West Yorkshire ‘one of world’s coolest destinations’ for visits
YORKSHIRE’S FLOURISHING reputation as a major tourist destination has been recognised once again as a leading travel magazine named one of its counties among the coolest places to visit worldwide. National Geographic Traveller
(UK) has named West Yorkshire in its Cool List 2019, a profile of 19 “must-see destinations” including Hong Kong, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, Oslo and Antarctica.
It has been included largely thanks to the Yorkshire Sculpture International, a 100-day sculpture event held from June next year by The Henry Moore Institute, Leeds Art Gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Added to this, The Hepworth Wakefield will also be unveiling its Hepworth Riverside Gallery Garden, with access to the former Victorian mill buildings next door.
The Calder Valley was also outlined for its “burgeoning hub for restaurants and independent shops”.
Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “West Yorkshire stood out for many reasons in 2019, but the arts scene really sparked our attention. The Yorkshire Sculpture International triennial next summer — hosted by the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds Art Gallery, the Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park — brings new work by international artists alongside existing worldclass collections.”
He also nodded the £15m redevelopment of Leeds Playhouse as being a factor.
Ruth Pitt, the new chairwoman of Leeds 2023, a five-year arts and culture project in the city, is delighted.
“People in the Leeds region have always known what a fantastic destination it is and it’s wonderful that we are going to be on the global map in this particular way,” she said.
It comes after Leeds was highlighted by another travel guide, Lonely Planet’s Best In Europe 2017, which praised its regeneration and culture.