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Pictures of Hebden Bridge

in the county of West Yorkshire

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About Hebden Bridge

This beautiful old town grew up close to the River Hebden at the point where a stone bridge was built as part of a pack-horse route in the 16th century.

By the time of the 18th century Hebden Bridge had become a noted centre for weaving. Stone cottages appeared, these were especially built for weavers with wider than usual windows to allow for the maximum of light. In the 18th century it was commonplace for many workers in the textile industry to work at home, and it was only at the latter end of the century that mills began to be established in the town, bringing with them a much needed prosperity. You only have to cast your eye's above the crowded shop windows of the main streets, to note the flurry of building work which took place once more money was available. Some of these fine properties still show the lovely facades of yester-year.

In the town is the Robin Hood, a coaching inn from the 17th century. The inn retains much of its earlier character, and is believed to have an old well from which St.Thomas a Becket took a cup of water.

This is Bronte country where the terrain is of deep sided valley's and glens lying beneath lonely moors were visitors can see golden gorse, bracken and heather. A wealth of wildlife saunters the moors, grouse, pheasant, partridge, and the inevitable fox. In the skies above you might be lucky and catch sight of Kite or Eagle.

At Hebden Water, a few miles from Hebden Bridge is an area known as the "Crags" here, miles of footpaths take you on a nature trail of the areas natural and archaeological history, passing through dense woodland, alive with oak, ash, beech, and pine. In springtime these lofty trees spread their branches over a carpet of vibrant gently nodding bluebells who contrast sharply with the tawny autumnal shades to come.

In the 19th century dams and weirs on Hebden Water controlled the water supply to mills like Gibson Mill. A three storey building of the early 18th century, this was one of the first mills of the Industrial Revolution. It has recently been restored and brought back to life as an interesting visitors centre by the National Trust. The mill offers hands on exhibitions and gives you the opportunity to learn of the people who toiled here for up to 72 hours a week, and often for very little reward.

Before the restoration programme for Gibson Mill commenced it was used by the community of Hebden Bridge as a venue for part of their annual Christmas celebrations. A delightful late afternoon walk through beautiful countryside to Gibson Mill was followed by a candle-lit carol service, warming punch and mince pies. The noisy return journey led by wassailers with lantern transformed the woods into a starry "fairy glen". With the completion of the project it is hoped the Wassailers walk to Gibson Mill will be re-introduced. Interestingly, the mill was used as a setting for scenes in the recent production of Nicholas Nickleby.

A local tradition here is the ancient "pace-egg play" this takes place each Good Friday when a colourful procession parades through the streets.

The visitor here is thrice blest, you have the joy of a lovely old town, the pleasures of spectacular countryside and the nearness of Halifax, a town full of lovely buildings and noted landmarks.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Hebden Bridge

Hardcastle Crags & Gibson Mill(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction NW)Pictures
Eureka! Museum for Children(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction E)Pictures
Shibden Hall(7.2 miles, 11.7 km, direction E)Pictures
Shibden Valley(7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction E)Pictures
Wycoller Country Park(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction NW)Pictures
Wycoller Hall(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction NW)Pictures
Hollingworth Lake Country Park(8.5 miles, 13.6 km, direction SW)Pictures
Towneley Hall Art Gallery & Museum(8.7 miles, 14.1 km, direction W)Pictures
Forest of Burnley Country Park Millennium Site(9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction W)Pictures
Cliffe Castle Museum(10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction NE)Pictures
Marsden Moor Estate(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction S)Pictures
Healey Dell(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction SW)Pictures
East Riddlesden Hall(10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction NE)Pictures
National Museum of Photography, Film & Television(11.0 miles, 17.7 km, direction E)Pictures
Bradford Cathedral(11.4 miles, 18.4 km, direction E)Pictures

All attractions in Hebden Bridge
All attractions in West Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Hebden Bridge

Todmorden, in the county of West Yorkshire (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction SW)
Todmorden lies on the historic border between Yorkshire and Lancashire in an area of the Calder Valley ringed by the hills of the Pennines.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Sowerby Bridge, in the county of West Yorkshire (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction SE)
Surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the South Pennines, with the town's gentle scenery being enhanced by the River Calder and the River Ryburn on which the town stands.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Halifax, in the county of West Yorkshire (6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction E)
Halifax is an industrial city close to the famous Pennines and the route of the Pennine Way in what is known as Yorkshire's "Bronte" country.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Haworth, in the county of West Yorkshire (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction NE)
Haworth is famous the world over for its connections with the Bronte sisters, the famous novelists.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Harden, in the county of West Yorkshire (9.0 miles, 14.6 km, direction NE)
Harden lies in the famous countryside area between Cullingworth and Bingley surrounded by rivers and meadows. It is a favoured commuter base for those working in nearby Bradford.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Keighley, in the county of West Yorkshire (9.5 miles, 15.4 km, direction NE)
This is an industrial town in West Yorkshire. It lies in a fold between the fine countryside of Airdale and Keighley Moors.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Golcar, in the county of West Yorkshire (10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction SE)
Sturdily built of stone, this small hill town is perched north of the River Colne and the now restored Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Marsden, in the county of West Yorkshire (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction S)
Marsden offers visitors a wealth of heritage, particularly in association with the town's expansion which came about during the heady days of the Industrial Revolution.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Saltaire, in the county of West Yorkshire (11.3 miles, 18.2 km, direction NE)
This perfectly preserved village originated as an answer to Bradford's 'dark satanic mills', it was the brain-child of...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Huddersfield, in the county of West Yorkshire (11.5 miles, 18.6 km, direction SE)
Huddersfield is a lively and interesting town that offers a rich cultural experience.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Padiham, in the county of Lancashire (13.0 miles, 21.0 km, direction W)
Padiham is a thriving Lancashire town lying on the Calder River. It is most famous as the home of Gawthorpe Hall, a noted...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Barley, a Picturesque Village in the county of Lancashire (13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction NW)
Barley is a picturesque village in Lancashire, close to Pendle hill, and is often used as a starting point for those who come to...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Almondbury, in the county of West Yorkshire (13.5 miles, 21.8 km, direction SE)
Almondbury is one of the oldest and prettiest of the villages dominating the edge of the Pennine moors.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Mirfield, in the county of West Yorkshire (13.7 miles, 22.0 km, direction E)
Mirfield is a residential town situated between Huddersfield and Dewsbury. It has a long history, and associations with Robin...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ramsbottom, in the county of Greater Manchester (14.2 miles, 22.9 km, direction SW)
The countryside surrounding the town offers lakes, woods and hills, with distant Winter Hill rising to a height of 456 feet.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in West Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Hebden Bridge Station(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
Mytholmroyd Station(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction SE)
M62 Junction 22(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction S)
M62 Junction 23(8.6 miles, 13.9 km, direction SE)
Leeds Bradford International Airport(16.5 miles, 26.5 km, direction NE)
Manchester Airport(28.6 miles, 46.1 km, direction S)
Hebden Bridge to London(173.7 miles, 279.5 km, direction SE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Hebden Bridge

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Hebden Bridge center
Moyles Hotel & Restaurant(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Alma Inn(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction SE)
The Hobbit Country Inn(5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction SE)
Holdsworth House Hotel(5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction E)
Tower House Hotel(5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction SE)
Woodlands Grange(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction NE)
The Imperial Crown Hotel(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction E)
The Rock Inn Hotel(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction SE)
The Old Golf House Hotel(8.2 miles, 13.3 km, direction SE)
Best Western Pennine Manor Hotel(8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction SE)
All hotels in Hebden Bridge

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