Many visitors to the UK don’t venture outside the behemoth that is the city of London. Indeed, there’s enough to see and do in the capital of England to keep you busy for weeks. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the biggest and busiest city in the UK, however, there’s a wealth of beautiful countryside villages and towns all across the country.
The beautiful county of Yorkshire, although not as well known to the rest of the world, was the largest in the country—so large it had to be split into four different counties.
From the former powerhouses of the Industrial Revolution in South and West Yorkshire to the traditional seaside towns of East Riding and the stunning scenery of the Dales in North Yorkshire, there’s something to suit every type of traveler.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best things to do in West Yorkshire. It’s a gritty county with moody weather, honest people, and a fascinating history, especially throughout the grim Victorian era.
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Where is West Yorkshire?
For those unfamiliar with UK geography, West Yorkshire is located in Northern England, roughly in the center of Britain. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Manchester, and you can travel by train from London in just over two hours. With a population of over 2 million, its main cities are Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield.
Things to Do in West Yorkshire
Visit Haworth Village – Home of the Famous Brontë Sisters
Have you ever heard of Wuthering Heights? Jane Eyre? Agnes Gray?
These immortal novels were written by the famous literary sisters Emily, Charlotte, and Anne Brontë during the Victorian era of Britain.
The sisters were born in Thornton, Bradford but grew up in the quaint village of Haworth, just 10km away. The building in which they grew up, Brontë Parsonage, is now a museum and home to the world’s largest collection of original Brontë memorabilia, including Charlotte’s honeymoon dress and childhood paintbox.
Besides the Parsonage, there are plenty of other historical sites related to the Brontë family. Located in the same area is Haworth Parish Church, where their father, Patrick Brontë, was a parish minister for 41 years. The church, which is free to visit, also houses the Brontë chapel and the crypt where some of the Brontë family is buried.
There is also the Haworth Old School Room where the whole family taught local school children. The building was also the venue for Charlotte and Arthur Bell Nicholls’ wedding.
For those with the energy, a walk through the beautiful countryside up to the Brontë Waterfall and onto Top Withens is a must. Top Withens is an abandoned farmhouse often associated with Wuthering Heights. While its direct connection to the novel has been debunked, the moors where the farmhouse is located likely inspired the novels of all three sisters.
Other than Brontë history, the village is famous for its steep cobbled road, home to numerous independent shops selling everything from arts, crafts, and handmade chocolate to nostalgic candy, as well as plenty of traditional pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Salts Mill, Saltaire
Salts Mill, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, is a hub for art, dining, and shopping, all housed within a remarkable historic building forever connected to the Industrial Revolution.
Opened in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt, the mill was the centerpiece of his visionary model village, designed to provide a healthier and more productive environment for his workers during an age of dirty and dangerous working conditions. Today, entrance to the mill is free, inviting visitors to explore its expansive collection of David Hockney artworks, browse independent retail outlets, and enjoy bustling restaurants and cafes.
Visitors can explore the mill’s history through the People and Process and Saltaire History exhibitions. The mill frequently hosts special events and exhibitions, featuring collaborations with notable Northern artists like photographer Kevin Cummins and poets Simon Armitage and Tony Harrison.
Salts Mill and the village of Saltaire today serve as a tribute to the philanthropic vision of Sir Titus Salt, connecting mid-19th century industrial and social history and architecture with modern art and culture.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway offers a charming journey through 150 years of history. This heritage railway climbs from Keighley through picturesque Pennine villages, ending at Oxenhope.
Opened in 1867, it was initially funded by local mill owners and later became part of the Midland Railway. After its closure in 1962, passionate volunteers reopened it in 1968.
Today, visitors can enjoy scenic rides, explore historical stations, and participate in special events like the annual Beer & Music Festival. The line is famously featured in the classic film “The Railway Children,” making it a beloved destination for rail enthusiasts and families.
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is one of northern England’s most picturesque towns, just a 20-minute drive from Haworth. It’s famous for its farmers markets, hippy-style culture, and steep scenic valley. Take a day trip to Hebden Bridge where you can really feel like a small-town local.
The town is perhaps best known for its liberal and progressive atmosphere, which earned it’s reputation as the ‘lesbian capital of the UK’, welcoming LGBTQ+ visitors just as warmly as cities like London and Brighton. The town’s creative spirit is reflected in its numerous independent shops, boutiques, and art galleries.
From Thursdays to Sundays, the Hebden Bridge open market showcases a variety of goods, local food produce, arts, and crafts amongst the most popular. The market has been operating since 1835 and brings in visitors from all over with its high-quality products made by local vendors.
Cheese enthusiasts should not miss The Cheese Counter for a delightful selection of cheeses and expert advice.
A walk along the Rochdale Canal offers a serene escape with views of narrow boats surrounded by lush greenery on the steep hills of the valley. For a more immersive nature experience, a visit to Hardcastle Crags is essential. Managed by the National Trust, this beautiful woodland valley features scenic walking trails and the historic Gibson Mill.
For a cultural touch, Hebden Bridge Picture House, a 1921 cinema, showcases independent films and classic movies in an Art Deco setting. Finally, Calder Holmes Park provides a relaxing outdoor space with scenic views, a playground, and a skate park, perfect for unwinding on a sunny day.
Leeds, The Metropolitan Hub of West Yorkshire
Leeds is the largest city in West Yorkshire and is a hotspot for shopping, arts, and culture. The city offers a mix of historical and modern attractions including plenty of museums, parks, and shopping centers.
For history buffs, the Royal Armouries Museum offers an impressive collection of arms and armor, including Henry VIII’s armor and modern-day movie props. Daily live shows and combat demonstrations bring history to life. It’s one of the best museums in Yorkshire to visit with kids.
There’s also Kirkstall Abbey, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries, providing a serene escape with its dramatic ruins and interactive visitor center.
Nearby, Roundhay Park, one of Europe’s largest city parks, boasts over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, and gardens. The park also hosts Tropical World, where visitors can explore rainforest environments and meet exotic animals.
Shopping enthusiasts can explore Trinity Leeds with its 120 shops, bars, and restaurants, or the historic Kirkgate Market, Europe’s largest indoor market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to unique crafts.
Art and culture thrive in Leeds. Street art is celebrated with works like Britain’s tallest mural, Athena Rising. The city also hosts numerous festivals, from international beer festivals to Europe’s biggest music events.
Go on a Day Trip to the Yorkshire Dales
While not located in West Yorkshire itself, the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Skipton, just over the border into North Yorkshire, is known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales.’
The town is home to Skipton Castle, a Grade I listed medieval castle built in 1090 and a small weekend market. A short drive from Skipton is Bolton Abbey, a picturesque estate best known for its spectacular 12th-century priory and adjacent river.
Driving further into the Dales takes you to Ingleton, a small country village surrounded by magnificent limestone countryside with deep caves and spectacular waterfalls. There are also wonderful climbing opportunities at Brimham Rocks, one of the best places in England for rock climbing.
Become a Local Sports Fan
Yorkshire’s local sports teams might not be the household names of Manchester and London, but if Yorkshire were a country, it would have placed twelfth in the 2012 Olympics medal table! Plenty of athletes hail from Yorkshire, and sports fans can catch a game of football, cricket, or rugby league at venues across the county.
Watch Leeds United play football at Elland Road or my team Bradford City at Valley Parade. Experience a day of cricket, often with fans dressed up in costumes, at Headingley Stadium, or learn the difference between rugby league and rugby union at a Bradford Bulls game.
You won’t find any fake fans at these venues, and the atmosphere is very much real for an even more authentic experience, find a local community cricket ground on a Saturday afternoon in the summer!
Whether you are exploring the historic Brontë village of Haworth, marveling at the art in Salts Mill, or riding the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, West Yorkshire has plenty of diverse experiences.
It’s best to visit West Yorkshire in the summer but Christmas time is also a wonderful time to visit due to the festive events across the county.
Just don’t forget your umbrella!