There are lots of different things to do here whether you’re into outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking, horse riding, fell running or bouldering; want to explore the local attractions; unleash your creativity through photography or painting; enjoy the local hospitality; or some pampering treatments at the local spas – we’ve got it covered.
An article in the Guardian highlighted some of our favourites, or look at the top 10 things to do in Todmorden on trip advisor and there is more at the Todmorden Information Centre
Outdoor pursuits
We are situated on the Calderdale Way, a 50-mile circular trail, with hundreds of footpaths and bridleways leading off it.
We’re on the Ordnance Survey OS21 map, and you can find walking routes at alltrails. A few spots worth the walk or a short drive and then a walk include:
- Bridestones Moor which is just above us with unique rock formations and plenty of bouldering spots (walk from the house)
- Orchan Rocks, with the precarious sugar cube boulder (walk from the house)
- The Wizard of Whirlaw, which can be found above Whirlaw Rocks (walk from the house)
- Gadding’s Dam, the highest beach in the UK
- Stoodley Pike, the monument that dominates the skyline around Tormoden
- The Lancashire Panopticons, a series of unique sculptures set in the beautiful Lancashire countryside including the Halo in Rossendale which is lit up at night and the Singing Ringing tree on Crown Point Moor in Burnley
- The Irwell Sculpture Trail starting in Bacup and ultimately ending 33 miles later in Salford
- Pendle Hill, the setting of the notorious witch trials of 1612
- Hardcastle Crags (National Trust), 15 miles of footpath, 400 acres of woodland and a mill and cafe
- Top Withens, various walks around the location of Wuthering Heights in Emily Bronte’s classic novel near Haworth
Other outdoor activities you can enjoy include:
- Horse riding lessons at Longfield Equestrian Centre or pony trekking at Weir riding centre in Bacup
- Water-skiing on Cowm reservoir at Whitworth
- Hollingworth Lake is a large reservoir with lots of watersports from kayaks to pedalos, windsurfing to paddleboards
- Skiing and snowboarding at the outdoor ski centre in Rossendale
- Alpaca walking at Apple Tree Farm Alpacas near Hebden Bridge
- Centre Vale Park in Todmorden, with a children’s play area, lots of open (and flat!) space, a lovely remembrance garden and a small heritage trail. Also hosts the annual Country Show and other events on occasion.
For rainy days or a break from the outdoor adventures
- Check out the local community run Todmorden Hippodrome Theatre
- Have a guided tour of Todmorden Town Hall, considered to be one of the finest municipal council buildings in the country
- Enjoy a new, classic or cult movie or a live broadcast of national theatre, ballet, opera or orchestra Hebden Bridge Picture House, enjoy a drink and a home made cake whilst settling into the old style restored seats
- Visit Townley Hall, art gallery, museum and park in Burnley
- Experience the unique and quirky Whitaker museum in Rawtenstall
- Go see the home of Anne Lister of Gentleman Jack fame, Shibden Hall in Halifax
- Visit famous Gordon Riggs a garden centre and so much more!
- Take in the unique Piece Hall for shopping, gigs by world class musicians or simply to soak in the heritage and history
Body and mind
- Pamper yourself at Hush Beauty in Todmorden
- A little more expensive, but multi-award winning, relax at the Woodland Spa at Crow Wood, Burnley
- Work out at the Leisure Centre with fitness classes, gym facilities, a swimming pool, badminton, gym and tennis