This is a truly exciting and beautifully art gallery. I challenge you to wander past the window and…read morenot stop for a quick browse. I wasn't even meant to be stopping the day I discovered this gem in the heart of Ilkley and I suppose you might say it actually stopped me in my tracks. It isn't hard to see why either. Inside there was a lovely range of different types of art from a range of exciting media. Some of my favourites were the exquisitely painted photo-realistic images, although the Stef Ottevangar animal sculptures were really quite cute. There was jewellery on show too, including some lovely metal carved earrings for about £20. My absolute favourite was this amazing snowy road scene on a huge canvas, it really was something else. Essentially, whatever is on show here clearly will be of the highest quality and although it may be high end, I can justify those sorts of prices for high art by independent artists. Take a look for yourself, it's lovely!

I stopped to admire the glass figures in the window of this small gallery/shop and went inside to…read morehave a closer look. The figures are huge. almost life size, made by an artist called Steven Yates. My eye was caught by another piece that happened to be by the same artist. It was a paper mache pair of figures in a passionate embrace, painted red. When I asked about it the lady painting at the back of the shop explained that on the male figure there were 'men seeking women' ads. and on the female figure 'women seeking men' ads. It is appropriately title 'Chemistry' - I like it because the artist has really captured the movement and passion of the couple. It is slightly erotic but not tasteless! Alas if I only had £800 to spare and an appropriate wall to hang it on! Aside from this piece, which really grabbed me, the gallery is filled with paintings of landscapes and flowers, some beautiful, others quite ordinary. There were a few smaller glass and ceramic works and a cabinet of handmade jewelry. It is a lovely place to have a look around even if you can't afford to buy anything!

Well you'd be hard pushed to get in or out of Halifax without noticing the Dean Clough building…read more It's nationally renowned as a prime site in Halifax and it's not just a business emporium. It does house quite a few private businesses and office space but it has so much more to offer than that. First up take some live theatre and music. The Crossley Gallery has fast become a key place for many Jazz acts to come and ply their trade. You've also got the Viaduct Theatre which attracts classical music and of course live stage productions. If that's not your thing then the art galleries are pretty impressive. They get some really interesting exhibitions and change them about quite regularly. Add to that a nice design shop, café and a restaurant and it's a treat that you'd maybe not expect to find in these industrial looking walls. Loving your work here.

I work in this building and have to say - it's quite a nice place to be…read more The offices are a bit mixed - some are lovely and refurbished and some are a bit old and grotty but I think they are in the process of doing up the whole place. It's a nice central clean building. The viaduct cafe is nice and the Design House Restaurant is pretty decent too. I like the galleries here - it's quite nice during a stressful day to wander downstairs and look at the pictures or sculptures - helps calm me down and face the day. There is also a very nice gift shop.

Some good local work on display in the old station building. Cafes, market and shops just nearby.read more

if you like art pay a visit here its right on the railway station some wonderful art by local…read moreartists and school children and it is right in the middle of town good pubs and shopping nearby and close to the market its not the tate but it is clitheroes answer and its free a venue with a differance

There is nothing intimidating about Novus Contemporary Art, a family owned gallery in Didsbury, and…read morethat's what I love about it. There are probably some art purists out there who hate the concept of a gallery that is warm, welcoming, reasonably priced and varied, but for me these can only be pluses. Supporting local artists as well as established names, you can see everything from abstract to still life in originals, limited edition prints, sculptures, ceramics and glass. I've become something of a familiar face in here because everyone is so welcoming and happy for you to spend as much time as you like appreciating the art. There's nothing bad I can say about this place.

This is a great little venue, good for people watching. The cafe has a nice contemporary menu, all…read morefood made fresh and home-made soup and cakes. I get all my picture framing done downstairs in The Gallery (which has a different feel to the upstairs) as Chris gives discount to artists. He is one of the best in the business and has a real flair for presenting your picture in the most eye-catching way and is not afraid to advise you on what will look best which I find really helpful. While I was there he was framing a football shirt and claims he can frame anything! There is some fantastic original art and prints down there too and frequent new exhibitions. It is worth a look even if you do not need any pictures framing and Saltaire has a good vibe, it is worth a visit anytime.

So my better half took me here after I ate an ice cream that almost weighed the same as my lad…read more It's a beautiful big park and hall. So we had a look at the pond and saw the geese and ducks. We then moseyed on up to field where we shot our Rockets. Flew the micro lite helicopter (great at take offs. Horrendously bad at landings). We also played football and threw the frisby We then had a walk up to the climbing frames. That Was very busy with kids with no manners so we swiftly moved on to the bouncy castle. You have to pay but good value for money and he got some much enjoyment out of running him and bouncy Down. I couldn't think of anything worse. We then had a little surprise with a free small animal section. Loads of birds. Little animals like rabbits. Tortoises. Squirrels etc. So good and quite educational. I was very impressed. We then headed back down to get a coffee. This was the only boringly bad element to the whole experience. To have 3 drinks and crisps I nearly had to raid my lads wallet as didn't take cards and wasnt cheap. That wasn't the worst bit. I had to queue for 30 mins. Lol I would definitely recommend if for an afternoon out. I left a tip too!

This is a great place to go if you are looking for a free day out with the kids.Not only is there…read moreloads of room for them to run round , play footie and generally let off steam but there's a well equipped play area too. The small pets area is open again now and there are always ducks on the lake so take a few rounds of bread with you!There is a cafe in the park which not only sells icecreams ,tea and coffee but also does some reasonably priced meals. The hall itself has lots to see and there are activities that children can complete on the way round, if you are a Chorley resident remember to take proof with you and entry is free.My kids loved going here and for a cheap day out we used to take a picnic there are plenty of trees to shelter under if it rains!The hall itself is open from April to October but the park is open all year round.

I love looking in art galleries, as I'm sure you'll agree, there is always something interesting…read moregoing on. I'm one of those hellish customers who never intends to purchase the art work - I simply can't afford to - but likes to spend a good hour browsing anyway. In theory I'll be able to purchase...one day! Anyway, I was about Otley town and noticed Browns so went in for a good perusal. I was greeted instantly by a lovely lady who asked me how I was, which was very welcoming. This place is really nicely laid out and certainly has a high end feel about the artwork within. They had a number of different artists' work on display in a range of different styles and media. The first pictures by J Lagadec, which struck me on entering, were these female silhouettes, black lines on a cream embossed background, and one with a distinct red 'v' at her nether area. Nearby there were some exquisite watercolour landscapes by Graham Carver and some humorous paintings by Mackenzie Thorpe - including what I assumed was Death holding a sunflower over his shoulder. So there was quite a variety of styles on show. Overall I think my favourite artist was Todd White - his collection was a humorous lot with undertones of a darker nature. My favourite was just called 'Caffeine' and depicted a series of caffeinated wide-eyed people, all in business attire, sporting bloodshot, toothy and forced smiles. It was full of detail, skill, character and was just really quite fun. He also had a series of cartoonish clocks for sale, splatted cows and ice creams, all for about £44 which was really not too bad a price given the expense of the rest of the art work. That's not to say I thought the art on show was over-priced, I am more than aware of how long those pieces must have taken, and how much skill was required to create them in the first place. On a separate note, Browns also does picture frame fittings too! Essentially, this beautiful gallery is a must-see if you are having a casual day in Otley. Beautiful.

Whether you are interested in art or not I would advise you to take 5 minutes to have a browse…read morethrough the art and crafts that is on offer within the walls of The Old Grammar School Gallery (TOGS). The art on offer is not just beautiful but some of it is well within the means of most people's pockets. I have been into TOGS a few times now and I have even purchased some art. There is everything from paintings, to pictures, to glass wear, to ceramics and so on. This month there is a solo exhibition by Julia Odell. Now I will put my hands up and say that Julia is a personal friend of mine and I wouldn't want anything I say to be taken as favoritism. But I find her paintings engaging and they always lift my mood or take me off somewhere else. There are also works of art by many other local artists and entering The Old Grammar School is an easy and enjoyable way to spend half an hour. The last time I was in there I purchased a beautiful piece of hand made glass wear. £20? Absolute bargain!! But please don't take my word for it. And anyway, taking the time to visit Otley is well worth it! The town is full of interesting shops and a lovely riverside walk if you prefer a quiet stroll or a walk in the park. There is nothing like the lovely clean smell on a warm summers day as you walk along the rivers edge. Oops. This was meant to be about COGS!! As you can guess, I'm a huge fan and the staff are knowledgable and enthusiastic too. For me, TOGS ticks all the boxes.

From the owner: Original art by local artistsread more

This new entry to Albion Street in the centre of town is truly a breath of fresh air. This…read moreparticular street is quite clogged with coffee shops and eateries as it is and so the addition of an art gallery shop is the perfect answer for diversity. The store itself is laid out like an art gallery with relaxing white space with which to adorn the artwork - perfect for maintaining an uncluttered feel with such a variety of artists on show. There is the main space on the ground floor and a further gallery down the narrow stairs. The lady who was working when I popped in was absolutely lovely, she was really friendly and talkative about the shop, but didn't push to sell me anything which I always appreciate. The art itself was wonderful and diverse, from the kitsch cutesy cow art by Caroline Shotten, to the modern pop-art stark portraits of Simon Claridge, to the bold graffiti art of Ge Feng there was something for everyone. My difficulty is that I could have purchased all of their pieces, since diversity is what I like best, however at around £400+ per painting I simply couldn't afford to be impulsive. I certainly don't think that it is overly expensive - art is quite often underpriced and undervalued, but in my current state of pauperdom I would have to really fall in love to make such a spend. If you are lucky enough to have that kind of cash to spend, I suggest you search for a gift in this gallery. You will find something unique and delightful herein.

I couldn't agree more with the first review. This is such a wonderful place to step into and at the…read moremoment they have a sale on so there are loads of completely juxtaposing pieces. From cartoon like paintings to classical fine art portraits of bare ladies. Rather scruffy looking as I was at the time I was pleased coercive such a warm welcome from the lady, Angela, who was working at the time I entered. Some truly breathtaking art work on display and ready for someone to buy and proudly display, unfortunately I need a new par of climbing boots before I buy anything else.