The Best Things to Do in Hebden Bridge
Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
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Hebden Bridge is a charming small Yorkshire market town, located in northern England. It is easy to get to via train from cities such as Leeds or Manchester. The easy accesibility makes it the perfect day trip or weekend break no matter what season it is. Hebden Bridge is a perfect cosy winter destination and is full of summer activities.
This welcoming town is one Yorkshire destination that I keep finding myself returning to. Whether you love art, literature, or hiking the outdoors, Hebden Bridge has everything for a perfect weekend getaway.
This guide goes over the very best things to do in Hebden Bridge.
Hebden Bridge Canal Walk, West Yorkshire
1. Rochdale Canal Walk
Hebden Bridge sits on the Rochdale Canal which boasts a beautiful walking path that allows you to explore a fairytale-like trail with canal boats and quaint Yorkshire cottages.
The canal walk in Hebden Bridge goes on for miles! A popular route is the 5.5 mile route between Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge, another popular Yorkshire market town.
On this walk, there is a gorgeous view of the Upper Calder Valley. You will also see old buildings, locks, and traditional narrowboat homes.
Hebden Bridge Market , Hebden Bridge
2. Hebden Bridge Market Days
At the centre of Hebden Bridge, you will find an outdoor market with local vendors offering everything from beautiful dried flower bouquets, handcrafted jewelry, sweets, food, and more.
The market is open four days a week, Thursday-Sunday, and runs all year round, catering to each season. It is a great place in the winter to find unique Christmas gifts.
For more information regarding the best small market town in Yorkshire, visit Calderdale Council’s website.
Hebden Bridge town centre | Things to do in Hebden Bridge
3. St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge
In the centre of Hebden Bridge, you will find St George’s Square, a small cobblestone townsquare where you can find cafes, boutiques, independent shops, pubs, and restaurants.
On nice, sunny days, this area is perfect to sit outside in a cafe or beer garden (make sure to check out the list of recommendations at the end of this post). There are often talented buskers performing in the centre of Hebden Bridge, only adding to the brilliant atmosphere of this space.
If you enjoy a bit of thrifting, I have found that Hebden Bridge has some of the best charity shops in England. The RSPCA on Bridge Gate being one of my personal favorites.
4. Hebden Bridge Little Theatre
Hebden Bridge is famous for its art scene. It is a town brimming with art enthusiasts, so naturally the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, known for staging five plays every year, receives enthusiastic support from the locals and visitors.
Among the things to do in Hebden Bridge, this intimate, cozy theatre is a must visit!
Hebden Bridge Picture House is the last remaining council-owned cinema in the UK.
5. Hebden Bridge Picture House
If you are a movie aficionado, this is the place for you!
The Hebden Bridge Picture House is the last remaining council-owned cinema in Britain meaning it is independent and not-for-profit.
Showings at this picture house include everything from the latest popular releases, to independent and foreign language films.
The village of Heptonstall is only a short distance from Hebden Bridge.
6. Heptonstall, West Yorkshire
Sat above Hebden Bridge lies the tiny living village of Heptonstall. Its cobblestone lanes, medieval buildings, and interesting history make it a great addition to a trip to Hebden Bridge.
The History of Heptonstall:
This ancient hamlet is the resting place of author Sylvia Plath who called Heptonstall home for many years before her passing. You can pay respects at Sylvia Plath’s grave in the St. Thomas the Apostle graveyard just across the way from the churchyard.
The church yard houses not only one, but two ancient churches, one of which is still in use today (St. Thomas the Apostle). The other, St. Thomas a’ Becket, carries history dating back to as early as the 1200s.
Upon visiting, you can walk around inside these ancient ruins, imagining the lives of the people who have gathered here over the centuries.
How to Get to Heptonstall from Hebden Bridge:
You can access Heptonstall from Hebden Bridge by catching the 596 bus toward Blackshaw Head or, alternatively, for the adventurers, you can hike the dramatic hillside path starting at the Cuckoo Steps not too far from the Hebden Bridge town centre.
Find instructions on how to walk to Heptonstall from Hebden Bridge here
Heptonstall's churchyard houses two churches
Gibson Mill is located at Hardcastle Crags, just a short walk or drive from Hebden Bridge.
7. Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Bridge is surrounded by rolling green hills and woods that come with miles and miles of walking paths. Hardcastle Crags, a National Trust site, is just a walk or drive from Hebden Bridge. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes through scenic wooded area.
Gibson Mill
As you begin to explore Hardcastle Crags, you will find the old Gibson Mill, a historic cotton mill which is now used as a cafe. The Weaving Shed Cafe acts as a place of respite for hikers from April-November every year. There is a cozy fire for the autumn months and in the spring and summer months, a breezy welcoming atmosphere.
Is Hardcastle Crags a hard walk?
With over 15 miles of woodlands to explore, you can choose from multiple routes, depending on the level of hiking you want to experience. The easiest route is a short walk from Gibson Mill to the Crags and back. The peak has incredible views that expand across the Upper Calder Valley.
When is the best time to visit Hardcastle Crags?
I have walked this trail in the autumn and in the summer and I can confidently say that both seasons are beyond magical. The autumn colors in this valley are phenomenal and walking in this wild wood in the summer makes you feel like you’re walking in a fairytale.
Find instructions on how to walk to Hardcastle Crags from Hebden Bridge here
8. Picnic by the River Calder
Hebden Bridge has incredible picnic spots where you can relax, soak up the sun, savor delicious food, and enjoy great company. Either side of St. George/Old Hebden Bridge has places to sit back and unwind.
However, my favourite place to relax in the sun is the park nestled beneath the train station, bordered by the Rochdale Canal and the River Calder.
The White Swan is a cozy pub in Hebden Bridge
9. Places to Eat in Hebden Bridge
One of the things that make Hebden Bridge the best small market town in the UK is how many cosy pubs, restaurants, and sweet shops there is to enjoy.
The White Swan holds special memories for me of post-hike drinks with friends. I highly recommend stopping in this traditional Yorkshire pub!
Here is a list of recommended places to eat in Hebden Bridge:
The White Swan (Pub)
Aya Sophia (Restaurant)
The Hebden (Micro-pub)
Something Sweet (Sweet Shop)
Shoulder of Mutton (Pub)
Square One Coffee Co. (Cafe)
Overlooking Hebden Bridge from Heptonstall
Whether you're an art enthusiast drawn to the creativity thriving in its theaters and markets, a history buff intrigued by Heptonstall's ancient cobblestone streets, or simply seeking solace in nature with a picnic by the riverside or a walk through whimsical woods, Hebden Bridge offers a medley of experiences for every visitor.
Make sure to pack your curiosity, imagination, and sense of adventure, and discover the magic of Hebden Bridge—a hidden Yorkshire gem waiting to be explored.
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