Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
Location, location
Nestled between the bustling metropolis of Leeds and Manchester, a creative mixture of artists, writers, musicians and commuters have made the old mill town of Hebden Bridge their home.
Eight miles west of Halifax but a bit of hideaway and the M62 one of your routes elsewhere - about an hour to Leeds and a bit more to Manchester. There's a station with decent, regular rail services to Halifax and beyond.
Bag a property
Converted mill, Victorian villa, river-fronted hideaway or that barge that offers the promise of a rat race escape? Some really cool properties to be had in these parts, albeit with a pricetag that matches the town's reputation as a very desirable place to set up home.
Great views, plenty of quirks and masses of period character are usually there to tick off the des-res list.
Explore
Head to the canal and take some time out barge-spotting. Such a part of Hebden's charm. Don't miss the Trades Club - people travel from far and wide for this award-winning music venue.
Hebden Bridge Picture House is a 1920s art-deco piece of joy, lovingly restored and a cosy spot to cuddle up to watch the latest release or- and this is the best bit - take in an oldie but goodie.
Cafe & cocktails
Cafes, pubs, micro-breweries and restaurants- there are plenty of funky eateries (and drinkeries!) scattered around Hebden Bridge. If you fancy supping on an unusual pint then head to Drink?. Martin Ogle has been running the independent bottle shop and bar for five years with beers sourced direct from breweries, as well as a good range of wine, local gins and soft drinks too.
Local beers from breweries like Little Valley, Empire and many around the Manchester area are always popular- and canned beers are really big with the fashionable crowds flocking to Hebden.' When it's time to fill that tum, try Mooch with its hearty soups and healthy salads, or great pizzas and pastas at Il Mulino and La Perla. At The Olive Branch to tuck into Turkish treats - their mezes are some of the best around.
Retail therapy
Hebden Bridge is a rare breed these days when many high streets are either dwindling or bowing down to the big chains. Hebden Bridge is a nice mix of characterful independents.Whether wool, wine or well-being, it's peppered with good places along the likes of Market Street and Crown Street. You can't miss the Yorkshire Soap Company, you'll smell it before you see it and the bubbles stream along the street. Treat yourself to a Yorkshire Rose bath bomb or Yorkshire Lad traditional bar of soap. Hard to resist these smellies!
Spy Spirals with its colourful range of funky fashions, chintzy homewares and even deckchairs to brighten up the gloomiest of days. The Afghan Rug Shop stocks the rugs and kilims, all Fairtrade from communities in the Northern Provinces of Afghanistan. Hebden's Open Market which trades Thursday to Sunday offers everything from local produce, art, and retro bits and bobs too.
