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.
Places to visit in West Yorkshire
24 hours in Leeds
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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
Feed the penguins at Harewood House
Help the Bird Garden keepers feed the penguins in the grounds of one of England’s treasure houses.
Location: Leeds, 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 the Victoria Quarter
A haven for designer brands, the award-winning Victoria Quarter is renowned as one of England’s finest shopping destinations.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Follow the real ale trail with Leeds Brewery
The city’s largest brewery operates six characterful pubs full of charm. Each one serves locally brewed ale in a unique setting.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Re-live the Good Old Days at the City Varieties Music Hall
The Good Old Days are back with a little help from the country’s top-performing acts.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
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.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
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.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
July events: Holmfirth Art Week
Over 400 artists combine art, music, comedy, theatre and literature for the UK's largest open art exhibition.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
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.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
Industry meets art at Salts Mill
Packed to its Victorian rafters with independent traders and the largest collection of David Hockney’s work.
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
