While small, the suburb of Cookridge makes a grand impression with its tranquil setting, picturesque views and old-world charm. Located just five miles from the city centre, it is in the Adel and Wharfedale ward of northwest Leeds and offers a range of properties from grand, detached family houses to compact apartments.
Cookridge
THINGS TO DO
Once a residence hall, the 17th Century Cookridge Hall now serves as a leisure club and golf course. It features 18 holes, a driving range and a start-of-the-art fitness centre with a gym and spa. The village is also home to a cricket club and the Leeds Modernians Sports’ and Social Club, which is home to rugby, cricket and football teams. Golden Acre Park provides a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with the kids. The extensive area encompasses a mixture of woodlands and well-manicured parks. The adjacent Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve is a wildlife haven.
EATING & DRINKING
Dining in Cookridge and the surrounding area of Leeds is a treat. Gusto is an upscale Italian restaurant that delights with its traditional fare and modern atmosphere. The Granary Café in Cookridge’s Crag House Farm offers a friendly and laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for afternoon tea. The farm and barnyard also has an exceptional nursery and market.
SHOPPING
Residents can enjoy several shops and amenities like the Tesco Express convenience store and Asda supermarket. The market in Adel has a wide range of products and services that range from groceries and home goods to a pharmacy and professional services. In addition to having numerous businesses within the village, Cookridge residents have easy access to a multitude of shops, pubs and restaurants in neighbouring areas – like those of nearby Horsforth. One of the more popular shopping centres is the trendy, cosmopolitan area of Headingley.
SCHOOLS
Cookridge is home to excellent schools. The primary schools in the area include:
- Cookridge Holy Trinity Church of England (Aided) Primary
- Cookridge Primary School
- Holy Name Catholic Voluntary Academy
- Ireland Primary School
- Iveson Primary School
- Ralph Thoresby School
TRANSPORT LINKS
The nearest train station is in Horsforth and it services Leeds city centre. The metro bus line 6 also transports commutes from the Tinshill fire station near Cookridge to the city. The Leeds Bradford Airport is minutes away and can be reached via Cookridge Lane.
HISTORY
From Roman settlers and Kirkstall Abbey ownership to incorporation into the city of Leeds and the re-drawing of boundaries, Cookridge has undergone several changes. In 1926, after becoming a part of Leeds, the housing boom gave way to very particular architectural styles that were designed by just a handful of architects. Among the most prominent are Cookridge Hall and the Tinshill water tower which, at 192 metres tall, is one of the highest points in Leeds.
DID YOU KNOW?
The military occupied Cookridge during World War II. The suburb also served as a base for No. 9 General Hospital during the summer of 1940.