On the edge of the West Yorkshire Pennines, in the picturesque Holme Valley, is the historic, traditional Pennine town of Holmfirth. Holmfirth is more than just Compo and Nora Battye’s stockings, despite being made famous by the TV series The Last of the Summer Wine! The best live music venue in the North of England, the “Picturedrome,” is in the heart of the city and draws many well-known bands. The 2014 Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire pelotons both passed through this small Holme Valley village on their way up the famous 524-meter Holme Moss climb, which is located two miles away. Cycling’s three-time Olympic medalist Ed Clancy was raised on these hills. In addition, Holmfirth offers parks, a good public pool, a fitness centre, as well as a few grocery stores and eateries. The locals are welcoming, the streets are charming, and the surroundings are breathtaking. It’s also simple to go to the Peak District National Park, which has moors, dales, woodlands, lakes, and reservoirs. A short, picturesque drive will take you to the Upper Derwent Region, home of the magnificent Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, and the site where the renowned 617 “Dambusters” Squadron trained for their daring raid on the Ruhr valley in 1943. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s stately residence, Chatsworth, is a short distance away from Bakewell, the market town where Bakewell Puddings are made. Near and well worth a visit are the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, National Coal Mining Museum, Wentworth Castle, and the Hepworth Gallery. Holmfirth offers a taste of culture with its yearly festivals, which include the Folk, Arts, and Food & Drink Festivals, among many more attractions that keep visitors coming back for more. Holmfirth Vineyard and Restaurant, where you may schedule wine tasting trips and delight in a delightful meal in the restaurant, is another not to be missed.
