It’s no secret that I love to discover new follies. And St David’s Ruin in Bingley, is a beautiful folly with a fascinating history. Keep reading to discover how you can explore St David’s Ruin yourself!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find St David’s Ruin, where you need to park, and what you need to bring. As well as giving you an overview of the history of this fascinating folly.
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St David’s Ruin in Bingley
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of St David’s Ruin. But if you’re local to West Yorkshire, there is a chance you might know it by some other name. St David’s Ruin also goes by Harden Grange Folly, Ferrand’s Folly, or simply, The Ruin.
I know, we’re starting off complicated, but stick with me!
Despite the confusing name scenario, St David’s Ruin is a beautiful spot no matter what you call it, and is well worth discovering!
Keep reading to learn more about St David’s Ruin, plus everything you need to know about visiting the folly for yourself!
What You Need To Know
Location: St David’s Ruin is located in Bingley, Bradford in West Yorkshire. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from the centre of Bradford or 45 minutes from the centre of Leeds.
Where to park: There are a small number of on-road parking spaces available. They are located opposite The Malt pub on Wilsden Road (BD16 1BG). As you drive past the pub on your right, shortly ahead of you, you will see the parking indicated on the left-hand side. As there are only a few spaces available, it is advisable to arrive early.
Walk time: The walk to St David’s Ruin is approximately 20-25 minutes from the recommended parking location. If you want to extend the walk to include the circular route, the walk would likely take slightly over 1 hour. You can find more details on the routes below.
Terrain: Generally footpaths are well established although do get steep in parts. If you’re visiting after rainfall or during the winter months the paths get very muddy.
What to bring: Your basic hiking essentials will be more than sufficient for this route. If you want to pack a map for the route, you will require OS Explorer 288. Walking boots or sturdy shoes are advised.
When to visit: St David’s Ruin can be accessed year-round. We visited in winter and parts of the track were very muddy, making it slippy underfoot but the route was easily manageable. The route is likely to get busy on weekends, especially during warmer months.
St David’s Ruin In Bingley
Folly /ˈfɒli/ (noun): a costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, especially a tower or mock-Gothic ruin built in a large garden or park.
— Oxford Languages
St David’s Ruin is a folly or ornamental building built in Bingley, West Yorkshire. The folly was built to look like a ruin, so the state you see it in today is fairly unchanged from how it was first designed. It wasn’t built with any specific purpose in mind, other than to be a unique landmark sat overlooking the valley.
History of St David’s Ruin In Bingley
St David’s Ruin was built by Benjamin Ferrand in 1796. It appeared on early Ordnance Survey maps as ‘The Ruin’ but was known locally as ‘Ferrand’s Folly,’ named after its creator, or ‘Harden Grange Folly’ due to its geographic location. Interestingly, no one knows when or why the name was later changed to St David’s Ruin.
St David’s Ruin was built on a viewpoint overlooking the Harden Beck Valley. Although woodland has now engulfed the valley and it can no longer be seen from below, you can still appreciate the spectacular views framed by the archway.
Although not much more is known about the history of the folly, we do know that the top of the turret was redesigned around 1950 due to safety reasons.
St David’s Ruin has also provided inspiration for local writers. Librarian John Braine wrote Room at the Top, which features a folly that was partly inspired by the structure. Also, Yorkshire poet Robert Carrick Wildon mused about the folly in his 1850 poem ‘Lines Suggested While Sitting At The Ruin.’
Looking at the beautiful folly and the surrounding landscape, it is easy to see why it has inspired so many!
How To Find St David’s Ruin In Bingley
To locate the parking spaces, you want to navigate to The Malt pub on Wilsden Road (BD16 1BG). The on-road parking is located shortly beyond the pub if you pass with the pub on your right-hand side, but it is limited, so you will want to arrive early to avoid disappointment, especially on a weekend.
From the parking, follow the footpath back in the direction of The Malt, but don’t cross the road. Cross the bridge but take care as there are no footpaths here. On your right-hand side, you will see a road called Mill Hill Top. You want to take this road to start your journey to St David’s Ruin.
At the top of Mill Hill Top, cross the road and turn left, turning back on yourself slightly as you cross another bridge. Please take extreme care here. Cars travel very fast on this road and footpaths are narrow.
After the bridge, you will meet a track signposted Sandy Banks. Follow the track until it forks in two directions. At this point, follow the first fork to the left.
Follow the track as it gently inclines and curves to the right. It will bring you to a gap in the wall.
As you pass through the gap, you will follow the woodland path between the trees as it continue up a slight incline.
The path will slowly start to level out, and after a short distance, St David’s Ruin will appear on your left-hand side.
What To Do At St David’s Ruin In Bingley
If you’re planning a visit to the area and you want to make the most of your day, there are a number of things to do on your visit. You might want to consider some of the following activities to pass the time.
Admire The Folly
Since you’ve tracked down the folly, you’ll want to spend some time admiring it! You can step inside the tower for a real fairytale feel, or simply amble around taking in the unique structure. There’s something fascinating about the bizarre layout of this sham ruin.
Admire The View
The large stone arch that forms part of the folly beautifully frames the trees in the valley below. Because St David’s Ruin is poised on the elevated footpath, looking out of the giant ‘window’ to admire the view creates the feeling you are looking out from a tower.
Bring Your Bike
If you are a keen cyclist, don’t forget to bring your bike. We saw several people making the most of the woodland terrain on two wheels!
Explore St Ives
Did you know, the neighbouring estate of St Ives was also owned by the Ferrand family? If you want to make the most of your visit, be sure to take a stroll around the St Ives country park. You can enjoy a peaceful lake and stunning views from Druid’s Altar.
Visit Goit Stock Waterfall
In last month’s Hidden Yorkshire post, I shared a guide to locating Goit Stock Waterfall. You might have noticed I recommend the same parking location for both Goit Stock and St David’s Ruin because they are both really close together. So if you want a real Hidden Yorkshire adventure, you can easily visit them both in one day.
Extend Your Walk
It is possible to extend your walk beyond the folly, to enjoy a circular route. The circular walk will take approximately one hour to complete. If you want to complete the circular walk, follow the instructions below.
(It is worth noting that this is the route we took to the folly, so if you are following this route in the opposite direction away from St David’s Ruin, the photographs reflect the view behind you.)
Once you are ready to leave the folly, continue to follow the broad path through the woodland, away from the direction you came. Follow the path until it forks right and left, and take the right-hand path. This will bring you down through the woodland and out into open fields.
Cross the field diagonally following the public footpath. This will bring you to a narrow stone gap, and a network of footpaths between two stone walls.
Follow the track between the walls. (Warning, it can get very muddy in winter!) This will bring you out into another field. Turn right as you enter the field and follow along the wall until you reach the edge of the field and a road.
Turn right onto the road and follow it to the end where it becomes a track. Continue to follow the track as it winds its way down a fairly steep decline. As you follow the track down to the bottom, you will find yourself back on Sandy Banks.
To return to your car, continue down Sandy Banks until you reach the main road and follow the footpath over the bridge. Cross the road with extreme care as it is difficult to see traffic from this angle. Head back down Mill Hill Top then follow Wilsden Road back to your parking spot.
Why I Love St David’s Ruin In Bingley
I’m always fascinated by follies and I love to discover the history behind these whimsical buildings.
But what I love most about St David’s Ruin is that your visit isn’t simply about seeing the folly. The experience of visiting St David’s Ruin is about the beautiful woodland walk, which just happens to also feature a stunning folly. The folly has become so enveloped by the surrounding forest, that it is impossible to imagine one without the other.
This charming, unassuming folly hidden in an enchanted forest truly deserves a place in a fairytale. So if you want to feel inspired, it is the ideal place to seek out!
If you want to discover more incredible Hidden Yorkshire locations, click here for the complete series.
Will You Visit St David’s Ruin
So, if you’re ready to discover St David’s Ruin for yourself, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit this guide!
Until our next adventure,
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If you like this Hidden Yorkshire guide to finding St David’s Ruin in Bingley, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great West Yorkshire travel guides.
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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.
There’s so much detailed information. It’s a great guide for anyone wishing to visit .
Thanks Keena! I’m glad you found the guide informative. I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Oh another hidden gem I can add to my Yorkshire itinerary. This place looks like an enchanted forest and the moss covered folly is stunning. Cannot wait to explore it myself!
The forest is so magical! It definitely felt like an enchanted place! And the folly just added to the atmosphere! I hope you get a chance to visit soon!
I’ve never heard of a folly so thanks for introducing me to the concept, Hannah. I wonder would it have been built as a watchtower for defence purposes?
Follies are such fascinating places! Nope, by definition, a folly is simply built to be decorative and fun rather than functional. I think this is why I like them so much! They’re so unnecessary but someone went to the effort of creating them just because they look beautiful.
This place looks very unique and I had never heard about it before. I am sure this post will be very helpful for the UK people as you have provided a detailed information how to find this spot!
Thanks for reading Sunetra! I’m glad you found the guide informative! St David’s Ruin is such a beautiful spot!
This looks beautiful! All the mossy green structures really make it look like a fairytale!
It definitely had fairytale vibes going on! I was excited to visit the folly but I had no idea that the forest would be just as enchanting!
I would love to see this someday, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. And the walk in the woods to get to it looks beautiful as well!
It does look magical, doesn’t it! The wood is a beautiful place for walking. I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
It is so interesting that St David’s Ruin was actually built as a ruin and hasn’t slowly become one over time. It definitely gives me fairytale and haunted vibes! What a fun place to visit!
It’s fascinating isn’t it! Looking at it, you would never know it has always looked that way! It’s an interesting place and definitely looks like it came straight from a fairytale!
Wow! I’m looking for a staycation this year and have family near Yorkshire. I love old buildings so will definitely be checking this out! Thanks for the helpful guide on this hidden gem! X
Oh I hope you enjoy your Yorkshire staycation! There are so many beautiful hidden gems to discover in the area! I hope you get an opportunity to explore St David’s Ruin!
lovely !! I see you have a lot of fun! I love reading your posts.
Thanks so much Bozena! I definitely have loads of fun discovering these beautiful hidden gems! Thanks for reading!
This really reminds me of the Guinness Tower on the grounds of Ashford Castle in Ireland. Thanks for sharing, I’ll check it out next time I’m over there!
Oh I’ve never visited Ashford Castle, I’ll have to check out the Guinness Tower, it sounds like I’d love it! Thanks for the inspiration and for reading!
Yorkshire is the gift that keeps on giving! Your posts show me that there is so much more to be discovered. I love how you have explained the history behind St David’s Ruin, I agree with you, it makes the walk so much more interesting! Also the woodland walk looks beautiful, I cannot wait to enjoy it and explore!
Yorkshire is such an incredible place! I’ve lived here my whole life and it still continues to surprise me! I love digging out these hidden gems! The woodland walk is stunning! I hope you’re able to visit soon. Thanks for reading!
Looks gorgeous! My husband is from Knaresborough so pinning this for next time we can get back to the UK!
Oh I love Knaresborough! It’s such a pretty place! I hope you’re able to visit soon and explore St David’s Ruin, it’s a fun hidden gem!
What a cool place, very eerie. I can imagine this would make for a really good Hallowe’en walk or a fun photo shoot. The waterfall looks really pretty too. I’d definitely love to check it out next time I’m in West Yorkshire
Ooh it would definitely make for a great Hallowe’en adventure! I love the idea of a photoshoot! That would be so much fun! Goit Stock waterfall is such a beautiful hidden gem too…Bingley has some beautiful spots to visit!
I love your dress. It fits perfectly with the scenery. What a find!
Thank you! It is one of my favourite dresses! St David’s ruin is such a wonderful hidden gem!
I love hidden escapes as they are really wonderful. It would great to explore St. David’s Ruin with amazing backdrop of peaceful nature. I loved its green surroundings.
The woodland backdrop is so magical! The whole place feels like something straight out of a fairytale! It is a beautiful place. I hope you’re able to visit one day!
omgosh that first main pic (with the thin path leading in) is absolutely magical!
It is, isn’t it? I almost fell in love with the woodland more than the ruin! It definitely added to the enchanted feel!
Great tips, Hannah! I don’t think I would have found it on my own. Like you, I also love those whimsical buildings.
I’m glad you like the guide! St David’s Ruin is quite the hidden gem and isn’t an easy one to locate unless you know where to look!
I’m in love with this post! I love how detailed it is, and the photography is simply stunning! Reminds me on the Lord of the Rings!
Thanks Lily! I’m so pleased you like it and find the breakdown useful! The area is definitely magical, it is a beautiful place to visit!
Wow this looks so beautiful! Planning a UK staycation this year and this will defiantly be on the list.
It is such a pretty hidden spot! It would make a lovely trip on your staycation, I hope you get a chance to visit!
Oh my goodness, St. David’s Ruin looks like a beautiful location!! I’m a writer, so I can’t help but see places like this and think of fairytales or historical fiction. You definitely made this a place I want to visit one day. Thank you so much for sharing this secret gem with us! Xx
It really feels like something that has stepped straight out of a fairytale, doesn’t it! I can see why it is a location that has inspired writers! I hope you have an opportunity to visit! Thanks for reading!
Looks like a lovely adventure! This is great information and something I would love to see. The trail through to here is beautiful. I could spend all day here!
It was such a fun walk and definitely felt like a fairytale adventure! It is such a pretty location and a great place to visit. I hope you get an opportunity to go!
What a a lovely day that would be! I have not heard of this site, or a the term folly in this usage! You are definitely the Yorkshire expert!
St David’s Ruin does make for a lovely day out! It is a great hidden gem! Thank you so much for saying so! I love discovering Yorkshire’s secrets!
I don’t think I ever knew what a folly was, that’s for sharing this one you found.
You’re welcome Jessica! I hope you’re inspired to seek out some follies too!
So cool! I’ll have to hit this up if I’m in the area! I bet cosplayers would love to do photos hoots here too!
It is the ideal spot for a photoshoot, isn’t it! I hope you get chance to visit one day!
Hi! Feeling all kinds of wanderlust with the pictures alone. Can’t wait to read more from the Get Lost series 🙂
Thanks so much Adriana! I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the post and want to discover more hidden Yorkshire gems! I hope you get an opportunity to visit them all soon!
This place looks like from a movie set and your dress matches perfectly! Would love to visit one day
It is such a pretty fairytale location! It is magical! I definitely think I made a good call on the dress! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
So much history where you live. I really enjoy seeing your posts, Hannah. Visiting St. David’s Ruin looks like a fun outdoor adventure – right up our alley!
Yes! We’re lucky to be surrounded by amazing history in Yorkshire! I’m so glad you enjoy the posts! St David’s Ruin is definitely a fun day outdoors! Thanks so much for reading!
Hannah, your blogs are always like a treasure hunt. Finding cool, tucked away, niche places. how fun!! This one is lovely and picturesque. Thanks for always taking me on an adventure.
Ooh it does feel like a treasure hunt seeking these places out! I do love a great treasure hunt! I’m so glad you enjoyed the adventure! I hope you get an opportunity to visit St David’s Ruin one day!
This is so cool! I love how you can explore a hidden ruin and also take in the natural scenery. I’d definitely like to cycle through the woodland trails.
It’s a great spot for cycling! It would be a beautiful way to enjoy the woodland. It is such a scenic spot!
We always love to get away from city life for a day while traveling and this looks like a perfect place for that! Thank you so much for sharing.
St David’s Ruin is definitely a great hideaway from the city! It’s a lovely place to get out for some fresh air and a woodland stroll!
Squeee! Love this Hannah! Follys are so weird, and yet so cool to stumble upon! It’s pretty impressive that although Ferrand’s Folly was already a ruin before 1800, it’s still standing and safe to take photos in!
I can think of ‘modern’ buildings that would have fallen into complete ruin and melted into the forest in less time than that!
I think I love follies just because they are so random and weird! It is mind-blowing that the folly has stood like this since the 1800s! Modern buildings definitely wouldn’t stand the test of time so well!
ST David’s Ruin looks incredible, I love that it is surronded by vast woodland and even magical waterfalls which gives it a mythical feel. This would be a great route for walking or even cycling because the views are wonderful.
St David’s Ruin does make for a magical day out! The woodland is so enchanting! It is the perfect spot for walking and cycling. I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Every time you make me discover beautiful places in the UK that enter the bucket list of things to visit as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing
I’m so glad you’re falling in love with the beautiful places in Yorkshire! I really hope you get an opportunity to visit one day soon! Thanks for reading!
This has me itching for a trip to the UK! What an incredible hidden gem. Saving this for when I do get to visit (soon I hope) 🙂
I hope you’re able to visit the UK soon and enjoy Yorkshire in person! Thanks so much for reading!
Wow! I really enjoyed this article. It’s full of history and yet so detailed about your travel. I really admire follies myself. Mainly because not many people care to go and find them. I love visiting places that many people don’t tend to visit. I feel it makes it extra special. Bookmarked this article for when I get to visit!
Yes to meeting another folly lover!! I can’t resist them! They’re so magical! We’re lucky to have some beautiful ones nearby. I’m really glad you found the guide useful! I hope you have an opportunity to visit soon!
Another great post on places I need to visit in Yorkshire when restrictions ease up! Lovely photos too 🙂
Thanks Char! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the guide! I hope you’re able to visit soon!
This looks like the perfect spot to go back in time and wear like a lovely victorian dress. Can’t wait to visit!
Yes!! It would make a beautiful spot for a Victorian-themed photo shoot! I hope you’re able to visit soon!
I love that England is so full of beautiful hidden gems in nature. If there one thing I miss about living there is definitely this! Never head of St David’s Ruins, but it’s now on my list of things to explore once I’m back on the island.
I’m so glad you like the guide to St David’s Ruin. We’re definitely super lucky in England to have so many beautiful hidden gems around! I hope you’re able to visit soon!
Thank you for mentioning cycling. I imagine in summer the paths aren’t as wet. Thank you for the detail and it seems to me dropping in to the pub will be something to look forward to at the end of the walk/ride.
Yes, I imagine it is a much more pleasant ride in summer! We visited on a chilly New Year’s Day so the weather wasn’t really on our side unfortunately! I think every good walk/ride should end in a visit to the pub! Thanks for reading!
The Folly can also be reached from Cottingley which has a little better parking – but a slightly longer walk.
From Beckfield Road BD16 1QS, a hardcore track can be followed to get into the woods from the right hand side. Follow the track bearing left at the first clearing after the red gate. Follow the track passing the Blackhills Campsite boundary, and then up the hill to your left once you get to the third clearing, The folly emerges out of no where! It’s about a 1.5 mile walk and takes around 30 minutes (including kids!) – we’re lucky enough to live on Beckfield Road so have visited for a long time.
Ooh this is a great tip, thanks! I’ll be sure to try this route out! I’ve been meaning to visit Cottingley for ages now, what a great excuse!