Bradford's UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect visitor destination throughout the year. The Victorian village of Saltaire, near Shipley which was built by Sir Titus Salt, is one of Bradford and Yorkshire's key visitor destinations. For a host of heritage and history with enough refreshment and retail options to satisfy even the most adventurous discover Saltaire.

Heritage from an industrial age

The village which was built for the workers of Sir Titus Salt, an industrialist known for being ahead of the socially responsible era which saw Joseph Rowntree construct the Rowntree Village, is an internationally recognised site of cultural importance with UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It offers the perfect break or day out for all ages, whatever the weather, with magnificent architecture and visitor attractions that can be accessed for free.

The starting development of the Salt development is also one of the most impressive features of Saltaire. Salts Mill complex which opened in 1853, is an impressive landmark in yellow sandstone, designed in the Italianate style, leading the way for a range of worker's facilities to be built, including worker's houses, a church, a school, a place for adult learning and a park.

Today, Salts Mill has been transformed into a mixed use space offering a range of outlets that are open 7 days a week, with free admission. Most famous for being the home of one of the largest collections of art by internationally acclaimed artist and Bradfordian, David Hockney housed in 1853 Gallery visitors can also visit a series of shops, the Saltaire History Exhibition or enjoy local and regional produce at Cafe Opera and Salts Diner.

It is also home to the Early Music Shop, the world's largest early music instrument specialist. The prestigious new showroom at Salts Mill is the largest single source of medieval, renaissance and baroque musical instruments world-wide and is an Aladdin's Cave of affordable early music instruments.

Opposite from Salts Mill is Saltaire's showpiece and one of Britain's most precious Victorian architectural treasures. Saltaire United Reformed Church is a striking Grade I listed building, originally built in 1859 as a Congregational Church for the spiritual needs of the workers. Public access to the interiors is available throughout the year on Sunday afternoons and can be opened by arrangement or visited as part of a local tour.

In the Fresh Air

From the church, cross the River Aire and enjoy a stroll through the stunning setting of Roberts Park. After a recent �4.5m refurbishment project, the park officially re-opened in May 2010 perfectly restored to its former Victorian splendour, complete with a rebuilt bandstand, renovated Half Moon Pavilion and replanted flowerbeds.

Within the park board the Shipley Glen Tramway, the oldest working cable tramway in Great Britain (cliff lifts excepted). Dating from 1895 and at nearly a quarter-mile in length, the woodland ride provides a pleasant alternative to the steep path up to the rocks and woods of Shipley Glen. On reaching the top enjoy refreshments from the cafe or pub or visit Brackenhall Countryside Centre and souvenir shop.

Alternatively, bring the past to life with a guided walk of the village. Led by knowledgeable guides in costume, Salts Walks take visitors to key points of interest and submerges them in the history of the village as they unravel the past lives of the people who once lived and worked in the Mill. Salts Walks take approximately one hour and run regularly every weekend and weekdays by arrangement.

Refresh and Recharge

Times have certainly changed since the days of Sir Titus Salt, whose sympathies for the temperance movement (and keen business sense) ensured that no public house or saloon was built in the village. Nowadays, visitors can find enjoy the perfect refreshment, from CAMRA award winning ales found in historic Fanny's Ale House and The Old Tramshed. For international beers and world wines, make yourself comfortable in the waterfront settings of The Boathouse Inn and the contemporary Don't Tell Titus. Or, for all the night owls, cocktails can be sipped into the night at Yo Yo Bar and Restaurant.

When exploring the village is proving thirsty work, book a visit to Saltaire Brewery & Visitor Centre, a state of the art micro-brewery, housed within an old generating hall that once provided the electricity for the Saltaire trams.

Established in 2005 by a group of friends who shared a passion for good beer, the brewery includes a specially commissioned 20 barrel brew-house, Visitor Centre with mezzanine bar and exhibition about the science and history of brewing. Visitors can buy award winning beers such as Triple Chocoholic, Saltaire Blonde and Cascade Pale Ale direct from the brewery, selected supermarkets and independent stores across West Yorkshire.

Alternatively, for a bite to eat why not visit one of the many tea-rooms, cafes or bistros.

Established by two vicars, Vicars Cafe Bistro is a fascinating place. Part caf�, part bistro, part community centre, it offers fairtrade and local produce where possible, while working with the local community and donating, 10% of profits to the Red Fund charity.

Admire a large collection of novelty & collectable teapots at Victoria Tearooms whilst being served a variety of homemade dishes including their own delicious recipe Welsh Rarebit and Ploughman's Platter with locally produced farmhouse cheeses.

Or, family run Viluccim offers home-made focaccia bread, paninis, speciality coffee's, wines and beers that can be enjoyed from comfy sofas in the 'Loft Cafe' which originally dates back to 1920's. For the family friendly option, Massarella Cafe Bar is a fantastic choice with an extensive menu served in a very friendly baby and children environment.

If looking for a venue offering dining options whatever the occasion, from breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon teas with home-made cakes, to a la carte dining in the evenings, within an authentic French Bistro setting, The Terrace Caf� Bar & Bistro allows you to relax along with candles and subdued lighting.

Shopaholic's day out

With a host of products from flowers to mountain bikes available in Salts Mill visitors can also find signed prints in 1853 Gallery and contemporary jewellery designs in the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery. If Salts Mill is not quite enough shopaholics and boutique browsers can enjoy a range of unique shops and outlets in the village.

For crafts, photography, handmade jewellery, cards and gifts photography try Art Parade, for designer gifts, soaps, candles, fabrics and artwork pop into The Butterfly Rooms or for something beautifully unique, stop off at The House of Rose & Brown for vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and collectables.

Conscience focused fashionistas are catered for at Magic Number Three. This striking, colourful boutique was a former organic deli and now offers a range of clothes all fairly traded, made with sustainable materials, and superbly designed to meet your eco-chic desires.

Saltaire Accommodation

Make a break of it and stay over... For those preferring to cater for themselves options include the four-star Overlookers Cottage, a Grade II listed building for up to four people or VIVO Hotel Apartments.

The former Victorian Mill has been transformed into contemporary luxury apartments with an exceptional range of onsite facilities - secure onsite parking, VM Lounge Bar & Bistro, gymnasium, tennis court, on-site shop and Beauty Rooms. Each apartment comes fully furnished with everything you could want for a relaxed stay from overnight breaks to six month stays. Just outside of Saltaire Village in Shipley lies Ford House Farm Bed and Breakfast, a four-star self catering farmhouse with beautiful views down to the River Aire. Alternatively, put your feet up in a Gothic style mansion house surrounded by 8 acres of landscaped gardens at the Ramada Bradford/Leeds Hotel just a short stroll from the banks of the River Aire.

Saltaire Events

In addition to the year-round attractions within Saltaire, why not make a date for your visit and coincide your stay with one of the exciting events taking place this year?

Saltaire Festival (9-19 September 2010) is one of Bradford district's most popular festivals, with a packed programme of events including exhibitions, musical performances, continental markets, CAMRA beer festival, historical walks and comedy nights. Many events at Saltaire Festival are free. Tickets are available for advance purchase for all events & most events will have tickets available on the door. Highlights include: Airedale Cruising at Saltaire Village, luxury skippered day cruises that will be available as part of Saltaire Festival.

Saltaire Arts Trail (11-19 September 2010 and May 2011) will be bringing colour and vibrancy to the streets of Saltaire with 10 days of creative fun. As part of the Saltaire Arts Trail visitors can wander the streets of the village and discover art around every corner, from the ever-popular Open Houses - where 6 residents' houses are transformed into unique temporary gallery spaces showcasing the finest art and craft from across Yorkshire to The Makers' Fair in the magnificent surroundings of Victoria Hall. The stunning roof space of Salts Mill is an exhibition of photographs by one of the country's leading photo-journalists, Asadour Guzelian. This, his first solo show, is a mini-retrospective capturing life in Yorkshire over the last 25 years. Families can enjoy a range of activities under cover, while Kirkgate Studios and Workshops will be running a series of workshops, including how to make a pinhole camera.

Yorkshire Food Fair (12 September 2010) takes place in Victoria Hall. For the first time, Saltaire Festival is holding a food fair dedicated to Yorkshire food and drink, as the region's finest food producers come together to tempt you with their mouth watering fare. Fashion Show Spectacular (17 September 2010) at Victoria Hall is brought to you by Saltaire's vintage boutique, The House of Rose & Brown. Visitors can enjoy an evening of style inspiration with nearly 100 superb vintage outfits from 1930s day dresses and 1950s evening gowns to 1960s mini dresses will be coming to life on the catwalk, all available to try on and buy!

Saltaire Brewery Beer Festival (17-18 September 2010) takes place at Saltaire Brewery & Visitor Centre, with a fine range of beers to tempt every taste.

Saltaire Continental Market (17-19 September 2010) is an annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the Bradford District and beyond, with delicious food items on sale plus light entertainment.

Open Houses (11-12 September and 18-19 September 2010) offers the perfect chance to step inside the houses once lived in by mill workers, with virtually every house in Saltaire internally different, the Open Houses combines quality art and unusual exhibition space with the delightful feeling of surprise and discovery. Now in its fourth year, the Open Houses is eagerly awaited by all, including art lovers; those interested in the history and heritage of this Victorian 'model' village; and those who simply enjoy a good look round somebody else's home...

Vintage Home & Fashion Fair (18 September & 4 December 2010). Victoria Hall will host up to 40 stalls of vintage loveliness for you and your home, including clothes, jewellery, accessories, homewares and collectables from the 1920s to the 1980s, and not forgetting wonderful teas from Interlude Tea Room & Emporium.

The Wurlitzer Opus 2208 Concert Sessions (19th September, 10th October, 14th November & 12th December 2010) at Victoria Hall offer the public the chance to not only see but hear The Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, that was originally installed in the Gaumont Cinema, Oldham, 1937.

For futher information about Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Bradford District please visit www.visitsaltaire.com

-Ends-

Media Contacts:

For further information, images, or to arrange an interview or media visit, please contact:

Amy Bell Bonner & Hindley Communications Top Floor - 31 Burley Road, Leeds, LS3 1JT 0113 243 4713 amy@bandhcommunications.co.uk

Editor's Notes: Currently, there are 851 World Heritage Sites approved by the World Heritage Committee as having outstanding universal value. These include 660 cultural sites (Saltaire is one of these), 166 natural sites and 25 mixed mixed site properties. UK properties inscribed on the World Heritage List:

Cultural * Blaenavon Industrial Landscape (2000) * Blenheim Palace (1987) * Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's

Church (1988) * Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd (1986) * City of Bath (1987) * Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape (2006) * Derwent Valley Mills (2001) * Durham Castle and Cathedral (1986) * Frontiers of the Roman Empire (1987) * Heart of Neolithic Orkney (1999) * Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications,

Bermuda (2000) * Ironbridge Gorge (1986) * Liverpool - Maritime Mercantile City (2004) * Maritime Greenwich (1997) * New Lanark (2001) * Old and New Towns of Edinburgh (1995) * Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (2009) * Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2003) * Saltaire (2001) * Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites (1986) * Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey (1986) * Tower of London (1988) * Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church (1987)

Natural * Dorset and East Devon Coast (2001) * Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast (1986) * Gough and Inaccessible Islands (1995) * Henderson Island (1988)

Mixed * St Kilda (1986)

Bradford City of Film

In June 2009 Bradford the world's first and currently only official UNESCO City of Film, which underlines just how far the city's cultural offering has come. The award celebrates and recognises the fabulous film heritage, world-class festivals and stunning locations of Bradford, with the film's national museum at its heart.

More information can be found at www.bradford-city-of-film.com