The Area
Gilstead is a pleasant residential area rising upwards and eastward 1m from the centre of Bingley to Gilstead Church (St Wilfrid’s) and Church Hall.
Gilstead has a Post Office / General Stores, Pub (The Glen), a recreation ground with soccer pitch, two bus stops (the nearest being just 100 yards from the house) and has an active Village Society and Ladies’ Social Club. There are good schools in the area.
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A number of successful well coached
junior football teams make good use
of the soccer ground and Gilstead
shares a gala day during the summer
with its near neighbour – Eldwick. |
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Primrose Lane and Sheriff Lane (unadopted) define the eastern boundaries of the residential part of the village beyond which there lies the magnificent woods, becks and open countryside of Milner Field, Delph and Broadstone Woods, Shipley Glen, Baildon Moor and beyond. Perfect for strollers, walkers, riding, and dog owner alike.
To the north lies Gilstead’s neighbour - Eldwick with its northern boundary being Bingley Moor and the ever popular Dick Hudson's pub leading through to Ilkley Moor. |
To the south lies the Aire valley with its river and Leeds and Liverpool canal, with pleasant towpath affording pleasant walking cycling - and of course the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks. The tow path also provides easy access to the world heritage centre of Saltaire (a whole subject in itself - see links)
All of these are immediately accessible from 30 Primrose Lane, the entrance to Milner Field being just 50 yards down the road and with the footpath of Sparable Lane being even closer (diagonally opposite the house).
VILLAGE and LOCAL AMENITIES
We have included a summary here but for more detailed information please go to the Links area
Local Pubs
The village pub is the Glen Hotel with its
conservatory restaurant, garden with
bowling green and popular quiz night on
Wednesdays.
The Fisherman’s Arms public house is
less than a mile down Primrose Lane
(next to the Leeds and Liverpool canal).
Slightly further afield is the Acorn at
Eldwick, fortunately the bus stops
nearby and a 25 minute walk will find
you at the other side of Shipley Glen
and the Shipley Glen Hotel |
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Travel
Gilstead has good road, rail and air commuter links. The bus from Gilstead (service 622/623 to Bradford) stops outside Bingley railway Station (one mile) which
is on the Airedale Line. Service every half hour to Leeds (approx. 25 mins with stops at Shipley and Saltaire) and to Bradford.
In the other direction there are approx. 4 trains per hour to Keighley/Skipton.
The Bingley bypass has reduced the level of traffic in the centre of Bingley and the Aire valley trunk road (A650) provides a relatively quick route (about 20 mins) for reaching Skipton (“Gateway to the Dales”). In the other direction the M62, M1 and A1 motorways can all be reached by car within 30 to 45 minutes.
Leeds/Bradford airport is a fabulous 20/25 minute drive over glorious countryside.
Sport, Leisure and Pastime
For the sporty types Bingley cricket and rugby grounds are just one mile further down Primrose Lane. Bowling and tennis is available in Bingley's Myrtle Park where you will find the local Swimming Pool and there are several golf courses within a 2-3 mile radius. Bradford Rowing club is a one mile stroll through Milner Field woods and there is a health and leisure centre at nearby Cottingley.
Bingley has its own thriving theatre and also offers a number of pubs, bars and restaurants. Just off the centre is Myrtle Park - a large park with formal gardens and large show ground, home of the annual Bingley Agricultural show in August and the Music event usually held in September.
Schools
There are a number of Secondary schools within a 2 mile radius (one being Bingley Grammar School).
Shipley College is situated 3 miles away and offers a wide range of evening sporting and adult learning classes.
Keighley College, Bradford College and the University of Bradford are also within easy travelling distance.
Health
Bingley has its own health centre and there are two major A&E hospitals in the area – Airedale Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Shopping
Bingley has a fair range of specialist shops: Bakery, Deli, Butchers, Chemists, Specialist Radiators (yes, radiators!), Shoes, Fashion, Jewellers as well as the type of establishments you would expect to find in any small town. It also has a medium sized Co-op supermarket, with larger supermarkets within easy travelling distance (see links). Keighley with its Airedale Shopping Centre (M&S!) is 6 miles away. Markets are held in Bingley, Shipley, Keighley and Skipton.
