Roger Clarke's Tourist Tips

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM YOUR VISIT?

If you were expecting something like the Viking experience (Jorvik) at York, or the Cadbury experience at Bourneville in Birmingham, then you’ll be disappointed! There are no interactive models of machines, or tableaux depicting Victorian life, or workers houses for you to go into. Click opposite for a slideshow.

SALT'S MILL
What is here is the Mill, which has lots of attractions. Have a look at the Salt's Mill own website to see that there are Hockney paintings, quality shopping and good food. It’s the most stimulating retail experience, all under one roof. It even has an exhibition about the history of Saltaire (at the end of the 1853 Gallery). Website: www.saltsmill.org.uk

SALTAIRE VILLAGE
Then there’s the Village, which also has shops and a variety of cafes and restaurants which provide for a range of tastes and pockets. Most are on Victoria Road, just outside the Mill, and are easy to find.

SALTAIRE'S ARCHITECTURE
For the rest of the historical and architectural gems in Saltaire, you have to work a little harder. There are some unique public buildings, including a church, school, the Victoria Hall, a hospital and some almshouses. Most you can only view from the outside.

THE HOUSES IN SALTAIRE VILLAGE
Then there are the houses, built in different styles for different levels of worker. They are privately owned now - so please don’t peer in the windows! To get the most out of this part of your visit, it’s worth investing in a booklet called “The Saltaire Trail” from the Information Centre at 2, Victoria Road, which has a map, the trail and historical details about what you can see. (Email saltaire_tic@yahoo.co.uk.) Remember that this is a working and residential village, complete with traffic flow, and there aren’t many direction signs or notices. For some people this is part of its charm – for others it’s very frustrating! You’ll be sharing Victoria Road with residents, students from Shipley College, and Salts Grammar School students at certain times of the day. But venture away from Victoria Road and you’ll find the streets amazingly quiet.

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
You can only get regular access to the United Reformed Church, but even then you should check opening times beforehand. There’s no charge for entry, but perhaps you could remember how much you’ve already saved on parking when you pass the donations box near the door. They depend on contributions for the upkeep of this Grade 1 Listed building. The church also has a little cafe which serves light refreshments. [Directions: walk up to the United Reformed Church and walk around the left of the building. You'll see some steps going down - the cafe is here). When the cafe is open, a notice is placed near the gates of the church. Website: United Reformed Church

ROBERTS PARK
Beneath the statue of Sir Titus Salt you'll see the Half Moon Cafe which is being restored and reopened, so there may be more happening there this Summer - music is planned [this site will keep you informed of the venues]. Roberts Park is an ideal spot to picnic in sunny or shady spots. If you enjoy cricket, try to catch one of the matches played here. The park is bounded to the North by Coach Road, and if you cross over you'll see Glenaire Children's Playground. Website: Saltaire Cricket Club

VICTORIA HALL
There’s a Reed Organ and Harmonium Museum in Victoria Hall ,and for a small charge you can enjoy these Victorian instruments, informed and guided by their owner. You may want to attend one of the regular live concerts at Victoria Hall which are listed on this site.

Email: phil@harmoniumservice.demon.co.uk
Follow this link for more info on live events.

BRACKENHALL COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE
The Brackenhall Centre is on Shipley Glen. You can save your legs and ride on the Shipley Glen Tramway, or if you’re more energetic you can walk up the hill, alongside the Tramway. At the top, turn left and keep walking. In a few minutes you'll see the Centre on your right. The Brackenhall Countryside Centre has displays of local wildlife and natural history - free, but donations are gratefully received. Email: brackenhallcc@btconnect.com