Hidden delights

For the past three years, the Saltaire Arts Trail has been part of the Saltaire Festival, showcasing a variety of different visual arts - paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography and textiles - through exhibitions and workshops all over Saltaire. Not only are the main public buildings - Salts Mill, the Victoria Hall, the College and the church - used as venues but also, in what is possibly a unique innovation, residents' houses scattered throughout the village are turned into temporary art galleries. So you can browse (and buy) examples of the work of many local artists, whilst at the same time having a peek into some of the interesting village houses.

One of my favourite houses, in Myrtle Place, is set back from the road and has a longer than average front garden. (It's still tiny by most people's standards though - no more than twenty paces from the gate to the front door.) The planting and design are an unexpected delight. A winding path takes you through hedges and shrubs, past a little pond and seating area to the house's front door. Only a few yards from the busy road - but suddenly you can't really see or hear the busy urban scene, and are only aware of this tranquil little oasis of green. And this year the scene was beautifully enhanced by this lovely wire horse, created by the sculptor Chris Moss. What a joy!