Todmorden Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, UK. From cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, to local food and drink, this travel guide covers it all.


Introduction to Todmorden

Todmorden is a charming market town nestled in the Calder Valley of West Yorkshire, surrounded by rugged moorlands and rolling countryside. The town is known for its rich industrial past, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural and culinary scene. It’s the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the top places to visit, hiking routes, food and drink options, and cultural customs of Todmorden.

List of Places to Visit in Todmorden

Todmorden boasts a wide array of attractions for visitors of all interests. Here are the top places to visit in Todmorden:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Todmorden Town Hall: The town hall is a stunning example of Victorian architecture and a symbol of Todmorden’s history and civic pride.
  • Todmorden Unitarian Church: This historic church was built in the early 19th century and is renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows.
  • Gordon Rigg Garden Centre: This popular garden centre offers a vast selection of plants and outdoor accessories, as well as a charming tea room.

Natural Attractions of Todmorden: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stoodley Pike: This iconic monument, situated on the Pennine Way, offers stunning panoramic views of the Calder Valley and surrounding area.
  • Centre Vale Park: This public park features beautiful gardens, a lake, and scenic walking trails.
  • Waterfall Walk: This gentle one-hour walk takes you through woodlands and past several picturesque waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Todmorden

Todmorden is the perfect destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Here are the top hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • The Pennine Way: This iconic 250-mile trail passes through Todmorden on its way from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, offering stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District along the way.
  • The Calderdale Way: This 50-mile circular trail passes through Todmorden and takes in some of the area’s most beautiful countryside.
  • The Mary Towneley Loop: This 47-mile loop takes in some of the area’s most stunning scenery, including the moors above Todmorden.

Best Things to Do in Todmorden: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities to keep visitors busy in Todmorden. Here are some of the best things to do in the town and surrounding area:

  • Canal Boat Tours: Take a leisurely boat ride along the Rochdale Canal and enjoy the beautiful views of the Calder Valley.
  • Horse Riding: Explore the countryside on horseback with one of the many equestrian centres in the area.
  • Local Markets: Todmorden hosts a popular farmers’ market and craft market on alternating Sundays, showcasing the best local produce and art.

Week-Long Itinerary for Todmorden

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Todmorden, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your stay:

Day Activity
1 Explore the town centre and visit Todmorden Town Hall
2 Hike the Pennine Way and visit Stoodley Pike
3 Take a canal boat tour and visit Gordon Rigg Garden Centre
4 Visit the Todmorden Unitarian Church and explore Centre Vale Park
5 Hike the Calderdale Way and visit the Waterfall Walk
6 Go horse riding in the countryside and visit local markets
7 Relax and enjoy the town’s cafes and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Todmorden

Todmorden’s food and drink scene is renowned for its quality and variety. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Yorkshire Pudding: A classic British dish made with a light, fluffy batter.
  • Roast Beef: Tender and succulent beef, usually served with Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
  • Bakewell Tart: A delicious dessert made with almonds and jam.

Local Beverages

  • Timothy Taylor’s Ale: An award-winning local beer that’s brewed just a few miles away from Todmorden.
  • Hebden’s Cordials: These delicious cordials are made with locally-sourced fruit and are a staple of any good afternoon tea.

Where to Stay in Todmorden: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Todmorden offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • Queen Hotel: A historic hotel situated in the heart of Todmorden, offering comfortable rooms and a popular bar.
  • The Shepherd’s Rest Inn: This charming inn is located just a short drive from Todmorden and offers stunning views of the countryside.
  • Mankinholes YHA: This popular hostel is located on the Pennine Way and offers comfortable accommodation for hikers and backpackers.

What to Buy in Todmorden: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Todmorden is home to plenty of unique shops and markets where visitors can pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs and local products. Here are some recommended items to bring home:

  • Beeswax Candles: These handmade candles are made with locally-sourced beeswax and are available from several shops in town.
  • Handmade Soaps: These artisanal soaps are made with natural ingredients and are available from several shops and markets in Todmorden.
  • Todmorden Maps and Prints: Bring home a map or print of Todmorden and the surrounding area to remind you of your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Todmorden

Todmorden is a friendly and welcoming town with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as:

  • Tipping: Tipping isn’t expected in most places in Todmorden, but it’s always appreciated for excellent service.
  • Queuing: British people take queuing seriously, so be prepared to wait your turn in line.
  • Pubs: Pubs are an important part of British culture, and visitors are encouraged to try out some of the local brews and chat with locals.

Best Time to Visit Todmorden

The best time to visit Todmorden is during the warmer months, between May and September. During this time, visitors can take advantage of the area’s stunning outdoor scenery and enjoy the many festivals and events that take place throughout the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Todmorden

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for visitors to Todmorden:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities.
  • Try the local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.
  • Be rude to locals or other visitors.
  • Drink and drive or use drugs.

Safety and Health

Todmorden is a safe and welcoming destination, but visitors should still take reasonable precautions to stay safe and healthy during their stay.

Safety in Todmorden

  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Be cautious when crossing roads and obey traffic signals and signs.

Health in Todmorden

  • Pack plenty of water and snacks for hiking trips.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities.
  • Be aware of tick bites and other potential hazards when hiking in the countryside.

Getting to Todmorden: Transportation Options and Logistics

Todmorden is easily accessible from major cities in the UK, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Todmorden

  • Manchester Airport: The closest major airport to Todmorden, which is served by multiple airlines and offers direct connections to many international destinations.
  • Leeds Bradford Airport: This airport is located approximately 20 miles from Todmorden and offers flights to several European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Todmorden

  • Todmorden Bus Station: Todmorden has a small bus station that serves local and regional destinations.
  • Halifax Bus Station: Halifax is a larger town located approximately 6 miles from Todmorden, with a bus station that offers services to many destinations across the region.

Other Options

  • Train: Todmorden Railway Station is located in the centre of town and is served by several train companies, offering direct connections to Manchester, Leeds, and other major cities.
  • Car: Todmorden is easily accessible by car, with several major roads and motorways connecting the town to other destinations across the region.

How to Get Around in Todmorden

Todmorden is a small town that’s easily explored on foot. However, visitors can also take advantage of several transportation options to get around the town and surrounding area, including:

  • Bus: Todmorden has a small local bus network with services to many popular attractions and nearby towns.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available in Todmorden, with several local firms offering services around the town and surrounding area.
  • Bicycle: Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Todmorden, with several bike rental companies and designated cycle routes in the area.

Where to Go Next from Todmorden: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Todmorden is situated in a beautiful part of the UK, surrounded by many other wonderful destinations that are well worth a visit. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Hebden Bridge: This historic market town is located just a few miles from Todmorden and is renowned for its independent shops, charming cafes, and picturesque canal.
  • Haworth: This beautiful town is located in the heart of Bronte Country and is home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum, as well as several other attractions related to the famous literary family.
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park: This stunning national park is located just a short drive from Todmorden and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK.

Conclusion

Todmorden is a hidden gem in West Yorkshire that offers something for everyone. From hiking and biking to sampling local food and drink, the town and surrounding area are a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or longer stay. We hope this ultimate travel guide has given you some inspiration for your trip to Todmorden and helped you plan your itinerary.

Todmorden Town Hall Todmorden Town Hall