Saltaire

I enjoyed a few hours there earlier in the year. I like David Hockney’s work (copies not originals). The short video explains Saltaire’s history.

We had lunch in the top floor restaurant which was far less crowded than the cafe a floor down. The village itself is worth looking round too.

Hi Sharon -

Saltaire is worth a visit, but is dependent on what you are interested in. The old ‘model’ village is preserved as a world heritage site but is somewhat grim, industrial revolution housing although a vast improvement on what workers normally had to live in. The civic buildings are interesting in their scope and ambition and the enormous mill is worth a visit. There’s an art/art book shop on the ground floor, then several floors up there’s a more general book shop, household store cafe, jewellery and outdoor kit shops and up again are more shops - antiques if I recall. All are interspersed with Hockney’s work, much of it original. The upper most (open) floor, which has another cafe, usually has fairly recent Hockney works. Many of the portraits are prints but this is because he often works on iPhone and iPad these days. If you aren’t interested in art and Hockney in particular there’s not a huge amount to detain you although the mill building is impressive, just to wander round. I have always found it really interesting and worthwhile and it’s a great ‘wet day alternative’. There’s without the main building, a cycle shop and an early music shop, so if you wanted to buy a lute, viol, Celtic harp or add to your collection of tabors and nakers, this is the shop for you! There’s a flourishing music scene at the Social Club up the hill from the mill - I saw the marvellous Hot Club of Cowtown, all the way from the USA, earlier in the year there!

It possibly also worth mentioning that you are within striking distance of Haworth, home of the Brontes in this area. Both Saltaire and Howarth have rail links from Leeds and Bradford, but if you plan to have a car, it does make life easier - a car will cut out the unremitting, steep climb up to the Haworth Parsonage (home of the Brontes) for starters! Saltaire’s station couldn’t be more convenient as you might expect!

Let me know if you plan to visit either - I may be able to give you more detailed pointers. Have a great trip!

If you are into Industrial archaeology, then Saltaire comes top of the list of places to visit... I found it fascinating, but being a 'heathen' I gave the Hockney as miss as it didn't do anything for me...