With hubby on a weekend off and the sun shining in the clear, but very cold sky, hubby and I took ourselves off to discover Hebden Bridge - which according to THIS ARTICLE is the 4th Funkiest town in the world. Even though it is in my own county (albeit in West Yorkshire) it is somewhere I have never been and always wanted to explore.
It didn't disappoint. It is a really lovely and unique town. Built around the mills that sprung up on the river Calder, the town has many relics from its industrial past. I was fascinated by the unique houses in the valley (but forgot to photograph them!). Because they needed to build a lot of houses for the mill workers, and there was no where flat to build them, they built them into the hillsides, so they were several storeys high. 2 houses were built into 1. The first house (the over dwelling) would be accessed from the front, the other house (under dwelling) was accessed from the back.
The valley has exceptionally steep sides but manages to fit in a road, canal, river and railway running through it - as well as the town.
Old mills have been utilised as shops and residences. They have managed to keep a real atmosphere here by using the old buildings.
It is typical of many West Yorkshire towns that have homes clinging to the sides of very very steep hills - so pretty on this very frosty morning.
The town has a great selection of very individual and independently owned shops, fabulous charity shops and great eateries of all sizes and descriptions. 
There are so many relics from when this would have been a very prosperous industrial town.
This little shop was like stepping back in time. The lady who owned it informed me that they were opening a wartime cafe at the end of November. She said it was going to be truly authentic - so I will be going back to see!
We found ourselves too short on time and would have loved to explore the area a bit more - so a return visit will be on the cards when we have more daylight hours.
27 comments:
I had an aunt that stayed there for a short time...she was looking after a eldery friend on a temporary basis until a full time carer could be found. My aunt was a geriatric nurse. I remember getting a postcard from her and looking to see where it was:) She actually lived in Thorngumbald near Hull and then Hedon.
I love Hebden Bridge and haven't been there for years. Did you ever see the film Fanny and Elvis, that was filmed there , it was v.good and the town looked lovely.
twiggy x
That looks like a lovely little place .... I must investigate sometime when the weather is nicer!
xxx
you may remember our visit there in the summer which you commented on on my blog here
http://roachling.blogspot.com/2011/08/heptonstall-and-hebden-bridge.html
I loved Hebden Bridge and look forward to a return visit without the 'in laws' so we can do our own thing more and explore what interests us.
The Organic House cafe si highly recommended if you need a refreshment stop next time!
I love it.
Hebden Bridge will go in my diary under place to visit. It looks magical.
Thank you for introducing me
Helenxx
I always forget about Hebden Bridge as a good place to visit, thank you for reminding me! Happy New Year to you. Louise
Lovely to read about my home town! Shame you didn't mention the countryside we're surrounded by - surely you couldn't help but notice all the trees? It's a beautiful wooded valley. Glad you enjoyed your visit, come again soon!
Jan
It's a good many years since I last visited Hebden Bridge, it's obviously time I went back again - especially if there's going to be an authentic wartime cafe!
I love Hebden Bridge! There are some lovely little shops and cafes, nearby Todmorden is also quite a sweet place! We always stop at Hebden when we travel the 'scenic' way to Blackpool! x
Looks wonderful, Diane. I've wanted to visit Hebden Bridge for ages. I love your photos and description of the under and over dwellings. There are so many wonderful places to visit aren't there?:)
I think that needs to go on our 'must visit' list, especially love the photo of the boat through the bridge.
Carol xx
What a gorgeous place! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. :o)
What a fantastic find. The war time cafe idea sounds very interesting. Look forward to seeing more on your return visit.
Lisa x
It looks wonderful. I think I may have visited here as a little un, but I can't quite remember. x
Glad you liked it - all my Mum's side of the family still live a few miles down the valley and I've spent many happy hours there. Jx
Looks like a great place to visit. Love towns with little unusual shops.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger
Lovely post Diane.
My Auntie Gert came from Hepden Bridge and it's a place I've always wanted to visit...one day.
Sandie xx
hi Diane, have just seen your words on the last post......thanks so much for getting in touch.....am back from today thanks to you!.....once again you never fail with your posts, another winner from the north, am off to look it up on a map and see if we can fit it in on our next sojourn to sheffield.x
Is it Hebden Bridge where Last of the Summer Wine was filmed? It looks charming but all those hills would do my knees in!
What a lovely place and your photos are fantastic. I have always wanted to go on holiday in a narrow boat, but Nigel at 6 foot 4 is not so keen LOL
T'other Diane
I'll have to put it on my must visit list. The wartime cafe sounds like it'll be worth a trip for.
How lovely. I have been there but it was many years ago so will have to make an effort to get there this year.
Another place to add to the must visit list - it is getting longer and longer.
and we must meet up in Homefirth too one day!
xxx
I have lived here for 11 years and I am still amazed by the uniqueness of Heben
I have lived here for 11 years and I am still amazed by the uniqueness of Heben
I have lived here for 11 years and I am still amazed by the uniqueness of Heben
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