Almost 1.5 million tourists visit Yorkshire every year. And it’s easy to see why! But in this Hidden Yorkshire series, I want to share the Yorkshire destinations that you won’t find in a guide book. Here is a guide on how to locate Black Dick’s Tower, a forgotten folly in West Yorkshire.
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Black Dick’s Tower
The Temple is a forgotten folly in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. Although more often it goes by the name Black Dick’s Tower. The folly is hidden just a few minutes from the road but most passersby don’t even know it exists!
In this guide, we’ll recommend where to park, how to locate the folly and the best time for visiting.
What You Need To Know
Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire
Where to park: Parking options are incredibly limited at Black Dick’s Tower. Space for one car in a layby opposite the public footpath on Liley Lane (navigate to WF14 8EG and follow instructions below)
Walk time: Approximately 5-10 minutes from the car, plus time for photos and possibly a picnic!
Terrain: The public footpath is accessed via a stile. After this, it is relatively easy terrain via an established woodland path then through a field.
When to visit: The folly can be accessed year-round but beautiful summer days are recommended to enjoy a picnic while soaking up the stunning views!
How To Find Black Dick’s Tower
There are very limited parking spaces at Black Dick’s Tower. We navigated to WF14 8EG and drove by the Hare and Hounds Pub on the right-hand side. Continue down the road until you pass the quarry on the right and there will be a small offroad layby to pull into on the left-hand side as pictured below.
To access the footpath to Black Dick’s Tower, cross the road when it is safe to do so, and walk back towards the quarry. Once you pass the quarry entrance, you will find the stile marking the start of the footpath as shown in the photograph below.
When you’ve climbed the stile, there is an established woodland path to follow. The route through the woodland is only a short walk before it opens out into a field.
When you emerge from the woodland you will catch your first glimpse of Black Dick’s Tower. Simply follow the route across the field to reach it.
What To Do At Black Dick’s Tower
This idyllic little spot is much more than just an abandoned building. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your visit, here are some ideas on how to spend your time.
Pack A Picnic
My number one recommendation for when visiting the area is to pack a picnic. The surrounding space is ideal to roll out a blanket and pause for some lunch. This secluded spot is perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Admire The View
You can’t visit Black Dick’s Tower without taking some time to admire the spectacular view. From the vantage point, poised on the top of a hill, you can see the surrounding area for miles. The patchwork of green fields and industrial towns gives a true flavour of the Yorkshire landscape.
Appreciate The Architecture
It would obviously be remiss to visit this landmark without taking some time to admire the architecture. Although The Temple is now missing the roof and has fallen into disrepair, it is clear to see what a spectacular summer house it once was!
Grab Your Camera!
Finally, the seclusion of this spot makes it the ideal location to take photographs! During our visit we were the only people around for the whole time, so don’t forget to pack your camera and get some stunning pictures while you are here!
When To Visit
If you’re wanting to visit this hidden folly, we’d recommend a trip on a clear, sunny day. This way you’ll be able to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding area and enjoy a picnic on your visit!
Why Black Dick’s Tower?
As mentioned earlier in the post, if you’re looking for this spot on a map, you’ll find it labelled ‘The Temple’. So, why is the folly more commonly known as Black Dick’s Tower? Like many English origins, it stems from a ghost story…
Sir Richard Beaumont (1574-1631) was the owner of the Whitley Beaumont estate. He built the folly as a summer house. Richard was dubbed ‘Black Dick of the North’ by James I due to his reputation as a highwayman, gambler, and murderer.
The ghost of Richard is said to haunt The Temple every 5th July. Visitors have claimed to see the ghost carrying his severed head. Like many good ghost stories, the tales don’t necessarily correlate with the historical facts; nevertheless, the name stuck!
Will You Visit Black Dick’s Tower?
So here is our guide to visiting Black Dick’s Tower, will you be paying this hidden gem a visit when you’re next in the area? Pack a picnic and soak up the stunning views to enjoy a peaceful slice of Yorkshire.
If you want to discover more incredible Hidden Yorkshire locations, see here for the complete series.
Before You Go
So if you’re looking for an idyllic retreat where you can unwind while soaking up the Yorkshire scenery, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you know where to find this hidden gem!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
You are giving us majooor UK envy. There are soo many picturesque spots for you to explore especially right now when we cant fly places. I can imagine sitting with a hugee picnic basket and just enjoying the Yorkshire scenery.
I am definitely really lucky to have beautiful places nearby to explore! Although this last week we’ve definitely not had the weather for it! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some better weather this weekend! I hope you’re able to visit the UK soon and enjoy the scenery!
I love hidden finds like this! I’ll hopefully be taking a job up north towards the end of the year and this is def the kind of thing I like to find. Thanks!
Ah that’s so exciting! You’ll have so many new places to explore! I’m having a great time discovering hidden locations in Yorkshire, I hope you’re able to visit some of them when you relocate!
I love England and this is such a great day trip in Yorkshire! I will definitely make this a part of our itinerary next time we are visiting the area. Great post and thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you like it! It is such a beautiful hidden spot! I’m glad I could share it with you!
Such a lovely place! Seem like a great place to relax, take pictures and create memories.
It’s a lovely little spot for a peaceful escape! I hope you get an opportunity to visit one day!
What an interesting find! Thank you so much for sharing how to find this spot and everything!
I’m really pleased you like the guide. It’s a beautiful spot that people should know about! I hope you get an opportunity to visit one day!
Oh wow, I love this series! I’ll definitely be visiting here and the falls when I return to England!
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series! Kerep your eyes peeled for the next post coming up next week! Black Dick’s Tower is a beautiful little spot and so well hidden! I loved my visit. I hope you’re able to explore it and Folly Dolly Falls someday soon!
Wow I had no idea this even existed! I love finding hidden gems!
It’s fun seeking out hidden gems, isn’t it! It always amazes me what incredible secret locations are out there that people don’t know about!
I am actually meant to be in Yorkshire now, but because of lockdown I cannot go! I’m super bummed about it as the area looks gorgeous!
Oh no! I’m so sorry you’re not able to visit! I’ll keep my fingers crossed you’re able to visit after lockdown instead! It’s definitely a beautiful area with some stunning countryside. Stay safe and hopefully you’ll have an opportunity to explore Yorkshire soon!
Another great location in Yorkshire that I had no idea about. I love the history behind the tower and its name as well.
It’s a fascinating place! I love the legend behind the place too. Even though it isn’t quit historically accurate, it’s a fun story and obviously made an impact since the name stuck!
I love how the tower is haunted by the ghost of Richard! What a beautiful folly to visit on a nice spring / summer day – beautiful!
It’s a great story, isn’t it! I instantly fall in love with anywhere that has a ghost story! It is a wonderful hidden gem and is one of my favorite locations we’ve visited. It was so peaceful there!
I love discovering hidden treasures and finds off the beaten path! Such a gorgeous place, almost peaceful, and amazing that you had it almost all to yourself.
It’s so much fun uncovering a hidden gem, isn’t it! And it was lovely to be able to have this one all to ourselves! It was a surprisingly magical place! Thanks for reading!
I’ve not really had a chance to explore Yorkshire, but it’s somewhere I want to see much more of. This tower is so picturesque. It’s definitely one to see in the future. I love a good ghost story to go with places like this too! Why is it the 5th July that Richard haunts the ruins?
There are some really beautiful places in Yorkshire that are well worth exploring! No one is completely sure why he supposedly haunts on the 5th. His tomb gives his date of death as being 20th October and not 5th July. I like to think he prefers the summer weather! It’s also unclear why he carries his head as he was never decapitated in life. Maybe everyone has had the wrong ghost all along! It still makes for a good story though I suppose!
So cool to discover this Tower! Never heard about it before but it looks quite photogenic! Maybe one day I will be able to see it with my own eyes thanks to you 🙂
It is a surprisingly beautiful building despite its sorry state! I thought it was a lovely and peaceful spot. The surrounding countryside was stunning! I hope you get a chance to visit!
Yorkshire has been on my radar for a while, this looks so cool! Great post, thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to get there after lockdown! xx
It’s such a beautiful county! There is so much to see and do. I hope you get a chance to visit soon. And be sure to check out some of the wonderful hiddden gems!
What an interesting find! It’s always fun finding these hidden gems. It would be eery to visit on July 5th to experience for myself if those fables are true! This is certainly an idyllic setting for a summer home, even if he was as murderer haha. I’m so in love with all of the rich history in the UK. It fascinates me!
It is a beautiful place! It is hard to believe it is haunted because it was so peaceful! It would definitely be fun to visit on the 5th July though just to see what happened! It has such a fascinating history, I always feel like a detective when I’m researching these places!
Looks like you visited on the perfect day! If I get to Europe this year, Yorkshire is definitely on my list and I’d love to see if I can find all of your hidden places!
Yes, we definitely got beautiful weather and incredible views! I’m surprised no one else was around! Yorkshire is such a beautiful and diverse region, I hope you’re able to visit!
Another great post on the beautiful Yorkshire! I would love to go on a walk here and have a picnic. Great tips and lovely photos as usual
Thanks so much Charlotte! I’m glad that you love the guide! I hope you get an opportunity to try out the walk!
What a cool spot! I would love to photograph this tower. I’m meant to visit the UK as soon as it’s safe to travel again, so saving this for when I can finally make the trip. Thanks for the detailed guide and inspo!
Black Dick’s Tower is such a beautiful building and is so photogenic! I really hope that we’re able to travel again soon so you can visit. Thanks for reading!
Oohhhh, this tower/temple gives me strong “wistful historical romance” vibes!! I bet you could plan a really beautiful period themed photoshoot at this location. Ugh… now you’re making me want to go!! lol
Yes, absolutely!! It is so beautiful and striking, it would be the ideal place for a photoshoot! I’m glad you love it as much as I do…I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I just love, love, love ALL the cute little hidden gems that you have shown us in your lovely Yorkshire. This, too, is a charming little house and I agree that a picnic would be the perfect activity to experience it. I hope to make it to Yorkshire one day with a list of the many places that you have introduced me to.
Thanks so much Ildiko! I’m so pleased to hear that you love these Hidden Yorkshire locations! Black Dick’s Tower is definitely charming and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. I really hope you get an opportunity to visit Yorkshire soon!
Love this! Some great info there! I live on the Lancashire Yorkshire border and there’s just so many beautiful places to explore around the county!
Hi Shannon! We’re definitely so lucky to live in such a beautiful area aren’t we! I love unearthing these hidden gems, there are so many of these secret locations I never even knew existed!
Love England but haven’t had a chance to explore outside of London and Manchester, thanks for the guide!
Ooh London and Manchester are great but it’s definitely worth visiting Yorkshire when you’re next in the UK! It is a beautiful and diverse region with so much to see and do! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!
That looks like a great place to go. Looks interesting place to look at. Never been to another country. I bet there are a lot of hidden places like this. So cool.
Black Dick’s Tower is definitely a beautiful hidden spot. Lockdown has definitely been a great opportunity to dig out the local hidden gems, this time last year I didn’t even know these Hidden Yorkshire places existed!
your photos are beautiful! I would love to visit one day 🙂
Thanks you Sydney! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Black Dicks Tower is absolutely on my bucket list after reading this. Great post!
I’m so glad you’ve fallen in love with it too Ally! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!
I definitely want to visit 🙂 I can’t wait to explore Yorkshire more one day
I hope you get an opportunity to visit Yorkshire soon! Black Dick’s Tower is a beautiful hidden gem that is worth seeking out. Thanks for reading!
I used to live in Kirkheaton which is the larger village next to Black Dick’s Tower. It’s a great spot but one we took for granted. My Grandad, who unfortunately died before I was born, loved it so much that when he died his ashes I believe were scattered up there. He loved the magnificent views apparently, and when you get up there you can see why. Great to see that these little gems are bing highlighted and their history being put in context.
I can see why your Grandad loved the area! It is a beautiful place and Black Dick’s Tower is a fantastic hidden gem! Thanks so much for reading the post and sharing your story.
This is such a practical and helpful guide! I hate getting lost looking for cool sites.
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Black Dick’s Tower is such a fascinating place to visit but not one usually found in the guidebooks!
Such a picturesque trail, an amazing view worth after…
The views from Black Dick’s Tower are stunning 😍 it is such a beautiful gem to explore.
What a pretty view! Thanks for sharing!
Aren’t the views beautiful? Black Dick’s Tower is such a lovely building 😊
Hello! I haven’t known about this place before. Looks pretty mysterious. Thanks for sharing!
Black Dick’s Tower is such an intriguing place! I’m so pleased I stumbled across it and was able to explore it!
Black Dick’s Tower looks like an incredible hidden gem to visit in Yorkshire! I can´t wait to witness it myself!
It is such an interesting place to explore! I hope you have a brilliant visit!