Enjoy a winter adventure in UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, find the perfect walking route with illuminated windows, spend an afternoon feeling super festive searching for a special present in the independent shops, then rest your feet and enjoy a hot drink in one of the many cosy cafes and restaurants.
We’ve put together a set of festive itineraries to help you plan some fabulous family days out this December. We hope these will inspire you to enjoy what the Bradford district has to offer, support local businesses and to make the most of what we can do – to add a bit of festive sparkle to your days out. Here’s our guide to a day in Saltaire.
Grab a take-out coffee and something to eat
On these cold December mornings it’s always comforting to start the day with a hot cup of coffee or a steaming hot chocolate. You are spoilt for choice in Saltaire with a number of fantastic coffee shops open and offering warming refreshments for take out. Tambourine Coffee, The Quaffery, Buonissimo and Nordish all offer superb quality coffee and sweet treats to set you up for the day.
Browse the independent shops for some ‘off the high street’ gifts
Saltaire is the perfect shopping destination if you’re looking for something special for your loved ones this Christmas that you might not find elsewhere. With a range of independent shops selling quality handmade, vintage and artisan produce it offers a unique and friendly shopping experience with lots of festive cheer. Visit Salts Mill bookshop for a vast and varied collection of adult and kiddies books, seek out vintage collectables in the Saltaire Vintage Shop and explore an exciting range of modern and on trend products at RAD Studio. Venture up the hill to Gordon Terrace and you will find a range of gifts at Evans of Saltaire jewellery shop, original art and homewares at Too Nice To Use and quality fashion items at Walk in Style.
Take a stroll around Roberts Park and the Leeds Liverpool Canal
Even on a wet and windy December’s day, Roberts Park and the surrounding area is a beautiful setting well worth exploring. The park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award, awarded to the best parks and green spaces in the country, and attracts plenty of walkers, runners and families even in the winter. Take a stroll around the park and gardens, mosey along the canal towpath or let the kids run wild in the play area and skate park.
Explore the Saltaire Living Advent Calendar
The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar has been a Christmas highlight in Saltaire since 2006. The event sees residents create impressive illuminated window displays in homes around the village, with visitors encouraged to seek them out in the run up to Christmas. This year 62 windows will open within houses and community buildings and be illuminated from 1st December (4pm – 10.30pm), with at least one new window ‘opened’ each evening until 24th December, and will remain lit until 1st January.
Visit Shipley Glen
Not far from Saltaire you can find Shipley Glen a wonderful woodland as well as an old Victorian pleasure ground. It’s a fantastic place to wander and explore. If you pick your day you might even have a chance to ride on the historic Shiply Glen Tramway which ferries people up and down the Glen.
Visit www.sparklingbradford.info for more inspiration, like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and sign up for the visitBradford newsletter to receive the latest updates in your inbox. Don’t forget to tag @visitbradford and #SparklingBradford and let us know about what you’ve been enjoying across the district!
While restrictions have been eased, please remember to follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines in order to enjoy these events in a safe and responsible manner.
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