Hebden Bridge & Beyond
Famous for small independent shops and cafes, Hebden Bridge and The calder Valley is also the backdrop for many popular TV shows and films.
From police chases through Hebden Bridge in Sally Wainwrights ‘Happy Valley’ to marching the cobbles of Heptonstall in the film Swallows and Amazons – the list of filming locations goes on…..
Fancy seeing some of these locations whilst staying in the heart of the Pennines then we have a tour for you!
We can tailor-make any tour to include your favourite tv shows filmed around the area.
Not far from Hebden Bridge, is Halifax where many other popular series were filmed – including, Last Tango in Halifax, Ackley Bridge and Gentleman Jack.
Want to see the sights at your own pace? We can give you an itinerary for you to follow at leisure or we can arrange a tour including a knowledgeable local guide – the choice is yours!
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a crime drama TV series which is set and filmed in The Calder Valley. Originally debuting on TV screens back in 2014 it has had 2 successful series, with a further 3rd series set to be filmed in the area very soon. The cast has included high profile actors such as Sarah Lancashire, Siobhan Finneran and James Norton. Locations of filming include Sowerby Bridge Town Centre, St George's Square in Hebden Bridge, West View Park at Warley, King Cross Street in Halifax, Sowerby Bridge Police Station and Heptonstall Cemetery.
Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack is a historical TV drama written and created by Sally Wainwright (also the writer of Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax). Set in the year 1832, it follows the life of landowner and industrialist Anne Lister. The first series starred Suranne Jones, Sophie Rundle and Timothy West. Predominantly filmed in The Calder Valley, shooting locations include the beautiful Shibden Hall and Shibden Park in Halifax and St Matthews Church Graveyard in Lightcllife.
Last Tango in Halifax
Last Tango in Halifax is a British comedy drama which started on BBC one in 2012, The series stars Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid as Alan and Celia. The TV Series has achieved four nominations for the BAFTA's in 2013 and won the BAFTA for Best Drama Series. Filming locations include Halifax Town Centre, Sowerby Bridge, Ripponden and Elland.
Ackley Bridge
Channel 4's Ackley Bridge started in 2017 and has been on for 4 seasons, with the latest season airing in April 2021. The series follows the lives of people affected by a merger of two schools in a largely segregated British and Asian community. The cast includes Jo Joyner, Sunetra Sarker, Poppy Lee Friar and Fearn Deacon. The School based drama is filming in and round the Calder Valley, the actual school filming location is at the former St Catherine's Catholic High School in Holmfield, Halifax.
Swallows & Amazons
Based on the novel by Arthur Ransome, Swallows & Amazons was released on the big screen in 2016. The movie which was partly filmed in Heptonstall, starred Kelly Macdonald, Andrew Scott, Rafe Spall and Jessica Hynes.
Meet The Richardson's
Meet the Richardsons is a comedy series starring married couple and stand-up comedians Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont. The pair and their family live in the The Calder Valley and the show features Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd.
The Railway Children
The Railway Children is a 1970 British drama film based on the 1906 novel of the same name by E. Nesbit. Filmed at the National Railway Museum in Yorkshire, E. Nesbit's classic `The Railway Children; tells the story of three sheltered children forced to move to rural Yorkshire when their father is falsely imprisoned.
The Story of the Cragg Vale Coiners
The Story of the Cragg Vale Coiners is to become a BBC drama very soon - keep watching this space for more details!
Accommodation
With so many TV & film locations to see, why not still a while! Accomodation in The Calder Valley ranges from cosy pubs, family-run B&Bs, hilltop retreats or town centre hotels.
Hebden Royd House
With so much to see and do here, you’d be bonkers not to stay for at least a night or two. If you do decide to stay, chances are you’ll want somewhere comfortable, cosy and central – somewhere just like Hebden Royd House.
The White Lion Hotel
We love old stuff in Hebden, and it doesn’t get much older than the White Lion. This gorgeous building dates back to 1657, and today, under new management, it retains its traditional ‘coaching inn’ feel thanks to tasteful décor, cosy corners and roaring log fires in winter.
Hebden Bridge Hostel
Perfectly positioned on famous walking and cycling trails like the Hebden Bridge Loop and Mary Townley Loop, the hostel is also a popular stopover with outdoorsy folk.
Mayroyd Mill House
A former mill owner’s house in a stunning conservation area, this spacious, unspoilt property offers the perfect self-catering accommodation for groups.
Halstead Green Farm Holiday Home
With everything there is to do in and around Hebden Bridge, we reckon you’re going to want to stay. If that’s the case, stick Halstead Green Farm on your to-sleep-at list. Its lovely uplands location in the Colden Valley is a gorgeous hour’s hike from town, but that’s ok – it gives you a good excuse to stay in if you’re feeling lazy.
Elmet Farmhouse
With its stone mullion windows and breathtaking vistas, Elmet Farmhouse is the holiday cottage of your dreams. Decorated and ‘curated’ by design historian Lesley Jackson, with lamps and wallpapers by Hannah Nunn, Elmet is just SO Hebden Bridge: creative, quirky, unique.
Calderdale Filming Map
Download the Calderdale filming map from Calderdale Council by clicking here
Our TV & Film in The Calder Valley Tour is available to enjoy all year round!
Speak to Benchmark Travel so we can arrange your tailor-made Tour by calling 01422 847 847 or send an enquiry here.