their job responsibilities.

    Mark Fleet, our CEO, said: “With the cost of living crisis still ongoing, we understand that times are tough for many right now, and we’re proud to support people across the city – including employees of organisations including the NHS and Leeds City Council – by providing access to our low-interest loans through payroll partnerships.

    “As well as stopping them overpaying on interest for store cards, overdrafts, credit cards and high-interest loans, we’re also helping them stay in control of their finances. And, with research showing that financial worries can have a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing and work/life balance, all of which can contribute to anxiety, poor work performance and absenteeism, we’re thrilled to be able to do so.

    “Life is full of unexpected challenges, and sometimes employees may require financial assistance to overcome them. In such cases, offering access to responsible loans can be a game-changer; when employees know they have a reliable source of affordable credit, they are less likely to turn to high-interest payday loans or accumulate debt on high-interest credit cards.”

    To find out more about our payroll services, visit: https://www.leedscreditunion.co.uk/payroll-services/

  3. Get Ahead Of The Holidays With A Christmas Club Account.

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    Get Ahead Of The Holidays With A Christmas Club Account.

    UK Savings Week may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop saving, especially with the festive season closer than some of us would care to admit!

    Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, often in an enjoyable, magical way. However, the excitement of holiday lights, festive meals and gift-giving can also bring financial stress.

    Whether you’re buying presents, stocking up on food or planning holiday trips, December expenses can quickly add up, which is why it pays to start saving early. 

    Thankfully, with one of our Christmas Club Accounts, spreading the cost and enjoying a stress-free holiday season has never been easier!

    What is the Christmas Club Account?

    Our Christmas Club Account is a special savings account designed to help you prepare for the festive season by putting away a little money each month throughout the year. It allows you to build up a Christmas fund gradually, ensuring you have the money you need when the holidays arrive, without relying on last-minute loans or credit cards.

    The best part? You can’t access your Christmas savings until November, helping you resist the temptation to dip into your funds early. By the time the holidays roll around, you’ll have a nice cushion to cover all your holiday expenses.

    How Does the Christmas Club Account Work?

    Opening a Christmas Club Account is simple:

    1. Set Up Regular Deposits: Whether you want to save a little each week or make monthly contributions, you can set up a standing order or deposit when it suits you. The flexibility means you can save at your own pace.
    2. Lock Your Savings: Funds in your Christmas Club Account are kept safe until November 1st, ensuring they are available when you need them most. This feature helps you stay on track with your savings goal without the temptation to withdraw early.
    3. Enjoy a Stress-Free Christmas: When the holiday season approaches, you can withdraw your savings and start spending on gifts, decorations, food and all the festive trimmings without worrying about overspending or going into debt.

    Why Start Saving for Christmas Now?

    While it’s easy to think, “I’ll start saving later,” the earlier you begin, the easier it will be to meet your holiday goals. Here are a few reasons why starting now makes a big difference:

    • Avoid the Last-Minute Scramble: The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for everyone and finding extra cash in December can be tough. By spreading your savings out, you’ll be ready when the festive season hits, avoiding the last-minute rush to cover costs.
    • Budget Better: With regular, small deposits into your Christmas Club Account, you’ll spread the cost of Christmas over several months, making it easier to manage your household budget throughout the year.
    • No January Debt Hangover: Many people rely on credit cards to cover holiday expenses, leading to a financial hangover in January. With a Christmas Club Account, you can pay for your holiday needs upfront, avoiding the stress of post-holiday debt.

    Make Your Christmas More Enjoyable

    The festive season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration with family and friends, not stress over how to pay for everything. By using the Christmas Club Account, you can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones, making memories and enjoying the magic of the season.

    Maximise Your Savings: Tips for Getting the Most from Your Christmas Club Account

    1. Set a Goal: Estimate your holiday expenses – presents, food, travel etc – and set a realistic savings goal. Knowing how much you need will help you stay motivated in the run-up to Christmas.
    2. Automate Your Savings: Set up a standing order to automatically transfer money into your Christmas Club Account each payday. This way, you’ll consistently save without thinking about it and your balance will grow effortlessly.
    3. Review Your Savings Regularly: While you can’t withdraw your funds until November, it’s a good idea to check in on your progress periodically. Adjust your contributions if necessary to ensure you meet your savings target in time for the festive season.
    4. Top It Up: If you come across extra cash – whether from birthday money, a tax refund or selling unwanted items – consider putting it into your Christmas Club Account for a holiday boost.

    Why Save With Leeds Credit Union?

    At Leeds Credit Union, we’re here to help you prepare for Christmas the smart way. Our Christmas Club Account is designed with your needs in mind, offering flexibility and peace of mind. By saving a little at a time, you’ll avoid holiday debt and reduce your financial stress.

    Ready to Get Started?

    There’s no better time than now to start saving for the festive season. Open your Christmas Club Account today and get ahead of the holiday rush! Visit our Christmas Club page or stop by your nearest branch to learn more.

  4. UK Savings Week.

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    UK Savings Week.

    Because life is unpredictable, it’s important to have some savings put aside that you can fall back on if something unexpected happens, like losing your job, becoming unwell or suddenly receiving a bill for which you hadn’t already budgeted.

    Having the financial safety net that savings provide can be hugely reassuring in these instances, especially when you consider that, according to recent 2024 UK savings statistics provided by price comparison website money.co.uk, at the time of responding:

    • 34% of adults had either no savings – or less than £1,000 – in a savings account
    • 65% of people believe they wouldn’t be able to last three months without borrowing money, and
    • savings accounts are the most popular savings method among UK adults, with over half (57%) using these to save money. 

    Taking place between 9th-15th September, UK Savings Week is designed to promote the benefits of saving and encourage people to focus on their saving habits, whether they are regular savers, infrequent savers or currently unable to save.

    Originally launched in 2022, the UK Savings Week initiative works by bringing together organisations that want to improve people’s – especially their own employees’ – financial resilience by helping them save for the future by providing them with access to advice about saving money.

    If you’re interested in saving money and better managing your finances, here are some helpful hints and tips.

    Making your savings work for you.

    1. Shop around for the best savings account. A significant proportion of UK savers hold most of their savings in a current account, where interest rates are usually low. Shopping around can make a big difference to your returns. Specialist accounts like our Young Saver account, which enables children and young people to start developing healthy savings habits from a young age, are also available and are worth considering.
    2. ‘No spend’ weekends. By committing to spending exactly £0.00 one weekend every other month, you could give your savings a real shot in the arm. Go for walks, have a movie night, play board games, visit some free museums and use up any food leftover from earlier in the week.
    3. Check your tax code. If it’s wrong, you could pay too much tax and leave yourself out of pocket while you wait for a refund; if you pay too little, you’ll get an unpleasant bill later on.
    4. If you’re able to, overpay on your monthly mortgage payment. By paying more than you have to each month, you can reduce your mortgage term and save a significant amount in interest. Always check for early-repayment charges, though!
    5. Before making a purchase when shopping online, check to see if cashback is available – lots of cashback sites are easy to find so do a little research before clicking ‘buy now’. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a code for a discount on your chosen item.
    6. Prioritise paying off your debts. While this won’t be possible for everyone, using your savings to pay off any debts is a great idea as it means you won’t accrue any more interest on what you already owe, ensuring you’ll be better off in the long run.

    Where can I get help?

    Contact a trustworthy financial institution, such as your local credit union, for help and advice on improving your financial circumstances.

    At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a Money And Budgeting Service (MABS) to help members create realistic budgets to ensure their bills are paid on time, stop them from falling into arrears and make the most of their income. 

    We also provide an employee payroll scheme which allows members who work for certain employers to save through their pay, with deductions going straight into their savings account from their salary or wage, meaning they don’t even miss it.

    Get saving with Leeds Credit Union!

    At LCU, we offer a wide range of savings accounts designed to keep your money safe and secure, with regular dividends paid out to qualifying members.

    To find out more, click here.

  5. Get Ready For The New School Year With LCU.

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    Get Ready For The New School Year With LCU.

    With the new school year just around the corner, parents across the UK are beginning the annual task of ensuring their little ones are fully equipped.

    But with the nation still in the throes of a cost-of-living crisis, the prospect of forking out hundreds of pounds for school uniforms and new equipment is likely to be giving many parents sleepless nights.

    And that figure is no exaggeration; according to the Schoolwear Association, the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform in England in 2024 is £92.35 per pupil. While slightly less than 2023’s figure of £96.24, this still represents a significant outlay, especially for households with multiple school-aged children.

    While new laws around schools helping parents clothe their kids for less should help cut some of the cost, there are other ways to keep the expense of buying uniforms manageable. These include:

    Shopping at supermarkets.

    Most supermarkets have good-sized clothing sections these days and many of them do an excellent line in school uniforms. So long as your child’s school allows generic clothing, plain coloured items with no badges or branding can be picked up at massively reduced prices.

    If your child does require clothing with a logo, it may be possible to buy a generic item of clothing and iron or sew a badge on yourself.

    Hit the sales.

    Retailers like Sainsburys and Marks & Spencer offer clothing discounts across their entire ranges a few times a year. Check out what offers are currently available online and, if you get your timing right, you could get as much as 25% off the cost of a school uniform.

    Buy second-hand uniforms from your child’s school.

    If you’re lucky, your child’s school will host second-hand uniform sales a few times a year, enabling you to pick up everything they’ll need for the next 12 months at a fraction of the first-hand price.

    School or council support.

    Some councils and schools offer financial support, so use the Government’s postcode checker tool to see if your local council can help, or contact your children’s school directly.

    Look for a bargain online.

    eBay and Facebook Marketplace often throw up offers that look too good to be true, so remember to check their websites regularly. And don’t dawdle if you do see something useful – good deals usually get snapped up in no time at all.

    When it comes to equipment, your little one’s needs will vary depending on whether they attend primary or secondary school but the items of equipment most commonly required are:

    Stationery.

    Although plenty of schoolwork is done on computers and laptops these days, schoolchildren are still expected to carry an extensive list of stationery items with them. The essentials include:

    • Pens
    • Pencils
    • Rubber
    • Pencil sharpener
    • Pencil case
    • Ruler
    • Compass
    • Protractor
    • Set square
    • Calculator 
    • Glue stick
    • Scissors
    • Notebooks
    • Folders

    The good news is that stationery is both relatively inexpensive and long-lasting. Retailers like WHSmiths and Rymans currently have sales or multi-buy offers on back-to-school essentials so keep an eye on their websites and take advantage of any bargains to keep your costs down.

    It’s also worth asking family and friends with kids who have left school if they have any kit left over that you could buy used or just take off their hands. Similarly, charity shops often have plenty of equipment to choose from, as do pound shops and online marketplaces.

    The cheapest way to pick up specialist maths equipment is to buy it as a set, while basic calculators can be picked up from most supermarkets from as little as £10. 

    Electronics and accessories.

    If you need to buy your child a laptop, you’ll want to get one that’s light enough for them to carry around, small enough to be easily transportable and that holds enough charge to get them through a school day.

    If the cost of buying a new laptop is prohibitive, don’t worry – refurbished laptops are easily available in shops and online and offer an affordable way to purchase a high specification laptop at a reduced price. Check out Refurbished Laptops for high quality devices that have been tested to guarantee they’re as good as new and wiped clean of previous data.

    Back to school September 2024.

    If you’re a parent, the fact that the new school year also means a new set of costs is something you’re probably all too familiar with.

    If you’re concerned about how you’ll pay for new uniforms and equipment this year, our Family Loans allow you to borrow as much as £1,250 to help cover the cost. For more information, click here.

  6. Things To Do Around Leeds This Bank Holiday.

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    Things To Do Around Leeds This Bank Holiday.

    With 2024’s last bank holiday before Christmas just around the corner, we’ve taken a look at some of the best ways to spend your time this coming weekend.

    Whether you’re after a day out with the family, live music or a delicious meal, Leeds has got something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best things to do this bank holiday!

    Saturday.

    Malham Show.

    This beloved celebration of agriculture and horticulture is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a fun-filled day out in one of Yorkshire’s best rural communities. 

    From sheep competitions and showcases of traditional Dales skills, to horse shows and plenty of food and drink stalls, the Malham Show is a great way to get some fresh air while having loads of fun – and under 16s get in for free!

    Malham Show, Chapel Gate, Malham, North Yorkshire. BD23 4DA.

    Wild Live.

    At LCU, we love the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and need no excuse to head over for a visit.

    But this bank holiday weekend is going to be even better than usual because, after visitors have spent the day exploring the park and discovering its endangered animals, they can also enjoy a night of live music on site too, with the likes of Ella Henderson and Jessie J taking to the stage!

    Yorkshire Wildlife Park, The Yorkshire Hive, Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster. DN9 3QY.

    Sunday.

    Royal Armouries Jousting. 

    Yep, this bank holiday weekend sees the return of an international jousting tournament to the Royal Armouries!

    Kids and grown-ups alike will love watching brave knights on magnificent, colourful horses battling for trophies – it’s all un-choreographed and spectacular entertainment is guaranteed!

    Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds. LS10 1LT.

    Sunday Yoga. 

    If you’re planning on having a busy Saturday, why not revive yourself the next day with some healthy, wholesome yoga?

    Sunday Yoga at Project House is sure to sort you out. In addition to being completely free (just remember to bring your own mat!), food and drink will be available in Galleria afterwards!

    Project House, Armley Road, Leeds. LS12 2DR.

    Monday.

    Little Dawson’s Film Club

    After a busy weekend, why not treat bank holiday Monday as a rest day, gather up the kids and head to Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen for a screening of Disney Pixar’s beloved Cars?

    The film – about a hotshot rookie race car who gets stranded in a rundown town and learns that winning isn’t everything – is a hoot for both young and old, with the screening beginning at 12. Not only is it free to enter, the popcorn’s free too! 

    Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds. LS2 8JP.

    Happy August Bank Holiday!

    However you’ll be spending your bank holiday weekend, we hope you have a great time! Let us know if there are any other events we should check out this weekend on our social channels!

  7. Reducing The Cost Of Sending Your Child Back To School.

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    Reducing The Cost Of Sending Your Child Back To School.

    The school summer holidays are in full swing but every savvy parent knows that it’s never too soon to start gearing up for back-to-school season.

    While it’s an exciting time for students to reconnect with friends and embark on new educational journeys, it can also be a financially challenging time for many households, especially as the preceding weeks can often be very expensive themselves.

    So how can people reduce the financial burden and make the back-to-school season more affordable? 

    Plan ahead.

    One of the most effective ways of reducing the cost of sending your child back to school is simply to plan ahead.

    By making a list of all the essential items your child will need for the upcoming academic year early, you’ll have more time to search for deals, compare prices and take advantage of sales.

    Your list should include school supplies like pens and pencils, uniforms, textbooks, new technology and other necessary expenses. If you want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, have a look on your child’s school’s website – many schools publish a list of what essentials are necessary for pupils each year to make your task a little easier.

    Look out for second-hand sales.

    Lots of schools and communities host second-hand sales or exchanges where parents can buy and sell gently-used school uniforms, books and other essentials, so get on social media and find out if any events are taking place near you.

    These events can be a goldmine for cost-conscious parents, as they offer quality items at a fraction of the original cost. By participating in these sales, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly practices too.

    Be aware of deals and discounts.

    Keep an eye out for deals and discounts from various retailers and online platforms. Many stores offer back-to-school promotions and buying in bulk can sometimes result in significant cost savings.

    Using cashback apps or rewards programs to earn extra savings on your purchases is a great idea too.

    Contact your local credit union.

    Credit unions are committed to supporting the communities in which they operate and providing financial solutions to their members. When it comes to back-to-school expenses, they can offer people small, affordable loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms to help people cover the cost.

    They can also provide access to dedicated savings accounts which can be used exclusively for back-to-school expenses. By depositing a small amount regularly throughout the year, you’ll have a substantial sum saved up when the back-to-school season arrives, reducing the need for last-minute panic buying.

    Credit unions can also provide money and budgeting services to help households make the most of their resources during the back-to-school season. By setting a realistic and affordable budget, people can more easily resist the temptation to overspend on non-essential items, while involving your child in budgeting discussions can also be an excellent way to teach them about money management from an early age.

    How Leeds Credit Union can help.

    Sending your child back to school doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning ahead, budgeting and taking advantage of second-hand sales, deals and discounts, people can reduce the financial strain and make the back-to-school season more manageable. 

    For more information about the ways in which Leeds Credit Union can help, click here.

  8. The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.

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    The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.

    Not for no reason is Yorkshire known as God’s Own Country. From Sean Bean to Yorkshire puddings via stainless steel, world class cricketers and a sense of humour drier than a desert, it’s impossible to imagine any other county bringing such joy to the good Lord’s face.

    While pinpointing the best things about Yorkshire may be easy, selecting the region’s best attractions to visit this summer is anything but, purely because of the number of options available. Luckily, we love a challenge, so read on for our guide to the best places to visit during this year’s summer holidays.

    York Minster.

    Set in the heart of the historic city of York, York Minster is a gothic cathedral that stands a breathtaking 72 metres high and boasts the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, some of which dates as far back as the 12th century.

    Anyone interested in its stunning architecture and vast spaces can learn about the minster’s construction and the people who built it with a guided tour that also includes a trip to the top of its Central Tower – York’s highest point – where you can take in incredible views of the city and beyond.

    With York city centre just a short stroll away, a trip to the Minster is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in Yorkshire’s rich cultural heritage.

    York Minster, Deangate, York. YO1 7HH.

    Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

    For those who prefer more adventurous days out – and/or have kids in tow – the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) gives visitors the chance to get up close to some of the world’s most incredible and endangered animals and help conservation efforts at the same time.

    A walk-through wildlife park near Doncaster, YWP is home to 60 different species, including polar bears, black rhinos, tigers and giraffes, as well as several indoor and outdoor play areas, themed restaurants and cafes. With special events taking place throughout the year and animal experiences, like feeding lions, available for special occasions, this is one day trip the whole family will be happy to revisit again and again.

    Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster. DN9 3QY.

    The Deep.

    Arguably the best indoor day out in all of Yorkshire, The Deep is home to more than 3,500 creatures including fish, turtles, sharks, snakes and penguins, making it one of the UK’s biggest and best aquariums.

    In addition to the breathtaking creatures swimming around every corner, The Deep also boasts interactive exhibitions that teach visitors about the world’s oceans and their inhabitants, as well as a cafe and an evening restaurant. And if a visit during daylight hours just isn’t exciting enough, you can even arrange a sleepover and spend the night snoozing alongside the amazing marine life! That’s right – at The Deep, you can literally sleep with the fishes…

    The Deep, Tower Street, Hull. HU1 4DP.

    Mother Shipton’s Cave.

    No list of Yorkshire’s best places to visit would be complete without England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction – the stunning and mysterious Mother Shipton’s Cave.

    Situated in an incredible park in the remains of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough, visitors can explore the titular cave and learn about the fascinating legend of Mother Shipton (a fortune teller born in the cave in the 15th century who locals believed to be a witch) before checking out the famous Petrifying Well and its magical water that turns everything it touches to stone. 

    With numerous walks and an adventure playground to keep children entertained, Mother Shipton’s Cave combines the beautiful Yorkshire countryside with some of the region’s most mythical history – the perfect ingredients for a good day trip.

    Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough. HG5 8DD.

    Whitby Abbey.

    For those looking for a more energetic day out, why not try one of Yorkshire’s world-renowned coastal walks? There are plenty to choose between but we’d recommend the walk around Whitby Abbey and the nearby coast.

    Ideal for experienced walkers or exercise-loving families, the walk begins at the ancient, gothic abbey itself – giving visitors the chance to soak in the atmospheric building that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula – before heading along the coast to Saltwick Bay, the old lighthouse on top of the cliff and concluding in Whitby, which has plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants to investigate.

    Fresh sea air, dramatic clifftops, unbeatable scenery, good food – what’s not to like?

    Whitby Abbey, Whitby Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire. YO22 4JT.

    Happy holidays!

    Whatever your plans for this summer, we can help bring them to life with our variety of affordable loans. For more info and to find out how much you could borrow, click here.

  9. Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

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    Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

    Not only is summertime here again, National Picnic Month is too! 

    Taking place throughout July, National Picnic Month 2024 encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest green open space to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.

    But with Yorkshire’s huge array of suitable outdoor venues, the only question is: where should you go? We take a look!

    Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

    Wakefield’s premier outdoor attraction rarely needs an introduction but, for the uninitiated, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is an art gallery without walls. With incredible sculptures and installations by world-renowned artists throughout the 500+ acre grounds of this 18th century estate, this is the perfect picnic spot for anyone who enjoys a little culture with their pork pie.

    Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, WF43 4LG.

    Harewood House.

    Ideal for families and less than 10 miles from Leeds city centre, Harewood House consists of 100 acres of grounds and gardens, a 32-acre tropical lake, three dedicated walks and three acres of children’s playgrounds and picnic areas.

    A great place for a quiet picnic on a lazy afternoon or to unleash the kids and let them burn off some excess energy, Harewood House has something for everyone.

    Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.

    Brimham Rocks.

    One of the most beautiful sites in all of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks is both a dramatic collection of moorland rock formations and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, set in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

    With rocks to walk around, climb over and eat in the shade of, a variety of post-picnic walks and 70 bird boxes attracting an endless parade of feathered friends, Brimham Rocks is the perfect place for those who like their picnics with stunning views.

    Brimham Rocks, Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW.

    Aysgarth Falls.

    Made even more famous by Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Aysgarth Falls is an almost one mile long triple flight of waterfalls set in a breath-taking woodland valley.

    With footpaths throughout the valley offering stunning views of the falls from every angle, salmon occasionally visible in the water and plenty of places to sit and enjoy a bite to eat, Aysgarth Falls is the picnic spot of choice for an adventurous day out.

    Aysgarth Falls, Aysgarth, North Yorkshire, DL8 3TH.

    Filey Beach.

    Yorkshire natives can sometimes be guilty of not seeing the wood for the trees when it comes to our wonderful beaches – we can talk about them til the cows come home but do we make the most of them?

    Well, National Picnic Week is the perfect opportunity to right that wrong and what better beach to head to on a summer’s day than Filey? The dog-friendly, sandy beach has a sculpture trail, crazy golf, a playground and a plethora of rock pools. What are you waiting for?!

    Filey Beach, 1 Flat Cliffs, Primrose Valley, Filey, YO14 9RD.

    Fountains Abbey.

    With ancient abbey ruins dating back to the 12th century, a deer park and a water garden with World Heritage Site status, not for no reason is Fountains Abbey one of the UK’s most iconic picnic locations.

    Visitors are spoilt for picnic-spot choice with luscious green lawns as far as the eye can see, all boasting stunning views of the Abbey’s riverside, statues and follies. And, once you’ve had your fill of crisps and sandwiches, several long walks offer the opportunity to work them off again!

    Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

    Enjoy your perfect picnic with LCU!

    Whatever plans you have for National Picnic Month, we can help bring them to life with our variety of affordable loans. Find out more here.

  10. Savvy Summer Saving: Budget-Friendly Tips for a Memorable Holiday.

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    Savvy Summer Saving: Budget-Friendly Tips for a Memorable Holiday.

    Nothing beats a summer holiday. The combination of sun, sea and sand just makes everything better and helps melt your troubles away, if only for a week or two.

    But with the cost of living crisis forcing us all to be more frugal than ever, how can you enjoy a summer holiday without breaking the bank? We take a look.

    Keep an eye on last-minute deals.

    If you can afford to leave booking your holiday until late in the day, websites specialising in last-minute holiday deals are invaluable.

    There are plenty to choose from like loveholidays. With this provider, as well as allowing you to search for any destination, you can also see what’s available for a whole calendar month, rather than having to input a specific date. While this doesn’t sound like much, it’s an extremely convenient tool that saves a significant amount of browsing time.

    It also offers a low deposit scheme and different payment options, meaning you can book even if you can’t afford to pay for it all in one go – ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

    Better yet, loveholidays is a member of ATOL, which means all its holidays – from flights to hotel bookings – are financially protected.

    Sign up for flash sale alerts.

    Like last-minute holidays, flash sale offers only work if you’re able to leave booking a holiday until the eleventh hour. If you can, they’re well worth investigating.

    Sites like HolidayPirates offer great deals at seriously low prices but only for a very limited time. To stay in the know without having to constantly check its homepage, sign up to its email list and follow it on social media to find out about offers before everyone else. Speed is of the essence though – these deals get snapped up fast.

    Look for discount codes.

    Websites like My Voucher Code offer money off vouchers which can be redeemed against holidays, so it’s definitely worth a cursory glance to check if your destination of choice is included.  

    Use comparison sites to book hotels.

    As well as letting you check lots of hotel sites quickly, comparison sites usually help you find the best prices. Of course, there are several comparison sites to choose between and each will probably throw up a different result, so it’s worth checking at least three of the most popular ones before deciding who to book with. As well as Trivago and Hotels.com, you should consider Skyscanner, Kayak and TripAdvisor too.

    All these sites also allow you to filter results to only show hotels that offer free cancellation – a useful option that will prevent you from ending up out of pocket.

    Talk to your hotel before booking.

    Before you book a hotel online, give them a call and find out if they offer discounts by booking directly with them – they occasionally offer direct bookers money off for booking early or three-for-two deals.

    Once you’ve started a conversation with them, you might even get freebies like free Wi-Fi thrown in too. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

    Need help paying for your holiday?

    At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of savings accounts that can help you start saving for your next holiday today. Or you could take out one of our affordable loans and borrow from £250 to £25,000 to help you enjoy the holiday of your dreams. Click here to find out more.