Audrey's Guide to Hebden Bridge

One team member that gets many mentions in our guest book is Audrey Peacock - undoubtedly one person that makes Holdsworth House totally unique.

Audrey plays an important part in the hotel's breakfast team, ensuring everyone starts their day with a smile and a giggle. But it's not just Audrey's fantastic sense of humour and friendliness that makes her shine, her local knowledge of her home town Hebden Bridge means it gets more that it's fair share of tourists sent from the hotel.

Hebden Bridge is around eight miles from Holdsworth House; take the scenic route by car and you'll see some of Calderdale's most stunning views, countryside and cottages. Audrey is a true ambassador for Hebden Bridge and we've asked her to put together her guide of the best bits to visit during your stay at Holdsworth House:

1) Audrey, how do you get to Hebden Bridge from Holdsworth House on public transport?
"Take the 504 bus from outside the hotel into Halifax, leaving every five to the hour. Then take the 593 or the 594 bus from the bus station, which leave every ten minutes to Hebden Bridge."

2) What's the best cafe to call in for a tea or coffee?
"I love the Lampost Cafe, which is dog friendly like Holdsworth House, or try Sauce which is in the square."

3) What is there to see and do in Hebden Bridge?
"Hebden Bridge is a pretty laid back place. Walking the canal side, seeing the boats and feeding the ducks is a lovely nostalgic way to spend your time there, or even a river boat cruise - made famous in the BBC's Last Tango in Halifax. There's a lively market on a Thursday and second hand market on a Wednesday if you fancy picking up something unusual and vintage."

4) Where's a nice spot for lunch?
"Try The Old Gate restaurant, especially if you have your pet dog or children in tow! Or I also like the Blitz Cafe which is a 1940's wartime theme cafe"

5) What's a must see?
"There are lots of small independent shops in Hebden Bridge to browse around and there is a great sense of community so there are lots of events held throughout the year too, including the famous duck race, arts festival and music festivals. It's worth also making the short trip to Hardcastle Craggs, about 2 miles out of the town. It's a place of incredible beauty owned by the National Trust for walking and taking the dog with loads of streams, ravines and woodland, plus there is Gibson Mill to explore."

Our special thanks go to Audrey for her time. If you visit any of the places on her list be sure to say Audrey sent you!

Sally Wainwright's Happy Valley showcases Yorkshire

Picture: The Independent

Following the utterly brilliant Last Tango in Halifax, the latest TV drama written by Sally Wainwright hit the screen last night on the BBC. 'Happy Valley' is a gritty  West Yorkshire-based story set in a pretty village, Hebden Bridge.  Police sergeant Cawood (played by Sarah Lancashire) becomes embroiled in a kidnap plot involving the same man who drove her daughter to suicide years earlier. Taking in the darker side of life, including modern-day drugs culture, Happy Valley lacks the comedy of Wainwright's Last Tango in Halifax but is as utterly absorbing, be warned you may not blink for an hour.

Gripping TV story lines have been magnificently acted out in this drama, once again by lead actor Sarah Lancashire whose powerful deliveries leave us craving for next week's episode. At Holdsworth House we were lucky to accommodate Lancashire and other Happy Valley actors throughout filming in Hebden Bridge and nearby villages.

The first episode received good reviews from The Telegraph describing it as 'nail biting', and The Independent said the 'Homegrown, Yorkshire-set drama is better than Fargo'.

In addition to sharing Wainwright's BAFTA wining writing talent with the world, the local business and tourism economy has undoubtedly seen a boost in recent years as her stories are realised by producer Karen Lewis of Red Production Company. Through Last Tango in Halifax the number of enquiries for Holdsworth House has increased, lets hope the businesses of nearby Hebden Bridge see their trade magnified as their surroundings are showcased. Thankfully the wonderful artistic boutiques of Hebden Bridge and iconic Yorkshire scenery offer more escapism on a short break than the ficticious illegal drugs culture featured in the show!