Pictures of Saltaire

About Saltaire

This perfectly preserved village originated as an answer to Bradford's 'dark satanic mills', it was the brain-child of industrialist Sir Titus Salt, who in the early 19th-century strove to provide his mill workers with attractive dwelling places surrounded by eye-catching buildings with a strong Italianate flavour. He was a firm believer that beauty could be combined with industry. Thus, he crowned his mill with a chimney disguised as an Italianate bell tower!

Today, visitors to Saltaire can see Salt's mill in all its glory, it is transformed into an important art gallery and houses some of the works of famous Bradford born artist, David Hockney.

Other village buildings in Saltaire have been restored to provide places for relaxation, such as pubs, restaurants. This may not have pleased the great industrialist, for during his life he preached against the wickedness of alcohol.

This unique village is home to one of the nation's historic gems - the United Reform Church is a wonderful Victorian building and an exquisite example of Italianate religious architecture.

Looking around it is not surprising to learn that this village is now recorded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thus it is recognised as being of international importance of the very highest level.

Visitors coming to the village are able to enjoy some close-by famous beauty spots, these include Hirst Woods an area rich in wildlife which runs along the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. By taking a trip on the late 19th-century funicular (1895), you can reach picturesque Shipley Glen. To the north lie the magnificent Yorkshire Dales with their fascinating dry stone walls, and en-route there are some splendid "wool" villages just waiting to be discovered. Other noted places in the region include the Spa town of Shipley, and Thornton, birthplace of the Bronte sisters. Rombalds Moor and Ilkley are both within easy driving distance.