Great British Railway Journeys

S14E04 Wakefield to Leeds

Michael embarks on a journey from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, starting at the National Coal Mining Museum located at Caphouse Colliery. He takes a moment to appreciate the impressive spire of Wakefield Cathedral, home to peregrine falcons, before strolling along the River Calder. At a large factory, he discovers Double Two, a notable shirt company established during wartime by a Jewish refugee from Austria. Continuing on to Leeds, Michael explores Chapeltown, where he delves into the roots of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, which began in 1967, and tries his skills on the steel drums. In Harehills, he admires the charming back-to-back houses that were once labeled slums, now celebrated for their unique character and vibrant community.