Travel Saltaire
See the World Heritage Site in all its industrial, artistic, brewing, architectural glory
Travel: Saltaire
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It does well, that River Aire. You could lose count of the number of towns it pops up in to boast being one of its attractions. Saltaire, near Bradford, is another of the Aire’s conquests-it even managed to get its name into this one, sharing the honour with the village’s founder. The village does have plenty more to offer besides water though, and that’s why in 2001 it was appointed as a World Heritage Site.
Salts Mill is its most prominent draw, opened in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt on his 50th birthday. Salt was a woolstapler who learned all about the wool trade from his father. The village of Saltaire was purpose-built as Salt wanted to create a self-contained living space for his employees at the mill.
In 1987, Salts Mill was bought by the late Jonathan Silver and rejuvenated into a place of art and commerce. It now comprises eateries including Salts Diner and Café Opera, and a set of shops offering wares ranging from bikes to books, jewellery to art materials and musical equipment. There are also four art galleries detailing the area’s history and containing the works of David Hockney, who was born locally. Because of this, many an artist, poet, writer and musician can be found within the town, which hosts the annual Saltaire Festival.
There are further opportunities for shopping throughout the village, where there are also plenty of restaurants and pubs to be found. Titus Salt was actually staunchly anti-alcohol, and was especially opposed to providing it in a community where he wanted his staff to be focused on his business. Hence the tongue in cheek naming of one of the present bars, ‘Don’t Tell Titus’. He probably wouldn’t approve either of the Saltaire Brewery and Visitor Centre, which contains an interactive exhibition of the history and science of brewing. Well what he doesn’t know…!
The United Reformed Church offers an impressive example of religious Italian architecture and is one of our country’s most precious Victorian buildings. It too was built by Salt with the intent of serving his wool-wearing workers. Anyone wanting to pay their respects to the notable tycoon can do so at the building’s Mausoleum, which contains his remains. The church also boasts ornate chandeliers, a reworked organ and six bells which are rung within the tower houses. An impressive and humbling place to stop by, it is framed by beautiful parkland, and has been designated a grade one listed building.
Saltaire is around 32 minutes from Leeds by car. The Leeds-Saltaire train runs every half an hour and takes around 14-15 minutes. Salts Mill is open 7 days a week and admission is free.
Posted on Wednesday 24th February 2010
Rebecca Ryder
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