Holmfirth

Holmfirth is situated just 6 miles from Huddersfield in the Holme Valley. Surrounded by stunning countryside this small town developed around an old corn mill and bridge which dates back to the 13th century. The old English meaning for Holmfirth or Holm Frith is Holly Wood or Holme Woods. 

Like most Yorkshire towns and villages the inhabitants prospered through textules. Holfirth in more recent times benefits from having the Peak District National Park on its doorstep and from its new found fame as the home of the BBC comedy "Last of the Summer Wine". Visitors can actually use Sid's Cafe and even take a special tour of the town in a vintage vehicle which starts off from the famous cafe.

Holmfirth has another claim to fame through its sacuy seaside postcards by the firm Bamforth & Co. The town is a picturesque mix of stone cottages and houses. Tourism is the main revenue for the town which is susceptible to flooding. Local Agriculture is still thriving and one of the towns main employers at Longly farm has one of the leading Jersey herds in Europe. The town has some good restaurants cafes and independent shops.

For more photos of Holmfirth click here

Mirfield Monastery

The Community of the Resurrection  was founded in Oxford in 1892 by a priest named Charles Gore. Originally from Oxford the community moved to Mirfield in 1898.

The monks at the Resurrection are Anglican and the community is dedicated to the mystery of Christ's resurrection. The worship of God is at the heart of community life and anyone is welcome to attend their services.

The monks lead a quiet and dedicated life and also run a bed and breakfast facility. For a very reasonable fee visitors get clean, adequate accommodation including breakfast and the opportunity to walk around and explore the extensive gardens and grounds of the monastery.

For photos of the Monastery click here or view on You Tube

Halifax

Halifax is situated near Bradford, Huddersfield and Rochdale in the South Pennines. Early records show that the town was called Halyfax which means "coarse grass in the nook of the land". There is no record of Halifax in the Domesday Book so it is difficult to determine how long this area has been inhabited. 

Halifax expanded as a centre for woolen manufacture form the 15th century. The Piece Hall in the town is where this trade originated. Halifax is famous for the Building Society or Bank which takes its name and for Mackintosh chocolate and toffee which is now under the Nestle Brand. Halifax was home to one of the world's largest textile factories and although now converted for use as offices and retail outlets this 1/2 mile long building is still in use.

Textiles, cotton, wool and carpet industries and weaving mills generated wealth for the town during the 19th century. After the closure of the mills and the loss of its important industries Halifax went through a period of decline. In more recent times the town has benefitted from European funding and is once again beginning to show promise as an affluent town in the region.

Halifax is home to Eureka - The National Children's Museum. With its independent and branded shops and restaurants and cafes there is plenty to see and do around Halifax. A visit to the magnificent Harveys of Halifax department store is recommended.

For photos of Halifax click here or view on You Tube

Rotherham

The town of Rotherham in the West Riding of Yorkshire is situated on the banks of the River Don at its confluence with the River Rother. There has been a settlement here since the iron age and records indicate that there as a small Roman Fort here. Rotherham takes its name from the Old English name of Ham or Homestead meaning Homestead on the River or in this case Rother Ham - Homestead on the Rother.

Rotherham is just 5 miles from Sheffield. It is known for its iron and steel and it used to have many smelting plants and foundries. These industries grew rapidly up until the early 19th century but declined during the 1970's and 1980's. The town centre is concentrated around the impressive Rotherham Minster and includes a wide range of branded and independent shops as well as a good selection of cafes and restaurants and an outdoor market.

Clifton Park is also worth a visit and is only a couple of minutes walk from the town centre. With its multi million pound water park, rock garden and play area there is something for all the family.

For photos of Rotherham click here or view on You Tube

Sheffield

The city of Sheffield in the West Riding of Yorkshire is famous for its steel production. The city takes its name from the River Sheaf which runs through the city. One of the UK's largest cities, Sheffield has experienced much redevelopment in recent years. Having suffered a loss of much of its old industries the city has diversified and now achieves regular and steady growth economically.

Coal Mining stopped in the 1980's and this also lead to the decline of the steel industries although any visitor to Sheffield will still see evidence of this historic past and indeed some companies still operating in the steel industry. With more than 250 parks the city of Sheffield has an estimated 2 million trees which makes it one of the highest  ratio of trees to people than any other city in Europe.

Sheffield is an old established city and it has been inhabited for over 12,000 years. Records show Sheffield as a small market town in 1296 and as a centre of knife production and cutlery during the 1600's. Sheffield's importance as an industrial town was tested during the Second World War when many of its factories were bombed by the Germans.

Sheffield is an interesting blend of new and old. The Park Hill flats on the outskirts of the city centre are an example of how a brutalist piece of architecture can be softened  up to look more pleasing and in keeping with modern times. Visitors can see the contrast between half of the improved estate and its untouched neighbouring flats next door.

The city centre of Sheffield has some worthy places of interest. The Peace Gardens in front of the magnificent Gothic Town Hall with their water features are a popular destination as is the covered Botanical Gardens and the Millenium Centre. The city of Sheffield is a major retail centre with its inner city brands and out of town stores which include the Meadowhall Shopping Centre with its 280 stores and 12,000 parking spaces.

Sheffield is a worthy destination in terms of its attractions and during the weekend it has a European feel with its tram system and vibrant daytime activity. Whilst it has a good selection of branded and independent shops the choice of restaurants in the city centre is below what you might expect for such a large city and the city centre is very quiet outside of normal shopping hours when it suddenly and magically seems to become empty.

For more photos of Sheffield click here or watch on You Tube