Like much of West Yorkshire, Holmfirth’s development is tied up with textiles. Moorland sheep, fast flowing streams and rivers, weavers’ cottages and impressive mills bear testimony to the tradition of producing some of the world’s finest woollen yarns for the top names in the fashion world.
From the centre of Holmfirth narrow alleys or ‘ginnels’ climb steeply to weavers’ hamlets, their cottages recognisable by long rows of mullioned windows to let in the maximum light. Street names such as ‘Rattle Row’ evoke the clatter of handlooms. ‘Wuzzing Holes’, still visible from Bunkers Hill, was where the wet wool was spun (or ‘wuzzed’) in baskets suspended from these holes.
Today, the textile industry is no longer the major employer in the area. Holmfirth is now a focus for visitors; for many people it is the long running (on screen for 25 Years) BBC TV series ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ that first makes them aware of Holmfirth. But there is far more to the area than Summer Wine connections alone. Other places of interest are the market and a unique postcard museum.
Holmfirth is also on the doorstep of one of the most scenic regions of England, the South Pennines, with the Peak District National Park just a few miles away. It is an ideal area for walking and touring and its proximity to Leeds makes it a great day out.