When a magazine declares a town to be “The fourth funkiest in the world,” as BA’s Highlife publication said of Hebden Bridge in 2005, it surely deserves a closer look. Visitors and newcomers to the town will not be disappointed, if they are looking for the antithesis of Barrett-land. The hill-top settlement of Heptonstall was in existence before Hebden Bridge, the latter growing around the pack-horse bridge over the River Hebden on the route between Halifax and Burnley. While today there is a good road along the narrow valley, access in past times was limited by marshy ground on the valley bottom, hence the route up the valley side with curves that would give the Stig nightmares. Hebden Bridge is defined by the valley, somehow marking it as separated from nearby Halifax and Burnley. The lack of flat land also led to the building of the characteristic under and over houses here, multi-storey buildings where the bottom stories are one dwelling facing out from the hill, the top another facing in. Over the last thirty or forty years what was once a mill town, with factories powered by the water cascading down the valley, has become a community with many artists and alternative life-style inhabitants. This has meant the town was a very different feel to it, with some quirky shops and eateries rather than the identikit town centre seen in too many other settlements. As is so often the case the arrival of creative people foreshadows the arrival of the affluent young, and Hebden Bridge has seen an influx since the 1990s of what were once called yuppies. There is now a pressure on housing in the area because of increased demand, and tensions have arisen about potential developments. For the visitor though the town has a lot to offer. The Rochdale Canal passes through Hebden Bridge, and narrow-boats moor here to take the town in. The railway station serving the place has been kept free of modern facelessness, retaining the old Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway livery. There is an arts festival every spring. And for those wanting some exercise there is great walking in the moors above the valley, and even a moorland golf course. But the main reason to visit is to breathe in the somewhat alternative, almost hippy, atmosphere of the place.
Attraction
Barge Branwell Visitor Centre
Broadbottom Farm Old Hall
Hardcastle Crags (NT)
Heptonstall Museum
Land Farm Garden
Camping
Caravan Park
Lower Clough Foot Caravan Club Site
Penine Camp & Caravan Site
Cottage
Dentist
Doctor
Estate Agent
Antony J Turner
Halifax Property Services
Ryburne & Co
Golf Club
Inn
Market
Pub and Bar
Hole In The WallRestaurant
Hole In The Wall
Sauce Wine Bar and Bistro
School
Hebden Royd C of E Primary School
Stubbings Infant School
Self-Catering
Solicitor
Taxi
Dencab
Valley Private Hire
West End Taxis
Shops
Walkley Clogs
Organic House
Valley Garden Organics
New Beauty
Antiques
G J Saville
Hebden Bridge Antiques Centre
Caldene Antiques Centre
Places to Stay near Hebden Bridge
White Lion Hotel (0.06 miles)
The White Lion Hotel is a traditional coaching inn, with a warm and friendly atmosphere. On a riverside location in central Hebden Bridge and dating back to 1657, the inn ... More
The Crown Inn (0.06 miles)
Croft Mill (0.14 miles)
Set within a former working mill in the heart of Hebden Bridge, these contemporary apartments have been extensively developed to offer 4-star facilities whilst still maintaining their original features. Within walking distance ... More
The Dusty Miller (1.42 miles)
Whether it's casual or fine dining; somewhere to rest your head; or a drink with friends; the Dusty Miller and Coiners Restaurant is the place to be. Situated in the picturesque village of Mytholmroyd nestled ... More | visit websiteLower Lumb Lodge (2.24 miles)
Cragg Vale 1 mile. A detached log cabin on a high ridge overlooking the tiny hamlet of Cragg Vale with breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding countryside, just four miles from Hebden Bridge. ... More
Oatsroyd Mill (2.95 miles)
Crossroads Inn (3.36 miles)
Set on the Pennine moors between Halifax and Hebden Bridge with breathtaking views of the Yorkshire valleys, the Crossroads at Wainstalls has what everyone one looks for in a good ... More
Queen Hotel (4.05 miles)
The Queen Hotel has undergone a major refurbishment to the bar and dinning area. Designed to a high specification, it has a warm contemporary twist, whilst retaining many of its traditional features.All letting bedrooms are ... More | visit website
Alma Inn (4.25 miles)
We are delighted to welcome you to The Alma Inn. luxurious hotel and corporate Accommodation, Fresco Pizzeria & Ristorante in Cottonstones, Sowerby Bridge, one of Calderdale’s finest, traditional country inns ... More
Hobbit Country Hotel (The) (5.02 miles)
It was over 100 years ago that three delver's cottages were converted to form a public house. Adding to the original stone walls and oak beams, sympathetic extensions have enhanced ... More
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