Community
16/09/2026
There’s a moment each October when our corner of Yorkshire quietly outdoes itself. The woods turn copper, the moorland takes on a moodier edge, and suddenly the best plan for a weekend is a good walk followed by somewhere warm with a Sunday roast and a drink in hand.
We work across Bradford and the surrounding villages every day, so we’ve put together a few of the places we’d visit with our friends and family this autumn. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll with the kids or a proper moorland hike, there’s something here for you.
Autumn walks worth putting your boots on for
Haworth and the Brontë Way
For a proper autumn hike, the Brontë Walk from The Fleece Inn is a 7½-mile Yorkshire classic, taking in Penistone Hill, the Brontë Falls and the ruins of Top Withens where the Brontë sisters themselves walked from the parsonage. If you’re heading to Top Withens, remember to wrap up warm and take a map, as the weather on the tops can change quickly.
Best for: seasoned walkers, literary fans, big skies.
Judy Woods, Wyke
Often described as the largest ancient woodland in the district, Judy Woods is actually a collection of linked woodlands, including Low Wood, Old Hanna, Royds Hall and Jagger Park Woods, which locals just call by one name. It’s a good one for crunching leaves and following the beck, and the Friends of Judy Woods group helps look after it. If you spot a cottage gate along the way, you’re near the spot where the woods’ namesake, Judy North, lived in the 1850s.
Best for: woodland wandering, dog walkers, a quieter escape.
Shipley Glen, Baildon
Rugged, peaceful and full of colour in autumn, with rocky crags as a dramatic backdrop. At weekends, the Shipley Glen Tramway adds a bit of old-fashioned charm, especially with children in tow.
Best for: families, photographers, a short walk with big views.
Parks for a slower autumn day
Lister Park, Bradford
Autumn is when Lister Park shines. It was crowned Britain’s Best Park in 2006 and is also home to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. Head to the park to take a walk around the lake, and then head inside if the weather turns.
Best for: a leisurely stroll, art and architecture, a weekend wander. visitbradfordvisitbradford
Peel Park, Bolton/Undercliffe
A good option with younger children, as it features a Totem and Play Trail with wooden creatures and nine play challenges.
Best for: families, little legs, burning off energy
Oakwell Hall & Country Park, Birstall/Gomersal
A stunning Elizabethan manor house, furnished as a 17th Century home and 110 acre country woodland park with cafe and a play ground for the little ones.
Best for: families, dog walkers
Cosy pubs to warm up in afterwards
Saltaire
Beer fans can head to Saltaire Brewery and its Tap Room at County Works on Dockfield Road, or pop into Cultures, a deli and drafthouse on Victoria Road serving wine, beer, coffee and cheese.
Esholt
If you’re walking in the woods nearby, The Woolpack is known for hand-pulled ales and good food. You might also recognise this pub from Emmerdale Farm if you watched the show before 1997.
Haworth
In Haworth you can finish the Brontë Walk where you started, at The Fleece Inn on Main Street. Further out near the falls, we’d also recommend the Old Silent Inn, which is dog-friendly and does food too.
City Centre
For something historic, try Jacob’s Well, a city centre pub dating back to the 19th century which offers a traditional pub atmosphere and was the Yorkshire CAMRA cider pub of the year in 2022. If you need to keep warm as the weather turns Jacob’s Well has three log fires inside to keep you warm and help you dry off on the rainy days.
Tip: pub opening times, food service and dog policies can change, so it’s worth checking before you set off.
Love where you live?
If there’s one thing a few autumn walks remind us, it’s how much this area has to offer, from villages with real character to city-edge parks and miles of open countryside.
If you’re thinking of moving, whether you’re selling or looking for somewhere new, we’d love to talk you through what life is like in different parts of Bradford and the surrounding area.
Get in touch with our team for advice on moving, or to book a free valuation.
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