48 HOURS IN WEST YORKSHIRE
When it comes to exploring West Yorkshire, there’s so much to discover you may wonder where to start. With award winning museums and galleries, world-class architecture, heritage and stunning landscapes, enjoy great experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This two-day itinerary will help you take full advantage of your time whilst ticking off some of the ‘must visit’ places, along with foodie suggestions where you can take some time out and relax with some of Yorkshire’s renowned hospitality. We hope this will be the start of your West Yorkshire adventure, which we’re sure will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Day 1 - Leeds and Wakefield
Morning
Address: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH
Admission: Free
Visit Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain, which was founded over 800 years ago. With its dramatic architecture and magnificent ruins, visitors can discover more about the lives of the 12th century monks who once lived there. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey is a great place to play, enjoy a picnic and explore all year round.
Lunch Suggestion
Address: Trinity Centre, Albion Street, LS1 5ER
Offering a dining concept that is completely unique, Trinity Kitchen is home to some of the best street food experiences in Leeds. Trinity Kitchen rotates six new street food vans every eight weeks alongside a great selection of permanent eateries, offering visitors the chance to experience various flavours and cuisines under one roof.
Rail Transfer: 15 minutes between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate
Afternoon
Address: Gallery Walk, Wakefield, WF1 5AW
Visit Time: approx. 2 hours
Admission: £12 / Free entry for Members, Wakefield District residents & under 16s
Get your culture fix at award-winning art gallery The Hepworth Wakefield, named after Wakefield-born Barbara Hepworth, one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Set within Wakefield’s historic waterfront overlooking the River Calder, the gallery and its garden host major exhibitions of the best international, modern and contemporary art and has dedicated spaces exploring Hepworth’s art and working process. It is also home to Wakefield’s art collection – an impressive compendium of modern British art, including works by Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, L.S. Lowry and Henry Moore.
Dinner Suggestion
Address: 12 The Bullring, WF1 1HA
Iris is a vibrant British restaurant located in the heart of Wakefield City Centre, close to the Cathedral and the Bull Ring fountains. Set up by Chef Liam Duffy in 2012 following a period of work in some of the country’s top Michelin starred establishments, Iris creates modern British cuisine to excite everybody’s taste buds with a relaxed dining experience using modern cooking techniques and sourcing local seasonal produce of the highest quality to create a unique menu.
Rail Transfer: 15 minutes between Wakefield Westgate and Leeds
Overnight Stay - Leeds
Choose from a wide array of wonderful hotels across the city of Leeds, with plenty of options to suit any budget.
Day 2 - Bradford and Halifax
Morning
National Science & Media Museum
Address: Bradford BD1 1NQ
Visit time: – 2hrs (plus 45mins for an Imax film)
Admission: Free
This fabulous museum explores the science and culture of light and sound technologies and their impact on our lives. With regularly changing exhibitions there is always something new to discover. Don’t miss Wonderlab, an interactive gallery exploring the science of light, sound and perception through hands-on activities and breath-taking shows.
The museum also houses three cinema screens including an IMAX theatre; watching a film on the 60ft tall screen is a truly immersive experience. Book your seats for one of the spectacular 45-minute documentaries, the perfect way to round off your visit.
Lunch Suggestion
Cake ‘ole
Address: City Park, BD1 1LA
If you’re ready for a cuppa and a slice of cake there is nowhere better than Cake ‘ole on City Park. This quirky and kitsch café specialises in serving up eye-catching, colourful, creative and imaginative combinations of food and drink.
Signature dishes are the cakes that they create every day – everything from Mars cake, Banana and Nutella cake to Victoria sponges with extravagance. You’ll also find decadent milkshakes and savoury treats.
With its unique décor and ideal location, with a perfect view of the fountains of City Park, nothing will perk you up like a trip to the colourful Cake ‘ole!
Rail Transfer: Approx. 15 mins between Bradford Interchange & Halifax
Afternoon
Address: Blackledge, HX1 1RE
Visit Time: 2 hrs. Visitors may enjoy free entertainment if visiting in the early afternoon.
Admission: Free
The Grade I listed Piece Hall is the only remaining Georgian Cloth Hall in the world. Built in 1779 for the trading of ‘pieces’ of cloth (a 30 yard length of woven woollen fabric produced on a handloom), the Piece Hall is now a treasure trove of boutique and unique shops, independent cafes, bars and restaurants. Its magnificent courtyard hosts a huge array of events, from contemporary music concerts, to impressive site-specific performances, circus spectacle, street theatre and major televised events including the Tour de Yorkshire and the BBC’s Antiques Road Show.
Dinner Suggestion
Address: Piece Mill, 25 – 27 Horton Street HX1 1QE
Situated within period surroundings of Piece Mill, just outside the south gate of the Piece Hall, Pride & Provenance café, wine bar & restaurant is the Yorkshire Choice Awards Winner 2021 for Customer Service.
Selling wine, beers, spirits, cheese, charcuterie, chocolate, jams, coffee, hampers, gifts and more, Pride & Provenance was started in 2018 by Yorkshire-born husband and wife team, James & Melanie. The couple take the utmost pride in sourcing the very best producers and suppliers and delivering great service in beautiful surroundings. As for provenance, they are passionate about where their produce comes from, ensuring that there is clear traceability from farm to fork.