With Yorkshire Day quickly approaching, our yearly celebrations of this amazing county still remain unplanned. Yorkshire Day is an annual celebration on the 1st of August, to promote the rich culture and history behind it. Anyone should be proud to be a resident of Yorkshire, and with all the traditional locations and picturesque landscapes Leeds has to offer, it’s only fair we celebrate this day in true Yorkshire style.
Yorkshire is England’s largest, historic counties in the whole country. Within the north-central sector of the country between the Pennines and the North Sea, it stretches wide from North to South. Inside these boundaries include Leeds, York, the Yorkshire Dales, Sheffield, the Coast and the North York Moors. As much as times have changed with skyscrapers being built across the city, nothing will ever truly damage our beautiful landscapes. The textile, steel and coal industries boomed in the 19th century, while York became the centre of the railway industry. We’re divided 50:50 of rural and urban locations, now lets plan where to celebrate this amazing day in the LS postcodes.
Royal Armouries
With the Royal Armouries setting up three museums across the country, how lucky are we to have one in Leeds. Holding an important national collection of arms and armour throughout the world and displaying historic artefacts dating back to the Middle Ages. Open to the public Wednesday-Sunday 10am till 5pm, try soak up all the history and culture you can.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Knock back a pint or two and sit down with a roast dinner at the oldest public house in Leeds, Whitelocks. Established in 1715, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time once you walk through those doors. The combination of the wooden bar, stained glass windows and local ales is all you really need to capture the essence of Yorkshire.
Ilkley Moor
Ilkley Moor lies between Ilkley and Keighley in the heart of West Yorkshire. Ilkley Moor attracts a wide range of visitors every year, and there’s no confusion why as it is such a wonderful place to walk and explore. Follow their heritage walks at Cow & Calf, Crawshaw Moss, White Wells Moorland and the Twelve Apostles hike. Ilkley Moor is also famously known as the inspiration for the Yorkshire ‘county anthem’ On Ilkla Baht ‘at.
Otley Chevin Forest Park
This forest park overlooks the wonderful town of Otley, so capture the amazing views of Yorkshire at their ‘Surprise View’. Walk your dog, ride your bike or take a hike up and down the steep hills and breathe in the fresh air of Yorkshire. Reaching the destination of the ‘Surprise View’, you can grab yourself an ice cream and watch the planes come in to land at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Duck & Drake
Expect to find a selection of cask ales and live music several nights a week at Duck & Drake. This Victorian pub has survived for over 200 years, regularly hosting events such as The Empress Rock Band playing on Sunday, 1st of August.
Leeds Industrial Museum
At Armley Mills you’ll find the museum of industrial heritage, bringing the history of Leeds to life in the modern day. The museum includes vast collections of textile machinery, heavy engineering and railway equipment, which was previously recognised as one of the world’s largest woollen mills. It makes you proud to be from Yorkshire. You can catch the No. 14 First Bus on New York Street on a 15 journey to Canal Road, only a three minute walk away from the museum.
Images: Royal Armouries, Whitelock’s Ale House, Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills.
