Horsforth Area Guide
History of Horsforth
Horsforth was traditionally an argicultural community but like most suburbs in Leeds has expanded rapidly with the growth of industry in the area.
The name Horsforth comes from the Old English “hors” which means 'horse' and “ford”, the body of water that the horses would have to cross on the River Aire when they transported the woolen goods the area was renowned for. The original ford was situated off Calverley Lane but this was replaced by a stone footbridge at the turn of the 19th century.
Industrially, Horsforth has a history of producing high quality stone from its quarries. Not only did it supply Kirkstall Abbey with building materials and millstones in the medieval period, it provided the stone for Scarborough's seafront and sent sandstone from Golden Bank Quarry as far afield as Egypt.
Situated on Horsforth Beck (Oil Mill Beck) were mills serving the textile trade. In the late-19th century it achieved note as the village with the largest population in England. Railways, turnpike roads, tramways and the nearby canal made it a focus for almost all forms of public and commercial transport and it became a dormitory suburb of Leeds.
Amenities in Horsforth
Horsforth is described locally as having a strong sense of community spirit with cobbled streets and small independent shops and boutiques. It is also blessed with plenty of open space, from the spacious Horsforth Hall Park to the canalside strolls along the Leeds-Liverpool towpath. There's also a delightful riverside walk by the nearby River Aire where you can take in some fantastic scenery of the local area.
Horsforth has a thriving local business community, much of it to be found in the industrial area skirting Low Lane. There are a number of Estate Agents in Horsforth, which are mostly found along New Road Side. If you're a fan of sports then look no further, Horsforth has access to a wealth of sports clubs that will suit any taste from Horsforth Tennis Club to Horsforth Harriers, Horsforth Fairweather Football Club, FC Pitchers, Leeds Hockey Club, Crompark Cricket Club, and Otley & District Riding for the Disabled Association.
You can also visit Trinity and All Saints College sports centre. Newly revamped, this amazing facility is also open to the public. Facilities include a gym, squash, volleyball and indoor football courts.
Horsforth Golf Club is pretty special for golf enthusiasts too as it borders the runway at Leeds-Bradford airport, you get some unique winds on the green!
If long walks in the fresh air are your thing then head to Horsforth Hall Park where amongst the cricket pitch and bowling green you can find a tranquil Japanese garden, skatepark and fantastic play space, particularly suitable for younger kids.
For those thinking about studying in the area, Leeds Trinity University, formerly Leeds Trinity University College, is now an independent university after a period as an accredited college of the University of Leeds. The residential campus is located off Brownberrie Lane and the further education college, Leeds City College, has a site in Horsforth as well.
You can find out more about the history of Horsforth at Horsforth Village Museum. Once described as the largest village in England, see how the popular town has managed to retain some of its village like identity, character and sense of community. The Museum, which opened to the public in July 1998, is situated at The Green in the heart of the old village.
Entertaining and eating out in Horsforth
Horsforth has a high number of bars and pubs, from traditional pubs going back to the 17th century to more modern café bars and lounges. It's a popular night out if you want to have a few drinks but don't want to head into the City Centre.
There's an opportunity to visit all of the well loved chains alongside a number of independent ventures from Oriental and Indian, to bistros and tapas.
Housing in Horsforth
The steady expansion of housing in various periods throughout the 19th and 20th century means there is a varied selection of houses to buy in Leeds.
What's more, Horsforth's spot on a hill means many of its properties enjoy broad airy views of the surrounding green spaces.
Like many of its north Leeds neighbours, Horsforth is a popular settling place for families, and semi-detached two and three-bedroom properties are very popular and a great idea if you are thinking about property investment Leeds. Horsforth is generally regarded as one of the most popular parts of Leeds to live.
There are a small number of flats and first-time buyers may find that some of the terraced houses are both well priced and well suited to their needs.
For those wanting the best view, there are a few properties in the area that top the £1m mark and the general rule of thumb is the more north you go the higher the property price.
Why not ask Dwell, your estate agents in Leeds for more details.
How to get to Horsforth
Buses: There's a bus from Horsforth into Leeds City Centre every few minutes at peak times and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Buses stopping here are service numbers 9, 31, 32, 33, 50, 81, 82, 97,731 and 757.
Rail: Horsforth has its own train station and offers regular services to Leeds, York, Knaresborough and Harrogate. Journey time to Leeds City Centre is around 15 minutes.
Road: Horsforth has good road access courtesy of the proximity of the Leeds Ring Road (A6120).
Summary
Great access links, amazing views, lovely walks and great selection of bars and restaurants make Horsforth tick all the boxes for commuters and families.
The rental market provides large number of varied properties for rent in Leeds so you can really pick up something special. And if you are looking to buy property in Leeds, Horsforth is a great area to start your search!
*Area guide images are from Wikipedia and can be used under the Creative Commons Licence.