Between Manchester And Leeds Is A Charming Market Town With Cute Stone Cottages, Indie Shops, And Tasty Bites

When the big city becomes overwhelming, an escape to the English countryside is always a good idea. Particularly scenic is the Peak District, with sweeping valleys and woodlands that have inspired poets and writers for centuries. Tucked right against the northern boundary of the Peak District National Park is a market town called Holmfirth, which fans of British television might recognize as the filming location for the BBC's sitcom, "Last of the Summer Wine." With winding lanes framed by sandstone cottages and local boutiques, Holmfirth is a refreshing getaway destination. The town is situated roughly halfway between Manchester and Leeds, both of which are an hour's drive away.

Settled by Anglo-Saxons and later ruled by the Normans, the village eventually grew into a bustling woollen industry town around the time of the Industrial Revolution. Mill workers and weavers lived in stone cottages along the banks of the River Holme running through town, many of which still stand today. Some have even been transformed into vacation rentals, beckoning out-of-towners to stay a while. A glimpse of the quaint riverside cottages can be seen from the small bridge across Victoria Street, which also offers a view of the Holy Trinity Church's clock tower rising above the rooftops.

While it may seem like a quiet countryside town, annual festivities bring merriment to Holmfirth's streets. In July, local galleries exhibit artworks for the Holmfirth Artweek, while the Food and Drink Festival in September draws hungry crowds eager to browse the stalls of tasty local delicacies. As a market town, shoppers can also pick up all kinds of goodies at the weekly Country Market. After the day's adventures, Holmfirth offers plenty of tasty restaurants to refuel. 

For fun souvenirs, head to The Gift Horse on Huddersfield Road, which has been part of the local landscape for 40 years. Head inside to pick out knickknacks like cute keychains, Jellycat plushies, and fancy body washes. Bookworms can continue down the road to Read, a local bookshop featuring a butterscotch-hued stone facade. Browse the shelves for titles ranging from non-fiction and graphic novels to contemporary literature, and even a few signed editions. Meanwhile, stalls offering everything from handmade knickknacks to fresh produce can be found at the Country Market on Saturdays.

Tun your Holmfirth day trip into a relaxing getaway with an overnight stay in one of the town's cute stone cottages. Once featured in the "Last of the Summer Wine" sitcom and even named after one of the characters, Nora Batty's Cottage is a holiday rental only a short walk from the shops. Built as a weaver's cottage back in the 18th century, the rooms overlook the river and surrounding historic buildings. The exterior is covered in a spray of ivy, with a staircase leading up to a bright blue door that stands out boldly against the honey-colored stone. Guests can make use of the lounge space, two bedrooms, and a private terrace.

Another historic holiday rental is The Old Wash Kitchen, just a short drive away on the outskirts of town. Overlooking a stretch of green slopes alongside the river, the cottage was also originally a weaver's abode dating back to the early 19th century. The rustic stone facade welcomes guests into a comfortable, modern retreat to unwind in at the end of the day. Next, continue your Peak District adventures just an hour's drive away in Chapel-en-le-Frith, England's "Capital of the Peak" with shops and stunning views.

When you've worked up an appetite, Holmfirth's bevy of local eateries await. Travelers from the U.S. craving a taste of Southern cooking should stop at the Holmfirth Tavern, tucked in an alleyway off Huddersfield Road. Grab a seat amidst the rustic interiors with exposed-brick walls and beamed ceilings, or sit outside on the patio. The American-inspired menu offers appetizers like jalapeño poppers and Tex-Mex nachos, and mains like pulled pork burgers and boneless wings with a side of fried pickles. Every Friday and Saturday evening, country music performers from the U.K. and abroad take the stage, making the atmosphere even livelier.

For international flavors, head to Poppa Piccolinos, a family-run Italian eatery which is highly-rated on Google. Tucked within a rustic stone cottage, guests can sit on a terrace overlooking the river. "Early bird menu is great value," writes a previous diner, while other customers praise the meatballs and pizzas topped with locally-grown vegetables. Choose from dishes like chicken tagliatelle with spinach or spicy seafood marinara, and wash it all down with a glass of wine or fizzy spritz.

Caffeine fiends craving a cup of joe should pop into Bjorn Specialty Coffee, also highly-rated on Google. The quirky decor creates a cozy atmosphere for customers to relax while sipping a latte, cappuccino, or hot chocolate. After spending time in Holmfirth, do some more Peak District sightseeing just 50 minutes away in Hathersage, a village with tasty eats, history, and rolling hills. Not much farther away is Castleton, another Peak District village with unique caves, nature walks, and a scenic castle.