Beyond the Usual: Explore West Yorkshire from Westergate House

Many of our guests come back time and again to enjoy the timeless beauty of York, the dramatic landscapes of the North York Moors, or a bracing day out in Whitby. Others head to Thirsk or wander the peaceful grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

But if you’re ready to explore somewhere a little different – places with a story to tell and a strong sense of Yorkshire grit – then it’s time to turn your compass slightly west.

West Yorkshire, although a little more built up, is still less than an hour’s drive from Westergate House. It’s full of fascinating spots that offer a glimpse into the county’s industrial past, literary heritage, and creative spirit.

Here are some of our favourite places to explore – perfect for a day out with a difference.

1. Saltaire and Salts Mill: A Victorian Vision

At the heart of Saltaire lies a remarkable story of innovation and social reform. This model village was built in the 1850s by Sir Titus Salt, a visionary industrialist who wanted to improve the lives of his workers.

Rather than continue the poor working and living conditions common at the time, Salt built:

• High-quality stone houses for his employees
• A school, hospital, park, and church
• Salts Mill – a vast textile mill that produced alpaca wool fabrics

Today, Salts Mill is a cultural hub. Inside, you’ll find:

• The largest collection of works by artist David Hockney, a Bradford native
• Independent book and design shops
• A stylish café with views over the cobbled streets

Wander the peaceful village, explore Roberts Park, and walk along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal – it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon soaking in both history and charm.

2. Brontë Country: Haworth and the Sisters Who Changed Literature

Just outside Keighley, the village of Haworth sits on the edge of the wild Pennine moors. It was here, in a modest parsonage beside the church, that the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne – wrote some of the most powerful novels in English literature.

The Brontë Parsonage Museum is beautifully preserved and full of personal items, manuscripts, and furniture that bring their world to life. You’ll stand where they wrote Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – stories still celebrated around the world.

While you're there:

• Stroll the cobbled high street lined with quirky shops and cafés
• Visit the old apothecary and the churchyard where the sisters are buried
• Walk on the moors – the landscape is as much a character in their novels as any person

For an extra treat, hop aboard the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, a heritage steam train that runs through the countryside the Brontës once knew. It’s a nostalgic ride and a great way to see the area.

3. Piece Hall, Halifax

A real showstopper in the centre of Halifax, the Piece Hall is a Georgian cloth hall turned vibrant cultural venue. Once a bustling hub for the handwoven cloth trade, it’s now full of independent shops, galleries, and cafés – all wrapped around a stunning open courtyard.

• Enjoy live music, seasonal markets, and art exhibitions
• Great for architecture lovers and casual browsers alike
• Just around the corner from Shibden Hall and Eureka!
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4. Shibden Hall and Park, Halifax

If you’ve watched Gentleman Jack, you’ll know about Anne Lister – landowner, diarist, and local legend. Shibden Hall, her family home, gives a unique insight into her life and the world she lived in.

• Explore the house, packed with historic details
• Walk through the beautifully kept parklands and boating lake
• A fascinating mix of heritage and storytelling
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5. The Royal Armouries, Leeds

If you’re looking for something bold and indoors, the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds makes a great day out. Home to one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the world, the museum spans everything from medieval swords to modern-day warfare.

What to expect:

• Real suits of armour, ancient weapons, and interactive exhibits
• Jousting tournaments and live demonstrations throughout the year
• Fun for all ages – from military enthusiasts to curious kids

And best of all? It’s completely free to visit.

6. Yorkshire Sculpture Park: Art in the Open Air

Set in acres of rolling countryside near Wakefield, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park offers a different kind of day out – combining art and nature in a way that’s peaceful, interesting, and refreshingly down to earth.

Highlights include:

• Outdoor sculptures by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and international artists
• Art galleries tucked into modern, light-filled buildings
• A lakeside walk, wooded trails, and sheep-dotted fields

There’s also a brilliant café with seasonal food and a gift shop packed with arty finds.

7. Hebden Bridge and Hardcastle Crags

If you're after something a little more off the beaten path, Hebden Bridge ticks every box – artistic, welcoming, and full of character. Set in a steep valley with stone terraces and independent shops, it's ideal for a slow wander and a spot of lunch.

• Browse artisan markets, vintage shops, and local galleries
• Enjoy a riverside walk through the town or venture into the hills

Just a short drive (or a scenic walk) away is Hardcastle Crags, a wooded valley owned by the National Trust. There, you’ll find:

• Easy-to-follow trails along the river
• A restored 19th-century mill with a café and exhibits
• Picture-perfect picnic spots and plenty of wildlife
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8. Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills

Set in what was once the world’s largest woollen mill, the Leeds Industrial Museum is perfect for anyone curious about how Yorkshire helped power the Industrial Revolution.

• See original textile machinery in action
• Learn about everything from steam power to cinema and printing
• Located beside the canal – ideal for a quiet walk afterwards



A Different Side of Yorkshire – Still Close to Home

If you’ve already explored York, the Moors, and Whitby, West Yorkshire offers a fresh perspective – rich in history, full of character, and just as easy to reach from Westergate House.

Whether you’re wandering the thoughtful streets of Saltaire, soaking up the moody atmosphere of Haworth, exploring bold ideas at the Sculpture Park, or discovering the working past at Armley Mills, there’s something here to surprise and inspire.