Whistle-Stop: Hebden Bridge

I’ve lived in Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire (crowned Britain’s Best Small Market Town) for almost 10 years now, so it’s fair to say I know my way around its hills, shops and pubs. Nestled in the countryside, it’s a creative and passionate community and is a real inspiration to visitors, and all who live and work here.

In this Whistle-Stop guide, for anyone visiting for a day or two, you’ll find my personal highlights and recommendations of places that I enjoy and frequent often:

Arrive by train I don’t want to start on a negative point but parking in Hebden Bridge can be a pain (or so I’m told as I don’t drive). I’d personally opt to travel to this easily accessible town by train. There are direct services from Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, York and Blackpool (I think Chester is going to be added to this list soon too). The station itself is perfectly quaint with Victorian signage, seasonal blooms on display, and consistently good coffee served at the station cafe (my favourite coffee in Hebden Bridge).

Take a hike In all seasons, the countryside here is nothing short of spectacular. There are plenty of short walks you can fit into a day visit here and you can reward yourself afterwards with food and drink in town. Take the loop up towards Heptonstall via Eaves Woods and Hell Hole Rocks for fantastic views of the surrounding valley and town. It’s roughly around a 1.5 hour walk (if you pop in for a quick drink at the White Lion pub too). Other short walks include walking to Old Town via Nutclough Woods (via the Hare & Hounds Country Inn of course), the Honesty Box route via Wood Top and Horsehold with views of Stoodley Pike. Or try the National Trust site Hardcastle Crags if you prefer somewhere close to facilities (Gibson Mill and Weaving Shed Cafe are here). Head to the tourist information centre by the marina for walking information. Don’t forget your camera!

*Stay at the Moyles Town-House B&B I’m only featuring places on here that I have experience of and can recommend so I was grateful to be asked to enjoy a complimentary night’s stay and breakfast at the refurbished Moyles Town-House.  If you’re looking for a stylish and relaxing place to stay with a comfy bed, and a hearty but healthy breakfast, stay with Moyles. Located in the centre of town opposite the marina, and neighbours to Vocation & Co (go here for great beer and tacos), it was a delight to stay here. Within 10 minutes of leaving work I felt immediately relaxed and excited to play tourist in the town I call home. We stayed in the cosy but large New England style Terrace Room with walk-in shower, bespoke furniture, stylish interiors and fresh coffee facilities. The breakfast choice is top-notch (I had avocado on sourdough toast) served with a view of the cobbled marina. Prices range from £85 a night. Visit them via the website, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Go to Market Thursday, Friday and on weekends you’ll find the market near St George Square. On Thursdays discover fresh produce and general retail; Friday: second-hand goods; Saturday: arts, crafts and artisan products and Sunday: local produce and food. Take your tote bag!

Watch a film at Hebden Bridge Picture House aka the BEST single screen cinema in the UK (not just because I work here, ahem). The 500+ seat 1920s auditorium is a sight to be seen, The leg room is amazeballs, it’s cheap, and our programme is an eclectic mix of mainstream and indie films, events and live broadcasts (theatre, ballet & opera). Catch a Thursday Elevenses screening for only £6 and get a free tea/coffee (in a proper mug) and biscuit too!

Eat & Drink Just a few of my faves: The Page for the best cocktails in town, The Lamppost Cafe (cafe for humans and hounds), Humblest of Pleasures (Vegan goodness), Old Gate (great seasonal menu, largest pub in Hebden), Fox & Goose (community owned pub, our fave), Vocation & Co (this is becoming another dog friendly regular for us), Rim Nam Thai (I love their Pad Thai), Night Jar (next door to the Picture House, great selection of gin here too), La Perla (the best lasagna in the world), The Stubbing Wharf (canal side pub, loved by all), Squeeze and Cafe Solo.

Takeaway: If the sun is out and you fancy sitting by the river check out Pennine Wine and Cheese (great for cheese, wine and continental produce), Country Stores (great pies and sandwiches) & three bakeries: Marshalls on Bridge Gate, Blue Sky Baker and Saker Bakery.

Discover the ample indie shops These are the ones that interest me personally when I have money to spare: The Book Case, Muse Music (also a cafe), Spirals, Heart Gallery, Dragonfly Boutique, Ruby Shoesday,L.T.D, Element Jewellery, Snug Gallery, Hebden Cook and Coffee co., Wood & Wire, Jules China, Fleur de Lys, Radiance, the Antique Centre, The Willow Garden, Hat Therapy, District 21, The Yorkshire Soap Company and Hebden Bridge Mill; home to Innovation gift shop and cafe. Treat yo’ self!

Take in some cultureThe Trades Club, Artsmill, Northlight Art, Open Studios,Hebden Bridge Arts Festival,Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, Handmade Parade and so much more.

Get inspired Visit community websites Hebweb or Hello Hebden Bridge for up to date listings on the exciting arts and cultural events coming soon to Hebden Bridge.

Check out some older Hebden Bridge blog posts here, here,here, here and here.

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary night’s stay at Moyles. All opinions expressed are my own.