The proposed Urban Gull Strategy sets out a balanced framework for managing protected bird species—including herring gulls and kittiwakes—across Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey. Because all gull species are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, the council cannot simply cull the birds. Instead, the strategy focuses on encouraging long-term coexistence by altering human behaviour and modifying the local environment.

The draft strategy has been built on national conservation data alongside feedback from Natural England, the RSPB, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, and the Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership. The core plan focuses heavily on cutting off the gulls’ primary motivation for scavenging by improving public litter habits and changing how businesses handle food waste. It also outlines plans to deploy intensive cleaning crews to known bird-fouling hotspots, work alongside private landowners to install safe and lawful deterrent systems on buildings, and conduct ongoing scientific surveys to track nesting habits.

The draft strategy is scheduled for formal debate and public consultation during a meeting of the Scarborough and Whitby area committee on Friday 5th June 2026. Following the consultation process, the council’s executive will be asked to officially adopt the strategy later this year.

“Gulls are an intrinsic part of the North Yorkshire coast, and living alongside them is something coastal towns have done for generations. However, their increasing presence does bring challenges. This proposed strategy sets out a clear, balanced approach that recognises both the importance of protecting these species and the need to minimise their impact on residents, businesses and visitors. By focusing on practical measures such as reducing food waste, improving awareness and using effective deterrents, we can support long-term coexistence and ensure our coastal towns remain clean, safe and welcoming places for everyone.”

Cllr Liz Colling, chair of the Scarborough and Whitby area committee, commented:

“I am looking forward to the debate and discussion at the area committee on the urban gull strategy. I’m interested to see the proposals about how we can change our own behaviour on food waste and litter, and the impact it will make to the cleanliness of our coastal towns and the way that the gulls behave.”

Tenpin Wakefield launches today (Friday 29th May 2026), taking over the entire upper floor of the former Debenhams unit. Designed as a year-round, all-weather destination for the local community, the huge multi-activity hub brings a massive injection of family entertainment right into the heart of the city centre.

The state-of-the-art site features 24 modern bowling lanes alongside an impressive array of attractions, including two private karaoke rooms, a laser tag arena, three immersive escape rooms, and interactive darts. Visitors will also find a fully equipped arcade, pool tables, and an on-site cocktail bar broadcasting live games on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

The arrival marks a major milestone for Trinity Walk’s 15th birthday year. With budget fashion giant Primark taking over the ground floor of the old Debenhams building, the iconic retail space has been completely revitalised. Centre bosses say the near fully-let shopping destination will provide a substantial boost to the local economy through increased footfall and job creation.

“We are incredibly excited to open the doors to Tenpin Wakefield this Friday. Wakefield is a fantastic city with a real sense of community and we wanted to create a venue that reflects that by bringing people together in a fun and welcoming environment. Our new site combines bowling, games and entertainment all under one roof, making sure there is something for everyone and we can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”

James White, Centre Manager of Trinity Walk, added:

“Wakefield city centre has been in desperate need of more leisure activities for years and this will address that in a big way here at Trinity Walk. Tenpin’s arrival brings the former Debenhams unit’s entire upper floor back into use and with Primark taking the whole ground floor, this iconic space will be brought back to life – heralding a new chapter for Trinity Walk in our 15th birthday year. More jobs, more visitors and more reasons to visit our almost fully-let shopping centre makes for a real boost for the local economy. Tenpin joining Trinity Walk is massive for us and for Wakefield as a whole.”

The Fragrance Shop has signed a deal to open a major new branch inside Trinity Leeds, taking over the prominent unit previously occupied by the LEGO Store. The upcoming flagship space is designed to give perfume lovers a standout shopping experience, packing its shelves with a massive selection of luxury, niche, designer, and everyday scents, along with curated gift sets and on-hand expert advice.

The high-profile signing is the latest in a rapid wave of new openings and expansions at the shopping centre, which has recently welcomed the likes of Jerk Junction, schuh, and a newly relocated LEGO Store.

It is a busy season for the destination, with entertainment playground Lane7 and a new Footasylum store both preparing to open their doors soon. Trinity Kitchen is also gearing up to launch a massive, 1,000-capacity fan zone in time for the World Cup next month, all following a recent £2.5 million investment to upgrade the shopping centre’s public facilities completely.

Kam Birk, Director of Property at The Fragrance Shop, said:

“The opening of our new Trinity Leeds store marks another milestone in The Fragrance Shop’s expansion. Trinity Leeds is a fantastic location with strong footfall and a great retail mix, making it an ideal home for our brand. We can’t wait to open our doors and deliver a standout fragrance experience to local customers.”

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome The Fragrance Shop and offer our guests an even more extensive range of perfumes and beauty products. We look forward to seeing visitors enjoy the store and explore the fantastic range of fragrances and gifting options.”

Did you know that North Yorkshire is home to numerous castles, country houses and grand stately homes that are open to the public? Each of them boasts a fascinating past and offers a wonderful insight into the lives of the more affluent former residents of this magnificent part of our county. Wander through acres of sculpted gardens, marvel at opulent ceilings and centuries-old furnishings, and discover more about how former members of high society in Yorkshire lived, holidayed and entertained.

Updated for 2026, here are some of the most beautiful stately homes in North Yorkshire to add to your visiting list!

Castle Howard

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA Open daily March to November. Check website for Christmas openings.

Castle Howard near York is one of the finest and most visited stately homes in North Yorkshire and one of the best family-friendly attractions in Yorkshire! Situated just 15 miles north of York, it has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years. This magnificent 18th-century house is set in 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland and has been used in film and television many times, most famously as the setting for Brideshead Revisited and, more recently, Bridgerton. Join a guided tour for a more informative experience or explore the house and gardens at your leisure to marvel at the unique architecture and extensive collections of remarkable treasures. The illustrated trail for children is brilliant, the events programme throughout the year is superb, and the transformation that takes place at Castle Howard over Christmas is truly magical!

Visit Castle Howard website

Newby Hall and Gardens

Newby Hall, Ripon HG4 5AJ Open 28th March to 27th September 2026

You’ll find Newby Hall beside the River Ure at Skelton-on-Ure near Ripon, and it is quite simply one of the best stately homes in North Yorkshire for a family day out! This magnificent Grade I listed building is one of Britain’s finest Adam Houses, built in the 1690s and later adapted by Robert Adam, with one of the most exceptional examples of 18th-century interior decoration you’ll find anywhere in England. The award-winning gardens are equally outstanding, and the double herbaceous borders stretching down to the river are considered among the finest in the country. For the little ones, there’s a miniature railway, a brilliant adventure playground and a wonderful Dolls House Museum. In 2026, Newby Hall was awarded a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for their first-ever exhibit! Book online for 10% off admission.

Visit Newby Hall website

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD Open seasonally. Check National Trust website for 2026 dates.

National Trust, Beningbrough Hall is a large Georgian mansion overlooking the River Ouse, built in the 18th century and home to a superb collection of over 100 portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. Explore the beautifully restored state rooms, wander the innovative themed gardens and walled kitchen garden, and let the children loose in the excellent wilderness play area – it really is one of the best in any National Trust property we’ve visited! Beningbrough also featured in the hit television series Victoria, which makes it all the more exciting to walk around. Free for National Trust members.

Visit Beningbrough Hall website

Nunnington Hall

Nunnington, North Yorkshire YO62 5UY Open seasonally. Check National Trust website for 2026 dates.

National Trust’s Nunnington Hall is a picturesque Yorkshire manor house on the banks of the River Rye. Although recorded as a dwelling from 1219, the house you see today was built around a Tudor Great Hall, which you’ll find at the heart of the building. The property boasts a pretty walled garden, a natural play area with garden games and a wonderfully dog-friendly tea garden. In addition to the fascinating period rooms, you’ll also find one of the finest collections of miniature rooms in existence. Each one is a painstakingly detailed recreation of a historic domestic interior at one-twelfth scale, and they are absolutely captivating for adults and children alike! Free for National Trust members.

Visit Nunnington Hall website

Kiplin Hall and Gardens

Kiplin Hall, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 6AT Open 6th February to 26th November 2026, six days a week, closed Thursdays

A Grade I listed building with a history spanning more than 400 years, Kiplin Hall near Richmond offers a wonderful day out! Built from 1619 for George Calvert, the founder of the state of Maryland in America, it boasts beautiful walled gardens and scenic walks in the surrounding woodland. Join one of the guided tours, and you’ll learn all about the founding of Maryland as well as the history of the four families who have owned Kiplin Hall for over four centuries. The recently added zip-wire and natural play area make it great for children too, and the snowdrop walks in February are absolutely gorgeous. One of the earliest stately homes to open in the county each year, welcoming visitors from 6th February!

Visit Kiplin Hall website

Duncombe Park

Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5EB Open May to October, Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 5:30pm

Set in 300 acres of glorious parkland on the edge of Helmsley, Duncombe Park is one of North Yorkshire’s most elegant and underrated stately homes! The original baroque mansion was built in 1713, and you can explore it on guided tours during the season, but it’s the gardens that really steal the show. The famous serpentine grass terrace is considered one of the finest in England, sweeping along the escarpment above the River Rye with breathtaking views across the valley. At each end stands a classical temple, with the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey visible in the distance on a clear day – utterly spectacular. The nearby Helmsley Walled Garden makes this a brilliant full day out.

Visit Duncombe Park website

Hovingham Hall

Hovingham, York YO62 4LU Open for guided tours on selected summer days. Check website for 2026 dates.

Hovingham Hall in the pretty village of Hovingham is one of the most unique and charming stately homes in North Yorkshire! This elegant Palladian mansion was designed and built by Thomas Worsley around 1760 and is unlike any other house in England – it is entered via a vast riding school rather than a conventional entrance hall, which is quite the surprise. The Worsley family have lived here ever since, and Hovingham Hall was the childhood home of Katharine Worsley, who became the Duchess of Kent on her marriage in 1961. Tours are led by the Worsley family themselves, which gives the whole experience a wonderfully personal quality. The walled gardens are beautiful, and the village of Hovingham is one of the prettiest in the Howardian Hills.

Visit Hovingham Hall website

Norton Conyers

Wath, Near Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5EQ Garden open from April. House open on selected days. Check website for 2026 dates.

Norton Conyers near Ripon has a story so extraordinary you almost can’t believe it’s true! This beautiful Jacobean manor house is widely believed to have inspired Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Brontë visited Norton Conyers in 1839 and discovered the legend of a woman once confined in the attic – the rest, as they say, is literary history. The house has been home to the Graham family for over 350 years and the romantic 2.5-acre 18th-century walled garden, described as a rare survival of a Paradise Garden, is an absolute delight. The historic stables, which recently featured in All Creatures Great and Small, add another brilliant reason to visit. Free for Historic Houses members.

Visit Norton Conyers website

Sutton Park

Sutton-on-the-Forest, York YO61 1DP House open for guided tours 2nd to 4th May and 1st to 31st August 2026. Miss Daisy’s Tearooms open Wednesday to Sunday year-round.

Approximately 10 miles from York on the edge of Sutton-on-the-Forest, you’ll find this 18th-century Georgian country house. Built by Thomas Atkinson for Phillip Harland, Sutton Park is now home to Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield and is registered with Screen Yorkshire – you may recognise it from the BBC Drama Gentleman Jack! This Grade I listed building features stunning Rococo plasterwork and is home to beautiful collections of art and porcelain, some of which came from Buckingham House, known today as Buckingham Palace. Guided house tours are available on selected dates in May and August, priced at £20 per person and bookable in advance. Miss Daisy’s Tearooms are a lovely reason to visit even outside the house opening dates!

Visit Sutton Park website

Parcevall Hall Gardens

Skyreholme, Skipton BD23 6DE Open daily from 27th March 2026, 10am to 4:30pm last entry

Located near the pretty village of Appletreewick in Wharfedale, Parcevall Hall Gardens are the largest gardens open to the public in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and one of Yorkshire’s finest hidden treasures! A project to rebuild a derelict 16th and 17th-century hall was taken on in 1927 by Sir William Milner, who developed the surrounding moorland into 24 acres of glorious formal and woodland gardens. The spectacular views of Simon’s Seat and Wharfedale from the terraced gardens are breathtaking, and the rock garden, rose garden, camellia walk and woodland trails all offer something wonderful throughout the season. The hall itself is used as a retreat centre and is not open to visitors, but the tea room at the entrance is well worth a stop! A real hidden gem. Open daily from 27th March 2026.

Visit Parcevall Hall Gardens website

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1EA House open Easter to September. Gardens and zoo open year-round. Check website for 2026 prices.

Just 2 miles from Bridlington and set in 50 acres of landscaped gardens, Sewerby Hall is a brilliant day out for the whole family! This Grade I listed Georgian house, built between 1714 and 1720, now looks precisely as it would have done in 1910 thanks to a wonderful restoration, and houses a fascinating collection of memorabilia once owned by the famous local aviator Amy Johnson alongside a regularly changing exhibition programme. The grounds include a walled garden, rose garden and pleasure gardens with spectacular monkey puzzle trees, and best of all, there’s a zoo! Penguins, pygmy goats, lemurs and plenty more await, with daily keeper talks and feeding sessions. One admission price covers the lot, and it’s outstanding value for a family day out.

Visit Sewerby Hall website

Scampston Hall and Walled Garden

Scampston, Malton YO17 8NG Gardens open 1st April to 1st November 2026, Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays

Home to Christopher and Miranda Legard, Scampston Hall is one of the finest Regency country houses in North Yorkshire. First built around 1700 and remodelled in 1795 by Thomas Leverton, the house has been lovingly restored by the Legards and, as it is their family home, is completely free of ropes and barriers. Guided hall tours are available during the summer months with a wonderfully personal and informal feel – you can ask questions and get up close to everything, which is a real rarity at historic houses. The award-winning Walled Garden, designed by the renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf, is quite unlike any other garden in Yorkshire and an absolute must-see, with bold contemporary perennial planting set within 18th-century walls alongside Capability Brown parkland. Adults £12.50, children £6.50 for the gardens.

Visit Scampston Hall website

Markenfield Hall

Near Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3AD Open Monday and Tuesday only, May to mid-June

For something completely unlike any other stately home on this list, Markenfield Hall near Ripon is one of the most remarkable medieval survivals in England and an absolute must for history lovers! Approached along a private farm track across open fields and surrounded by a broad moat, this extraordinary fortified manor house dates back to 1310 and is one of the best-preserved medieval houses in the country. The guided tours take in the medieval great hall, the chapel and the private family rooms, all in a state of remarkable preservation. The short opening season – Monday and Tuesday only from May to mid-June – makes a visit feel like a real privilege, and the wonderfully uncommercialized atmosphere is completely unlike anywhere else in Yorkshire. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Visit Markenfield Hall website

As with all our articles of this nature, we’ll be adding to this list as and when we discover or are introduced to other properties. To make a recommendation or discuss advertising options, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk

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To help families cut down on food waste, save cash, and protect their health, food safety experts at High Speed Training have released critical guidance on how to store leftover BBQ food correctly. Improper storage can quickly turn into a breeding ground for nasty bugs like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

Dr. Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, warns that you cannot rely on a quick sniff-test to check if food is safe:

“Many people have leftovers after hosting a BBQ, and proper food storage is a critical line of defence against food poisoning. You might not realise that even if food looks and smells fine, it could still be unsafe if it has spent too long in the ‘temperature danger zone.’ By following a few simple steps, we can save money, protect our health, and help the planet.”

The Expert Rules for BBQ Leftovers

• The Two-Hour Window: Always let hot food cool down completely before putting it into the fridge or freezer. However, it must be packed away within two hours of cooking so it doesn’t sit out in the “danger zone” for too long.
• Ditch the Tin Cans: If you have leftover baked beans or canned fruit, never put the open tin straight into the fridge. The metal can actually transfer into the food and ruin the taste. Always transfer it into a sealed, airtight container.
• Avoid the Fridge Door: The shelves inside the door are actually the warmest part of your fridge. Keep your leftovers on the main internal shelves where the temperature is consistently cold, and leave the door for condiments and juices.
• The Three-Day Shelf Life: Label your leftovers with the date they were cooked. As a general rule, fridge leftovers need to be eaten within three days, while frozen items are best used within three months.
• Keep It Covered: Uncovered plates in the fridge are a major cross-contamination risk, which is especially dangerous if anyone in your house has food allergies. Wrap everything tightly in foil or use sealed tubs.

The experts also recommend using the “First In, First Out” rule, eating your older leftovers before cooking fresh meals, and splitting big portions into single-serve containers for quick, easy lunches.

The UK’s biggest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, is officially opening its doors at Trinity Leeds on Tuesday, 2nd June. They’ve taken over a giant 23,000-square-foot space on Albion Street to bring what they call “all your best nights in one” right into the heart of the city centre.

To get everyone through the doors, they are running a special “Baller Week” offer from opening day on Tuesday 2nd June, right through to Monday 8th June. If you book online and plug in the code LEEDSBALLERS at checkout, you can score a completely free bowling session for up to four people.

The venue itself is packed with 12 state-of-the-art, interactive bowling lanes that light up to celebrate your strikes. But it’s definitely not just a bowling alley. It’s a full-on late-night gaming hub featuring darts, pool tables, beer pong, Big Putts golf, an interactive “Playground” zone, and loads of retro arcade games.

The opening is a huge win for Trinity Leeds, which has been on a bit of a roll lately after welcoming schuh, Jerk Junction, and the LEGO store, with Footasylum and Freight Island still to come.

Gavin Hughes, Managing Director at Lane7, can’t wait to welcome everyone:

“There’s been so much excitement about our arrival since we announced we were coming to Trinity Leeds – it feels like the city has already embraced us. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on behind the scenes to bring ‘all your best nights in one’ to Leeds. Leeds is known for its incredible nightlife and we’re sure the arrival of Lane7 will be a big boost for the city’s leisure scene.”

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, added:

“Lane7 is an ideal addition to Trinity Leeds, offering a fun new concept for our guests to experience. Its arrival follows the latest new openings from schuh, Jerk Junction and the LEGO store. With Footasylum and Freight Island still to come, our already impressive line-up is going from strength to strength.”

The exclusive collaboration integrates beloved Disney stories and animated characters directly into the Philips Ambient Experience for MRI platform. Instead of staring at a cold, clinical machine, young patients undergoing scans can now choose to be completely immersed in the worlds of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Marvel superheroes, Star Wars, or Disney Princesses. The child-friendly audio-visual intervention uses custom lighting, sound, and video to dramatically shift attention away from the intimidating medical setting.

For hospitals, the impact of this high-tech escapism is proving to be a game-changer. Standard MRI scans require children to lie completely motionless for up to 40 minutes inside a loud, unfamiliar machine – a daunting task that causes anxiety in 66% of paediatric patients. Traditionally, this anxiety leads to aborted scans, frequent pauses, or the need to put children under general anaesthetic, which drastically slows down hospital workflows.

However, early data from a European multi-centre study revealed that the Disney-themed intervention slashed post-scan stress levels in children aged 6 to 10 by 43%, while pauses during scans dropped by a massive 63%.

Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax is one of the world’s early adopters of the new Disney themes, and the local frontline staff are already witnessing a massive shift in their paediatric radiology departments.

Clinicians at Calderdale Royal Hospital report strong results, with one radiologist noting:

“We have huge success with this and our general anaesthetic rate has come right down.”

Atul Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Philips, explained the drive behind the technology:

“By bringing Disney stories into the MRI environment, we are helping create a setting where children can feel more at ease and remain still during scans. Reducing stress can improve the experience for young patients and their families, while helping care teams deliver efficient, high-quality imaging so they can care for more children each day.”

Lisa Haines, Senior Vice President at The Walt Disney Company, added:

“At Disney, we believe stories have the power to bring comfort and emotional connection to children and families. We’re proud to collaborate with Philips to extend that impact into MRI rooms in a meaningful way—using our beloved stories and characters to help provide moments of escape, normalcy, and reassurance during what can be an intimidating experience for kids in hospitals.”

The extensive rooftop installations have been completed at the Active North Yorkshire hubs in Ripon and Thirsk, as well as at Whitby Leisure Centre. Co-funded by North Yorkshire Council and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority via the Mayoral Renewables Fund, which is backed by a £1 million grant from Great British Energy, the project represents a key milestone in the region’s legally binding strategy to become completely carbon-negative by 2040.

Over a 25-year lifespan, the new infrastructure is projected to prevent nearly 2,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. The panel distribution across the three facilities is broken down as follows:

• Whitby Leisure Centre: Received the largest single deployment with over 400 panels.
• Active North Yorkshire Ripon (The Jack Laugher Centre): Upgraded with 265 panels.
• Thirsk and Sowerby Leisure and Wellbeing Hub: Equipped with 149 panels.

The project, managed and implemented by engineering contractor BCS Group, is part of a broader sustainability roll-out authorised by Metro Mayor David Skaith to update 16 community buildings across the territory. Furthermore, the green upgrades run alongside a wider £36 million leisure investment strategy previously approved by the council to modernise physical facilities in Selby, Skipton, Pickering, and Whitby, complemented by a separate £3 million fund to refresh gym equipment at 12 further municipal sites.

“This is positive news. It is important that we continue to make this county a more environmentally friendly place to live, work and visit. One way of achieving that is by improving the efficiency of our public buildings and homes by embracing green technology and renewable energy, and we are carrying out significant work in this area. The installation of nearly 1,000 solar panels at these sites will help us generate energy more cheaply, reduce the amount we pay on our bills, and allow these savings to be invested in other areas of need across North Yorkshire.”

“Lowering bills and improving our environment means that 16 of our region’s community buildings, such as these facilities in Ripon, Thirsk and Whitby, will spend less on energy and more on what matters – supporting people. Through the Mayoral Renewables Fund, we are moving in the right direction, towards becoming the first region in England to reach carbon negative by 2040. It’s a big goal, but it’s one we can reach one step at a time all while supporting our communities right across York and North Yorkshire.”

“We are delighted to be working with North Yorkshire Council and helping to support the environmental and financial sustainability of these leisure centres. We take great pride in our work, and supporting the communities we live and work in is important to us as we want to have a positive impact. The installation of the solar panels will reduce the costs of the running of these fabulous centres. Ultimately, it will have a positive impact for the public and support the running of these vital community facilities – it is a pleasure to be involved.”

The generous grant has been awarded to the charity Carers Plus Yorkshire to fund a brand new project to support unpaid veteran carers and those caring for ex-service members. The scheme will tackle everything from physical injuries and age-related conditions to mental health struggles like PTSD and substance misuse. Crucially, it aims to break down the stigma of asking for help, as many people with military backgrounds are understandably proud, resilient, and used to just “getting on with it” – which means they often don’t seek support until things hit crisis point.

The charity’s dedicated Veterans Adviser will offer free, tailored one-to-one advice, alongside a packed schedule of fully funded group activities and outings to help veterans escape isolation and meet peers who understand civilian life transitions. Local Freemason groups are also rolling up their sleeves to volunteer and build stronger, sustainable community networks for these families.

The project will be a lifeline for people like Andy Baddley, a local veteran who served in the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards with tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and the Gulf War, who now cares for his wife. Shockingly, Andy is far from alone, as around 73% of local veterans currently hold a caring role for a loved one dealing with dementia, mental health issues, or long-term conditions.

Here is what Andy Baddley had to say about the new funding:

“This funding means a great deal to veterans like me. It opens opportunities to take part in activities and outings that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. The individual support that comes with it is just as important; it really does make a difference to people’s lives.”

Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Plus Yorkshire, said:

“We’re very grateful to Yorkshire Freemasons for their generous grant. This £50,000 funding plays a crucial role in allowing us to deliver essential support to veterans. It enables us to offer both one-to-one support and group activities, helping veterans improve their wellbeing and stay connected within their communities, following their service to our country.”

Martin Eggermont from Yorkshire Freemasons, added:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support our local military veterans through this excellent project from Carers Plus Yorkshire. I’m very proud Freemasons are giving something back to those who have given so much to our country.”

The episode, which was filmed in November 2025 and aired on Wednesday 27th May 2026, saw eight semi-finalists battle it out in the museum’s newly revamped Station Hall. Split into three teams, the hopeful chefs had to prepare a high-pressure, three-course celebratory menu designed by top chef and judge Anna Haugh. The food was served to a packed room of 100 railway workers, volunteers, and train enthusiasts under the historic roof of the grand hall.

Station Hall only recently reopened to the public in September 2025 following a massive £11m structural and architectural facelift, timed to coincide with the museum’s 50th birthday celebrations. The huge 6,000-square-meter building has housed the museum’s prized collection of six Royal Train carriages since 1990. It also features major historical exhibits, including a rare 1921 WH Smith bookstall originally from London’s Waterloo Station and the actual funeral wreath from the locomotive that carried Queen Victoria’s coffin in 1901.

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, was among the guests who got to sample the semi-finalists’ dishes on the night.

“It was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience – being served a stunning 3 course meal in such a special location, surrounded by TV cameras. It was a night none of us will ever forget! We were delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase Station Hall so soon after its renovation and bring its beauty and splendour to the MasterChef crew, presenters, chefs and of course audiences at home.”

For those who missed the action on BBC One, the full episode is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.