How to spend 48 hours in West Yorkshire

By Beverley Addy

Day one

Starting in the north of the county, whatever direction you head in, the amazing countryside will have you hooked as you journey by car or train to Keighley. Step into the past on Keighley Station where the preserved ticket office and fittings will sweep you out of the 21st century. All aboard the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and immediately the pace of life changes as your steam locomotive chugs through the beautiful landscape. You could go all the way to Oxenhope and return to Haworth if the soothing rhythm has you hypnotised, but eventually step off the train at the home of the Brontë sisters.

There walk the cobbled streets and visit the Parsonage where Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived, take some refreshment at the Black Bull pub opposite the parish church where their father Patrick was minister and look in on the quirky Cabinet of Curiosities, once the apothecary where their brother Bramwell bought his laudenum. Then take a good stroll out of town to the Brontë Waterfall and let the moors envelop you.

Climb back aboard the railway, then head out to Ilkley for a late dip in the rejuvenating 1930s Lido, before preparing for an amazing meal at The Box Tree award-winning restaurant – booked well in advance of course. If you have any energy left after, or en route to the restaurant, enjoy the pubs around Ilkley particularly the Flying Duck and Bar T’at.

Walk the cobbled streets and visit the Parsonage where Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived, take some refreshment at the Black Bull pub opposite the parish church where their father Patrick was minister

Day two

Rejuvenated by the moorland air and refreshing Lido waters, head south to Halifax for day two. Trains run directly into town arriving outside Eureka – if you have youngsters with you – where you can busy their hands and minds with the science of life.

If not, head straight to The Piece Hall, where you can wonder at the architecture and shop-till-you-drop around the two-tier colonnaded courtyard full of independent shops. Perhaps you’ve timed your visit to enjoy one of the many events it hosts. Don’t forget to step outside and enjoy the new Cultural Quarter, or spend some time trying to fathom out the escape room. If you have youngsters, visit the Orangebox which boasts a rooftop skate park and bouldering tunnel.

If you can stay late or stay over, catch a show at one of the town’s theatres such as nearby Square Chapel arts theatre with its lovely bar. Eat at the Shibden Mill Inn or, for a change of scenery, head to Huddersfield by direct train or 20 minutes in the car, and have a taste sensation at Meson La Pepa, the Spanish tapas restaurant on the corner of Church Street and Wood Street, which has gained a reputation for quality cuisine. You could also enjoy a tipple at The Sportsman, Head of Steam, Kings Head or Magic Rock bars. Or pop on a local train to the Colne Valley for that village vibe and make your way around the gin emporium, wine bars and pubs in Slaithwaite and Marsden.

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