Nestled amongst the undulating countryside of West Yorkshire lies the delightful and scenic town of Hebden Bridge. Once a former mill town trapped in decline with a shrinking population, it now teems with vitality following significant regeneration over the decades.

Hebden Bridge was historically renowned for its flourishing wool trade, but by the late 1960s, it had fallen into disrepair, with shuttered shops and rows of terraced houses demolished. However, Hebden’s fate was swiftly reversed.

Throughout the 1970s, fresh energy was breathed into the town as bohemians and creatives descended, eager to capitalise on the affordable housing.

Over subsequent decades, they transformed the area, gradually establishing the town as a haven for those pursuing an unconventional way of life. Hebden Bridge has welcomed LGBTQ+ communities since the 1970s, following the closure of mills, and nowadays boasts a thriving arts scene with a distinctly bohemian character. The town sits within an idyllic landscape of meandering canals, stone cottages, valleys, and expansive moorland, offering countless opportunities for rambling.

Nestled amongst the Pennine hills, this bustling town boasts an impressive array of independent retailers for its modest size, featuring fashion at Limited Boutique, homeware at Spirals and Earth Spirit, and beauty products at the Yorkshire Soap Company. Several of its former industrial mills and warehouses have been transformed into art galleries by resident artists, creating a dynamic cultural landscape.

The town is also dotted with welcoming cafes, such as The Baytree and Blue Teapot, alongside artisan pubs and eateries, including Fratelli Of Hebden, La Vida and Aya Sophia. Particularly noteworthy is the Fox and Goose, West Yorkshire’s inaugural Co-Operative pub, which was purchased by 262 Hebden Bridge locals in March 2014.

Additionally, the well-attended Hebden Bridge Open Market features 40 stalls in Lees Yard, offering everything from farm-fresh produce and handcrafted items to second-hand treasures. The market operates weekly, Thursday through Sunday, between 9am and 4pm.

Furthermore, the town’s Trades Club frequently showcases live musical acts, with renowned performers such as The Fall and Patti Smith having taken to its stage. There’s also a compact performing arts space, Little Theatre, where guests can enjoy theatrical productions or participate in backstage activities.

Hebden Bridge may ring a bell for some, having served as a backdrop for the critically acclaimed BBC crime drama Happy Valley, alongside neighbouring locations including Todmorden, Heptonstall and Halifax. Thanks to the show’s remarkable popularity, the former mill town has attracted devoted fans keen to visit the picturesque settings, such as Catherine Cawood’s residence on Hangingroyd Lane.

However, that’s not its sole claim to fame. Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was born in the nearby town of Halifax in 1991, and his childhood home was in Hebden Bridge, where he lived during his first four years.

Close to Hebden Bridge lies the charming village of Heptonstall, boasting remarkable historical buildings and cobbled streets perfect for exploring. Further afield, visitors can discover the National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags, featuring a 19th-century Gibson Mill and more than 400 acres of protected woodland.