Todmorden, a preserved Yorkshire market town

In the course of the year Todmorden boasts an excellent 1-day Agricultural Show, Country Fair, Folk Music Festival & Carnival: Hebden Bridge has a Vintage Car Rally, Arts Festival and is a “Fairtrade” town. Todmorden has in recent times become famous as the home of “Incredible Edible” supported by HRH The Prince of Wales.

The area is superb for walking to suit all abilities or, for a more leisurely outing, why not take a canal boat trip from Hebden Bridge Marina, sometimes horse drawn. Todmorden has one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in Lancashire/Yorkshire and hosts County games. Also an equally beautiful park with facilities for children, a swimming pool & leisure centre.

Stoodley Pike, seen here in the picture is a famous landmark and a lovely walk to it from Shoebroad, which can take you over the moor to Hebden. The old pack horse trail runs from the village of Lumbutts up to the Pike.

An excellent days outing can be had by visiting Hardcastle Craggs (known as little Switzerland), Howarth (home of the Brontes), Gawthorpe and Towneley Halls in Burnley, plus the Singing Ringing Tree with views over to Pendle Hill and The Ribble Valley.  We are also an easy bus ride or drive to The Piece Hall and Shibden Hall in Halifax or nearby Hollingworth Lake.

Todmorden’s Town Hall and Unitarian Church, both legacies of the Fielden family, once one of the richest families in the world, are exceptional buildings for such a small town and well worth a visit, particularly for Historians. The Unitarian Church is a particular favourite for weddings and a mere cock stride from Shoebroad Barn itself. From Shoebroad wonderful views can be seen of Dobroyd Castle, Stoodley Pike & Cross Stone hillside.

If the sun is shining, then Shoebroad is within easy distance of the famous Gaddings Dam. Our own Dam with Beach as seen on television.