Places to Visit
You will want to explore the wonderful landscape around Rough Top but also want to go a little further afield. Here are just some of the unforgettable places to visit.Photo courtesy of David Redfern.
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge takes its name from a stone packhorse bridge over the river Hebden Water.
Hebden has a vibrant and artistic character and is well served with cafes, restaurants, inns, boutiques, galleries and gift shops as well as a wide range of independent local food shops and everyday shopping needs. It has its own Picture House, Little Theatre and Trades Club with a fantastic variety of live music and cabaret. An annual Arts Festival takes place in June/July with many other events throughout the year.
Tour of Hebden Bridge
You can find me most Saturdays at Bridgegate by the old bridge opposite the White Swan pub. Tours usually start at 11.00 am .
It’s a free tour but tips are welcome! No booking required.
For further information check out the Facebook page Hebden Highlights or you can send me a message using Facebook Messenger to Hebden Highlights.
Bridestones rocks and moor
At over 1,400 ft above sea-level, the Bride-stones are a very short walk to the Hebden Bridge side of Rough Top Cottage.
These Millstone Grit rock formations have been made by the ‘ravages of time’ into strange and curious shapes, some looking like human heads and faces (the sphinx). While others look like prehistoric birds, a giant tortoise, a bear, there’s even a huge anvil-shaped rock.
Standing on these rocks will give you one of the best views for miles around.
Read our blog The History & Folklore of Bridestones
Photo courtesy of David Redfern.
Todmorden
The Calderdale Way, Pennine Way and Mary Towneley Loop walks all pass through or very close to Todmorden and Rough Top Cottage. The Todmorden Trail Maps, books and leaflets on all kinds of outdoor activities can also by found at the Todmorden Information Centre.
Todmorden Town Hall, Grade 1 listed building, is well worth a visit taking in the Heritage Centre, ballroom, Mayor’s Parlour and Council Chamber. The building is a fine example of Neo-Classical architecture and the carved stonework of the external pediment represents the town’s links to both Yorkshire and Lancashire.
There are many fantastic walks, cycle routes and horse rides around the town. Depending on length, time available and experience, these could range from a walk to the impressive and ever present Stoodley Pike, built to commemorate the end of the Napoleonic Wars, or a gentle stroll on the canal towpath taking in the award winning Fielden Wharf.
Halifax
Halifax is the home of the newly renovated Peice Hall with its wonderful shops and entertainment in the square.
Halifax has fantastic shops to explore from unique boutiques to grand stores like Harveys of Halifax and of course its renowned Borough Market.
Lots for all the family including Eureka Children’s Museum, the Industrial Museum and the great Victoria Theatre
Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake is a man-made lake which spans 118 acres. It was originally built as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal during the 19th century.
The lake soon became an attraction for those living nearby and in Victorian times it was known as “The Weavers’ Seaport”.
A great walk around the lake with several dog friendly cafes + pubs.
Burnley
Cross the border and you are into Lancashire and Burnley. Home of the magnificent Towneley Hall and National Trust owned Gawthorpe Halls. A little further afield is the Pendle Heritage Centre which will tell you all about the history around the famous Pendle Hill and it’s Pendle Witches
Great shopping in the town centre with large brand names such as Primark and M&S You’ll want to explore the small independents especially in the newly refurbished indoor market. Of course its the home of the “Clarets” Burnley Football Club.
Make sure you take time to walk to the iconic Singing Ringing Tree which towers high above Burnley on Crown Point Moor. The huge artwork has been named in the top 10 pieces of ‘sound art’ in the world.
Haworth
Mainly known for the Bronte sisters Haworth has much more. The cobbled main street runs uphill from the Worth Valley Steam Railway to the Bronte Parsonage at the top.
The street is a hive of small shops catering for tourists and specialists anything from luxury chocolates to handmade gifts to take home.
There are lots of annual events in Haworth beit at the Steam Trains or in the village as in The 1940’s Weekend a real trip back in time.
EUREKA National Children’s Museum
A fun-packed family day out in Yorkshire, located in Halifax, West Yorkshire, they’re the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children aged 0-11 anywhere in the UK.
They have over 400 interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them.
Eureka is next to the train station in Halifax so you could consider a train from Todmorden to save the drive.
Shibden Hall (Halifax)
Home of Gentleman Jack
Shibden Hall, dating back to 1420, at Halifax is the focus of the BBC drama series written by Sally Wainwright, ‘Gentleman Jack‘. The vibrant series explores the life of Anne Lister (1791 – 1840) and those who lived in the Hall and Estate.
The Hall is surrounded by the beautifully restored gardens and estate that forms Shibden Park. There are a range of features and attractions, including a cafe and visitor facilities. Once you’ve had a coffee make sure you visit the miniature railway, and boating lake. There are further walking trails, play area, orienteering course and woodland in which to roam.
Check for opening times as the hall closes for filming times.
