Known for its thriving arts scene, vibrant independent shops and reputation as a major LGBTQ+ friendly destination, Hebden Bridge has always been on my list of places to visit.
Throw in a premiere for ‘Riot Women’, the latest BBC drama from the phenomenal Sally Wainwright, and you have basically planned my perfect day out.
In most ways, it was a brilliant visit: from the neighbouring Pennines offering a beautiful backdrop, to the rows of knick-knack shops for me to browse through, and plenty of places to eat. In fact, Hebden Bridge was one of the best day-out destinations I have been to.
Some highlights included watching locals on canal boats meander down the Rochdale Canal (I have already made a mental note to try a famous Bronte Boat ride when I next return) and strolling along the whimsical bridges which I believe lent the West Yorkshire Town its name.
There were several shops I popped into as well, including the Antiques Centre and The Heart Gallery. I am a stickler for locally-owned businesses and the town was definitely boasting some of the more niche stores I have ever seen.
Alongside the beautiful views and bustling shops, I was also greeted with a sense of calm upon arrival. Everyone was so friendly and, as a queer woman, it was lovely to see such a strong community not only present but also celebrated. The only flags being flown were the colours of the rainbow, something I am always happy to see.
In fact, the visit was so perfect the only qualm I had with it at all was getting there in the first place. I was briefed to arrive early as parking was a notorious issue but I didn’t quite realise just how bad it was until I arrived.
Before I could enjoy the scenery, I spent a good 10 minutes looping around the town before I found parking on the outskirts, near the Hebden Bridge Cinema House. I don’t mind a one-off stroll at all but after speaking with locals it appears that the issue is not a one-off for them at all.
Some baristas I spoke to at The Mooch Cafe Bar explained that the parking “frankly, sucked”, with many locals finding it difficult to find places to street park their cars.
I can imagine that the influx of tourists in the height of summer can make the parking experience hellish. I feel that during my visit, I escaped fairly unscathed thanks to it not being peak season but it’s not hard to see why locals struggle on a day-to-day basis.
Which is why I feel a little guilty saying that it is a spot I would 100% visit again. I think if you are planning to make your own visit, just be extra kind to the warm and friendly locals who are enduring increased meter parking, thanks to us tourists!
