Tourist Information:
- Holmfirth Tourist Information
- Holmfirth
Homfirth Tourist Information
Historic market town Holmfirth is the main centre within the stunning Holme Valley. You're just on the edge of both the Peak District National Park and the Yorkshire Pennines here in this walking hotspot. Fondly remembered as the town appearing in the celebrated tv series 'Last of the Summer Wine' which ran for over 30 years, Holmfirth's weavers' cottages, striking surrounding moorland and historic mills will be a familiar sight to lovers of Summer Wine country. The textile industry was once strong in the Holme Valley with many of the weavers playing leading roles in the Chartist uprisings of the mid-19th century.
» Find Attractions in Holmfirth
Today Holmfirth has a picture-postcard village feel centred around the main Victoria Square. A centre for festivals and events, Holmfirth hosts its annual Folk Festival in May with other events including the new Holmfirth Arts Festival in June and the Holmfirth Music Festival in October. Holmfirth and nearby Honley serve as perfect walking bases for pushing out into the surrounding sublime Holme Valley. A choice of walking paths move out from Holmfirth and Honley taking in smaller historic settlements in the Holme Valley area like Hepworth and Holme. Holmfirth boasts a fine selection of tearooms and country pubs serving up Yorkshire real ale and fine homemade food. Also here are a superb selection of arts and craft studios.
For all you 'Last of the Summer Wine' fans out there, Holmfirth will be a matter of pilgrimage. The village offers tours of particular film locations relating to the series, branching out from either the famous 'Sid's Cafe' or what was Compo's home in the series situated next door to the cafe with Last of the Summer Wine Exhibition. Holmfirth is also a veritable feast of numerous arts and crafts shops, antique shops, bookshops and a beautiful small independent cinema and theatre - the Picturedrome. Note too the distinctive setted ginnels in Holmfirth alongside weavers' cottages. The oldest building in the town is thought to be the famous T'owd Towser situated adjacent to the steep steps of the church. The building has seen many uses including as fire station, mortuary and town lock-up.
Last of the Summer Wine TV Series in Holmfirth
Holmfirth duly pays tribute to the tv series 'Last of the Summer Wine' which was filmed in the town and around the Holme Valley for over 30 years. Fans of the series continue to flock to Holmfirth from around the world. Checkout the webguide links right for the Summer Wine Appreciation Society and Summer Wine Exhibition and Wrinkley Stoking Cafe within Holmfirth.
Summer Wine Bus tours are available (webguide right) with informative commentary. Tours take in spots like the White Horse Inn in the village of Jackson Bridge just two miles from Holmfirth, known as the Summer Wine Pub - its exterior was used in the series. You can stay in the White Horse Inn, find this charming inn listed here on Iknow Yorkshire/Huddersfield Accommodation.
The Summer Wine exhibition is located in what was Compo's house in the series and it includes photographs and memorabilia from the series.
Picturedrome Cinema & Crag Rats Theatre
This little independent cinema in Holmfirth has stacks to offer. A mix of arthouse and mainstream cinema, plus an atmospheric bar and cafe inside. The website is well worth a look - comprehensive on both the building and the programme of entertainment on offer. This cinema has full disabled access. Tel: 01484 689759.
Holmfirth also has a studio theatre - the Crag Rats Theatre & Cafe Bar. This is a touring venue for drama, music and dance and again has an excellent website (see webguide right) to check out upcoming performances. It also offers interactive workshops, training and theatre for education with a view to changing perceptions.
Holmfirth Fesitvals
Holmfirth's annual calendar of festivals is further boosting the town's reputation as a centre for the arts.
Holmfirth's famous Festival of Folk takes place in May annually. Checkout the forthcoming programme via the Folk Festival's webguide right. Venues for top folk acts performing in the festival include the CragRats theatre, Sid's Cafe, The Old Bridge Hotel, Hervey's Wine Bar and Number 11 Restaurant and Bar.
Alongside the folk festival, the town is now to play host to the Holmfirth Arts Festival annually in June (see webguide right for this year's programme). This festival promises an exciting mix of art and music, with work by a fine selection of local artists on display alongside music, theatre, dance and film. Holmfirth Art Week follows in July.
Holmfirth Tourist Information, Holmfirth Markets & Holme Valley Walking
Craft and Treasure Markets take place on Saturdays, General Holmfirth Market every Thursday and a Farmeers' Market takes place on the third Sunday of each month.
Holmfirth Tourist Information Centre can provide useful guides and maps on numerous walking paths in the area including the Holme Valley Riverside Way (6 miles), the Holme Valley Circular Walk (24 miles) the Kirklees Way (72 miles).
