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A small Pennine hillside farmhouse and outbuildings in a remote location

Towns to Visit in the West Yorkshire Pennines

The West Yorkshire section of The Pennines lies between The Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. It’s a land of river valleys and mill towns from the Industrial Revolution. If you think that towns and villages of the West Yorkshire Pennines are a cluster of grimy, decaying industrial communities, it’s high time you took a holiday in the area and have your outdated perceptions utterly transformed by their beauty and rich culture. Gone are the soot-blackened walls, the mines, and the mills. Although many of the buildings remain, they have been re-invented to offer delightful and impressive visitor experiences. It’s an area that attracts more visitors year after year. Here are some notable destinations and reasons to visit them:

Haworth

Known for its association with the Brontë sisters, Haworth is a picturesque village located on the edge of the Pennines. Visitors can explore the Brontë Parsonage Museum, which offers insights into the lives and works of the famous literary family. The village is also renowned for its quaint cobbled streets, traditional shops, and scenic moorland walks. An excellent way to travel to Haworth is to park the car in (or catch a train to) Keighley and complete your journey travelling by steam train on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, a heritage steam railway, perhaps best known as the location for the filming of The Railway Children.

Hebden Bridge

Situated in the Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a vibrant market town with a bohemian atmosphere. It is known for its independent shops, art galleries, and creative community. Visitors can enjoy exploring the town's unique architecture, picturesque canal, and surrounding natural beauty. Hebden Bridge also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including an annual arts festival. It is also a superb base for walking holidays in the West Yorkshire Pennines, with walks up Stoodley Pike and Hardcastle Crags being highly recommended.

Holmfirth

Nestled in the Holme Valley, Holmfirth is a charming Pennine town famous for its association with the long-running British sitcom "Last of the Summer Wine." Fans of the show can visit its exhibition at the Last of The Summer Wine Exhibition and Gift Shop and explore filming locations. Holmfirth also offers a delightful town centre with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and scenic countryside for outdoor activities. Holmfirth's quaint streets, dotted with stone cottages, provide a delightful setting for leisurely strolls. Here, you'll discover boutique shops, friendly locals, and inviting eateries, all wrapped in a timeless Yorkshire heritage.

Saltaire

Saltaire Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a model Victorian village located near Bradford. Sir Titus Salt built it in the 19th century to provide housing for workers in his textile mill. Visitors can admire the well-preserved Victorian architecture, visit the Salts Mill complex, which houses art galleries and shops, and explore the scenic Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Marsden

Marsden is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, a charming village known for its beautiful countryside and historic landmarks. One of its notable attractions is the Standedge Tunnel, the longest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. Visitors can take boat trips through the tunnel and learn about its fascinating history. Marsden also hosts the annual Marsden Jazz Festival in March, attracting music enthusiasts from around the country.

Sowerby Bridge

This small market town is located on the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal. Sowerby Bridge offers a mix of industrial heritage, canal-side walks, and lively pubs. Visitors can explore its historic buildings, including the stunning Edwardian-era Town Hall. The town also hosts the Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival, a traditional celebration featuring processions, music, and dancing.

Where to Stay

Yorkshire hospitality has also transformed itself since long-ago Dickensian times. You’ll find some beautiful, lavishly furnished, well-equipped holiday cottages on our Pennines and West Yorkshire pages.

 

Find West Yorkshire Holiday Cottages in these locations:

Holmfirth

Todmorden

Bradshaw

Hebden Bridge

West Bretton

 

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The Pennines

 

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