Historic Saltaire is basking in the glory of its new found status as a World Heritage Site and beginning a new chapter in its renaissance.
Lying four miles from Bradford city centre, the village is a fine example of Victorian design and values.
Saltaire was created by local wool baron Sir Titus Salt with the construction of a large mill in the 1850s. A few years later, Salt had built row upon row of mill houses for his workers together with a school, a hospital, two churches, a Sunday school, washhouse and shops. The result was colourfully described as "a paradise on the sylvan banks of the Aire, far from the stench and vice of the industrial city".
The only omission - deliberately so - was a public house. A strict churchgoer he was determined to keep workers away from the demon drink!
In an expression of the time, the narrow streets of the village take their name from members of the Salt family and from Queen Victoria and Albert, the Prince Consort. The architects Salt commissioned to design the mill - Lockwood and Mawson - are also honoured in the local street naming.
The United Reformed church, where Salt's remains are entombed, is said to be the most accurate example of Italianate architecture in England.
Over 750,000 people a year visit Saltaire to stroll around the historic streets and browse the attractive shops and antique centre. Many head for Salts Mill, which houses the world's largest collection of work by Bradford-born international artist David Hockney, Salts diner and a range of upmarket shops.
For families, there's the chance to ride on a Victorian tramway to a funfair on the slopes of Shipley Glen or take a cruise along the LEEDS-LIVERPOOL Canal. Walkers can enjoy the beautiful Roberts Park and the exhilarating woods and moorland.
Places to Stay near Saltaire
Ibis Bradford Shipley (0.30 miles)
On the banks of the Liverpool and Leeds canal, just 500 metres from Shipley Railway Station, the hotel offers free parking and comfortable accommodation at great-value rates. The Ibis Bradford Shipley has a convenient location, just ... More | visit website
Vivo Hotel Apartments (0.34 miles)
Homeleigh Hotel (0.44 miles)
The Homeleigh Hotel is perfectly placed for historic Saltaire, Bronteland and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Homeleigh Hotel offers year-round comfort and hospitality. With the businessman and tourist in mind, we have warm, cosy and well appointed ... More | visit website
Ramada Bradford/Leeds (1.22 miles)
Set in 8 acres of private grounds, with views over the Aire Valley, this Gothic mansion now houses a 3-star hotel offering comfortable, modern, high-standard accommodation. Within easy reach of the M62 and with good access ... More | visit website
Park Grove Hotel (1.41 miles)
The Park Grove is a family owned and run establishment which offers the very best in quality, service and value. Built in the 1900s, a victorian style building that offers quiet and comfortable accommodation. The Park ... More | visit website
Lister Mansion Hotel (1.96 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
The Lister Mansion Hotel has just undergone a 350k refurbishment. We are the only Boutique Hotel in Bradford boasting 14 individually designed bedrooms with 32 ... More
Dubrovnik Hotel (2.00 miles)
The Dubrovnik Hotel has good access to Bradford city centre and Forster Square and Bradford Interchange train stations. It is stylish, modern and offers free Wi-Fi and free on-site car parking. The award-winning Dubrovnik Hotel has ... More | visit website
Park Hotel (2.00 miles)
Sporting Lodge Inns (2.11 miles)
Cherrytree Lodge (2.31 miles)
Located a mere 4 miles away from the city of Bradford and 6 miles from the city of Leeds, CherryTree Lodge is ideally placed for the urban tourist seeking ... More
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