Yorkshire West Riding ~ England

West Yorkshire borders Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Lancashire, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. This metropolitan county corresponds almost to the root of the West Riding of the traditional county of Yorkshire. The Three Peaks area upland in the Pennines, has internationally famous limestone scenery and a site of scientific interest with the fragility of its upland ecosystem. Whernside, Penyghent, Ingleborough and the Three Peaks, all about 700 metres high, are the most popular areas in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and 120,000 people climb Ingleborough every year. The combination of rainfall, poor drainage, and thousands of boots walking on fragile vegetation have resulted in erosion and damage to the natural ecology. The National Park has established innovatory schemes to repair paths and safeguard the environment.

WAKEFIELD

The city at the crossroads of two motorways is great for day trips or holidays to enjoy Wakefield and surrounding area. Wakefield has much to offer from heritage and history to shopping and sport. The infamous Rhubarb Festival includes tours of the rhubarb forcing sheds, gourmet dinners and food demonstrations. The National Coal Mining Museum will allow you to travel 140 meters underground and experience life as a coal miner. At Christmas the Ridings Shopping Centre has a Victorian Festival.

LEEDS

Leeds Castle is listed in the Domesday Book, and has been a Norman residence for six of England's medieval queens and a palace of Henry VIII. The Victorian Quarter brings us up to date with a retail area with top designer names above the shops. With the pavement cafes and restaurants all under Brian Clarke's stained glass roof this is Knightsbridge further north.

SHEFFIELD

Something to suit most visitors with historic buildings alongside award-winning museums and galleries. Theatre and music complement the city's many sporting events. Stately homes at Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall, and industrial heritage sites offer reminders of our illustrious past. The Crucible is synonymous with Snooker hosting the World Championships.

BRADFORD

An industrial city on the edge of the moors of West Yorkshire Pennines and in the heart of Bronte Country where the Bronte sisters lived and were inspired to write their classic novels. Founded around the time of the Norman Conquest the original village of Bradford grew around the 'Broad Ford' crossing Bradford Beck by the site of Bradford Cathedral. With the industrial revolution Bradford grew as a major producer of textiles and known as the woollen centre of the world. Bradford is now famous for its nationally renowned curry houses where the finest Anglo-Asian cuisine can be enjoyed in establishments ranging from small cafes and take-aways to large restaurants.

HALIFAX

No longer the textile town of mills and cloth caps but now a centre of development in an industrialised valley. The Piece Hall built in 1779 is a reminder of bygone days and merchants trading in wool. Now this is preserved as a centre for café bars and shops but Calderdale Industrial Museum provides a glimpse of the bygone noisy working mills. The famous Halifax Building Society started in 1853 contributes £50 million a year to the local economy and ancient crafts such as clog making and boiled sweet makers sit comfortably with modern artistic centres and business and commerce.

HARROWGATE

Famous for its Spa Harrowgate has been built on rocks where Springs erupted from underground containing minerals which attracted those who visited the pump rooms and took the waters. The Royal Baths opened in 1897 were supported by grand hotels where the Victorians stayed in this elegant town. To discover Harrowgate enjoy a quiet stroll and find amazing architecture, stylish restaurants and cafes and parks and gardens where the flowers and trees will bring you back to nature. Having walked off the calories top up with the famous Farrah's Harrowgate toffee. It is buttery, rich and quite brittle and is reputed to be the Queen's favorite!

Cities, towns and villages within Yorkshire West Riding