Farsley’s Finest

As we’re now heading in to what will likely be the longest summer holiday for the kids that there ever has been, now is a good time to suss out the attractions that you can easily call upon for a well deserved break. In Farsley, the reliable go-to spots are Jackaboos soft play centre and West Royd Park as well as Hainsworth Park. Jackaboos soft play centre can be found in the Old Combing part of Sunny Bank Mills; they welcome kids under the age of 8 to have a day filled with fun with their many slides, ball pools and play areas. At West Royd Park and Hainsworth Park, the whole family can enjoy an inexpensive day outdoors, enjoying the well-kept gardens, tennis courts and the lovely West Royd House which sits at the centre. \If your visit right, you may catch the brass band which plays regularly at West Royd House.

The Constitutional and Get Cooking are two of Farsley’s alternatives for a slightly more mature day-out, or night out. The Constitutional is not only a successful combination of comedy club, bingo hall, and venue of music, quizzes, theatre and spoken word, but also a successful combination of contemporary and old-school; the decor and atmosphere is reminiscent of a retro cosy comedy club. With events every week, The Constitutional is a reliable spot for some light-hearted fun and some delicious craft ales.

Get Cooking offers a range of cooking classes, courses and workshops for both novices and experienced foodies alike. Options for cooking classes and courses include Mediterranean, Spanish, Latin American & South Asian cuisine, as well as breadmaking and herbalism. But the classes aren’t strictly limited to cuisine; lampshade making courses are also available at this space in Farsley’s Springfield Mill.

On the topic of food, Farsley certainly does not lack when it comes to its food and drink scene. Sunny Bank Mills plays host to two of Farsley’s popular eateries, Mill Kitchen cafe, offering healthy and hearty food, and Grumpy’s, infamous for their delicious wood fired pizza, craft ales and more. For food from further afield, Sabroso Street brings authentic Mexican street food to the streets of Farsley, serving mouth-watering tacos, chills and burritos. For even more international cuisine, try Olive and Feta, specialising in traditional Turkish and Italian food with an added Mediterranean twist; their menu boasts various shared meze plate options, piled high with dolma, halloumi, koftas and more.

And for that all important pint or two, Farsley offers a perfect mix of oldy-worldy pubs such as The Fleece and The Village Wine Bar, and contemporary bars, such as Number Thirty Three as well as newcomer to Farsley, Amity Brew Co.

Considering Farsley’s history of textile production, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the village plays host to a number of crafty and  creative independent shops. The Jewellery Makers, based in Sunny Bank Mills create bespoke handmade pieces of jewellery which they sell online, as well as offer classes to learn to make your very own. Also based within the mill is Scrap Creative Reuse Arts Project, a space full to the rafters with discarded materials such as textiles, paper and card, plastics, metals, rubber, and lots of other miscellanea, originally destined for landfill. The store also doubles up as a refilling store, where customers are welcomed to refill cleaning and self-care products, as well as purchase eco-friendly items.