This publication, its title and content, is wholly owned by and the copyright of Kingfisher Media Ltd. It is entirely independent and does not endorse, and is not supported or endorsed by, any official or private body or organisation. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission from the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions or the consequences thereof. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisements appearing in this publication. Stock images have been used in this publication for illustrative purposes
Cover uses source material courtesy dark_eni71/stock.adobe.com A Kingfisher Media publication. KVGWTWY-0325-56-10861D-BIS Printed and bound in Great Britain by Bishops Ltd
Discover quirky towns, rugged landscapes and hidden gems
Welcome, visitor!
Whether you’re in the market for a day out with the kids, a bracing weekend of country walks or a taste sensation at an awardwinning restaurant, West Yorkshire has got it all.
You’ll find outdoor adventures in abundance – local favourites include Hardcastle Crags and Marsden Moor, plus you’ve got the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks all within easy reach.
West Yorkshire’s towns and villages also offer exciting opportunities for days out, with museums, nature reserves and historic buildings to suit visitors of all ages.
Shopping in West Yorkshire is a real treat, from bustling town centres brimming with high-end brands to sprawling shopping malls. Better yet is the thriving scene of independent boutiques, while you can also fill your boots
with tempting local produce at the fantastic local markets.
You can sample sumptuous food and drink at any number of award-winning eateries. Our must-visits include Fleur de Lys Restaurant in Pontefract, Eric’s Restaurant in Huddersfield and Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax.
If you’re a culture vulture, you’re in luck in West Yorkshire. This region is home to top galleries like the Hepworth Wakefield, Salts Mill and Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. Theatre buffs are well-catered for too, with the likes of the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, Halifax’s Victoria Theatre and the Theatre Royal Wakefield to name just a few.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, West Yorkshire is brimming over with local character and unique attractions that’ll have you plotting a return visit before you know it. ■
The Hepworth is an art museum in Wakefield and takes its name from artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth
West Yorkshire offers an abundance of things to do, with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Indulge in an invigorating wild swim, hunt down hidden waterfalls and nose around idyllic gardens in the outdoor paradise of West Yorkshire. Set alongside these natural wonders, ruins and historic houses will thrill anyone with even a passing interest in history. And if you’re wondering how to entertain the kids, you’re in luck! From brilliant parks and miniature trains to climbing walls and endless opportunities to get muddy wellies, boredom is firmly off the agenda around here. Even if the weather doesn’t play ball, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep everyone in the family smiling.
These wild and windswept moors are often nicknamed ‘Brontë Country’, after the three
The ruins and historic houses will thrill all with an interest in history
19th-century sisters who wrote some of the most famous novels in English literature – and there’s no better way to walk in their footsteps than by following the Brontë trail from their hometown of Haworth. Taking 1.5–2hrs, this glorious walk to the Brontë Waterfall is a circular route of around 6km (3.5 miles) that takes in streams, bridges and the rugged country that inspired Emily Brontë’s iconic novel, Wuthering Heights. Discover moors that stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with sheep and hilltop villages.
For a longer leg-stretch through the heart of Brontë country, try walking the 14-mile stretch of the Pennine Way from Haworth to Hebden Bridge. You’ll pass through
Halifax, part of ‘Brontë country’
remote moorland and encounter the ruined farmstead of Top Withens, which is said to have inspired Wuthering Heights itself.
If you need to rest your legs after all that, how about a trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway? This five-mile-long heritage railway line runs between Keighley and Oxenhope using vintage steam locomotives and featured in the famous 1970 film of The Railway Children, starring Jenny Agutter.
Over in the Colne Valley, the village of Marsden makes a great base to discover the Marsden Moor Estate – a 5,000-acre patch of National Trust moorland that separates Yorkshire from Lancashire. Steeped in history, its array of birds and plants make this great expanse of beautiful heathered hills and sparkling reservoirs internationally important.
Back in the village, you’ll find some great real ale pubs for a taste of the local brews. Alternatively, if your idea of a post-walk refresher is an outdoor dip, there’s the popular wild swimming spot at Sparth Reservoir. Believed to have been used by swimmers for more than 150 years, it can have a bit of a festival atmosphere on sunny weekends, but it can also be a very tranquil spot at quieter times.
Twitchers will enjoy the beauty of Fairburn Ings, an RSPB reserve. It’s a significant site for breeding and wintering wildfowl, especially
gadwalls – with several hides and nature trails plus a visitor centre, café and playground. It’s ideal for kids, and the 500-metre Discovery Trail allows for relaxed walking with fun attractions along the way.
Speaking of kids, parks play a huge part in the county’s recreation, so there’s always somewhere to burn off energy before bedtime. Manor Heath Park in Halifax features a Jungle Experience and a seasonal water play area for the little ones, while the 148-acre Thornes Park in Wakefield has beautiful walled gardens plus a duck lake and a fantastic play area. Turn up on Sundays if the weather’s half-decent and the miniature railway might even be running.
Once a powerhouse of industry, West Yorkshire has a fantastic network of canals and navigable waterways – and it’s home to one of the UK’s most famous pieces of canal engineering, Standedge Tunnel. Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel, it was built in 1811 and cuts a path for boats and trains to pass under the Pennines between Yorkshire and Lancashire. You can catch a canal boat taxi from Marsden to Tunnel End, and during the season it’s even possible to take a trip into the tunnel from the visitor centre. You’ll get a taste of what the ‘leggers’ once faced as they lay on their backs propelling l
The village of Marsden makes a great base to discover the Marsden Moor Estate
with something for all the family! Vintage motorbus tours Play area Picnic areas Toy Museum Café Trolleybus rides s Prefab Sandtoft & District Railway
Visit www.sandtoft.org for full details
Open selected weekends Easter to November
Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster DN8 5SX
Facebook: www.facebook.com/trolleybusmuseum X (Twitter): @TrolleybusSToft Email: trolleybusmuseum@sandtoft.org
KINGFISHER MEDIA PR0UDLY PRESENTS THE UK & IRELAND’S ONLY ANNUAL GUIDE DEDICATED TO DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS
DISCOVER WAKEFIELD, THE CREATIVE (HE)ART OF WEST YORKSHIRE
Home to two internationally renowned art galleries and unique heritage venues, Wakefield is the UK’s capital of sculpture and the cultural gateway to the north.
Situated at the crossroads of the M1 and M62, just 10 minutes from Leeds by train, Wakefield is a district with plenty for culturephiles, including a vibrant art scene, captivating heritage venues, irresistible foodie experiences, beautiful outdoor spaces and a thriving cathedral city.
The birthplace of foremost 20th century sculptors, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, Wakefield is home to award-winning arts venues, The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. These sculptural titans host international artists in temporary exhibitions alongside nationally significant permanent
collections. Exhibitions in 2025 include Otherworldly Vessels, the works of ceramicist Elizabeth Fritsch at The Hepworth Wakefield, and a major exhibition of work by William Kentridge at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Smaller city centre venue The Art House is a mix of studio space and gallery, as well as fostering creativity through high-quality workshops.
Look out for stunning exhibitions at vibrant new city centre event space WX - Wakefield Exchange taking place throughout 2025.
The district is also steeped in history. The National Coal Mining Museum presents England’s mining heritage through engaging exhibits and underground tours. New for 2025 is an immersive, cutting-edge Time Tunnel experience.
National Trust Nostell boasts exquisite interiors (including a unique collection of Chippendale furniture) and charming landscaped parkland (one of many splendid outdoor spaces in the district).
Wakefield Cathedral is the owner of Yorkshire’s tallest spire, and the 900-year-old interior juxtaposes history and modern art exhibitions.
Unique food experiences can be found at the district’s independent eateries, bars, breweries and more.
Create your own tipple at the Distillery bar’s Gin School, roast your own coffee at Recent, take a tour of craft beer producer Ossett Brewery or just sample the best of world cuisine.
The district’s farm shops, Farmer Copleys and Blacker Hall Farm fly the flag for farm-to-fork freshness, and the district hosts to two annual food festivals: Wakefield’s Rhubarb Festival and Pontefract Liquorice Festival, tapping into the district’s food heritage to create lively events featuring speciality food markets, cooking demos, live music, crafts, entertainment and more.
On a rainy day, check out Xscape Yorkshire in Castleford
the boats through the pitch-black tunnel with their feet.
On a rainy day, check out Xscape Yorkshire in Castleford for the ultimate kids’ day out. It’s easier to list the things this place doesn’t offer – with 4D adventure golf, bowling, climbing walls, VR experiences, laser tag, a real snow ski slope and aerial adventures including Yorkshire’s only 70ft high skycoaster. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, and smaller visitors will no doubt be particularly taken with the slime store.
Also at Castleford, Diggerland is a dream come true for any kid (or grown-up kid) who’s ever yearned to drive and operate a real-life digger. They’ve got full-size JCBs and dumper trucks, plus mini versions of Land Rovers and tractors for teeny tiny petrolheads.
Wherever your days out take you, shopping and dining is always a joy for all ages in West Yorkshire. A short hop on the train out of Huddersfield lands you in the centre of Slaithwaite, where you can fossick through treasure-trove antique shops or pick up works by local artists and artisans at the Gallery. Village pubs like the Commercial and Shoulder of Mutton offer real ales and familyfriendly pub grub.
Like Marsden, Slaithwaite is set on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, and there’s
an easy 3-mile towpath walk between the two villages. There are plenty of eating and drinking spots along the way – try Northern Sole on Bridge Street for lip-smacking street food with a toe-tapping soundtrack.
West Yorkshire is incredibly rich in history. It was at the heart of the lucrative British textile boom and the Industrial Revolution – and the area is brimming with industrial heritage. A good place to start your journey into local history is Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge, where natural beauty meets 19th-century industry. The 400acre National Trust site is set in a wooded valley and is home to tumbling streams and glorious waterfalls. At its heart is Gibson Mill, a family-orientated visitor centre telling more than 200 years of valley history, with fascinating interactive displays.
From there, no day in West Yorkshire is complete without a mooch around Hebden Bridge itself. Proudly quirky, its Victorian streets are full of independent shops and creative culture, and a (locally divisive) sign on the way out of town reads ‘that was SO Hebden Bridge’.
In neighbouring Heptonstall, you’ll discover the story of the infamous Cragg Vale Coiners (as told in the award-winning novel and BBC TV series, The Gallows Pole), and you can l
Rossendale is your perfect getaway for adventure, for shopping and for stunning scenery. Explore breathtaking trails, tackle thrilling mountain bike routes, or hit the slopes at our ski centre. Wander charming cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, then hop aboard the historic East Lancashire Railway for a nostalgic steam ride through the countryside.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or a relaxing day out, Rossendale has it all. Plan your visit today — adventure awaits!
also visit Weaver’s Square, with examples of different types of Yorkshire paving.
Coal mining shaped much of the county, so it’s not surprising to find the National Coal Mining Museum for England at the former Caphouse Colliery site in Overton, Wakefield. Get kitted out with a hard hat and battery lamp to step into the cage for a trip down Hope Pit.
Coinciding with Bradford’s year as 2025 UK City of Culture, the National Science and Media Museum has finally reopened after a massive £6 million refurbishment programme. Together with the popular IMAX cinema and interactive Wonderlab gallery, it now features new galleries and immersive temporary exhibitions – plus improved public spaces and disabled access.
Meanwhile, over in Halifax, Eureka! National Children’s Museum is a longstanding family favourite. Designed for children aged 11 and under, little scientists can play with interactive exhibits across six zones, and there’s a talented team of helpers on hand throughout the museum to help you get the most out of your visit.
Nearby, the Grade 1-listed Piece Hall is at the centre of Halifax’s commercial, civic and cultural life. Set in the world’s only remaining Georgian cloth hall, this incredible piece of
architecture includes a heritage and learning visitor attraction, along with two storeys of unique retail outlets that flank the central courtyard. It even has its own Escaporium, housing the latest craze for escape rooms. The Piece Hall also hosts an extensive programme of events, including big-name gigs in the summer months.
Over in Clayton West, Whistlestop Valley will be another hit with the kids. This popular visitor attraction features a whole carriage full of delights for small people – including narrow-gauge steam engines, outdoor play areas, café and dessert parlours and a jumping pillow. Kids can ride the miniature railway, get their faces painted or scoot around in pedal cars, with special events and experiences throughout the year. Please check opening times before making the journey.
For a more cultural experience, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to explore the historic landmarks dotted around West Yorkshire. Among the best known is Shibden Hall Estate, centred on the Grade 1-listed family home of Anne Lister (1791–1840), as played by Suranne Jones in the hit BBC series Gentleman Jack.
Set in the picturesque Shibden Valley, parts of the hall date back to 1420, and the neighbouring 17th-century barn and l
Eureka! National Children’s Museum in Halifax is a longstanding family favourite
workshops offer visitors a journey through the lives of the various craftsmen who lived and worked on the estate. Explore the surrounding park to see beautifully restored gardens, heritage woodland, a miniature railway and a boating lake.
In Wakefield, you can visit National Trustowned Nostell Priory, a Palladian house built on the site of a medieval monastery. The 18th-century architectural masterpiece features attractive landscaped gardens and an Augustinian priory with Chippendaledesigned staterooms. Elsewhere in Wakefield, there are also the medieval ruins of Sandal Castle with beautiful views over the River Calder.
Over in Birstall, Grade 1-listed Oakwell Hall was furnished as a family home in the 1690s and inspired the location of Fieldhead in Charlotte Brontë’s 1849 novel, Shirley. Now run as a museum, it also offers 110 acres of outdoor space with a café, playground and mountain bike track.
Battles and sieges once rocked the medieval market town of Pontefract and it’s home to one of England’s great castles – Pontefract Castle. In its heyday, the once mighty fortress was so powerful that it was known as ‘the key to the North’. Today, you’ll experience history brought to life through spectacular free events
and family activities.
As well as permanent attractions, West Yorkshire provides a calendar that’s chockfull of festivals and events, from quirky village fêtes to huge agricultural shows. Time your trip with Todmorden Country Fair in late June for a smorgasbord of rural delights, from foodie stalls to falconry displays and terrier racing. Come autumn, Elland Festival of Speed thrills with classic cars and vintage commercial vehicles.
If food and culture go hand in glove for you, there are plenty of festivals where you can set your tastebuds loose on local produce. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of Ilkley Food and Drink Festival in June – think live music, chef demos, international street food and artisan markets. In September, you’ll find another annual food and drink festival in Holmfirth, with over 75 stallholders and entertainment ranging from buskers to face painting. It might be worth fasting for a day or two beforehand…
You could spend all day, every day exploring West Yorkshire’s moors and following the footsteps of literary greats past waterfalls and wildlife. With museums, theme parks and historic houses to explore too, the temptation to extend your stay by a few days might well prove irresistible. ■
In its heyday, Pontefract Castle was so powerful that it was known as ‘the key to the North’
Bradford
Bradford
Saltaire Ilkley Haworth
DON’T MISS
1
Cool sculptures I
2
Walk the Moors
and you’ll never be short of a pub or café for some refreshment.
4
A Piece of the action
Halifax Piece Hall is one of a kind. Bohemian and independent shops built into two tiers around the central courtyard are complemented by a packed programme of fantastic events in this amazing setting right at the heart of the Halifax Cultural Quarter. Shopaholics will be pleased to find everything from homewares, jewellery and fashion to unique gifts, cosmetics and memorabilia. Our
The simply unmissable Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture. It offers a world-class, year-round temporary exhibition programme, showcasing some of the world’s leading artists across six indoor galleries and across its 500-acre estate. There’s no experience quite like it, and thousands of visitors every year agree.
If you’ve never been to West Yorkshire, you might not realise how extensive its moorland landscapes are –covering a huge area around Huddersfield, Calderdale and Bradford. These beautiful and untamed landscapes have inspired writers and artists alike, and there are walking routes to suit a range of abilities –from short strolls to bracing moorland yomps. The public transport network is great
3
Keep the kids happy Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax makes for a fabulous day out, with heaps of fascinating hands-on activities to help kids explore the world around them. The museum is aimed at under 11s and is located right next to the train station.
5
The culture at Saltaire l Devised by the 19th-century industrialist, Titus Salt, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was purpose-built to house his workforce – complete with a wide range of facilities for the 4,000-strong community including a concert hall, hospital and school. Steeped in history and packed with arts and culture, Saltaire’s biggest draw is Salts Mill, where you’ll find art, dining and shopping in one stunning historic building. Inside you can admire a collection of works by David Hockney, shop the very best in independent retail and enjoy bustling restaurants and cafés.
6
Visit The Hepworth Wakefield I Having only opened in 2011, the this contemporary art gallery is a relatively new
addition to West Yorkshire’s art scene, but it has an acclaimed and impressive collection including works by LS Lowry, Martin Parr and Barbara Hepworth herself. It hosts regular art fairs and educational events, and also boasts a wonderful outdoor garden designed by awardwinning landscape architect, Tom Stuart-Smith..
7
Step back in time
Visit National Trust-owned Nostell Priory, a Palladian house built on the site of a medieval monastery. The 18th-century architectural masterpiece features landscaped gardens and
an Augustinian priory with Chippendale-designed staterooms. You can also explore 300 acres of parkland and find ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and lakes bustling with birds.
8
Shopping at quirky independent boutiques Calderdale has a trio of treats in store for you, with Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge each offering a unique experience of the best in bespoke and bohemian shopping – and all in delightful Yorkshire mill town settings. In this quaint corner of Calderdale, you’ll wander terraced streets flanked by peaceful canals and quirky eateries.
reserve is a significant site for breeding and wintering wildfowl, especially gadwalls, with activities for all ages. Ideal for kids, the 500-metre Discovery Trail allows for relaxed walking with fun attractions along the way.
10
Learn about local history
The Hepworth has an impressive collection, including works by LS Lowry, Martin Parr & Barbara Hepworth
9
Get back to nature Bird-botherers should make a beeline for Fairburn Ings. This RSPB nature
The National Coal Mining Museum at the former Hope Colliery commemorates one of the area’s key industries as it begins to pass slowly from living memory. Getting kitted out with a hard hat and battery lamp to step into the cage for a trip down into Hope Pit is a must for all ages. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love West Yorkshire for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
If you’re out and about shopping in West Yorkshire, don’t expect to get away emptyhanded. Bustling town centres are sure to seduce, while shopping malls brim with brand names. Better yet, the county has an unusually high proportion of independent boutiques, and anyone looking for local delicacies and fresh produce can fill their baskets at the many local markets.
Looking to save on shoe leather? Save your steps and flex your debit card instead by focusing on top shopping spots where stores of all sorts are lined up for your perusal.
West Yorkshire has a very high proportion of independent boutiques
You can easily get waylaid all afternoon at the Piece Hall in Halifax. At this gorgeous Georgian cloth hall, a huge central courtyard is surrounded by two floors of fantastic shops. You’ll find everything from homewares, jewellery and fashion to unique gifts, cosmetics and memorabilia.
Brown Paper Packages offers gifts and crafts by local and national artisans, with a focus on fancy homewares and interior design. The Yorkshire Gallery showcases contemporary artists and designers connected to West Yorkshire, and it’s hard to resist the
fine art and jewellery on display.
Jitterbug Jean is the place to go for vintage and Rockabilly style, specialising in swing dresses and accessories from brands like Hell Bunny and House of Disaster. Nearby, you’ll find more dresses at Indian Summer – an ethical clothing and homeware store where the clothes are made from repurposed saris or rayon that’s been produced as a by-product from the sugarcane industry. Meanwhile, House of 925’s regularly changing range of women’s clothing aims to offer something that’s ‘a little different from the high street’.
With the vinyl revival now well established, Loafers is the place to browse a range of genres and discover your next favourite record. The shop is full of iconic music artworks, and they also serve cakes alongside locally roasted Darkwoods Coffee.
One of the longest-standing traders at the Piece Hall is Creative Crystals, where they’ve been showcasing their wide range of gemstones, crystals and minerals for more than 30 years. You can buy the gems and minerals in polished or natural forms, and some have even been made into unique jewellery items.
Halifax & Huddersfield
In the heart of Halifax, Woolshops Shopping Centre hosts high-street names alongside fantastic independents. Family-run department store Harveys of Halifax has been around for more than 100 years and is dedicated to stocking clothing, beauty and homeware from the very best of brands including Barbour, Cath Kidston, Fjallraven and Armani.
The family-run Lister Horsfall jewellers, on Halifax’s Corn Market, is an essential stop if you’re in the market for high-quality Swiss watch brands and fine jewellery. Elsewhere in Halifax, Brown’s Family Jewellers on Southgate is home to an exquisite range of new, antique and vintage jewellery – with a seriously impressive range of pre-owned Rolex watches.
In Huddersfield, the town centre offers plenty of big brands including Primark and Pandora – but for something a bit different, you could try Byram Arcade, Huddersfield’s oldest. This Victorian haven for independent shopping covers three floors with homeware, fashion, arts, gifts and crafts. Numerous arts and music events take place within the Victorian setting throughout the year. If you want to take home something special and uniquely functional from your Yorkshire trip, visit McNair. Featured in pretty much any high-end magazine you care to mention,
their famous mountain shirts are handmade from premium materials including moleskin, corduroy and finest virgin merino lambswool. Their innovative and eco-friendly PlasmaDry treatment gives these traditional fabrics the heavy-weather performance of a waterproof jacket, all while looking seriously handsome. All this happens at their mill in Slaithwaite, outside Huddersfield, in a valley containing more than 1,000 years of wool craft and expertise. Make an appointment in advance to visit them.
The big boys are all here too, and West Yorkshire is well-endowed with shopping malls. For air-conditioned comfort, Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield is the home of Office, Waterstones and TK Maxx among many others. Similarly, if you’re looking for a broad range of the best high street brands, Wakefield’s Trinity Walk and Ridings Shopping Centres fit the bill. Trinity Walk is home to around 70 major stores including longstanding favourites like JD Sports, the HMV Shop, Lush, Next and Pandora. There’s l
L Woolshops, Halifax j Trinity Walk, Wakefield I A midweight merino overshirt from McNair
also a range of food and drink outlets for when you need that well-deserved rest.
Ridings Shopping Centre is rich in history and home to a five-screen, state-of-the-art cinema, as well as M&S, Boots, the Perfume Shop and Primark. It also boasts a large number of local independents. Browse the goodies at Hidden Treasures book and antique shop, or pick up handcrafted products by local makers at the Hummingbird Collective.
Wakefield
Wakefield’s city precincts centre on the huge Wakefield Cathedral. Nearby is Frank Bird menswear for the guys and Bonmarché for the gals. Check out the Double TWO factory shop for this long-standing local brand which specialises in men’s shirts, ties, formal and casual wear just on the outskirts of town by Thornes Park. Hungry yet? You’ll also enjoy great dining experiences at a wealth of eateries surrounding all the shopping areas.
Castleford is well worth a visit for a brilliant mix of independents and larger stores.
Junction 32 has a huge range of high-street outlet stores including Barbour, Levi’s and Lucy & Yak – all offering chunky discounts on their usual prices. If you’re looking to gear up for those rolling moorland walks, then this is the place to do it, with Blacks, Mountain
The Broadway in Bradford boasts a six-screen cinema for anyone who needs a break
Warehouse, Craghoppers and Regatta all on-site. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink including Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Subway. Travelling with non-shoppers of the large or small variety? Fear not – you can drop them off for fun and games at Xscape Yorkshire, which is opposite Junction 32.
Shopping centre heaven awaits at the Broadway in Bradford – celebrating its tenth birthday and looking as shiny as ever. Shop up a storm at over 90 stores including Superdry, H&M and New Look. Along with all the top fashion brands, there’s a six-screen cinema for anyone who needs a break. Also in Bradford, Forster Square Shopping Park is another place to find big brands, while you’ll find Bombay Stores – the largest Asian department store in Britain – on Shearbridge Road.
What could be more fun than hunting for treasures in picture-perfect towns? West l
The Broadway, Bradford
WITH OVER 90 RETAILERS INCLUDING RESTAURANTS AND THE LIGHT CINEMA TO SHOP, WATCH, EAT AND PLAY
VISIT BLACKER HALL FARM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Visit our Yorkshire family run Farm Shop and Restaurant in Wakefield, open seven days a week offering you award-winning fresh, seasonal and local produce from our own farm and other great local producers. Plus you can visit our family farm experience with animal feeding, outdoor games, activities and seasonal events.
Don’t miss:
•A hearty Yorkshire breakfast or Afternoon Tea in our Barn Kitchen restaurant.
•Our award-winning butchery
•The farm experience with animal feeding & games.
•Seasonal events such as sunflower picking, lamb bottle feeding, maize maze and many more
•Award-winning produce including homemade cakes, artisan pies or one of our 15 flavours of sausages!
Yorkshire is well known for its creativity and independent spirit, and there’s a thriving scene of impeccably curated independent boutiques throughout the area.
The epicentre of this trend is defiantly quirky Calderdale, where you’ve got the trio of treats that are Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge. All former mill towns that have reinvented themselves in a postindustrial era, each offers a unique range of bespoke and bohemian boutiques. The ‘dark Satanic mills’ of William Blake’s poem are long gone, and modern Calderdale is full of higgledy-piggledy terraces, repurposed industrial buildings, green community spaces and brightly painted houseboats jockeying for the best mooring spots along the canal.
Hebden Bridge hosts shops such as Element Jewellery for sparkly bespoke and designer pieces, or Spirals for ethical clothing, homeware and gifts. Rubyshoesday on Market Street is the place to get the comfiest shoes on the planet, and you’ll be all set for any child’s birthday with a visit to Totally Awesome, a quirky independent toy store.
At independent ladies’ store, Limited Boutique you’ll find all the latest fashion arrivals. Stock up on books and stationery at the Book Case indie bookshop or admire hand-made rugs at the Afghan Rug Shop.
Hat Therapy on Market Street offers just that, with bespoke designs by milliner Chrissie King. It’s also a popular stop for boaters on the Rochdale Canal. Explore classic furniture, old-timey oddments and much more over two floors at Hebden Bridge Antiques Centre in the old police station – a spot where Hebden Bridge locals love to source their most eccentric Christmas presents.
Dynamic Todmorden is the most up-andcoming town in Calderdale. For example, you’ll see evidence of the nationally renowned Incredible Edible project growing fruit and vegetables around the town. They’re available for everyone to share, in a project designed to bring the community together and promote sustainable living. Shoppingwise, for contemporary art, head to the Water Street Gallery to purchase ceramics, glass and limited-edition prints. The award for best shop name in town, meanwhile, goes to Tod Almighty vegan and vegetarian wholefoods.
The other side of Hebden, Sowerby Bridge has been a crossing point on the Calder and Ryburn rivers since the Middle Ages, and it offers a delightful town centre filled with independent shops and quaint eateries.
Saltaire and Shipley promise an array of fun shopping experiences. First up, head to Salts Mill for books, art and the l
Hebden Bridge Antiques Centre
The Shambles, Wetherby
3,000-square-foot treasure trove that is Carlton Antiques. Also in Salts Mill is the Early Music Shop, with the world’s largest selection of medieval and baroque musical instruments. We dare you to make it in and out without experiencing a sudden urge to take up the sopranino recorder.
For gifts, Radstudio on Saltaire’s Victoria Street offers a colourful display of mugs, cards and homewares, while the Little Craft House is the place to get all your yarns, needles and other crafty bits. Salt Pots Ceramic Studio is another hub for getting creative – hosting workshops, parties and even ‘crafternoon teas’.
After all that, it’s probably time for a beer, right? Just down the road in Shipley you’ll find the Triangle beer shop, a haven for hop lovers with more than 100 different craft beers to sample from all around the world. There’s even a first-floor gallery that, alas, is not called ‘Ale and Arty’, but really should be.
Wetherby is a shopper’s paradise with town centre streets packed full of boutiques. Delightful stone buildings house inviting shops selling everything from designer clothes to beautiful gifts.
Among the most popular is Olivia Grace Boutique, which provides fashionable and unique women’s clothing.
Wetherby’s traditional market is held every
Thursday from 9am–3pm, with everything from foodstuffs to household goods and pet supplies. Come the second Sunday of the month, there’s also an artisan market, where you’ll find all kinds of arts and crafts from local makers.
A suburb of Huddersfield, Lindley is a good spot for boutiques and homeware stores. Dress For Less opened 25 years ago in a converted Victorian Sunday school to fill a gap in the market for mid- to top-end fashion. Visit for clothes, shoes, hats, bags, jewellery, accessories and gifts – most of them heavily discounted. Spend time browsing for smaller shoppers in the much-loved Children’s Bookshop, which is so popular among locals that when it had to move unexpectedly in 2023, a crowdfunder raised thousands of pounds to cover the relocation costs. Pure Boutique is a fashion haven where they’ll sort you out with all the hottest small brands, from Mama B to One Season Australia.
The best advice for shopping in West Yorkshire is to leave yourself plenty of time! Here, modern shopping centres vie for attention with boutique-lined streets and quirky emporiums. At least you know you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for – and probably far more than you’ll ever manage to fit in your suitcase. ■
EATING OUT
This region is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs –so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
What’s on the menu in West Yorkshire? Prepare to ignite your taste buds with everything from French fine dining to hearty dishes at gastropubs. This culturally diverse feasting spot is also rich with international restaurants, so you’ll always find your favourite curry, sushi or stir fry. Best of all, the region’s fresh produce makes everything taste so much better. Awards are a dime a dozen
among West Yorkshire’s restaurants, along with winning reviews across popular publications. Time to put them to the taste test!
One of the district’s best-known gastropubs sits near Huddersfield in the tiny hamlet of Roydhouse, Shelley. Owned by the same family since 1968, the Three Acres has more than five decades of awards and accolades to its name. Chef Tom Davies makes scrumptious
dishes using market-fresh produce and artisan ingredients, with a long roster of celebrity guests including Stephen Fry and Rick Stein. On Boxing Day 2023, the whole business went up in flames – literally – with a devastating fire that could have spelled the end of the Three Acres, but thankfully it’s risen from the ashes and is due to reopen in May 2025
Eric’s Restaurant, in the suburb
Eric’s Restuarant in Lindley was voted North East Regional Restaurant of the Year by Good Food Guide
of Lindley, opened in 2010 and was voted North East Regional Restaurant of the Year by readers of the Good Food Guide. Owner Eric Paxman began his training at Huddersfield Technical College, followed by working worldwide, including under Marco Pierre White at his London restaurant L’Escargot. Eric’s is British fine dining served in a modern setting surrounded by Yorkshire art.
In Pontefract, the two AA Rosette Fleur de Lys Restaurant at the Wentbridge House Hotel offers a seasonally influenced menu to tempt all tastes. Chefs use locally sourced produce and the best of British ingredients to create a wide range of delicious dishes with a modern twist. And, if you’re a wine lover, you’ll appreciate the restaurant’s award-winning list with more than 200 options.
In the Holme Valley, Holmfirth town centre boasts a tasty and varied dining scene. Try Finley’s on Woodhead Road for an incredibly wide-ranging menu from swordfish to steaks and tapas to tempura – including a locally famous twoperson fish grill.
Just down the road in Honley, Punch Bar and Tapas thrills Spanish food fans with croquetas, squid and Iberico chorizo. Keep the theme going at Wakefield’s Qubana, where you’ll often find live music to accompany your tapas and grills.
There’s more Spanish food to be devoured in Huddersfield at Meson La Pepa. While you’re in town it’s hard to beat Med-One Lebanese restaurant, at the entrance to Huddersfield’s historic Byram Arcade. Tempt yourself with delights ranging from moussaka to butter bean stew to mezze and kebabs. It’s run by Syrian-born husband and wife team Khalil and Rojin Khalaf. The Apadana, meanwhile, offers Huddersfield’s answer to Persian cuisine, with Iranian-style dishes infused with cinnamon, saffron and dried limes.
Speaking of Persian food, Leila’s Kitchen in Hebden Bridge offers a vegan and vegetarian twist on its Iranian-born owner’s favourite dishes. Over near the Picture House,
Chef Eric Paxman worked under Marco Pierre White at his London restaurant
L’Escargot
Rim Nam Thai serves authentic curries, stir fries and noodle dishes in lively surroundings.
In Ilkley, The Box Tree is the one everyone talks about. It serves a classic French menu and is housed in one of the oldest buildings in town. It first opened in 1962 and quickly made a name with chefs Michael Truelove, Edward Denny, Marco Pierre White and Simon Gueller on board. Current head chef Brayden Davies has an impressive CV, with stints at Michelin-starred restaurants including the Raby Hunt, Northcote Manor and the Angel at Hetton. Ilkley’s beautiful Bistrot Pierre is situated within the Crescent Hotel, a stylish arc-shaped building that dates back to 1861. It’s here you can enjoy classic French-influenced dishes combined with seasonal delights and a top-notch drinks menu to boot.
When you’re in Wakefield city centre, get your fix of Thai and Vietnamese at Tết. The sophisticated venue thrills your palate with home-made duck spring rolls, katsu Thai-style bao buns and moreish tasting plates. Alternatively, Iris is a British brasserie where you can tuck into fancy but hearty dishes
like sugar pit bacon chop or smoked haddock scotch egg with nduja salsa.
For some of the best curries in the UK – never mind just West Yorkshire – make a beeline for Bradford. Karachi is one of the town’s originals for delicious and unpretentious authentic Pakistani food. Kipling’s is a great choice for Indian cuisine, with friendly staff and great-value dishes.
Prashad in Drighlington offers a more upmarket take on Indian food and was a finalist in Ramsay’s Best Restaurant competition in 2010. The dishes are based on Gujarati cuisine, and head chef Minal conjures up new and creative twists on old family favourites. Since its beginnings in a Bradford sidestreet in 1992, Prashad has grown into an award-winning restaurant, becoming the only two-star AA and Michelin Bib Gourmand Indian restaurant in Yorkshire.
In Huddersfield’s small centre you can take a global tour of tastes, starting with Thai Sakon. Beautifully presented dishes include names you might not recognise but ingredients you’ll love, like geaw tort – a deep-fried wonton filled with minced chicken, topped with sweet and sour chilli sauce.
Alternatively, take your appetite to Temujin, in Sowerby Bridge. Branding themselves as ‘Stir Fry Kings’, this is a Mongolian stir fry joint where you choose your own ingredients – including some unorthodox meat choices like crocodile and kangaroo – and they’ll whip it up in the kitchen.
For the best in West Yorkshire produce, pick a perch at one if the county’s friendly pubs. With luck, you might even get a moorland view to go with your pint and pie.
On the edge of the Colne Valley sits The Bulls Head, in Linthwaite, where Corsican co-owner Anthony Riboutin ensures an ever-changing menu of seasonal dishes. You can take in unmatched views over the valley while you tuck into the very best in traditional beer-battered cod and chef’s choice pies of the day. Also nestled in the Colne Valley, Marsden’s Olive Branch Inn is another one that offers stunning l
It doesn’t get much more farm-to-table than Rumpus in Slaithwaite
views over the dramatic landscape, serving up mouth-watering gastropub classics crafted with seasonal produce.
For a different sort of view across the Bradford skyline, book a table at Restaurant 1914 at The Alhambra Theatre. It’s renowned for service and style, along with meals created with the freshest seasonal produce, making it the perfect spot to grab a luxurious pre-theatre meal.
It doesn’t get much more farm-to-table than Rumpus in Slaithwaite, where the extensive menu of artisan burgers features beef from their own regenerative, high-welfare farm. Take a seat on the balcony with a cold beer and forgive your mouth for watering as the delicious smell of sizzling patties wafts in your direction.
Order home-made pies and hearty mains with produce sourced from the hills of Yorkshire. For pub grub that goes a step further, why not take your appetite to Farnley Tyas and the Golden Cock. The posh pub grub here includes dishes like wild mushroom bourguignon pie and scrumptious beef lasagne, all served with delectable local real ales and a whole lot of character. The Woodman Inn, in Thunderbridge, sits in a leafy setting and features the best local artisan produce to make your pub meal extra special.
A winner with diners for more than 40 years, the Kaye Arms serves delicious contemporary gastropub dishes in the countryside near Wakefield. And pubs don’t get l
L Prashad, Drighlington I Rumpus, Slaithwaite
much more traditional than the King’s Arms, in the smart village of Heath, near Wakey. The Grade II-listed building is a maze of cosy rooms and snugs, and you can enjoy your pub grub by the glow of the old gas lamps that still light the place.
Then there’s the 17th-century Shibden Mill Inn, which is located in a former corn and spinning mill. Your side salad comes straight from the kitchen garden and wonderful walks await on the doorstep – just in case that second helping was a mistake.
Betty’s of Harrogate is an absolute Yorkshire institution, and the famous café and tearoom has a branch in Ilkley. It’s a great place for a break from shopping in the town’s boutiques, especially if you’ve always wanted to try their speciality, traditional Yorkshire ‘Fat Rascals’. Many people choose them for the name alone, but the plump, fruity scones are a taste sensation too. Plus, they’re hand-decorated with cheeky cherry and almond faces. If that’s not your style, opt for a full afternoon tea complete with pink champagne.
For river views with your afternoon tea (or afternoon glass of wine if you’d prefer), Watergate Tea Rooms in Hebden Bridge offers a lovely terrace overlooking the River Calder. They specialise in quality home-made food without any additives, including soups, cakes and fancy afternoon teas on tiered plates.
If nothing but the most majestic backdrop will do, the Terrace Café at Harewood House is the one and only place to take yourself for tea. With views over acres of grounds – meticulously landscaped by the great Capability Brown – you can nibble on home-made sandwiches and cakes and perhaps wash it down with a glass of bubbly.
The hardest problem you’ll have in West Yorkshire is deciding whether you want posh pub grub, tantalising tapas or mouth-watering curry. This is the kind of place where the settings are often every bit as wonderful as the food, so make the most of it – and put the diet on hold until you get home. ■
The Shibden Mill Inn is located in a former corn and spinning mill
Only here for the weekend? here are some ideas for a memorable short break to West Yorkshire
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start by heading to Keighley in the north of the county – and whatever direction you come from, the scenery will have you hooked by the time you arrive. If you’ve travelled by train, you can alight at Keighley Station platform and step straight into the past, with its beautifully preserved ticket office and fittings.
And why not ride that nostalgic feeling a little further? Climb aboard The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and enjoy a change of pace as your steam locomotive chugs through the beautiful landscape. You could go all the way to Oxenhope, but today we’ll step off the train at Haworth – the home of the Brontë sisters.
There, you can walk the cobbled streets and visit the Parsonage where Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived and wrote. It might be time to take some refreshment at the Black Bull pub next to the parish church where their father Patrick was minister, or to look in at the Cabinet of Curiosities – a quirky boutique that was once the apothecary where their brother, Bramwell, bought his laudanum. Then take a good stroll out of town to the Brontë Waterfall and immerse yourself in the rugged moorland landscapes.
Leaving Brontë country behind, it’s time to take the train to Ilkley for an afternoon dip in the rejuvenating 1930s lido, before preparing for an amazing meal at the award-winning Box Tree restaurant – booked well in advance of course. Finish the evening with a nightcap at one of Ilkley’s lovely pubs, perhaps the Flying Duck or the Bar T’at.
DAY TWO
Invigorated by the moorland air and refreshing lido waters, head south to Halifax for day two. Trains run directly into town arriving outside Eureka!, which makes a perfect first stop if you’ve got youngsters with you. Specially designed for under-11s and featuring all kinds of interactive exhibits, you can busy their hands and minds with the science of life.
If this is a grownups-only trip, make straight for the colonnades of the splendid Piece Hall, where you can wonder at the architecture and shop ‘til you drop around the twotier courtyard full of independent shops. Don’t forget to step outside and enjoy Halifax’s Cultural Quarter, or spend some time trying to fathom out the escape room.
If you can stay late or stay over, the Piece Hall often has events on too, including occasional gigs from big-name artists.
For a rural vibe, hop on a local train to Colne Valley
For eats, you could try the picturesque Shibden Mill Inn, or perhaps head to Huddersfield for a change of scenery. It’s only a 20-minute drive or a short train ride away, and it offers plenty of great restaurants and bars. Huddersfield is also home to some cracking pubs, including the Sportsman, Head of Steam and King’s Head.
For a more rural vibe, hop on a local train to the Colne Valley and sample some of the bars and pubs in the charismatic villages of Slaithwaite and Marsden ■
Top Withens, Hayworth Moors
Culture vultures assemble! This region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
There aren’t many places that can match West Yorkshire for sheer creative energy. From thriving artist collectives and iconic independent music venues to world-famous contemporary art galleries and sculpture parks, this county is a quirky cultural hub like no other. You could catch a big-name touring show at a Victorian theatre, watch your favourite performer play an outdoor gig at a Georgian cloth hall, or attend a poetry slam in a basement bar somewhere in the Calder Valley.
The area is genuinely stacked
with live entertainment venues, and for many, the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford is the jewel in the crown. High-quality shows and facilities ensure its popularity with audiences and visiting artists. But it’s the mix of large and small venues that makes the cultural scene here so special – and right opposite The Alhambra you’ll find the Studio, a smaller theatre which seats 200 and often hosts comedy gigs. For music, Bradford’s St George’s Hall is a magnificent Grade 2-listed Victorian concert venue – and in fact it’s one of the oldest working
concert halls in the UK, having opened its doors in 1853.
Hosting a full programme of events including plays, tribute acts and big-name comedy tours, the Theatre Royal Wakefield puts West Yorkshire in the limelight. Some of the pantomimes and dramas are produced locally, but they also get a great range of touring shows.
When you’re visiting Huddersfield, book a ticket for a show at Lawrence Batley Theatre to see both developing and national talent strut their stuff on stage. Huddersfield Town Hall also has
The Alhambra Theatre — the jewel in Bradford’s crown. Opposite page: St George’s Hall
a fantastic programme of events, including comedy and tribute acts. Together with Dewsbury Town Hall, it’s one of the venues for the Kirklees Concert Season – a world-class series of classical concerts featuring professional musicians from the Opera North orchestra.
Halifax’s Victoria Theatre offers a fascinating history to go with creative dance shows, comedy acts and a whole host of musicals. Also in Halifax is one of the area’s most unusual theatres. Deep beneath the former industrial complex at Dean Clough Mills, The Viaduct Theatre is an atmospheric subterranean space for a mixed programme of touring productions, rock concerts and even TV shows.
Then, there’s King’s Hall and Winter Garden located in the centre of Ilkley, with a traditional Edwardian theatre that welcomes a variety of performances. While you’ll find plenty of big venues, every town – and many a village – has its own stage or two for community theatre, so keep your eye on community noticeboards.
Art and literature are cause for big celebrations in West Yorkshire too. Holmfirth Artweek and Holmfirth Arts Festival are among many small arts festivals across the district, with literature festivals also taking place in Bradford, Huddersfield and Ilkley.
Wakefield is home to a number of quirky festivals, too, including the phenomenal Rhubarb Festival in February, the Pontefract Liquorice Festival in July and seasonal Light Up celebrations in November.
If you’ve got even a passing interest in folk music then you’ll know the folk scene in West Yorkshire is huge. To experience some of it, keep an eye on the gig listings at independent venues like the Hebden Bridge Trades Club. Holmfirth Festival of Folk and Cleckheaton Folk Festival are just a couple of the opportunities to hear songs of social commentary in the region, and West Yorkshire festivals are almost always accompanied by a good turn-out of Morris dancers and other folk-dance troupes. What’s more, there are some much odder
folk events too, including the popular Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing in September and the traditional ‘Pace Egg’ Easter mumming play that takes place on Good Friday each year in Heptonstall.
While Maypole celebrations abound across the county, very few are accompanied by such a fiercely fought contest as in Gawthorpe, which is home to the World Coal Carrying Championships.
Alongside the charming vision of youngsters weaving coloured ribbons around the village Maypole on Easter Monday, you can witness true Yorkshire grit as burly men dash 1,012 metres carrying 50kg coal sacks on their backs. And it’s not just for the blokes – women lug 20kg sacks around the same route from the Royal Oak in Ossett to the Maypole Green.
This county wouldn’t be anything without its celebrations, and no visit would be complete without taking in a music festival. Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival takes place over 10 days of new and experimental music concerts, l
including theatre and dance. Also in Huddersfield, the worldfamous Mrs Sunderland Festival features competitive musical and spoken-word performances from individuals and groups. In 2025, there were more than 5,000 performances, culminating in a hotly contested final day featuring choirs from all over the country.
For a celebration of AfroCaribbean culture and music, don’t miss out on the Huddersfield Carnival, which had a fallow year in 2024 but is back with a big fundraising drive ready for 2025. Over in Wakefield, hit the Clarence Park Festival in July for DJs, bands and beer tents. It claims to be Yorkshire’s longest-running free music festival, so pop this one at the top of your list.
If you’re an art or history buff, West Yorkshire could have been made just for you – with its historic towns and a wealth of galleries and museums to discover.
Named after celebrated 20thcentury artist and Wakey native, Barbara Hepworth, the Hepworth
Wakefield hosts major exhibitions of the best international and contemporary art. Alongside these world-class temporary exhibitions, dedicated permanent galleries explore Hepworth’s art and creative processes – and it’s also home to the city art collection, featuring modern British works from the likes of Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, LS Lowry and Eva Rothschild.
Bradford is another top spot for contemporary art exhibitions. Impressions Gallery opened in 1972 as one of the first specialist photography galleries in Yorkshire. Originally located in York, it moved to Bradford in 2007. Pop in to see the thought-provoking works and revolving exhibitions. Out in Lister Park, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery showcases various exhibitions including a permanent display dedicated to the work of Bradfordborn David Hockney.
Former textile mill, now art gallery, shopping centre and restaurant complex, Salts Mill also boasts a substantial collection of work by David Hockney. Check out
paintings and photo collages with changing visiting exhibitions. While you’re there, the Early Music Shop offers the world’s largest selection of medieval, renaissance and baroque musical instruments, along with sheet music and accessories.
For an unusual historical experience, visit the Mental Health Museum on Wakefield’s Fieldhead Hospital site, where people are still treated today. Open seasonally, Bradford Police Museum provides a unique insight into the history of policing and the development of crime and punishment in the area. On the flip side, the Peace Museum at Salts Mill is believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK, where you can hear stories of peacemakers and social reform.
In Huddersfield, the Tolson Museum in Ravensknowle Park paints an intriguing picture of the district. Admire Roman finds and pieces from the Luddite rebellion, plus items from the suffragette movement and the museum’s famous Bird Room.
Kids and big kids alike love the l
The Hepworth, Wakefield
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Ilkley Toy Museum. The collection dates from 350BC and features exquisite teddy bears, toy cars and even 1980s Sindy dolls. Another top pick for kids is Eureka! National Children’s Museum in Halifax.
For total immersion in the history of the county, head to Colne Valley Museum. Four converted weavers’ cottages display working looms and host displays by re-enactors. Run almost entirely by volunteer enthusiasts, Calderdale Industrial Museum in Halifax houses a collection which represents the wide variety of industries that developed in Calderdale during the last 250 years.
When it comes to stunning architecture, there’s nothing like the great Yorkshire stone buildings of this county. You’ll admire endless mill terrace rows and the mighty colonnaded and Grade 1-listed Huddersfield Train Station. Here, train travellers step out onto the fabulous St George’s Square, flanked on all sides by towering stone buildings and overlooked by the
impressive statue of Britannia.
In Wakefield, the Grade 1-listed cathedral building was constructed on the site of a Saxon church. At 247 feet tall, its towering spire ensures it’s the tallest church in Yorkshire. Look closely to see fine medieval carvings that include animals and see the world’s most complete collection of stained glass by Charles Kempe. Another fascinating piece of religious architecture in Wakefield is The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin. It’s one of only three surviving bridge Chantries in the country.
Little Germany in Bradford is worth exploring for its impressive neoclassical buildings in the heart of the business district. The names of the streets give you a clear indication of the area where the German Jewish population arrived and set up business in the mid-19th century. Bradford Cathedral is the town’s oldest building, as a site for Christian worship since the 8th century.
Finally, no cultural run-down of West Yorkshire is complete without mentioning the incredible Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Its 500 acres of stunning fields and formal gardens showcase work by British and international artists including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Huge pieces are visible from afar, while others don’t reveal themselves until you’re right up close. For many of the works, it’s fine to succumb to the urge to touch or even sit on them, and new work is always being added. With a café, restaurant and plenty of lovely spots to picnic if the weather’s fine, it’s the kind of place where you could easily stay all day.
Whether you’re capturing memorable selfies with iconic sculptures, strolling past the grand architectural remains of the Industrial Revolution or joining in with a folk dance at a small-town festival, prepare to be enchanted by West Yorkshire’s arts and culture scene. ■
The nightlife in West Yorkshire is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
As the saying goes, ‘welcome to Wild West Yorkshire’. Night owls know they’ll always find a readymade party in the buzzing clubs and bars around here. Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax and Wakefield always deliver on a big night out, and there are live entertainment venues to satisfy any tastes. West Yorkshire is full of theatres, comedy clubs and gig venues – and if your ears don’t lead you to the best live music in the county, the locals probably will. Prefer a relaxing drink in the countryside? No problem, because nowhere does
For a chance to take in the locale with the locals, embark on the Transpennine Real Ale Trail
cosy country pubs like this corner of ‘God’s own county’.
For a chance to take in the locale with the locals, embark on the Transpennine Real Ale Trail, which follows the rail line from Huddersfield to Manchester. It’s a fabulous way to explore the real ale pubs along the line. Try the Head of Steam and Kings Head pubs right on Huddersfield station before hopping along down the line to Slaithwaite and Marsden. You could even extend the experience by continuing over the border into Lancashire or starting
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield. Opposite page: The Shoulder of Mutton, Slaithwaite
out from the marvellous West Riding Refreshment Rooms, at Dewsbury station.
Quite apart from ‘ale-trailing’, Slaithwaite and Marsden are delightful villages to spend an afternoon or evening in. Both have numerous spots to work your way around such as the Little Bridge wine bar, Shoulder of Mutton pub and the Hideaway Craft House.
In Marsden, walk down from the station to the centre and enjoy the Riverhead Brewery Tap. The New Inn serves up cask ales and homecooked grub, while the Little Lock is a cute canal-side hang-out with plenty of food and drink on offer.
Over in Honley, in the Holme Valley, Krafty bar has a nice line in craft gins as well as locally brewed beers. Along the valley is Holmfirth and the Nook Brewhouse – pretty much a rite of passage for anyone visiting the town.
Looking for something different once the sun goes down? Head to Wakefield for the bi-monthly Artwalk, where artists and musicians are invited by pubs and
even the cathedral to use their space to showcase work. Arts venues like The Hepworth Wakefield stay open late during the event too.
Wakefield Jazz, on a Friday night in out-of-town venue Wakefield Sports Club, is said to be one of the best jazz nights in the country. Then, there’s Marsden Jazz Festival, which is world-renowned for its weekend of jazz that takes over the Colne Valley village. Make no mistake, this is a region that loves its music, and you’re never far from folk nights and classical concert seasons.
Huddersfield
If you like your music a bit more modern, head to Huddersfield for plenty of toe-tapping choices. The Parish is a bit of a local institution, hosting a huge range of acts from metal and blues to tribute bands like the ‘Arctic Numpties’. Over at Small Seeds, gigs can encompass anything from reggae and folk to 80s rock and drum ‘n’ bass, with the Acoustic Club open mic sessions letting you unleash your own talent.
One of Huddersfield’s most famous live venues, Northern Quarter is an independent music and arts venue that features live music for all tastes.
With tribute bands such as the Rolling Stoned and big names like Dreadzone, it’s always worth checking the schedule at Picturedrome in Holmfirth. And many would argue that you can’t visit West Yorkshire without taking in a gig at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge – technically a socialist members’ co-operative rather than a commercial operation. It won the Northern Music Awards Inspirational Venue of the Year 2025, and for a small music venue it consistently punches way above its weight.
If your ideal evening involves the theatre, check out the Alhambra in Bradford. Don’t be surprised to see famous touring acts on the varied programme, including the likes of the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Wakefield’s equivalent is the Theatre Royal, and many of the smaller towns and villages have their own venues l
showcasing local performing talent. Choose your favourite cocktail at trendy bars or pub-hop across the West Yorkshire countryside –when only a big night out will do, clubbers are spoilt for choice.
Halifax is a popular haunt of night owls on the search for new bars, especially around the Piece Hall. However, you’ll find plenty of established favourites to try, too. The Victorian Craft Beer Café is just a stone’s throw from the Piece Hall and it’s a character-filled temple to beer. Just out of town, West Vale hosts the trendy Vine Bar, known for its impeccably mixed cocktails.
Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden are all rammed with great bars. Simply wander their tiny streets to take your pick. For starters, try the busy Old Gate bar and restaurant in Hebden Bridge, or Nelson’s Wine Bar for vegan dishes to go with your grapes. Cocktail fans make a beeline for KUJA, in Sowerby Bridge, where you can enjoy cocktails with plenty of theatre and dry ice. In Tod, locals
L Hebden Bridge j The Swan, Addingham
will probably steer you towards the Golden Lion – an eccentric pub, music venue and all-round community hub that always delivers good times.
Ilkley
Ilkley, too, has loads of lovely bars. For a dash of sophistication in a venue that’s for over 25s only, TGL Suites boutique hotel and bar tempts your drinking buds with botanically brewed tonics infused with homegrown herbs. Also in Ilkley, the Flying Duck is an oak-beamed early 18th-century farmhouse that’s now home to the Wharfedale Brewery. Hosting quiz nights and live music at select times of the month, you can also take brewery tours and enjoy hearty Yorkshire fare with beer that’s brewed literally a stone’s throw away.
And what could be better than strolling from pub to countryside pub? Well, this is the place to do it, starting in the village of Addingham near Ilkley. Top-ranked drinking holes include The Swan for quality
cask ales and The Lord Addingham along Main Street.
It’s also easy to find brilliant bars for nights out in Wakefield. Sitting just off the main drag, the Priory bar is a long-standing favourite that prides itself on fantastic cocktails and well-kept beers, while over at the Supper club, craft beers and high-end gins slip down alongside delicious build-your-own pizzas. Alternatively, you could head out of town to The Greenhouse at the Sandal Castle Centre, where you’ll choose from more than 100 spirits and liqueurs used to craft a creative range of cocktails.
Wakefield’s infamous Westgate Run was a big 90s trend, and it still tempts drinkers trying to manage a glass of ale in every pub along the main street route. Today many of the original pubs are gone, but you’ll still see the wonderfully tiled Elephant and Castle at the city end. The Redoubt still exists too, and has long been considered the traditional starting point just outside the city centre.
The living is easy at Vox Bar in
Huddersfield, where you can sit back with a craft beer or inventive cocktail, while a DJ pulls out the vinyl and spins retro tunes.
In Bradford’s Little Germany, some of the beautifully preserved buildings house pubs away from the city centre’s busy main drag. Elsewhere in town, North Parade is home to several real ale pubs, including the Peacock and the superb Boar & Fable. Among the most acclaimed of the bunch is the 4-time CAMRA award-winning Record Café, offering the tantalising combo of real ales, craft beer and vinyl music. Alternatively, head into the Victorian tunnels under Sunbridge Wells Road for a raft of pubs and other retail outlets in this funky development.
With so many late bars, you may not need a nightclub to take you into the wee hours, but if only bigger crowds will do, then there are places to find them. Coined as a quirky alternative to mainstream clubbing, Huddersfield’s Camel Club claims to have the biggest musical mixes to suit everyone.
Popworld Wakefield is the bestknown all-night venue in the city, but there are other spots that can give it a run for its money, including Club Nocturno. Westgate in general is a good place to find lively, loud nightspots ripe for a riotous night out. They can be packed out at peak times, but most open late, as do the venues along Westgate’s side streets.
And of course, one West Yorkshire nightclub is famous far beyond the county borders. We speak, of course, of the Acapulco Club in Halifax. Bringing the noise since 1961, the ‘Acca’ has become a legendary part of Yorkshire’s nightlife story, and it’s one of those things you just have to experience for yourself.
From stars treading the boards to local musicians livening up country pubs, there’s always something fun happening after dark in West Yorkshire. Hit the nightclubs when the mood strikes or simply cosy up in an intimate bar with cocktails. One thing’s for sure, this nightlife county will keep your holiday going well into the wee hours. ■
There’s more than enough to keep you busy, but a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
For big city nightlife, shopping and culture there’s easy access by train and bus to both Leeds and Manchester from all parts of West Yorkshire.
In fact, Leeds is West Yorkshire’s main city, but it’s such a buzzing metropolis that it needs a whole guide of its own. It’s home to Leeds Playhouse, Leeds United Football Club, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. There’s the fascinating Thackray Museum of Medicine, the Royal Armouries, Harewood House, Leeds City Museum, Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Leeds Art Gallery the Henry Moore Institute to keep you busy.
Shopping
Right in the city centre, Trinity Leeds provides covered shopping and leisure activities, or there’s the White Rose out-of-town shopping centre with the Village food and drink courtyard and an 11-screen IMAX cinema. For more big mall shopping, try Meadowhall towards Sheffield or the Trafford Centre towards Manchester.
The Corn Exchange, in the centre of Leeds, is home to bars, food, top-end fashion and other shops in a very special Victorian setting. And of course, there’s the Victoria Quarter, where you’ll be spoiled for high-end shops, food and drink including Harvey Nichols.
Further out of town there’s Kirkstall Abbey and Emmerdale Village, Esholt, with the Emmerdale Studio Experience
Leeds is West Yorkshire’s main city, but it’s such a buzzing metropolis that it needs a guide of its own
at Burley Road.
Heading up in to North Yorkshire, there’s lots to do in and around Thirsk, including the World of James Herriot – an attraction celebrating the life of the vet and author behind the All Creatures Great and Small books, which have done so much to increase Yorkshire’s profile around the world. If you’re a fan of the Channel 5 TV series based on the books, then you could head to the cute town of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales, where much of it was filmed.
In fact, West Yorkshire has three national parks on the doorstep. The Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Each one has its own character and must-visit beauty spots, including Malham Cove in the Dales, Stanage Edge in the Peaks and Roseberry Topping on the North York Moors.
Trinity Leeds provides extensive covered shopping and leisure activities
Cosmopolitan Manchester, home to Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs also has its own big indoor venue – the AO Arena. The Lowry theatre and art gallery is a must, and nearby is the stunning Daniel Libeskind-designed Imperial War Museum North. Spinningfields is the Manchester district to be in for upmarket bars and restaurants –try Albert’s Schloss, Australasia or The Alchemist.
Sheffield
Situated to the south, the city of Sheffield has a character all of its own. It boasts the Crucible Theatre, home of the World Snooker Championships. Magna Science Adventure Centre in nearby Rotherham explores the wonders of science and technology in four interactive pavilions – Air, Earth, Fire and Water – with particular interest in the steel industry.
Direct trains also run from many West Yorkshire towns to York – an ancient city where the olde worlde shopping street of the Shambles and the JORVIK Viking Centre will transport you back in time. There’s also great horse racing and the National Railway Museum on offer here.
You’re also within striking distance of both east and west coasts. On the east coast, popular spots include Whitby and Scarborough, while over in the west you’ve got Blackpool – one of the north’s most famous seaside towns with its iconic Pleasure Beach and seasonal illuminations. ■
PHOTO-FINISH
Hardcastle Crags is a wooded Pennine valley owned by the National Trust
