Photo: Centrevale Park, Todmorden 

As the long summer days give way to crisp mornings and crunchy leaves, there’s no better time to explore Calderdale. Whether you’re wandering through ancient woodlands or warming up in a cosy café with a view, autumn brings a particular kind of magic to our happy valley. Here’s our pick of the best places to embrace now autumn is upon us…

Coffee spots (for slow mornings & people-watching)

• Roast & Toast, Sowerby Bridge — friendly local café on Wharf Street, convenient if you’re heading to the canals or other nearby walks.
• Lucy’s Little Bakehouse, Dean Clough in Halifax. Delicious bakes, cakes and coffee in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Follow your visit with a browse around Dean Clough Mills – a vibrant 22-acre mixed-use mill complex, combining arts galleries, a restaurants, bars, cafes,and shops.
• The Temperance Movement, Halifax — quality coffee, fresh bakes and delicious brunch in the Market Arcade.

Autumn walks (golden leaves, waterfalls & historic mills)

• Hardcastle Crags & Gibson Mill (near Hebden Bridge) — extensive woodland paths, riverside routes and the historic Gibson Mill café make this an outstanding autumn walk.
• The Calderdale Way — a 50-mile circular route encircling Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. You can pick shorter sections for half-day walks to soak up the valley vistas and falling leaves.
• Crimsworth Dean and Lumb Falls — a beautiful circuit with riverside sections and waterfalls that really pop in autumn. Combine with a pub stop in Hebden Bridge afterwards.

Sunday roasts (comfort food for crisp afternoons)

• Hare & Hounds, Hebden Bridge – a classic country pub with warming interiors and reputation for good seasonal food and roasts. Great for a cosy afternoon.
• Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax – originally a corn and spinning mill, this award winning pub and restaurant offers first class dining against a backdrop of open fires, low beamed ceilings and a cosy bar.
• Long Can Hall, Halifax – a family-orientated pub renowned for their Sunday lunches, including their much-loved slow roasted beef.

Cosy pubs (to curl up with a pint by the fire)

• The Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden – an atmospheric, centuries-old riverside inn with flagstones and inglenook charm — perfect after an autumn walk. The Old Bridge Inn
• The Shepherd’s Rest Inn, Todmorden – a remote country pub with amazing views, a roaring fire, hearty pub food and real ale.
• Cat I’th Well, Wainstalls – a charming pub in Wainstalls known for its cosy atmosphere and picturesque location. Settle with a pint by the open fire, after a walk at nearby Jerusalem Farm and Wade Wood.

Pumpkin-picking & family fun

• Pumpkins On T’Hill, Sowerby Bridge — a handy pick-your-own option close to Sowerby Bridge with family activities at peak autumn. Includes pumpkin trails, tractor rides, a bouncy castle and pumpkin spiced lattes at their café! Make sure to check dates and booking details before visiting.