The Calderdale village of Ripponden is set in the rural Pennine landscape, three miles from Sowerby Bridge, in the Ryburn Valley. The village is made up of traditional stone-built cottages, and a small high street with shops, cafes, an award-winning restaurant, takeaways, several excellent pubs serving food and real ale, and a local supermarket, with the River Ryburn flowing gently through the centre. Located at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, pretty old weaving villages are found in the surrounding hills. The area is also of archaeological note for its Roman road, Neolithic and Bronze Age remains. Upon Rishworth Moor, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and home to many rare animals, can be found the Cat Stones, a series of ancient round barrow burial sites. Ripponden village is also noted for the annual Rushbearing Festival each Autumn, featuring dance troupes including Morris Dancers from all over the country. Nearby is Hebden Bridge, a diverse, bohemian town home to restaurants, bars, bistros, markets, an independent cinema, art galleries, and the Rochdale Canal. A scenic car ride over the moors takes you to the Parsonage Museum which commemorates the famous Bronte family. A short drive in the opposite direction takes you to the heart of ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ country. Numerous listed buildings and National Trust properties are close by. The Haworth area is also a must for steam railway enthusiasts who will enjoy the thriving Worth Valley Railway.
