Why picturesque Hebden Bridge can make a great day out that isn't too far from Sheffield

Thanks to its wonderful independent shops, amazing countryside and the fact it is home to one of England’s best music venues, picturesque Hebden Bridge has been described as the “greatest town in Europe.”
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How do I get there?

The quickest way to get to Hebden Bridge on public transport is to get a train from Sheffield railway station to Leeds railway station, which can take as little as 39 minutes. From there, you need to get another train to Hebden Bridge, with an approximate journey time of 45 minutes. You can also go via Manchester, but that adds another half an hour to your journey time.

To get there in the car from Sheffield, you need to get on the M1 via the A6109. Then follow the M1 and M62 to Blackley New Rd/A629 in Elland and take exit 24 from the M62. Follow the A629, A6026 and Burnley Rd/A646 to Bond Street in Hebden Bridge. This route takes approximately one hour, 25 minutes.

People sit outside bars and cafes at Hebden Bridge, as Covid 19 restrictions are relaxed..12th April 2021..Picture by Simon Hulme People sit outside bars and cafes at Hebden Bridge, as Covid 19 restrictions are relaxed..12th April 2021..Picture by Simon Hulme
People sit outside bars and cafes at Hebden Bridge, as Covid 19 restrictions are relaxed..12th April 2021..Picture by Simon Hulme

What is there to see and do?

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The idyllic market town of Hebden Bridge has been a bustling cultural hub since artists and creatives migrated to the town en masse in the 1970s and 1980s, as a result of the comparatively cheap property prices of the time. Today, it is known for its independent shops, and among the ones worth your time are The Book Case on Market Street, which has been serving the community for more than three decades and sells a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, children’s books, literary gifts and more.

The Hebden Bridge Antiques Centre, traditional sweet shop, Something Sweet, and Totally Awesome which is an Aladdin’s cave of toys, board games and everything entertaining, are all great places to browse.

Hebden Bridge is home to a number of art galleries that you can visit if you book ahead, including The Heart Gallery on Market Street, which also sells jewellery, stationery and textiles, as well as contemporary craft gallery, Snug Gallery, also based on Market Street.

11 October 2020.....    Autumnal colours emerge in the woodland at Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge.   Picture Tony Johnson11 October 2020.....    Autumnal colours emerge in the woodland at Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge.   Picture Tony Johnson
11 October 2020..... Autumnal colours emerge in the woodland at Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge.   Picture Tony Johnson

Beautiful countryside surrounds Hebden Bridge which means there are plenty of wonderful routes to try if you fancy a walk while you’re there. A must-see nearby location for a walk is the weavers’ village of Heptonstall, which is located high above the hills of Hebden Bridge, and has remained largely untouched for the last two centuries. It has just two pubs and a Post Office, and is popular with walkers.

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Hebden Bridge Trades’ Club is an iconic venue that has attracted the likes of The Fall and Patti Smith, and a number of shows are scheduled throughout the year, Covid-19 restrictions depending

Where should I eat and drink?

Located on Hollins Place, Lovegrows Tearooms is a popular place to dine which also has an outdoor terrace. They offer a wide range of quality food, including homemade cakes and soups, sandwich platters using speciality bread and have a selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Walking feature Hardcastle Crags, Hebden BridgeWalking feature Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
Walking feature Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge

The White Swan on Bridge Gate is a community pub at the heart of Hebden Bridge, that offers a warm welcome to locals and tourists alike and has a beer garden.

Located on Old Gate, The Old Gate offers a wide selection of real ales and local food, and has a number of gazebos in its beer garden.