A small rural district in West Yorkshire has achieved global acclaim, securing a spot on one of the travel world's most prestigious lists. The Bradford Pennines Gateway has been officially named one of Condé Nast Traveler's Seven Wonders of the World for 2026.
From Rural District to Global Wonder
This remarkable recognition places the West Yorkshire landscape alongside iconic global landmarks. The Bradford Pennines Gateway is a national nature reserve (NNR) spanning an impressive 3,148 acres. It was formed in 2025 as part of King Charles III's ambitious project to create a Series of 25 National Nature Reserves.
The reserve ingeniously links eight existing nature sites within the Bradford & South Pennines area, including the renowned Penistone Country Park in Haworth. Bradford Council and Natural England, the public body tasked with protecting England's nature, collaborated to bring the project to life. They state its core mission is to ensure these precious sites are protected and accessible for everyone.
A Landscape of Literary and Natural Heritage
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw of Bradford Council expressed immense pride at the inclusion. He highlighted that the reserve showcases world-famous locations like Haworth and Ilkley Moor, alongside hidden gems such as the St Ives estate and Shipley Glen. He emphasised that around two-thirds of the Bradford district is rural, boasting "unique and breathtaking scenery."
The area is steeped in cultural history, famously known as Brontë country. The literary sisters lived in Haworth, and the wild, beautiful moors are said to have inspired Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. The reserve itself covers land across Ilkley Moor, Penistone Hill Country Park, Harden Moor, and Bingley North Bog.
Tony Juniper, Chairman of Natural England, called the reserve's opening "an important moment," crucial for creating bigger, better-connected areas where nature can recover and thrive. This gateway is just the first step, with 25 new reserves planned to be operational by 2027.
Planning Your Visit to a New World Wonder
For those inspired to visit, the first step is to reach Bradford. From London, the train journey takes roughly two and a half hours, with advance return fares from Euston ranging from £60 to £100. A cheaper, longer alternative is the bus from Victoria, taking about four and a half hours for £10-£20.
Once in Bradford, local buses and taxis provide access to the reserve's eight key sites. For example, Penistone Hill Country Park is approximately 12 miles from Bradford city centre, a 30-minute drive.
West Yorkshire is already a major tourist draw, welcoming 73 million visitors in 2024. Beyond the new wonder, visitors can explore picturesque towns like Holmfirth, famous as the filming location for Last of the Summer Wine, or the charismatic market town of Hebden Bridge with its canals, independent shops, and excellent pubs like The Old Gate.
With this global accolade, Bradford's status is set to soar, promising to bring even more attention to the natural and cultural treasures of West Yorkshire.
