One of the largest settlements in West Yorkshire, Keighley is a historic market town on the banks of the River Worth. In 1936, a parcel was dropped on the town by the Zeppelin Hindenburg and picked up by two local boys. It contained a note from a “flying priest” requesting that the included carnations and crucifix be placed on the grave of his brother who was buried nearby.
Things to do in Keighley
Stroll through the centre of Keighley to admire its Renaissance-style Town Hall, which was built in 1902 on a design by John Haggas. Victorian-era terraced buildings line Cavendish Street while the magnificent tower of St Andrew Parish Church rises nearby. For a retail fix, head to the atrium-style shopping mall of Airedale.
The area’s transportation history is showcased at the Keighley Bus Museum, which is housed within an ex-foundry building. It exhibits around 100 single and double-decker buses from around the United Kingdom, with the oldest dating back to 1924. Also on display are several trolleybuses and a fascinating collection of transport-related artefacts.
On the banks of the River Aire is East Riddlesden Hall, a National Trust-managed manor house that dates back to the 17th century. It is renowned for its Yorkshire rose windows and walled gardens, as well as reportedly being inhabited by ghosts. East Riddlesden Hall has been used as a filming location on numerous occasions, including the 1992 film and 2009 TV adaptation of “Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights”.
Getting around Keighley
Keighley is around 40 minutes’ drive from Leeds and 30 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Keighley railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Keighley can easily be explored on foot.