English Tourism Week 2026 Highlights West Yorkshire Attractions

Discover the region’s heritage, culture and events this spring

English Tourism Week 2026 offers an opportunity to explore the diverse cultural and historical attractions across West Yorkshire. The week-long event, supported by local tourism organisations including Visit Leeds, Visit Bradford, Visit Calderdale, Kirklees, and Experience Wakefield, showcases the county’s unique stories, landmarks and creative communities.

Key Attractions and Events in West Yorkshire

Leeds

• Harewood House: This 18th-century country house is notable for its frequent appearances in television dramas such as Downton Abbey and Victoria. The estate hosts a variety of events including art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, nature walks and markets.
• Royal Armouries Museum: Celebrating 30 years at its Leeds location, the museum features extensive collections ranging from samurai swords to jousting displays. The annual International Jousting Tournament takes place over Easter weekend.
• Leeds Pride: Marking its 20th anniversary, Leeds Pride continues to be a significant event for the city’s LGBTQ+ community, attracting tens of thousands of visitors with live performances and a parade scheduled for 18-19 July 2026.

Bradford

• Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth: Visitors can explore the landscapes that inspired the Brontë sisters’ novels, including the surrounding moors and the museum’s exhibition on screen adaptations of Wuthering Heights.
• Saltaire: Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 25 years, Saltaire village features Victorian architecture and the Salts Mill, which hosts art exhibitions and offers shops and cafés.

Ilkley

Situated beneath Rombalds Moor, Ilkley provides walking routes with views of the Cow and Calf rocks and ancient cup-and-ring stones. The town’s independent cafés and shops offer amenities for visitors exploring the area.

Calderdale

• Harveys of Halifax: A family-run department store celebrating 100 years, known for its fashion, beauty and homeware offerings alongside personalised service.
• Porcus: A farm-to-fork enterprise specialising in rare-breed pork products, recognised for sustainable food innovation. Porcus will participate in the Calderdale Festival of Food from 7–20 September 2026.
• Victoria Theatre, Halifax: Celebrating 125 years, the theatre continues to host a range of performances and community events, with anniversary celebrations planned throughout the year.

Kirklees

• Standedge Tunnel: Marking 25 years since its reopening, this canal tunnel is the longest, highest and deepest in Britain. Events throughout 2026 will include guided boat trips and family activities.
• Oakwell Hall and Country Park: Hosting the National Gallery’s outdoor exhibition Art On Your Doorstep from 4 April to 30 September 2026, featuring life-size reproductions of paintings with interpretation developed in partnership with local groups.
• HuddLitFest: The literary festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in May 2026, offering accessible events across Huddersfield focused on books, poetry and creative workshops.

Wakefield

• The Hepworth Wakefield: Marking 15 years, the gallery will present exhibitions including works by Barbara Hepworth and contemporary artists, as well as retrospectives opening in May 2026.
• Castleford Tigers: The rugby club celebrates its centenary with community arts projects and a new heritage website.
• Theatre Royal Wakefield: Commemorating 40 years since reopening, the theatre will host a gala event on 21 March 2026 featuring performances by notable alumni.

English Tourism Week 2026 in West Yorkshire highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing community engagement through a variety of exhibitions, festivals, and historic site celebrations. Visitors are encouraged to explore these destinations to gain insight into local history and contemporary creative life.