Something in the Aire
VILLAGE VOTED BEST IN THE NORTH
THE charming West Yorkshire village of Saltaire has been ranked the top in the North of England, according to a survey by Which?
The product and service reviewer ranked villages across the country to find the UK’s best, with Saltaire coming in fourth - but highest in the North.
Avebury in the South West came out top of the list, thanks in large part to its “unspoilt countryside views”.
But Saltaire clocked up a destination score of 87 per cent and visitors loved its tourist attractions, shopping, peace and quiet, and value for money - giving a four-star rating for each of these qualities.
Visitors were also said to be impressed with the “history of the village”, speaking highly of the old mill - an integral part of 19th century life in the village - which now houses a diner, galleries and a bookshop.
The mill also hosts an exhibition of paintings by Bradford-born David Hockney, one of Britain’s greatestever artists. Saltaire was created as a ‘model village’ by Victorian millowner Sir Titus Salt as a home for his workforce.
Which? surveyed 2,710 members of its online panel, all of whom visited an inland town or village in the UK in the past two years.
Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said: “The UK is full of towns and villages bursting with character and history, many of which are relatively quiet and unspoilt.
“Whether you’re looking for somewhere with peaceful walks and bracing scenery, or simply a selection of independent shops and cosy pubs to idle in, there are a wealth of brilliant towns and villages across the country waiting to be explored.”
As a Unesco World Heritage Site Saltaire attracts tourists from across the globe.