Flight Time / September 2016

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SEPTEMBER 45
CONCIERGE TRAVEL TIME
. However, the area slightly to the
north offers a glorious rolling landscape which
demands to be explored on foot or bicycle. Have a
poke around the village of Luddenden, not missing
the steep pull up the setted Old Lane, another of
Calderdale’s cycling challenges. Turning right takes
you to the hamlet of Booth, where Jerusalem Lane
is the start of a loop around the pretty valley of
Luddenden Dean. On Saltonstall Lane perhaps call
in for refreshments at the fabulously-titled Cat I’th
Well pub, before continuing back to Luddenden.
Sowerby Bridge is a smaller and slightly less pretty
version of Hebden Bridge. Visitors tend to be here
either to hire a canal boat for a relaxing cruise of the
Calder & Hebble Navigation, or to visit one of the
many restaurants. Of course, West Yorkshire is
serious fish-and-chips territory, but Sowerby Bridge
and neighbouring Ripponden have gained a
reputation amongst foodies in recent years. As well as
a large selection of quality pubs offering traditional
fare, you can take your pick from Indian, Turkish,
Mongolian, Pakistani or Mediterranean restaurants.
Real ale fans should try to fit in a visit to the Old
Bridge Inn at Ripponden. This little whitewashed pub
is 700 years old, and sits beside a tiny old packhorse
bridge in the quaint village centre. If you happen to
be in the Sowerby Bridge area for the weekend of 3rd
and 4th September, you’re likely to get caught up in
the annual Rushbearing festival, which is no bad thing!
It’s a weekend of Edwardian dress, dancing and
booze, based around a centuries-old tradition of
rushes being carried on a cart to provide a winter
cover for the floor of local churches.
INFO
EAT
Shibden Mill Inn
Winner of Yorkshire Pub of the Year in the
2015White Rose Awards. Set in the beautiful
countryside of the Shibden Valley north-west
of burn off the calories, see their
circular walks in the pub leaflet.
Shibden Fold, Halifax HX3 7UL
Gimbals Restaurant
In a town with numerous dining options,
Gimbals has stood the test of time for 21
years.The modern European food is held in
very high regard – booking is essential.
76Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge,
HX6 2AF
The Olive Branch
Delicious Turkish and Mediterranean food,
and great atmosphere, in the centre of
Hebden Bridge.There’s also a ‘branch’ down
the valley in Sowerby Bridge.
21West End, Hebden Bridge HX7 8UQ
SLEEP
The Tower House Hotel
Situated underneathWainhouse Tower and
serving good meals. Conveniently based
between Halifax and Sowerby Bridge.
Master Lane, Halifax HX2 7EW
Croft Mill Apartment Hotel
Contemporary accommodation in a mill
conversion, with penthouse apartments.
Croft Mill Yard, Hebden Bridge,West
Yorkshire, HX7 8AB
Holdsworth House
Located about three miles north of Halifax,
Holdsworth House is a 17th-century manor
house set in wonderful gardens, and
proudly hosted the cast of Happy Valley
during filming. It’s a popular wedding
venue and indeed a wedding was filmed
here in another Calderdale-based TV
series, Last Tango In Halifax.
Halifax HX2 9TG
VISIT
Eureka!
Right by the train station in Halifax, this is
the National Children’s Museum, and a must
for those visiting Calderdale with children
between 0 and 11 years.
Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE
Shibden Hall
A striking 15th-century, half-timbered
house which doubles as the folk museum
of West Yorkshire.The hall is situated within
the excellent Shibden Park, with a number
of walks and amusements for the family.
Opening hours for the house and museum
vary throughout the year.
Lister’s Road, Halifax HX3 6XG
Rokt Climbing Gym
Feeling energetic? Rokt is an innovative
visitor attraction at Brighouse in the Lower
Calder Valley. It’s superbly organised and
great fun for all ages. Have a go at indoor
climbing, bouldering, and even caving.
Sugdens’ Old Flour Mill, Millroyd Street,
Brighouse, HD6 1EY