Although those of you reading this are lucky enough to be studying in one of the most vibrant and culturally enriched cities in the North, there is an abundance of things to discover just past the doorstep. Compiled here are some of Yorkshire’s best offerings if you are ever in need of a flat day-out, a wholesome yet impressive first date setting or even a solo adventure beyond the city limits.
The Hepworth, Wakefield
Named after not only one of Britain’s most internationally renowned sculptors but also a local lass, The Hepworth offers enough architectural wonderment with its cutting-edge Brutalist design to warrant a day trip without even crossing its threshold. However, doing so would be hard to resist as the gallery’s free entry grants access to its collection featuring art from the likes of Henry Moore, L.S. Lowry, Maggi Hambling and, of course, Barbara Hepworth herself. Upcoming exhibitions include the first solo show in a European museum from American Artist Christina Quarles and a look at the early works of Alan Davie and David Hockney, some of which have not been shown publicly for decades.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Set in 500 acres of idyllic parkland, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an open-air tour of sculpture’s most important players. The ‘gallery without walls’ features an extensive collection of Henry Moore’s bronzes and also pieces from Ai Weiwei, Damian Hirst, and David Smith as well as several changing exhibition programmes. But a jaunt here has plenty for those friends who are less artistically inclined as the park includes a tea room, a deer hut and a network of paths perfect for enjoying a walk in the bracing Yorkshire air.
National Science and Media Museum
Located in Bradford, this museum is comprised of a whopping seven floors of exhibitions focusing on photography, television, animation, gaming and the internet with a staggering 3.5 million pieces housed in its research facility. Among its inventory are the world’s first photographic negative, the world’s first moving pictures and many objects used in the original Hammer Horror films. Additionally, the museum hosts events such as the ‘Widescreen Weekend’ film festival as well as the Yorkshire Games Festival.
Temple Newsam
Explore 500 years of history and 1500 acres of parkland at one of Yorkshire’s finest historic homes. A tour of the Jacobean mansion consists of over 40 rooms laden with many a dazzling artefact together with an impressive haul of Chippendale furniture. Then, out of doors, visitors are treated to grounds landscaped by the master gardener Capability Brown and the largest working rare breed farm in Europe. Als adjacent to the house is a Go Ape for the overgrown children amongst you.
Salts Mill
History buffs, art aficionados and shopaholics alike would relish an outing to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The art gallery, shopping centre and restaurant complex is housed in a stunning 19th century textiles mill and hosts the world’s largest permanent collection of artwork by Bradford’s very own David Hockney. Moreover, if you are lucky enough to have a student loan that is burning a hole in your pocket, you can enjoy a range of independent retailers selling antiques, art materials, books and home furnishings.
Image Credit: Visitmanchester