A Visit to Hebden Bridge - Design Lover's Guide

A different kind of travel blog from me today after last month’s post about sunny Porto! Since it featured on TV series Happy Valley, Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire has become a bit of a tourist hotspot. It’s one of my favourite local places to visit so I thought I’d write a post with my recommendations on things to do; the best art, vintage and homeware shops; and my favourite places to eat and drink. If you’re a fan of pretty scenery, all things arty and a laid back kind of lifestyle, you’ll really love it here.

Nestled in the Upper Calder Valley with the river Calder running through it, Hebden Bridge is in an ideal location for a day trip from Leeds or Manchester. It was originally a mill town that grew during the Industrial Revolution, benefiting from its strategic location alongside the Rochdale Canal and the railway. Many of its historic stone buildings and narrow, cobbled streets date back to this period.

The decline of the textile industry in the mid-20th century led to a surplus of affordable housing and unused industrial spaces, attracting artists and other creatives in the 1970s. As word spread about its picturesque setting and close-knit community, more and more creatives and bohemians moved to Hebden Bridge. This influx began to shape its cultural landscape and today, the town is bursting with creativity. It has such a unique bohemian feel with a fantastic community spirit and a vibrant cultural scene.

Things to do

River and Canal

The scenery here is stunning with lots of pretty river trails and canal towpaths. Wander through the heart of Hebden Bridge and admire the views of the river.

Stroll alongside the Rochdale canal or take a scenic boat trip with Hebden Bridge Cruises. If you’re visiting with children, there’s a lovely park and playground located just over the bridge from the memorial garden.

Visit Hardcastle Crags

Hardcastle Crags is a National Trust scenic wooded valley with over 400 acres of woodland, walking trails and streams to explore. Midgehole car park is about 1.8 miles from Hebden Bridge so you can either walk or drive up (I’d recommend driving with kids). There’s a further mile long walk from the car park through the woods to historic Gibson Mill where you’ll find an eco-friendly visitor centre which includes historical exhibits and a cafe.

Wander around Heptonstall

Heptonstall is a quaint, picturesque village dating back to at least the 13th Century. Perched on a hilltop above Hebden Bridge, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and has a really peaceful feel. Take a stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, past the striking church ruin and quaint weavers’ cottages for a glimpse into England’s past. Or visit the Heptonstall museum which documents the village’s history and its role in the textile industry.

American poet Sylvia Plath is buried in Heptonstall’s churchyard and her grave acts as a place of pilgrimage for literary enthusiasts from around the world.

The Picture House

Owned by the Hebden Royd Town Council, the Hebden Bridge Picture House opened in 1921 and is one of the few remaining independent cinemas in the UK. The building retains much of its original character with its art deco facade and traditional interior. It offers a diverse range of films, from mainstream blockbusters to documentaries and special screenings.

The Trades Club

The Trades Club was built in 1924 by local trades unions and today it’s run as a socialist member’s cooperative. Shortlisted by the Northern Music Awards for the Inspirational Venue of the year 2024, it hosts live music and community events throughout the year and it still has its original sprung dance floor!

Hebden Bridge Market

The Hebden Bridge open market takes place from 9am to 4pm Thursday to Sunday, with different types of products available each day. Saturday is the day for arts, crafts and artisan products.

Art, Vintage and Homeware Shops

Hebden Bridge is full of independent shops and art galleries.

Art Galleries

Every year, local artists take part in the Hebden Bridge Open Studios event, where they open their workshops and studios for the public to visit. It’s a lovely way to meet the artists and see how they work. The next one is this weekend (5th - 7th July).

Hope Gallery

Home to a diverse array of independent artists, Hope Gallery displays a fantastic selection of contemporary art in various mediums.

Heart Gallery

Taken at Christmas time, you can see what a beautiful building this art gallery is housed in!

Vintage and Homeware

Lucy and the Caterpillar

A treasure trove of vintage mid-century finds from teapots and baskets to mirrors and coffee tables.

Hebden Bridge Antiques

Set over two floors, you’ll find all sorts of vintage and antique pieces here.

Spirals

A fairtrade, eco-friendly home and gift shop with a great range of affordable homeware and accessories from brands like Nkuku and Namaste. Their Art Room is dedicated to local artists and includes prints, ceramics and jewellery.

Eat and Drink

Coin - Featured in Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2023 by The Good Food Guide, Coin serves lovely wines, beers and cocktails as well as delicious small plates. Located in a former bank, the interior is packed full of character and paintings by local artists are displayed on the walls.

Have you spotted the Claire Murray abstract landscape?!

Vocation - The best place for beer lovers, Vocation brew their own range of “bold and flavourful” beers including lagers, stouts and IPAs, as well as supplying beers from their favourite breweries. The food is great here too.

Cafe Mijo - set in the main square with lovely food and coffee - a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Mooch - a friendly cafe serving lovely coffee and home-cooked food. Located on Market Street, the interior has a cosy mid-century feel and you’ll find the comfiest vintage armchairs here!

Sam’s Pizzas - Recently moved from the market to the main road, Sam serves delicious pizza - perfect for a quick lunch.

OId Gate - Very popular for drinks and food. There’s an outdoor seating area and a newly refurbished restaurant upstairs.

Il Murino - Located upstairs at the Hebden Bridge Mill, Il Murino serves lovely authentic Italian food.

And that’s my review of Hebden Bridge! The perfect place if you’re looking for a quirky, friendly atmosphere and a happy, laid back feel. I can’t recommend it highly enough for a day trip or a short break.

A Design Lover’s Guide to Hebden Bridge