Attractions and Places To See around Gildersome - Top 20

Repairs to the cycle track started on 16th June 2025. Expected to last 3 months. There are signs in place to say the track is closed in places, however, I managed to complete my ride by taking minor detours. Just be aware different parts may be closed on different days.

The flock of Swaledale sheep on the Spen Valley Greenway in West Yorkshire are made from recycled industrial scrap metal

Recently been resurfaced and well worth a visit. Also a nice coffee stop on route, along with a tesco much further down.

The trail is graded Blue for beginners and is 1.3km in length. The trail is suited to mountain bikes and care needs to be taken due to trail features such as berms, rock gardens and jumps, all of which are rollable at slow speed. Take your time on the first run and get used to the track first before picking up speed on the next loop.

Granary Wharf is a modern development, featuring a vibrant selection of bars & restaurants, a contemporary hotel inclusive of a gym, two modern residential apartment buildings and open spaces with scenic views.   Located in the heart of the Leeds city, Granary Wharf can be easily accessed by road as well as several walkways, including one which directly links Granary Wharf to the South Entrance of the Leeds Railway. Granary Wharf can also be reached by Boat, via the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.  ​ The original railway arches alongside Granary Wharf, which represent the heritage of the area, as well as Granary Wharf, were transformed to its fantastic present state by Waterside Places, upon securing planning consent in 2006.  ​ Today, Granary Wharf, Leeds is an attractive venue offering a wide range of food & drinks, entertainment and leisure activities. (https://www.granarywharfleeds.uk/)

The coloured glass room spanning over the main row is absolutely noteworthy.

Victoria Leeds is a shopping district and leisure area in central Leeds, comprising the 1990 Victoria Quarter, an arcaded complex of restored 19th century and contemporary shopping arcades, and the 2016 Victoria Gate development. Notable for its role in the regeneration of Leeds' city centre, and a programme of restoration and reuse which included commissiong the largest work of stained glass work in Europe,[1] designed by artist Brian Clarke,[2] to cover the newly-pedestrianised Queen Victoria Street, the 1990 scheme created a covered retail district of linked arcades. In 2016 ,the Victoria Quarter was merged with the newly built Victoria Gate complex to form the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Northern England. The district includes a casino and major stores such as Harvey Nichols and John Lewis and Partners. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Leeds)

Charles Thornton, (1820-1881), was the owner of the Old White Swan Inn in Swan Street, and the proprietor of the Varieties Music Hall. (Now the Leeds City Varieties.) In 1873 he built a block of shops and offices, Thornton's Buildings, at the junction of the Upper Headrow with Lands Lane. In 1875 Thornton applied for permission to demolish the Old Talbot Inn on Briggate, and to build a new arcade of shops on the site. The Talbot was one of the oldest inns in Leeds. Thoresby writing in 1715, describes frescoes painted on the walls of a room in the Inn. The Inn was used for cockfighting, and in the 17th century was where the circuit judge stayed when he was in Leeds. The arcade was originally designed by Charles Fowler, a Leeds architect, but the Borough Engineer would not agree to the designs because of problems with the drainage. Charles Thornton changed his architect, and engaged George Smith, whose altered plans met with approval. The arcade was opened in May 1878. The arcade is three storeys high, with a glass roof. At the northern end is a clock with a mechanism made by William Potts and Sons of Leeds. It has four life-size figures of characters from Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Richard Coeur-de-Lion, and Friar Tuck who strike the hours, and Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd who strike the quarters. They were made by the Leeds sculptor John Wormald Appleyard. At the other end of the arcade is the head of a woman, with long curling hair and a large hat. It is modelled on the painting of the Duchess of Devonshire by Gainsborough. Thornton's Arcade was refurbished in 1993. (https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/arcades/thorntons-arcade/)