Yorkshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1049" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1049-Tuel-Lane-Lock-Rochdale-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg" alt="Tuel Lock" class="wp-image-2340" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1049-Tuel-Lane-Lock-Rochdale-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1049-Tuel-Lane-Lock-Rochdale-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust-300x210.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1049-Tuel-Lane-Lock-Rochdale-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust-1024x716.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1049-Tuel-Lane-Lock-Rochdale-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust-768x537.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Water great idea! You don’t need to drive all the way to Yorkshire’s breathtaking coastline to enjoy the soothing effects of being near water. The <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/">Canal &amp; River Trust</a> cares for more than 100 miles of canals and rivers in Yorkshire and the North East, providing free-to-visit outdoor open spaces as well as the chance to connect with nature. Even in city centres, a rich variety of birds, animals, insects and plants will thrive around water, offering a tonic to our poor, tired souls. </p>



<p>Last year more than 10 million people visited the charity’s 2,000-mile UK network of canals and rivers to enjoy walking, cycling, running, boat trips, fishing, paddle-boarding and picnics. You can visit museums, call in at canalside cafés and pubs, watch boats navigate locks (it&#8217;s addictive!) and marvel at some of the world’s finest examples of working industrial heritage, from locks and bridges to tunnels and aqueducts.  </p>



<p>The Trust wants to encourage more people to visit canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, and has just published a free <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/get-your-free-guide-to-fun-days-out-in-your-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Places to Visit in Yorkshire &amp; the North East guide</a>, with maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities. What better excuse to take the plunge? Here is Muddy Yorkshire&#8217;s pick:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bingley-five-rise-locks-near-bradford">Bingley Five Rise Locks near Bradford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Bingley-Five-Rise-Locks-credit-Anglo-Welsh.jpg" alt="Bingley Five Rise Locks" class="wp-image-2333" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Bingley-Five-Rise-Locks-credit-Anglo-Welsh.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Bingley-Five-Rise-Locks-credit-Anglo-Welsh-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Bingley-Five-Rise-Locks-credit-Anglo-Welsh-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Bingley-Five-Rise-Locks-credit-Anglo-Welsh-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bingley Five Rise Locks, image credit Anglo Welsh</figcaption></figure>



<p>Completed in 1774, this spectacular Grade I-listed staircase of locks on the Leeds &amp; Liverpool Canal near Bradford is the steepest in the country. The locks open directly from one to another, with the top gate of one forming the bottom gate of the next, raising or lowering boats 18m in five cavernous chambers. It takes a boat 45 minutes to go up and 30 minutes to come down the staircase. What more could a science-brained child (or adult!) want for amusement?</p>



<p>There is also a viewing area at the top of the staircase to enjoy stunning panoramas across the Aire Valley, a canalside picnic, spot wildlife, go on towpath walks or bike rides and visit Bingley’s <a href="https://www.fiveriselockscafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Rise </a><a href="https://www.fiveriselockscafe.co.uk/">Locks Café</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drakeholes-sssi-near-doncaster">Drakeholes SSSI near Doncaster</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1002" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Drakeholes-Chesterfield-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg" alt="Drakeholes, Doncaster" class="wp-image-2334" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Drakeholes-Chesterfield-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Drakeholes-Chesterfield-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Drakeholes-Chesterfield-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Drakeholes-Chesterfield-Canal-credit-Canal-River-Trust-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Idyllic <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/drakeholes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drakeholes</a> on the Chesterfield Canal near Doncaster is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to an array of wildlife. Walk along the canal towards Wiseton to see the Grade II-listed Lady’s Bridge, also known as Old Man or Man Face Bridge. And bring a picnic – there are loads of places to relax by the water and watch out for birds, damselflies and dragonflies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hebden-bridge-west-yorks">Hebden Bridge, West Yorks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Hebden-Bridge-Rochdale-Canal-3-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg" alt="Hebden Bridge" class="wp-image-2335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Hebden-Bridge-Rochdale-Canal-3-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Hebden-Bridge-Rochdale-Canal-3-credit-Canal-River-Trust-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Hebden-Bridge-Rochdale-Canal-3-credit-Canal-River-Trust-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Hebden-Bridge-Rochdale-Canal-3-credit-Canal-River-Trust-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Surrounded by breathtaking countryside, the historic mill town of <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/hebden-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebden Bridge</a> on the Rochdale Canal is home to a vibrant creative community, independent shops and stunning waterside walks. Follow the heritage trail and take a picnic on the island between the Rochdale Canal and River Calder. In the spring and summer there are boat trips from Hebden Bridge Marina. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leeds-waterfront">Leeds Waterfront</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Dock-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg" alt="Leeds Waterfront" class="wp-image-2336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Dock-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Dock-credit-Canal-River-Trust-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Dock-credit-Canal-River-Trust-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Dock-credit-Canal-River-Trust-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This creative urban space was once a major hub of activity between the Atlantic Ocean at Liverpool and the North Sea at Hull. It was home to a vast complex of store yards and warehouses busy with barges unloading coal and other goods.</p>



<p>Today, visitors to <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/leeds-waterfront" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds Dock</a> can take a boat trip to Granary Wharf, visit the Royal Armouries Museum, stroll along the Leeds &amp; Liverpool Canal to Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park and visit the Tetley family-friendly contemporary art gallery. There is also an art trail, with colourful murals on walls and below canal bridges, as well as many waterside cafes and restaurants for some post-cultural revivement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naburn-locks-near-york">Naburn Locks near York</h2>



<p>Once busy with large barges transporting goods, today <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/naburn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naburn Locks</a> is a tranquil spot. Wander along the River Ouse, watching out for red kites, kingfishers and herons; see historic canal buildings including the forge, workshop, lock keeper’s cottage and cast iron swing bridge; explore the Naburn nature trail and sensory garden; visit the café; and on April to Sept weekends, jump aboard the Naburn Lock River Bus (charges apply).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unesco-world-heritage-saltaire">UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/10/BRTDGK-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="BRTDGK Salts Mill on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Saltaire, near Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, UK" class="wp-image-538"/></figure>



<p>The remarkable Victorian village of <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/saltaire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saltaire</a> next to the Leeds &amp; Liverpool Canal was built by Sir Titus Salt to house his textile workers. Today, Saltaire has UNESCO World Heritage Status and its Salts Mill is home to one of the largest collections of work by Bradford-born artist David Hockney.</p>



<p>Explore the village with its Italianate architecture and independent shops, enjoy a picnic in Roberts Park on the banks of the River Aire, follow the towpath to see Hirst Wood and a seven-arch aqueduct, and don&#8217;t forget to check out the quirky <a href="https://www.shipleyglentramway.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipley Glen Tramway</a> and visit <a href="https://www.saltsmill.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salts Mill</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skipton">Skipton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Liverpool-Canal-at-Skipton-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg" alt="Leeds Liverpool Canal Skipton" class="wp-image-2338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Liverpool-Canal-at-Skipton-credit-Canal-River-Trust.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Liverpool-Canal-at-Skipton-credit-Canal-River-Trust-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Liverpool-Canal-at-Skipton-credit-Canal-River-Trust-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/02/1500-x-1000-Leeds-Liverpool-Canal-at-Skipton-credit-Canal-River-Trust-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Leeds &amp; Liverpool Canal runs through the picturesque Yorkshire town of <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/skipton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipton</a>, gateway to the Dales and home to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. <a href="https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipton Castle</a> is a fascinating must-see but there are also <a href="https://www.canaltrips.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boats</a> from Skipton Wharf, walks along the towpaths to explore some of the most scenic open countryside on England’s canal network, cycle rides to Greenberfield Locks, the ice cream tug boat and the high street with its many independent shops and four-days-a-week market.</p>



<p>For more information on Canal &amp; River Trust charity, including how you can donate money or volunteer to support its work, visit <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.canalrivertrust.org.uk</a>.</p>


Tales of the riverbanks: Yorkshire’s top waterways for wildlife and family fun

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