Dewsbury is a historic market town set on the River Calder and filled with beautiful Victorian buildings. Shop at the famous market, explore an 18th-century coal mine and visit a family-friendly zoo. Venture into the West Yorkshire countryside to explore the postcard-perfect Pennine Hills.
Things to do in Dewsbury
Learn about the town’s proud industrial heritage at the National Coal Mining Museum for England. The museum is set on the site of a former coal mine and features interactive exhibits and experiences. Underground tours take you deep into the mine and fit you out with a helmet and headtorch. You’ll be impressed by the enormous drilling machines and gloomy subterranean passages. Above ground, exhibits spotlight events like the UK miners’ strike of 1984-1985. Don’t miss the chance to pat retired “pit ponies” in the stables.
Browse hundreds of stalls selling everything from artisan cheese to handmade arts and crafts at Dewsbury Market. The market is one of the largest in Yorkshire and is held in the historic Victorian pavilion. It’s a great place to try local Yorkshire specialties like creamy Yorkshire curd tarts studded with sweet currants.
Meet meerkats, monkeys and lemurs at Ponderosa Zoo. The family-friendly zoo offers daily keeper talks where you can learn more about the animals and their behaviours. You can also see unique European animals like Scottish wildcats and reindeer.
Dewsbury is a gateway to the rolling Pennine Hills. The range is known as the Backbone of England and features a dramatic landscape of emerald-green hills, mountains and valleys. Hike sections of the long-distance Pennine Way and visit charming market towns like Hebden Bridge and Marsden.
Getting around Dewsbury
Dewsbury is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is a 30-minute drive from Leeds and 10 minutes on the Transpennine Express. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore West Yorkshire at your own pace. Leeds Bradford Airport is a 40-minute drive away.