What to do and see in West Yorkshire, England: The Best Free Things to do

January 5, 2022 Toi Mattera

West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county in England. It is an inland and in relative terms upland county having eastward-draining valleys while taking in moors of the Pennines and has a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972.
Restaurants in West Yorkshire

1. Royal Armouries Museum

Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT England +44 113 220 1999 http://royalarmouries.org/leeds
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,530 reviews

Royal Armouries Museum

Home for the national collection of arms and armour that features five theme-galleries: War, Tournament, Self-Defense, Hunting, and arms and armour of the Orient.

Reviewed By Jodiedonny

This was a great interesting place with loads of different things to see & do really big place with five floors loads of war weapons and different sections to see, a lot of armour & plenty of places to listen to stories from over time, the museum has many places to sit in the glass front edge to look over the river which was lovely. Great enjoyable day, cafe staff downstairs very friendly & biscuit & cuppa lovely.

2. National Science and Media Museum

Pictureville, Bradford BD1 1NQ England +44 844 856 3797 [email protected] https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,495 reviews

National Science and Media Museum

The National Science and Media Museum is a fabulous free museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire devoted to the science and culture of light and sound technologies. Filled with fun educational exhibits, including the state-of-the-art Wonderlab gallery, three cinema screens including the IMAX 3D cinema (charges apply), the museum also hosts events for children and festivals covering animation, retro TV, film and more.The National Science and Media Museum is a fun day out in Bradford for the whole family.

Reviewed By jackharrybill - Haworth, United Kingdom

We were visiting to see 1917 on the IMAX screen. Brilliant to see at that scale. The museum has some good permanent displays and the galleries often have interesting exhibitions to see. Good for kids and families but worth a visit whoever you are.

3. Salts Mill

Salts Mill Victoria Road, Shipley, Bradford BD18 3LA England +44 1274 531163 [email protected] http://saltsmill.org.uk
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,879 reviews

Salts Mill

Reviewed By Alison23lufbra - Loughborough, United Kingdom

Lovely place to visit.. so much to explore in the mill with shops, galleries , cafe and David Hockney pictures on the top floor.

4. The Piece Hall

1 Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1AF England +44 1422 525217 [email protected] http://www.thepiecehall.co.uk
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,041 reviews

The Piece Hall

Following a multi-million pound transformation project, Britain's last surviving cloth hall, featuring independent shops, cafes and bars, heritage visitor centre, art gallery and a spectacular events programme is now open seven days a week.

Reviewed By shanu76 - York, United Kingdom

First visit to Halifax as a tourist and the day centred around the Piece Hall. What a wonderful day out and very much recommended to all. Impressive architecture, full of history. Made to feel very welcome by the good people of Halifax with plenty to see and do. We joined a free tour of the Piece Hall and our guide Pamela did a truly superb job of bringing the history to life and showing us around. The work that has been done to restore the Piece Hall is world class. There's great independant shops to visit and several very pleasant places to eat and drink including Gin Lane where we enjoyed a special Espresso Martini and Elder that provided a superb lunch which included catering perfectly for my gluten free dietry needs. Hope to visit again soon!

5. Kirkstall Abbey

Abbey Road, Leeds LS5 3EH England +44 113 378 4079 http://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstall-abbey/
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,177 reviews

Kirkstall Abbey

Uncover the history of one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain. With its beautiful and iconic ruins, award-winning Park and interactive visitor centre Kirkstall Abbey is a place that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The ruins are a unique example of early Christian architecture. From the majesty of the church to the peace of the cloisters enjoy exploring this iconic Leeds landmark. The story of the abbey and its community is explored in the Visitor Centre. Founded over 800 years ago in 1152 discover more about what life was like for the Cistercian monks who lived here for nearly 400 years. Enjoy the abbey's parkland setting next to the River Aire. Take a walk along the river or enjoy a picnic in our spacious grounds. There is also a small playground near to the car park for the little ones to enjoy. The ruins of the abbey provide a breath-taking background to your wedding photography, blessings, vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies.

Reviewed By davidbJ9604PD - Leeds, United Kingdom

This is a definite must-see place but chose a fine day. We picked a sunny day with blue skies and the abbey looked magnificent. The site is extensive and there are large parts of the abbey walls quite intact. Great place to take the children and an added plus is free entry (thanks to Leeds City Council). Some of the paths were slightly muddy so wear sensible shoes.

6. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG England +44 1924 832631 [email protected] http://ysp.org.uk
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,160 reviews

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is the UK’s leading outdoor art gallery and an international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture. It is an independent charitable trust and registered museum situated in the 18th-century Bretton Hall estate in West Yorkshire. Founded in 1977 by Executive Director Peter Murray, YSP was the first sculpture park in the UK, and is the largest of its kind in Europe, providing the only place in Europe to see Barbara Hepworth’s 'The Family of Man' in its entirety alongside a significant collection of sculpture, including bronzes by Henry Moore and site-specific works by Andy Goldsworthy, David Nash and James Turrell. YSP mounts a world-class, year-round temporary exhibitions programme including some of the world’s leading artists across six indoor galleries and 500 acres of open air. YSP also offers an outstanding learning and family programme, award-winning shops and restaurants, a varied events programme, and a beautiful setting to enjoy nature.

Reviewed By 1949etwall - Ashbourne, United Kingdom

We find this a superb destination- easily accessible, good walks, interesting sculptures and other artistic installations, quality shop and good food. In particular we have always found the other visitors courteous and considerate- probably because the visitor base is family orientated. Highly recommended.

7. The DalesWay

Trail Head, Ilkley England http://www.thedalesway.co.uk/
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

The DalesWay

Reviewed By BeatriceH561 - Exeter, United Kingdom

This section is a dream along the river through gorgeous villages. We stayed at The Buck Inn in Buckden, very walker and dog friendly

8. RSPB Fairburn Ings nature reserve

Fairburn Ings Newton Lane Fairburn Ing Visitor Centre, Castleford WF10 2BH England +44 1977 628191 [email protected] http://www.rspb.org.uk/fairburnings
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 388 reviews

RSPB Fairburn Ings nature reserve

Nestled between Leeds, York and Wakefield, Fairburn Ings is an exciting site for family activities and serious wildlife watching. Over the last 60 years it has transitioned from coal face to wild place; an ex-industrial site rich in heritage and an important site for breeding and wintering wildfowl.

Reviewed By briansY5157YC - Castleford, United Kingdom

Fairburn Ings is a great place to go if you just love birds and walking, plenty of hides to sit and watch the birds and well protected from the weather.

9. Roundhay Park

Mansion Ln Roundhay, Leeds LS8 4AR England +44 113 266 1850 http://www.roundhaypark.org.uk
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,517 reviews

Roundhay Park

Reviewed By passingtrade2018 - Leeds, United Kingdom

Roundhay park is the second largest park in Europe, it has two lakes. The large lake is prefect to walk, or jog, some time people ride their bikes around the big lake which can be a little off putting. There is a nice café for Lunch, or just coffee, a children’s safe pay ground is next to the café. Prefect for a nice walk. There is a car park, and swans and duck to feed.

10. Heptonstall

Hebden Bridge England http://heptonstallchapel.weebly.com
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

Heptonstall

Reviewed By glennharrold - Scotland, United Kingdom

Fascinating and picturesque, two churches and grave yards, including Sylvia Plath’ sand some amazing architecture and history - take the crag path up!

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