Why your next weekend break should be in Holmfirth

Planning your next UK weekend break but struggling to agree on where to go?

A good way of solving this problem is to have every traveller make a list of what they think makes a great staycation destination, and what they want from the stay.

While no two answers will be exactly the same, the likelihood is that somewhere on your lists there’ll be lots of things to do, beautiful scenery, interesting history and of course some great food and drink.

Well, set in the heart of the breathtaking Holme Valley, the popular West Yorkshire market town of Holmfirth has all of this and more, offering plenty of things to do for everyone from keen outdoor adventurers to couples seeking a romantic countryside break.

From fantastic outdoor opportunities to its close proximity to major cities, here are five reasons your next weekend break should be in Holmfirth.

1. You can tour the Summer Wine country

Where else could we start than with what the town’s most famous for?

As fans of the longest-running TV comedy series will know, ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ was filmed in Holmfirth, with plenty of sites and attractions related to the programme still remaining today.

Enjoy a light lunch or snack in Sid’s Café, take photos on the steps outside Nora Batty’s Cottage or visit the Last of the Summer Wine Exhibition in Compo’s former home.

You could even take the ‘Summer Wine Magic’ vintage bus tour, which runs regularly from outside Sid’s Café and takes visitors on a 10-mile journey around all the key BBC filming locations.

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2. Holmfirth is full of unique entertainment venues

Though the town is best known for its associations with ‘Last of the Summer Wine,’ rest assured it has plenty more unique entertainment facilities on offer.

A particular highlight is the Picturedrome, the North’s most intimate music venue and independent cinema. Conveniently located right next to The Old Bridge Inn, the Picturedrome shows a range of films, musical and theatrical performances and stand-up comedy, and is well worth a visit during your next stay.

Alternatively, pretend you’re sipping wine abroad with a trip to Holmfirth Vineyard, set against the spectacular countryside. Take a guided tour to explore the grapevines as you learn more about the vineyard and grape varieties, all while tasting three unique northern wines.

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3. There are lots of fantastic walking and cycling routes

The area is incredibly popular with walkers and cyclists, and for good reason. Ideally situated on the northeastern edge of the Peak District, Holmfirth and Holme Valley are home to a huge range of walking and cycling routes for all fitness levels.

You’ll find a range of gentle trails and bridleways in addition to a number of popular walking routes starting from Holmfirth centre, including the 24-mile Holme Valley Circular Walk as well as the shorter five-mile Holmbridge and Holme Walk.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even grab your bike and test your stamina against the iconic Holme Moss, which was part of the 2014 Tour de France’s challenging Yorkshire Grand Départ route.

As if that wasn’t enough, a local bus service also runs to other local beauty spots like Denby Dale and Glossop, so if walking is your thing you’re sure to have a packed weekend break schedule.

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4. You can enjoy both the city and the countryside

Planning your next staycation but struggling to decide between a city break and a countryside retreat?

Well, you can actually have the best of both worlds in Holmfirth thanks to its excellent transport links and close proximity to major cities including Huddersfield, Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester.

If you fancy a day trip but don’t have a car, all you need to do is take a bus from the centre of Holmfirth to Huddersfield Station (just seven miles away) before catching one of the station’s regular, direct trains to your chosen destination.

5. There’s a lively events scene

You’ll find a great range of speciality shops and markets in Holmfirth, including independent boutiques and antiques you won’t find on the high street.

However, the real star of the show is the town’s packed events programme that runs between May and November each year.

With everything from food and drink festivals and annual celebrations of film and the arts to the Holmfirth Festival of Folk and regular agricultural shows, you’re sure to find a festival for you whatever your interests.

Don’t worry if your visit falls outside of these months though, because the popular Vintage Market and Holmfirth Food and Craft Market featuring a range of local sellers and produce also take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays respectively.