Saltaire Model Village, Bradford

Visit Saltaire

The 'model village' of Saltaire is located in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Sir Titus Salt had the purpose-built village and associated work premises constructed next to the River Aire from 1853, so that his employees could be housed in clean, sanitary condirions and also to improve the work efficiency of his woollen industry. (Hence the name: Salt-Aire.)

Visit Saltaire

The village included not just houses and the mill, but also numerous leisure and educational facilities, such as a library, church, concert hall and allotments.

The entire Saltaire complex is now listed in order that it be protected for the future - not an easy task when in the centre of Bradford, a busy northern city subject to many other space and transport pressures.

The key parts of Saltaire are Salt's Mill and the village of Saltaire itself, but be sure to see the impressive United Reformed Church at the same time, itself a Grade 1 listed building.

Note that the village is interesting for its architecture and history, but it is still a real lived in part of Bradford - don't go ambling through an open house door expecting to see a waxwork model - the current owners might not be impressed!

In recent years (starting in 1987) the complex has been much improved and renovated and Salt's Mill includes art galleries and designer shops, and a range of cafes and restaurants for example. There is also an exhibition explaining the history of Saltaire.

One highlight is the David Hockney exhibition. The well known artist was himself born in Bradford, and the Saltaire buildings are a fitting place for a permanent display of some of his paintings and other art works, in the 1853 Gallery.

Guided tours of the whole Saltaire region are available.