Saltaire – a World Heritage Site

Located on the outskirts of Bradford, this West Yorkshire gem of a place owes its name to Sir Titus Salt, a textile magnate and philanthropist who built a mill and a village for his workers by the River Aire. 

Salts Mill was a masterpiece of its time, with 3,000 workers turning out 18 miles of worsted cloth a day on its 1,200 looms. It opened on 20 September 1853, Titus Salt’s 50th birthday, and was celebrated with a banquet for his workers! 

In modern times, the textile industry declined and the Mill closed in 1986. It was bought the following year by local entrepreneur Jonathan Silver who transformed it into a must-see destination: sadly Jonathan died in 1997 aged only 47, but the Mill remains in the care of his family. 

Inside the Mill, you’ll find multiple gallery spaces including the 1853 Gallery, which displays the world’s largest permanent collection of work by Bradford-born artist David Hockney. A restaurant, café-bar and shop complete this amazing all-weather attraction. 

Outside, admire Saltaire’s beautiful Italianate architecture, visit the Grade 1* listed Congregational Church, or stroll through the lovely riverside Roberts Park and at weekends, enjoy a ride on the Shipley Glen Tramway, the oldest working cable tramway system in Great Britain opened in 1895. The ride climbs up through the beautiful, wooded Shipley Glen – don’t miss the museum at the bottom station, packed with photos and memorabilia, and the olde-worlde sweet shop at the top! 

Getting to Saltaire is easy by bus with us – take The Keighley Bus Company Aireline route 60 from Leeds, or theSHUTTLE 662 from Bradford or Keighley and hop off the bus at Saltaire Junction – walk along Saltaire Road and follow the signs along Victoria Road to reach Salt’s Mill at the heart of the village.