HEBDEN Bridge is a unique blend of tradition and trendiness with an enviable reputation as “the town for great little shops.”

This Pennine centre grew up as a river crossing for pack horses laden with cloth, salt and food. First a wooden bridge was built, then the stone one you can see today, dated 1510. The town’s name comes from ‘hep dene’ or ‘rose valley’.

Today, many visitors combine a few hours ‘up on the tops’ in boots and fleeces with a saunter round shops notable for their individuality and variety.

One of the advantages of Hebden Bridge’s small town shopping is the opportunity to chat to shopkeepers, many of whom have valuable, specialist knowledge of anything from fish to fashion, bikes to books, rugs to rings, model engineering to healing oils, and organic food to shoes...

Only the rushed or uncivilised go shopping without stopping, and both visitors and locals are blessed with endless excuses to re-fuel in the town’s numerous coffee/tea shops, characterful pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Among the most historic of Hebden Bridge’s shopping spots is Bridge Mill in St George’s Square - a splendid example of a water-powered Pennine mill ruggedly built in local gritstone and now housing several shops, workshops and restaurant.
The water wheel has been restored and is the focal point of Innovation’s Riverside cafe/bar.

From jelly moulds and pasta machines to embroidery silks and limited editions, Hebden Bridge is often able to supply the idiosyncractic and unusual, or that extra special something difficult to find in more urban centres.

It could also rank as one of the smelliest towns in Yorkshire - if the variety of soaps, unguents, scented candles, perfumes and incense on offer are any measure. You can even buy seasonal oils especially to burn at particular times of year...