Things to do and see in Pudsey

Written by Dick Bonham

Things to do and see in Pudsey
West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre

Tucked between Leeds and Bradford, Pudsey is one of those small market towns that has been swallowed up over the years by its sprawling neighbours. It is probably best known for giving its name to Children in Need’s Pudsey Bear. Created in 1985, the famous yellow mascot was made by Pudsey resident and BBC designer Joanna Ball, whose grandfather was also mayor of the town.

With a strongly independent spirit, this is a place that some Leeds residents can think of as being a bit of a trek to get to. However, hop on a train and New Pudsey station is just ten minutes from the city centre. There are plenty of opportunities to support local traders; a regular market takes place on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday offering a range of produce.

Pudsey Park

Much of the area’s architecture dates from Victorian times – there are lots of attractive Yorkshire stone buildings. Of course, one of the great Victorian inventions was the public park, and Pudsey boasts a particularly well-maintained example.

It includes a visitor’s centre, focussing on all sorts of wildlife from the local area, including freshwater fish, birds and a rabbit warren. This seems to have replaced the monkey cages that for many years were kept there! Activities are run throughout the year at the centre, such as bat watching and bird box building.

Also on offer is a well-equipped playground for kids, a skateboard area, a bowling green, and regular performances by brass bands on Sunday afternoons during the summer.

Fulneck Moravian Settlement

A short and pleasant walk away from the centre of Pudsey is a unique Moravian settlement dating back to the eighteenth century. The Moravians were a Czech Christian denomination who settled in England following persecution in the European counter-reformation.

Fulneck is a beautiful area. The incredible school building dates back to 1753. Famous pupils include actress Diana Rigg and cricketer William Booth. There’s also a museum, though it’s worth checking before you visit if it is open, as for much of the year it only opens on a few afternoons a week.

Highlight of any visit to the settlement though should be a trip to one of my favourite restaurants in Leeds. Zachary’s is by no means cheap, but the quality of food and service is superlative. If you’re planning a visit then it is definitely worth ringing ahead, as it tends to book up quickly.

It’s also a lovely spot for an indulgent Sunday roast and if you fancy a nightcap before returning home, the nearby Bankhouse Inn is a relaxed country pub that’s particularly welcoming on a warm summer’s evening.

Places to Eat and Drink in Pudsey

If your wallet isn’t feeling up to a trip to Zachary’s, there are plenty of other restaurants in Pudsey that won’t break the bank. Gi-Gi’s is a very reasonable pizzeria and is next to one of the area’s best watering holes, Bar 57. The Stroom based in a redeveloped Conservative Club, the owners aim for a cosmopolitan feel.

The menu is regularly updated and features a mix of French and traditional English dishes, along with a pleasing wine list. It’s particularly worth checking out their early bird offers.

There are plenty of take-aways in Pudsey, but for me there’s only one choice. The Wetherby Whaler on Lowtown is one of the finest fish ‘n’ chip shops in the area. They also have a small restaurant if you want to sit in. Pudsey may never be considered one of the “trendy” areas of Leeds, but there are plenty of hidden gems to make this one area well worth investigating.

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