Discover Garforth: Trails, History and Rural Impressions

Garforth combines the history of its trails, rural landscapes and distinctive buildings into a destination offering a variety of ways to explore. Those planning a trip where outdoor activity and local history go hand in hand will find several concrete points of interest here: The Linesway, a section of the Leeds Country Way, the Garforth Heritage Walk, as well as churches and historic houses. When searching for a holiday apartment in Garforth, it is therefore worth considering first whether your trip will focus more on trails, architecture or a mixture of both.

Trails between Garforth and the surrounding countryside

The Linesway is a three-mile-long disused railway line between Garforth and Allerton Bywater. The former railway track gives the route its own character and makes it a suitable subject for anyone interested in the development of the town and its surroundings. The section between Garforth and Woodlesford is 96.1% traffic-free. This figure can provide useful guidance when planning a day, without implying a specific walking time.

The Leeds Country Way also follows the former railway line. The section from Garforth to the River Aire begins at the A63 in Garforth and runs along a former railway line known as The Linesway. From Garforth, The Linesway passes through the countryside and alongside a nature reserve, a river and a canal. This makes it possible to combine different interests when planning: a historically shaped route, impressions of the landscape, and orientation around waterways and protected areas.

Another option is the Garforth Heritage Walk. One section runs from Garforth Station along Aberford Road to Townend. For travellers who prefer to get to know a place through its streets and buildings, this route is an alternative to the trails along the former railway line. The different routes therefore appeal to different travel ideas: The Linesway represents the former railway line and the countryside, while the Heritage Walk focuses on local history along a route through the town.

Churches and historic buildings

St Mary’s Church is a church building made of dressed Magnesian Limestone with a slate roof in the Early English style. George Fowler Jones built it in 1844. Those interested in architectural forms and regional materials can include this building as a specific example in their exploration of Garforth.

Salem Chapel opened on 15 August 1872. After Hornby Skewes moved out in 1984, the chapel was used again as an Evangelical Free Church from 21 October 1984. This development over time adds to the view of Garforth a building whose history of use spans several decades. For a trip with a cultural focus, St Mary’s Church and Salem Chapel can therefore offer different historical perspectives.

Bank Row was built in the early 19th century to accommodate the growing number of miners. The Old George Pub was probably a posting station on the turnpike roads from Leeds to Selby and from Wakefield to Tadcaster. Both buildings therefore point to different aspects of local history: the accommodation of miners and historic transport connections.

Which location suits your trip?

The choice of a holiday apartment or holiday house in Garforth can therefore be based on how you would like to spend your days. Before booking, plan whether on individual days you would prefer to explore trails, examine architectural history or combine both themes.

For more travel ideas on the same portal, you can also discover Otley, Bramhope, Rothwell, Leeds, Aberford, Headingley, Gildersome and Bramley.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Leeds.