Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the South Pennines, Ripponden is a picturesque village with stone cottages and welcoming pubs lining winding roads. The River Ryburn flows through the centre, while green valley sides rise around it.
Ripponden is only a stone’s throw away from Greater Manchester (only a 30 minute drive from Rochdale), yet it has a distinctly West Yorkshire feel thanks to its location in the Calder Valley. Even if you’ve never been before you’ll probably recognise the area from the BBC drama Gentleman Jack and more recently the third series of Happy Valley.
But the village’s history dates back centuries, long before any TV crews descended upon this scenic corner of Yorkshire. The area is archaeologically important and rich in Neolithic and Bronze Age remains.
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As a settlement Ripponden developed where the Elland and Halifax packhorse routes met and crossed into Lancashire. Originally there was a ford which crossed the river, but this has been replaced over the years with several bridges, including the present day mid-eighteenth century bridge.
It’s at this very bridge you’ll come across one of the oldest pubs in Yorkshire, The Old Bridge Inn. This charming whitewashed pub dates back to 1307 and has been owned by the current family since 1963.
Inside it has a traditional wood-beamed interior where you’ll find cosy fires in the winter, while in the summer the exterior is decorated with colourful flower displays. There’s a small outside seating area, providing a tranquil riverside spot to enjoy a drink on a sunny day.
Until 2017 the Pork Pie Appreciation Society hosted their annual competition at the pub, with the annual event coming to an end after 25 years. Although it no longer takes place there’s still plenty of tasty pub grub on offer at The Old Bridge Inn today.
It’s not the only place to grab a bite to eat in Ripponden. The Lion is a 200-year-old pub with a contemporary interior hidden behind a traditional exterior, serving up Mediterranean-style dishes.
For lighter options head to Harlequins Cafe or Stanley’s Kitchen, and for the ultimate indulgent takeaway try Elliott Craft Pizza and Grill, which has been praised for its “out of this world food” on Google reviews.
Another culinary gem nestled on the edge of the village is Triangle Bakehouse, selling a range of sweet and savoury treats, as well as freshly baked bread and hot drinks. It’s an ideal spot to pick up a snack before heading exploring Ryburn Reservoir which lies on the outskirts of the village.
Ripponden is around a 40 minute drive from Manchester via the M62. Alternatively you can travel there via train and bus routes through Rochdale or Sowerby Bridge.
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