travel west yorkshire

All About Yorkshire

Explore West Yorkshire: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Explore West Yorkshire , a region where history resonates through vibrant cities, quaint towns, and rolling landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural buzz of Leeds , the literary legacy of Haworth , or the natural beauty of the Pennines , West Yorkshire offers a plethora of experiences. Discover a place where every corner tells a story, from ancient abbeys to modern museums, and find out why this captivating region is a must-visit for travellers seeking the essence of Yorkshire .

Cities in West Yorkshire

The largest city in West Yorkshire , Leeds is a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a thriving arts scene, numerous museums, and a vibrant nightlife. (Click for our Leeds visitors guide)

Known for its rich industrial past, Bradford boasts impressive architecture, the National Science and Media Museum , and a UNESCO City of Film designation. (Click for our Bradford visitors guide)

Explore Wakefield’s cultural offerings, including the Hepworth Wakefield Gallery , and its beautiful cathedral, set in a city with a strong historical essence. (Click for our Wakefield visitors guide)

Towns in West Yorkshire:

Known for its Five Rise Locks on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal , Bingley is a charming town that offers a mix of outdoor activities and historic sites. (Click for our Bingley visitors guide)

A town with a rich textile heritage, Dewsbury’s market is one of the best in the region, complemented by its historic minster and town hall. (Click for our Dewsbury visitors guide)

Discover Halifax’s industrial heritage, visit the iconic Piece Hall , and enjoy the town’s burgeoning cultural scene. (Click for our Halifax visitors guide)

Hebden Bridge

This vibrant town is known for its artistic community, independent shops, and stunning surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for visitors. (Click for our Hebden Bridge visitors guide)

Huddersfield

With its stunning Victorian architecture, Huddersfield offers a blend of history, shopping, and parks, including the beautiful Greenhead Park . (Click for our Huddersfield visitors guide)

Famous for its moorland and the ancient Ilkley Moor stones, Ilkley is a picturesque town that also boasts a renowned spa heritage. (Click for our Ilkley visitors guide)

Close to the Brontë Country , Keighley offers rich industrial heritage and is home to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway , a heritage steam line. (Click for our Keighley visitors guide)

A picturesque market town, Otley is set on the banks of the River Wharfe and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering numerous walking and cycling routes. (Click for our Otley visitors guide)

With Salts Mill and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire , Shipley is a town that blends cultural history with natural beauty. (Click for our Shipley visitors guide)

A historic market town, Wetherby is known for its racecourse, charming town centre, and scenic riverside walks. (Click for our Wetherby visitors guide)

Popular Places in West Yorkshire:

The charming village of Haworth is synonymous with the Brontë sisters , offering visitors a step back in time with its preserved cobbled streets and Brontë Parsonage Museum . (Click for our Haworth visitors guide)

Nestled in the Holme Valley , Holmfirth is famously associated with the long-running TV series “ Last of the Summer Wine ” and offers a charming visitor experience with its quaint shops and cafes. (Click for our Holmfirth visitors guide)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , Saltaire is famed for its well-preserved Victorian era Salt’s Mill and model village, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s industrial history. (Click for our Saltaire visitors guide)

Attractions in West Yorkshire:

• Kirkstall Abbey : Explore the ruins of this impressive 12th-century Cistercian monastery in Leeds, set in a beautiful public park (website) .
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park : Located in Wakefield, this open-air gallery showcases works by international artists, set within 500 acres of rolling countryside (website) .
• Royal Armouries Museum : Situated in Leeds, this national museum displays a vast collection of arms and armor from across the world (website) .

Activities in West Yorkshire:

• Walking and Hiking : With access to the Pennines and numerous country parks, West Yorkshire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Cultural Exploration : Dive into the region’s cultural offerings with theatre visits, art gallery tours, and museum explorations across its cities and towns.
• Historical Discovery : Uncover West Yorkshire’s past through its castles, historic homes, and heritage sites, offering insights into the county’s fascinating history.

West Yorkshire is a region that promises adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring urban centers, enjoying the great outdoors, or delving into history, this county offers a rich tapestry of experiences, ensuring every visitor leaves with lasting memories and a desire to return.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in West Yorkshire

15 Best Places to Visit in West Yorkshire

If you need the fun and culture of a city, Leeds should be your starting point in West Yorkshire, but the dales and moors in the countryside must not be missed.

Adding layers of interest and excitement to rural West Yorkshire is the roll call of cultural giants associated with these villages and towns, from the Brontë sisters to Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and J.M.W. Turner.

One look at the wild moors at Keighley and Haworth and you’ll be transported to Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.

If you’re into industrial history, Yorkshire was the wool capital of the world in the 1800s and lots of those imposing old mills are now listed buildings, converted into museums or local amenities.

This city was reborn in the 1990s, bouncing back from the decline of the textile industry that was its lifeblood to become the second largest financial centre in the UK. The two universities also give Leeds a youthful and alternative edge and it’s now a prosperous and dynamic city bursting with culture, dining, nightlife, shopping and sights.

You have to see the beautiful amenities built for the wealthy citizens in 19th century, like the Leeds Corn Exchange, the City Varieties Music Hall and Grand Theatre, or the exquisite shopping arcades.

The Exchange Quarter has become a stylish destination for nights out and dining, and there are first-class museums like the Royal Armouries and the Thackray Medical Museum.

2. Bradford

One of the big centres for the woollen textile industry, the city of Bradford has kept hold of a great deal of its 18th and 19th century heritage.

It doesn’t get grander than Little Germany, which got its name from the Germany Jewish merchants who constructed ornate warehouses to store and sell woollen goods manufactured in the local mills.

These magnificent buildings have been converted, so Little Germany is still a thriving commercial district, with offices and places to shop.

The Bradford Industrial Museum is in the former Moorside Mills and conserves printing and textile machinery, a lot of which has been kept in working order.

And if you’re partial to Indian and Pakistani food you can’t go wrong in Bradford, which has some of the best curry restaurants in England.

3. Wakefield

In industrial times Wakefield was a textiles and coal city: In the village of Overton just to the southwest is the riveting National Mining Museum, in the buildings of the old Caphouse Colliery.

For something more ancient, the spire of the medieval gothic cathedral is still the tallest structure in Wakefield, soaring to 75 metres.

The cathedral was restored in the 19th century but if you go into the choir you’ll be in the former chancel, which has 15th-century bosses carved into the ceiling.

Come back to modern times with the bold new Hepworth Gallery, named for the 20th-century sculptor Barbara Hepworth, a Wakefield native.

More than 40 of her works are on show, as well as pieces by Henry Moore, who was born in Wakefield’s Castleford district.

The large market town of Halifax has been spinning wool since the 1400s, and of course, this business really took off in the Industrial Revolution.

For a humungous slab of industrial history, Dean Clough was one of the world’s biggest carpet factories when it was built in the mid-1850s.

This Grade II-listed complex is slightly north of Halifax and along its half-mile length are now 150 local businesses, including a radio station.

Shibden Hall is an older delight, with a Tudor timber-framed facade, and a team of volunteers happy to recount stories about former occupants of a manor that goes back to the 1400s.

In the out-buildings are old workshops, preserving a traditional tannery, brewery, stables and basket-weaving shop.

5. Huddersfield

Now a university town, Huddersfield grew quickly in the 1700s when it was taken over by woollen textiles mills.

For a voyage back to industrial times you could book a barge ride through the 3-mile-long Standedge Tunnels on the old Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

The sandstone Castle Hill is just to the south of Huddersfield and was the site of some sort of fortification from the Bronze Age onwards.

In 1899, to celebrate Victoria’s record-breaking silver jubilee, a 30-metre stone tower was placed at the crest.

Make the walk for photo-worthy panoramas of Huddersfield laid out in the Holme and Colne valleys below.

In the 1700s the local spring was ascribed health-giving properties and Ilkley  became a spa town.

Wealthy people would come from far and wide to take “hydropathic” treatments, and one of these was Charles Darwin in 1859, at the very time On the Origin of Species was being published.

There’s still an upmarket atmosphere in Ilkley, underlined by the broad streets and sweet Victorian houses with independent shops, tea rooms and award-winning restaurants.

Now people stay in Ilkley to escape to the Yorkshire Dales, and the 84-mile Dales Way trail starts at the Old Bridge right by the centre of town.

Lastly, the All Saints Church is a blend of Victorian and medieval gothic architecture, but you need to look inside to see the three Saxon crosses, dating to the 8th century.

7. Saltaire

There was no such place as Saltaire until the 1850s when the industrialist Sir Titus Salt established his colossal woollen mill next to the River Aire and added streets of handsome cottages for his workers.

This model village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, “model” meaning a place of reference.

All of the houses in Saltaire are listed buildings, and the most protected is the Unified Reformed Church, with an Italianate Classical design drawn up by Salt himself.

In 1986 Jonathan Silver, the same man who helped to convert Halifax’s Dean Clough, bought Salt’s Mill and started turning it into shops, offices and leisure facilities.

Don’t miss the gallery devoted to David Hockney, a native of Bradford.

8. Keighley

If ever there were a location that crystallises the spirit of the Brontë novels it’s Keighley.

The National Trust property East Riddelsden Hall has actually been  a shooting location for a TV adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.

While the countryside of the Keighley Moors and Airedale has the rugged sandstone hills that may send you into romantic reverie.

Or you could sit back and watch the beautiful Worth Valley roll by on the Keighley and Worth Valley Heritage Railway, which still uses steam and diesel locomotives.

In a moody Victorian manor is the Cliffe Castle Museum, which has all kinds of interesting oddities like Victorian costume, fossils, an Egyptian mummy, a mineral collection and machinery and tools relating to local trades and industry.

9. Pontefract

At one time the market town of Pontefract was said to have had the most pubs per square mile in Britain.

While that can’t be true today there are lots of establishments to call in on for a pint and some warming grub.

The big landmark is Pontefract Castle, which has been an eerie ruin since the 17th-century English Civil War when the royalist forces were besieged several times by the Parliamentarians.

Earlier, King Richard II is claimed to have died in Pontefract Castle, and his supposed death at this place is mentioned in Shakespeare’s Richard III.

10. Haworth

Then immerse yourself even more in the mysterious world of the Brontë sisters at Haworth, where the former Brontë family property has been kept as a museum.

All the three sisters spent the majority of their lives in this very house, and nearly all of the objects in the rooms belonged to them.

Hike along the nature trail over the moors to the Brontë Waterfall, a picturesque walk southwest of the village.

You could also show yourself around the Haworth parish church, where their father Patrick Brontë was the minister until 1861.

11. Hebden Bridge

Simultaneously picturesque and defiantly alternative, Hebden Bridge is populated by artists and new age types.

The market town is described as the lesbian capital of the UK, home to a women-only disco and fabled music venue, the Trades Club.

The likes of Damo Suzuki, Nico and Patti Smith have all played here.

If you’re feeling fit you can make the climb up the steep hill to the village of Heptonstall.

Road traffic is banned in this adorable little settlement so if you do come by car you’ll need to park up outside and enter the cobblestone lanes on foot.

In the secondary graveyard at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church is the burial place of the beloved American poet Sylvia Plath.

12. Holmfirth

An adorable little town folded into the Peak District’s heather moorland, Holmfirth is all sandstone cottages and townhouses.

The fondly-remembered BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine was filmed in the countryside and outside buildings around Holmfirth.

Many people find themselves in the town for a gig at the Picturedrome, an old cinema converted into a live music venue where artists like Adam Ant and the Buzzcocks have all played.

While others come for the the access to the majestic, undulating landscapes of the Holme Valley, a rambler’s dream.

Nestling in the Wharfdale valley, Otley’s a pretty town that J.M.W. Turner would often visit to paint and see his patron, Walter Ramsden Fawkes.

Weave your way up through forest, heather and meadows to the summit of the Chevin, a 282-metre escarpment.

On the way up there’s a megalithic boundary of big sandstone slabs lining the path.

At “surprise view” you’re granted exhilarating vistas over Otley and lower Wharfdale, which opens out behind.

The River Wharf is beautiful in Otley and a lot of the north bank is parkland taking in the weir and the solemn old tannery and wool mills by the water.

14. Kirkstall

Your main motivation to drive or get the train from Leeds City Centre to this northwestern suburb is for Kirkstall Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery that was left to fall into ruin after the 16th-century Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Despite being abandoned for 500 years the ruins are remarkably complete and great fun to explore, as the cloister, chapter house and church nave are all easy to identify.

J.M.W. Turner also painted this scene in the 1797.

15. Wetherby

The meandering River Wharfe in Wetherby is uncommonly picturesque and you can get down to the banks to see their weir and a large gear from a mill that used to stand here.

The subject of most photos is Wetherby Bridge, which was built in the 1200s and was once on the Great North Road, running from London to Edinburgh.

J.M.W. Turner came by in 1816 and painted this very scene.

The local Wetherby Racecourse was known for being the only course in Yorkshire that not only hosted national hunt (jump) meetings, but put on its first flat race 2015.

15 Best Places to Visit in West Yorkshire:

• Huddersfield
• Hebden Bridge

Places to visit in West Yorkshire

The charming northern county of West Yorkshire promises vibrant cities, industrial heritage towns and pretty Pennine villages in equal doses. There’s no shortage of things to do in West Yorkshire. Drop into cosmopolitan Leeds for museums and galleries and elegant shopping centres, feel the wind in your hair on Pennine trails and cycle ways, visit Bradford for Victorian industrial heritage and grand city parks, or pack a copy of Wuthering Heights and head to Haworth to explore Brontë-country villages and vales in this inspiring literary county. With so many places to visit in West Yorkshire, you’ll soon be planning your return trip.

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24 hours in Leeds

Victorian warehouses and shiny 21st-century architecture collide to awesome effect in this gritty Yorkshire city.

See the light at the end of the tunnel

Standedge Tunnel, in the heart of the Pennine countryside, is the longest canal tunnel in Britain.

Location: Marsden, Yorkshire

Nine floors of silver-screens

A visit to the National Media Museum is a must if you love photography, film, television, animation, gaming or the internet.

Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire

Life in Victorian Bradford

Founded by Sir Titus Salt in 1853, Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a living, working 19th century village.

Location: Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Ride the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

This exciting heritage steam railway runs through the picturesque Yorkshire countryside where the classic movie The Railway Children was filmed.

Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire

Walk in the footsteps of the famous Brontë sisters

Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and explore the beautiful home and surroundings that inspired classic Brontë novels.

Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire

Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries

Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Splash your cash in Victoria Leeds

A haven for designer brands, Victoria Leeds is the destination for luxury shopping.

Embrace the pop-up dining trend at Trinity Kitchen

Take your pick from a mix of vibrant restaurants and street food vans all under one roof.

Visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle

Celebrate 200 of the world’s greatest artists at 4 leading arts venues in Yorkshire.

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Raise a glass of English wine at Holmfirth Vineyard

How about a glass of English wine? That’s award-winning English wine. Come to Holmfirth Vineyard and discover their home-grown delight.

Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Enjoy a tipple at Pure Cider North

Cider anyone? Head to Deanhouse Farm, nestled in the Holme Valley and enjoy a sup or two of local, artisan cider producer, Rob North’s passion.

Visit England’s highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel

All aboard! Take a seat on the glass topped boat and take a journey into the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the country.

Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire

Calling all food lovers to Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival

A weekend of tasty treats, markets, live music and entertainment in Holmfirth.

November events: Get inspired at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

Listen along to amazing performances at the UK’s largest international festival of new and experimental music.

Location: Huddersfield , West Yorkshire

Take in a weekend of jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival

Hear old school traditional to cutting-edge contemporary jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival.

July events: Holmfirth Art Week

Over 400 artists combine art, music, comedy, theatre and literature for the UK's largest open art exhibition.

Explore an ecological paradise at Marsden Moor

Walk, cycle or climb your way across this rugged wild landscape steeped in history that has inspired people since prehistoric times.

Industry meets art at Salts Mill

Packed to its Victorian rafters with independent traders and the largest collection of David Hockney’s work.

Make yourself at home at Harewood House

This 18th century home is filled with fine art and surrounded by gardens and parkland that is home to many animals including flamingos and penguins.

Location: Harewood, West Yorkshire

Explore the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey

This atmospheric 12th-century abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain, surrounded by tranquil tree-filled parkland.

Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Unleash your inner explorer at Tropical World

Set off on a journey through the jungle, the desert and below the surface of the water to discover all of the creatures who call them home.

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A grand gothic cathedral, Viking heritage and Roman city walls. York is quite literally steeped in history. This North Yorkshire city can be seen from every angle.

Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate

With its patchwork green valleys, craggy cliff faces and farmland laced with limestone walls, it’s little wonder that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a film star in its own right.

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West Yorkshire

• 1 Cities, towns and villages
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1 Bus companies
• 3.2 Train companies

West Yorkshire is a county in Yorkshire in the north of England. It's largely urban, but with a surprising amount of countryside, especially in the Pennine hills to the west.

Cities, towns and villages [ edit ]

West Yorkshire is nowadays a county in name only, as it comprises five metropolitan districts with no county level of government. It's convenient here to describe it in terms of those five, since transport routes radiate and visitor amenities cluster in that way. The five districts are Leeds , Bradford , Wakefield , Calderdale and Kirklees .

• 53.799722 -1.549167 1 Leeds is Yorkshire's biggest city and main transport hub. It makes its money from IT, finance and law, and has a large university quarter. It has the best shopping, dining and drinking, and a modern art gallery. Within the district are:
• 53.8 -1.75206 4 Bradford , the second-largest city in West Yorkshire, hosts the National Media Museum and has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and pubs. Within the district are:
• 53.6801 -1.492 10 Wakefield is home to the Hepworth, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Mining Museum. Within it:
• 53.725 -1.863 12 Halifax , the chief town of Calderdale district, has "Piece Hall", a well-preserved 18th-century market place, and Eureka children's science museum.
• 53.645 -1.7798 15 Huddersfield is the chief town of Kirklees district. Within the district are:

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

53.866111 -1.660833 1 Leeds-Bradford Airport ( LBA  IATA ) is the major airport in the area. It's a base for budget airline Jet2, and also served by Ryanair, and has decent connections across western Europe. But it's not on the rail or motorway network, and from the point of view of Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees it's the wrong side of the Leeds-Bradford sprawling metropolis.

Manchester Airport ( MAN  IATA ) has global connections, competitive fares, and is linked by frequent fast trains to all the main towns of West Yorkshire.

By train [ edit ]

Trains from London Kings Cross run direct every 30 min to Wakefield (2 hr) and Leeds (2 hr 20) min. Change at Leeds for Bradford (total 3 hrs, Huddersfield (3 hr) and Halifax (3 hr 20). Huddersfield and Halifax can also be reached in similar time from London Euston , changing at Manchester Piccadilly.

Transpennine services every 30 mins link Manchester Airport and Piccadilly to Huddersfield and Leeds, continuing to York and Middlesbrough.

Hourly cross-country trains run south from Leeds and Wakefield to Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham, Bristol and Plymouth; and north to York, Durham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

By bus [ edit ]

All the main towns have a direct National Express coach daily to London Victoria, about 7 hours. Most other destinations involve changing at Leeds.

Fast buses ply between Leeds, York, Hull and Manchester. The slightly more leisurely Yorkshire Coastliner } runs from Leeds via Tadcaster, York and Malton to the seaside resorts of Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington and Whitby.

Get around [ edit ]

West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive provide rail and local bus information on their website, and offers the innovative " My Next Bus " service of real-time bus information online or by text message. This real-time information is also displayed in certain bus shelters.

There are a number of different day rovers available that give unlimited travel in the West Yorkshire region, including a Train Day Rover (£7.50), Family Day Rover (£12.20) and a Day Rover (valid on both buses and trains, £8.20) full details are available on the National Rail Enquires Website . Prices accurate from November 2018

West Yorkshire Metro also operate multi-operator MCards (similar to London's Oyster Card system), which can be used for bus travel and rail travel; find more information on the MCard website

Bus companies [ edit ]

In West Yorkshire, several bus companies cater to the local area, and many offer West Yorkshire tickets, such as Arriva Yorkshire , First Leeds , First Bradford , First Halifax, Calder Valley & Huddersfield (a West Yorkshire ticket is valid on all First West Yorkshire buses) and The Keighley Bus Company .

Check out the following network maps to see where your single operator tickets get you:

Arriva Yorkshire

Other bus companies include Yorkshire Tiger, Connexions Buses and Stagecoach, but most of these companies only operate in a single town or city and therefore do not offer pan-network tickets

Train companies [ edit ]

In West Yorkshire, many train companies operate the local network, most services are run by Northern . However, TransPennine Express operate regular services between Leeds and Manchester through Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield , and some services to Hull . Additionally, Cross Country operate services between Leeds and Wakefield . Services less run are Grand Central services between Bradford and London Kings Cross through West Yorkshire towns and cities Bradford , Low Moor, Halifax , Brighouse, Mirfield and Wakefield .

See [ edit ]

• Leeds: the Civic Quarter, great Victorian market hall, and new Victoria Arcade.
• Bradford: the National Science & Media Museum, and the nearby model mill town of Saltaire.
• Wakefield has the Hepworth Gallery and Sculpture Park.
• Pennine villages such as Haworth, Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall.

Do [ edit ]

• Go down a coal mine at Wakefield's National Mining Museum.
• Watch football: Leeds United play in the Premier League and Huddersfield Town in the Championship. Bradford City play in League Two.
• Go to the races at Wetherby (mostly jumps, in winter) or at Pontefract (flat-racing in summer).
• Walk the moors, but on Ilka Moor baht 'at at your peril. The Pennine Way runs along the western border of the county.

Eat [ edit ]

• Leeds has just about every cuisine you could wish for, in all price ranges.
• Bradford is famous for its curry houses - mostly little cafes, nothing grand.

Drink [ edit ]

• Leeds has lots of pubs in city centre and in the university area of Headingley.
• Wakefield "Westgate Run" isn't what it used to be, but there's lots to go at.

Sleep [ edit ]

Leeds has the main concentration. The other cities are geared for business rather than leisure travel, with mid-range chains near the motorway junctions.

Go next [ edit ]

• Yorkshire Dales National Park starts a little way north beyond Skipton : attractive sculpted limestone scenery.
• York is one of Britain's few walled cities, with excellent museums and a castle.
• Manchester is just an hour away across the Pennines.

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West Yorkshire

Metropolitan county, places in west yorkshire, links to useful west yorkshire websites,  metro website., emergency services, also in yorkshire.guide.

9 Beautiful Circular Walks In West Yorkshire

Last Updated on 12/03/2023

Are you looking for an outdoor adventure or weekend walks in West Yorkshire? Look no further!

This round-up of the nine best circular walks in West Yorkshire has something for everyone. From easy terrain to more challenging routes.

Whether you’re a local resident, visitor, or just passing through, these beautiful circular walks offer stunning scenery and plenty of fresh air.

So, grab your walking boots and get ready to explore some of the most picturesque trails in the region!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

Walks In West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire is an ideal region for walking and hiking. It boasts stunning natural scenery, a rich cultural history, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

From the rugged Pennine hills to the tranquil valleys of Calderdale, this part of Yorkshire has something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike.

So, if you’re looking for your next great adventure in the outdoors, here are some of the best walks in West Yorkshire!

Circular Walks in West Yorkshire

For Yorkshire residents looking to get outdoors, there’s no better way than exploring the many beautiful circular walks in Yorkshire.

And if you’re looking for places to walk in Yorkshire, make sure you don’t overlook the West Yorkshire region!

West Yorkshire has some incredible scenery and country walks, which are often overlooked. You can find some of the best walks in Yorkshire in West Yorkshire!

Here are nine of the best circular walks in West Yorkshire that will satisfy your every outdoor craving!

Tong And Fulneck

Distance: 5 miles/8km Approx time: 2hrs minimum Terrain: Good field and woodland paths Parking: Street parking on the edge of the village, BD4 0RT

Fulneck was founded as a Movarian settlement in 1744.

This non-conformist group built some incredible buildings, including a chapel, communal houses, and schools. You’ll be able to see examples of their architecture on the walk.

You’ll start and end your walk in the village of Tong. In between the two villages you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some picturesque rolling countryside.

Be sure to pick up an ice cream from Goodall’s of Tong at the end of your walk!

For full details of the route, see here .

Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5km Approx time: 1hr15 minimum Terrain: Good tracks and woodland paths Parking: Roadside parking BD12 8LA

If you’re looking for a woodland retreat, Judy Woods is the ideal route.

Although the perfect spot for peaceful respite today, this wood bears the scars of an industrial past.

The remains of collapsed mining pits can still be seen, and the expanse of beech trees stems from the 18th century textile industry. They were planted to become spindles and bobbins!

This walk will give you an opportunity to appreciate just how expansive Judy Woods is. It will also take you through some of the pleasant surrounding countryside.

Bingley, Five Rise Locks and St Ives Estate

Distance: 7.5 miles/12km Approx time: 3hrs minimum Terrain: Good paths but steep terrain Parking: Pay and display car parks, BD16 2NB or BD16 2NA

One of my favourite local walks, this route features a number of impressive sights.

The spectacular viewpoint of Druid’s Altar requires a challenging climb but offers stunning panoramic views.

Plus, the pretty St Ives Estate features a number of sculptures and points of interest along the walk.

While you’re in the area, you need to look at the Five Rise Locks . The impressive staircase of locks is the steepest in the UK.

These locks lift travellers of the Leeds and Liverpool canal almost 60 feet in only 320 feet of canal and it takes about 30 minutes to navigate!

Farnley Tyas and Castle Hill

Distance: 5.5 miles/9km Approx time: 2h15 minimum Terrain: Field paths, road walking, and several stiles Parking: Roadside parking next to recreational ground, HD4 6TZ

The pretty hilltop village of Farnley Tyas boasts some spectacular views of the surrounding rural countryside.

On this walk, you’ll be able to appreciate the peace of the local area, which is dominated by farmland.

It is worth extending your walk to admire the Jubilee Tower, perched atop Castle Hill.

This tower was built in 1898 to commemorate the 60 years of Queen Victoria’s reign. For a small fee, you can climb the tower and admire spectacular views for miles around.

Bretton Hall

Distance: 3 miles/5km Approx time: 1hr15 minimum Terrain: Good paths and tracks Parking: Pay and display car park, S75 4BY

The impressive Bretton estate has belonged to only three families in over half a millennium.

The current hall was built in 1720 and served a prestigious school of arts between 1949 and 2007. Today, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park continues this legacy.

This walk will give you an opportunity to admire the Hall and the surrounding sculptures. It’s easy to see how the beautiful landscape inspired the arts!

Newmillerdam

Distance: 4.5 miles/7km Approx time: 1hr30 minimum Terrain: Good lakeside and woodland paths Parking: Pay and display car park, WF2 6QQ

This picturesque walk takes you around the Newmillerdam millpond and through secluded woodland.

Newmillerdam takes its name from the construction of a 13th-century corn mill. Despite having seen several reincarnations, the mill continued to operate here until 1960.

This gentle stroll gives you an opportunity to appreciate the beautiful country park. Within the woodland, you can discover the remnants of the milling past along the route.

Walton Heronry

Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5km Approx time: 1hr15 minimum Terrain: Good paths and tracks Parking: Pay and display car park, WF4 2EB

Walton Hall is a beautiful grade II listed building situated on a lake island and accessed by a cast-iron bridge.

It was the home of Charles Waterton, born 1782, who was an environmentalist well ahead of his time. He turned the grounds of the estate into what was possibly the world’s first nature reserve!

This walk takes you around the grounds of the estate. You can still spot descendants of the herons purchased by Waterton in the heronry today.

This diverse walk will take you beyond the lakes, through marshland, woodland, and fields on a pretty tour of Waterton’s legacy.

Standedge Circuit

Distance: 10 miles/16km Approx time: Five hours Terrain: Clear moorland paths with some steep ascents Parking: Marsden Moor car park HD7 6AX

Marsden Moor is in the South Pennines, sitting on the border between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. It is a huge expanse of moorland that stretches more than 5000 acres.

The moor has many walking routes for people to enjoy the incredible views.

There are circular walks which take in different sections of the moor or long-distance walks for day hikes that include sections of the Pennine Way.

If you want to see most of the Marsden Moor sights on one trip, the best route to take is the Standedge Circuit. This route is challenging, but the incredible views are so rewarding!

Haworth to Top Withens Circular Walk

Distance: 8 miles/13km Approx time: Four hours Terrain: Clear and easy to follow paths with no stiles, but does include stepping stones over the beck and a few steep uphill sections Parking: Brontë Parsonage Museum Pay & Display Car Park BD22 8DS

Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse located on the West Yorkshire moors, four miles from Haworth.

The site has become a literary landmark that attracts visitors from around the world, due to its connection to the Brontë sisters.

The sisters apparently frequented the farmhouse on their walks through the moors. So much so that Top Withens supposedly provided the inspiration for the Earnshaw family home in Emily Brontë’s classic,  Wuthering Heights .

You can walk in the Brontë footsteps and enjoy a scenic moorland walk from Haworth. The route will take you around 90 to 120 minutes to arrive at Top Withens. Allow around four hours for the full circular walk at a steady pace.

Beautiful Walks in West Yorkshire

So, these are just some of my favourite circular walks in West Yorkshire. Is your favourite one on the list?

I’m always keen to try new West Yorkshire walks, so let me know your recommendations in the comments!

Want More Beautiful Walks?

Do you want to explore more beautiful walks across the UK? Check out these brilliant guides for more ideas!

• 50 Walks in West Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire Countryside: Country Walks on City Fringes
• Calderdale and South Pennines in the Yorkshire Pennines
• 50 Walks in the Yorkshire Dales
• 50 Walks in the Peak District
• 50 Walks in the Lake District
• 50 Walks in the Cotswolds
• 50 Walks in Snowdonia and North Wales
• 50 Walks in Cornwall

Before You Go

So, here are my favourite circular walks in West Yorkshire! Which of these West Yorkshire walks will you be taking on first? Let me know in the comments!

And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!

Until our next adventure,

You might also like…

P.S. Love it? Pin it!

If you like this guide to the best circular walks in West Yorkshire, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  Yorkshire walking guides .

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

46 thoughts on “9 Beautiful Circular Walks In West Yorkshire”

Such a great and informative post. Thanks for sharing details on parking and time to walk through. The Five Rise Locks and St Ives Estate looks like that would be my first stop. Pinning for when I go. Thanks for sharing.

The Five Rise Locks is my favourite! It’s a beautiful walk with a lot to see on the route. I’m keen to do it again soon! I hope you get an opportunity to try them out!

I spent some time in the UK last Summer and I loved it but your post has me itching to go back.

We are lucky to have some really beautiful countryside in the UK! I hope you’re able to visit again soon!

These all look and sound lovely! I do like a good loop walk and i flipping love Yorkshire! I guess the best part is that afterwards you can have a fab lunch (including yorkshire puddings) in a pub!!

Yes!! Can’t beat pub grub! That is one of the many advantages of living in Yorkshire…you’re never far from a pub! It’s definitely the best way to end a walk!

Looks so peaceful and lovely, almost like a painting. Thank you for sharing!

It is really stunning! I’m so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside! Despite the industrial history of the area, we still have a lot of beautiful rural escapes.

Your photo for ‘Bingley, Five Rise Locks and St Ives Estate’ has totally inspired to do that walk. It just looks idyllic! I hope to travel to the UK again in 2021, and I’m saving+pinning your blog for future travel planning.

That one is my favourite of all of the walks. There’s so much to see on the route! The hill is a little challenging but the views from Druid’s Altar are worth it! It’s exciting to hear you’re planning a return trip to the UK! Good luck with your travel planning and feel free to get in touch if you need any tips!

Such beautiful walks, thank you! Can’t wait to come back to England…

I hope you’re able to come back soon and try some of them out! There are some really beautiful places around to take some beautiful walks!

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The statues at Breton Hall look rather interesting! I love to walk and take pics. These don’t seem particularly strenuous either for a nice afternoon stroll.

The statues are incredible. The walk takes you through the Yorkshire Sculpture Park which has different exhibitions on at different times of the year, so it is different every time you go! It is a lovely place to wander and admire the sculptures.

I haven’t visited West Yorkshire yet, but I’d love to. I’d definitely be interested in Walton Heronry as the scenery alone looks beautiful and peaceful!

There are so many beautiful places in west Yorkshire, I hope you get an opportunity to visit! Walton Heronry is a lovely walk! It is so serene!

Love this! I can’t think of a better way to explore and area than by foot. I live in the Cotswolds and spent this summer exploring all of my local footpaths including a number of the long distance paths like the Cotswold Way and Diamond Way. I really need to get up to Yorkshire, it looks so beautiful!

Ah I love the Cotswolds! What a beautiful part of the UK! I’m heading there this weekend for my birthday in fact! I hope you get an opportunity to visit Yorkshire soon and try out some of these walks for yourself!

Love this curated list and guide of the best circular walks in West Yorkshire! Would love to hike all of them…nature is so good for the soul!

Ah I agree! I think a good hike has solved all the problems I’ve encountered! These circular walks in West Yorkshire are some of my favourites. I’m glad you love them too!

An afternoon walk in Yorkshire sounds like a perfect way to get out & explore the countryside! Thanks so much for sharing!

A walk is definitely the best way to discover Yorkshire! West Yorkshire in particular has some incredible hidden countryside that is often overlooked! Thanks for reading!

love this list.. and I appreciate your include description of the terrain…pinning the post for a hopeful visit in the future..and I might copy your way of organizing information..so easy to read and digest…

Thanks Jennifer! I’m glad you found the guide useful and the information easy to digest! I hope you get an opportunity to visit sometime soon!

I am OBSESSED with walking loops. This is such a great list! So much better than what I would find on the All Trails map. Thanks for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

A circular walk is so much more satisfying, isn’t it? Otherwise, you reach the end of your trail and face the reality you have to walk all the way back again! I’m glad you like this list! Thanks for reading!

These walks all look so beautiful and unique! I think the serene atmosphere on the Judy Woods walk would make it my favorite. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Judy Woods is a lovely spot! There is something about a woodland walk that makes it feel like somewhere new no matter how many times you visit! Thanks for reading!

Each of these walks looks so picturesque and I’d want to try all of them! But the two that stand out are Judy Woods and the Five Locks that I’d want to explore first. I enjoy any walk through woods as it’s nice when it’s hot out!

They are all lovely walks! Judy Woods is a beautiful spot! Although it wasn’t the heat we had to worry about when we last visited – it rained non-stop for the two hours we were there – even my waterproof hiking gear couldn’t hold up to the Yorkshire downpour! It was no less beautiful though! And the Five Rise Locks walk is incredible too!

All of these walks look really nice, but it’s fun to see some of the more unique ones with different sights. The tower on Castle Hill looks lovely, and those sculptures on the Bretton Hall walk certainly are different

It’s great when you stumble across unique sights on a walk, isn’t it? Castle Hill is a beautiful place and the view from the tower is stunning!

They all look so lovely! Yorkshire really is a beautiful place for walks isn’t it *w*

The walks are all stunning. There really are some beautiful places to explore in Yorkshire, but I often think West Yorkshire walks are overlooked. These are just a few of the beautiful ones on offer!

Very informative! I would definitely try out some of these but Tong And Fulneck will definitely be my first on the list and I’ll make sure not to miss trying the Ice cream from Goodall’s of Tong. 🙂

The Tong walk is definitely one of my favourites! It is a beautiful place to visit and I strongly recommend the ice cream – it is delicious!

I haven’t explored West-Yorkshire yet, but I love this list of walks. Thanks for sharing the approximate time to complete them and also places to park. That can be tricky sometimes. Can’t wait to plan a trip over there.

There are some beautiful walks in West Yorkshire, I hope you get an opportunity to explore them soon! It is often handy to research a parking spot as they are sometimes limited so I’m glad you find this information useful!

Oooooh these look incredible! I definitely want to do the Farnley Tyas and Castle Hill walk.

They are all lovely walks! Castle Hill is one of my favourite places to visit, it is a lovely spot!

Such beautiful walks in West Yorkshire! Adding all of that info for each is super useful, too! Great post!

I’m so glad you like the guide! There are some beautiful circular walks in West Yorkshire!

I think I’d try Judy Woods first, but they all sound great. I love circular walks that don’t leave you stranded (which happened to me recently).

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear you got stranded! Circular walks are definitely my favourite for that reason! Judy Woods is a beautiful walk!

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Marmion Tower, West Tanfield: The historic Yorkshire gatehouse still standing - even though its manor house isn't

Standing next to St Nicholas Church in West Tanfield, on a bank of the River Ure between Masham and Ripon, Marmion Tower has the structure of an old castle.

Indeed, it has been referred to as “Tanfield Castle” by historians. However, it was simply the grand gatehouse for a fortified manor house.

That building was established by an Anglo-Norman baron, John Marmion. His son, also John, played a leading part in the English army’s disastrous engagement with the troops of Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

He was given permission by Edward II to crenelate the house. Later on it passed to Elizabeth Parr, grandmother of Queen Katherine Parr, sixth and final wife of Henry VIII.

On a visit in the16th century, the poet John Leland “saw no notable building”, although he did remark on the “fair” gateway.

By the late 18th century what was left of the manor house had been destroyed, with some of the stone being used to build Snape Castle, near Bedale, and Kirklington Hall, by the A1(M).

The tower itself remained standing and, although at some point the roof has been removed, the battlements and a small turret remain.

Three storeys high and built from magnesium limestone, it is usually open to visitors. A flight of stairs leads to the first floor, which has an ornate oriel window, and into the turret.

On the ground floor is a vaulted porter’s lodge with fireplace, latrine and a small window known as a “squint”.

English Heritage now maintains what is a Grade I-listed building and scheduled monument.