What I Enjoyed Most in Hebden Bridge

Nestled at the River Calder and the Hebden Water's junction, Hebden Bridge is an idyllic market town. Gaining some small notoriety for being Ed Sheeran’s childhood home, this beautiful place is known best for its outdoor pursuits. 

Even for someone who’s not that ‘outdoorsy’, someone who spends his time playing video games and spends his money in online casinos, this peaceful little heaven on earth amazed me.

The Great Outdoors

The area surrounding the town has some spectacular hiking. I particularly enjoyed the “Hebden Bridge Loop” of the Pennine Way. The tract is best known as part of Calderdale Route, boasting 80 km through Calderdale's hills and valleys.

The towpath along the Rochdale Canal was, at times, a more demanding walk than I had anticipated. However, the scenery made up for the challenge, and I was rewarded for my efforts when I reached the Stubbing Wharf Pub. The food was excellent, and the view over the canal was beautiful. 

A different way to enjoy the canal is by taking a canal cruise. Hebden Bridge Cruises offers a range of options using their longboats. I enjoyed their 40-minute scenic cruise. Viewing the Pennine Valley from a longboat was memorable and enjoyable.

The scenery at Hardcastle Crags was astounding, just minutes out of town. The walking trails had a range of views and photo opportunities.  A short, but steep, scramble up the valley's side led me to an outlook with some fantastic vistas.

In-Town Fun

Known as a progressive, LGBTQ-friendly town, Hebden Bridge has a vibrant nightlife. The music scene's pinnacle is The Trades Club, offering more than I expected in this small-town setting. The Trades Club has hosted some of the top British names and an impressive list of international performers.

Each week, the town hosts a four-day open market. The fares and wares change each day, offering everything from secondhand finds to fresh produce and local food. The market has a strong emphasis on fair trade and sustainability.

The Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is a true gem. This tiny 100 seat theatre offers impressive local talent. Surrounded by restaurants, this is the perfect spot for a “dinner and a show” night out.

Hebden Bridge is an enchanting town. A vibrant and avant-garde community offsets the bucolic English countryside. The stunning countryside inspires even the least outdoorsy to get outside.