Attractions and Places To See around Alwoodley - Top 20

Lindley Wood is a compensation reservoir, which means it is not linked to the supply of water to homes but is there to take excess water from Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, which are nearby. This is why there is not much water in there.

This reservoir is one of the oldest in the Washbourn Valley; it was built between 1869 and 1876. The other three reservoirs here are Thruscross, Swinsty and Fewston. Walking around the reservoir is a truly aesthetic, soul-beautifying experience. The green wooded banks, woodland and reservoir paths and open countryside... what else would anyone want in life?... oh, sunsets here are unbelievable.

Barwick-in-Elmet unveils itself as a charming village. It stands as one of merely three locales in the region with a direct link to the storied Romano-British kingdom of Elmet from antiquity. In this village, an exploration awaits, highlighted by noteworthy attractions. Among them is the village's pride: the second-largest Maypole in the United Kingdom. Another gem, Hall Tower Hill, once an observatory during the Second World War, graces the landscape. Completing the village experience, one can find solace within the welcoming confines of any of its three public houses.

The coloured glass room spanning over the main row is absolutely noteworthy.

Victoria Leeds is a shopping district and leisure area in central Leeds, comprising the 1990 Victoria Quarter, an arcaded complex of restored 19th century and contemporary shopping arcades, and the 2016 Victoria Gate development. Notable for its role in the regeneration of Leeds' city centre, and a programme of restoration and reuse which included commissiong the largest work of stained glass work in Europe,[1] designed by artist Brian Clarke,[2] to cover the newly-pedestrianised Queen Victoria Street, the 1990 scheme created a covered retail district of linked arcades. In 2016 ,the Victoria Quarter was merged with the newly built Victoria Gate complex to form the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Northern England. The district includes a casino and major stores such as Harvey Nichols and John Lewis and Partners. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Leeds)

Charles Thornton, (1820-1881), was the owner of the Old White Swan Inn in Swan Street, and the proprietor of the Varieties Music Hall. (Now the Leeds City Varieties.) In 1873 he built a block of shops and offices, Thornton's Buildings, at the junction of the Upper Headrow with Lands Lane. In 1875 Thornton applied for permission to demolish the Old Talbot Inn on Briggate, and to build a new arcade of shops on the site. The Talbot was one of the oldest inns in Leeds. Thoresby writing in 1715, describes frescoes painted on the walls of a room in the Inn. The Inn was used for cockfighting, and in the 17th century was where the circuit judge stayed when he was in Leeds. The arcade was originally designed by Charles Fowler, a Leeds architect, but the Borough Engineer would not agree to the designs because of problems with the drainage. Charles Thornton changed his architect, and engaged George Smith, whose altered plans met with approval. The arcade was opened in May 1878. The arcade is three storeys high, with a glass roof. At the northern end is a clock with a mechanism made by William Potts and Sons of Leeds. It has four life-size figures of characters from Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Richard Coeur-de-Lion, and Friar Tuck who strike the hours, and Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd who strike the quarters. They were made by the Leeds sculptor John Wormald Appleyard. At the other end of the arcade is the head of a woman, with long curling hair and a large hat. It is modelled on the painting of the Duchess of Devonshire by Gainsborough. Thornton's Arcade was refurbished in 1993. (https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/arcades/thorntons-arcade/)

Lindley Wood Reservoir was the first of the four reservoirs in the Washburn Valley to be built. It was constructed by navvies between 1869 and 1876. In the summer of 2022 it dried up exposing a cracked mud bed. Lindley Wood acts to take in excess water from nearby Fewston and Swinsty Reserviors. As the country was in drought, there was no excess water to fill it.

Otley is a hive of adventurous activity, welcoming visitors seeking the great outdoors from the nearby cities of Leeds and Bradford. It is the gateway to Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the Yorkshire Dales National Park is just a short drive away too. Nestled on the River Wharfe, there is plenty of excellent walking in the surrounding countryside, be it on the moors, along the river or in beautiful woodland. Back in town, there are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and gear shops to keep you entertained for hours. To the south of the town is the Chevin, a wooded gritstone escarpment full of historical and scenic interest. The 180-acre (73 ha) site is criss-crossed by excellent paths. Further afield, Ilkley Moor is a magnificent place for a moorland ramble.