Everyone who’s heard of Saltaire has heard of Salt’s Mill (that huge old industrial building which now houses a beautiful retail and gallery space), but there’s an awful lot going on in the village itself which often goes unnoticed.

Steeped in Victorian history and as picture-perfect as a place gets, Saltaire is  now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Think row after row of pretty terraced houses built from local stone, narrow cobbled roads, and back alleys filled with geraniums in pots and lines of washing flapping in the breeze. But the village is not a museum, no, it’s alive and thriving, buzzing with residents, students and tourists alike.

A wander up the main street will reward you with some fantastic vintage shopping (although bear in mind that most shops are open Wednesday to Sunday) and a lot of opportunities for some leisurely browsing. Rad Studio is well worth a visit with its gorgeous selection of design-led homewares and gifts. There are bakeries, cafes, an ice cream parlour, bars and restaurants, with Don’t Tell Titus being a local favourite for lunches and drinks.

Victorian town planners loved their parks and Robert’s Park – and the ‘ice cream barge’ that is always moored there – doesn’t disappoint. It has wide open spaces by the water’s edge, a bandstand, manicured gardens and some of the prettiest park benches I ever saw, plus a huge playground for the little ones. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic on a sunny day.

You see, there is so much more to Saltaire than people realise. Next time you visit, walk up the hill into the heart of the village, towards the shops and houses, towards the hustle and bustle of a thriving community. You wont be sorry you did.

Images by Gillian Roe