Beat the winter blues in Calderdale

Photo credit: Mark Rosser

Are the short, dark days getting you down? We know the feeling – this time of year tends to bring up a touch of the winter blues, as we all wait for the arrival of spring, and warmer, brighter weather. But winter in Calderdale does have its own particular charm – and we’re here to help you embrace this season…and hopefully find joy in places you never expected!

So don your cosiest layers and start ticking off the checklist below…there’s lots of activities to keep your winter blues at bay.

 

1) Treat yourself to a mini spa day – at this time of year it’s so important to look after yourself, and sometimes that means carving out a bit of ‘me’ time in your busy schedule. Whilst we don’t have a big spa resort in Calderdale, we have several alternative versions which are just as special:

  • Beautissimo Spa is an exclusive use private spa in Elland, which won two ‘Spa of the Year’ awards within their first 3 years of opening! They have an outdoor Jacuzzi hydrotherapy pool and a stunning Scandinavian Glass fronted Sauna, both with stunning panoramic views. Treatments are carried out in a beautiful wooden lodge, providing the best possible experience for relaxation and wellbeing.
  • SOUL Wellness Hub is a holistic wellness centre housed in a beautiful former Methodist Church in Sowerby Bridge. With a Float Tank, Infrared sauna, two large yoga studios, a bohemian cloths shop, numerous therapy rooms AND a vegetarian cafe – you’ve got everything you could possibly need at SOUL!
  • Le Petit Spa is a ladies-only spa in a tucked-away corner of Halifax. Small and tranquil, it offers two treatment rooms with five-star treatments at affordable prices. They pride themselves on their warm and personal service, provided by friendly, highly skilled therapists.
  • And last but not least, Roots and Rocks provide a mobile sauna experience within a refurbished horsebox in Mytholmroyd Community Centre car park. Available to groups to book, this sauna provides a quirky and unique way to unwind with friends!

 

2) Explore the Calderdale countryside: Staying active and trying to get a bit of sunlight each day is recommended by the NHS for overcoming seasonal sadness. And what better way to do it than by bundling up and taking a stroll through Calderdale’s picturesque countryside? Check out our selection of winter walks here.

 

3) Embrace your inner child by going sledging in Calderdale…if we’re lucky enough to get a good covering of snow then we’d suggest:

  • Anywhere off Bradford Old Road, Claremount…we have it on good authority that the hills here are sledging heaven!
  • In the lower valley, check out the footpath joining Coley to Hipperholme via the top route – another tried and tested favourite!

In the mood for sledging but just missing the snow? Another World Adventure Centre has the perfect solution…a brand-new outdoor toboggan track which you ride down on special wheeled sledges! Check out their website to discover all their adventure activities.

 

4) Indulge in local comfort food: When the weather outside is frightful, you’ve got to take your small comforts where you can. And nothing warms the soul like a good, hearty meal in a cosy pub! The establishments below will be sure to leave you with a full belly and a smile:

  • The Duke of York, Shelf – In the heart of the hamlet of shelf, the Duke of York offers a warm, friendly & local feel to guests, and is known for its tasty £10 roasts!
  • Not only does the Windmill Tavern in Northowram do delicious Sunday dinners, they also do regular wine and cheese nights!  Follow them on facebook to find out about their next one.
  • The Old Bridge Inn in Ripponden is an 700 year old ancient inn bursting with character and history. They’ve been serving their weekday buffet since 1963 and its as popular now as ever – drop in to enjoy their delicious spread in the cosiest of environments.
  • Enjoy your Sunday roast with stunning views over the Calderdale countryside, all from the window at the Top Brink Inn, a traditional family-owned free house situated between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.
  • The Sun Inn in Rastrick offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, good local ales, tasty roast dinners and regular offers like their Steak Thursdays and Fish Fridays.
  • Jubilee Refreshment Roomsnot a pub, but we couldn’t talk about cosy spots in Calderdale without mentioning this hidden gem. Based at Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, the Jubilee Refreshment Rooms is operated by two railway enthusiasts, who have re-created the type of Station Refreshment Rooms that would have been available during the golden age of rail travel. This includes a roaring fire, an array of railway memorabilia, and a wide range of hot drinks and refreshments – definitely worth popping your head in!

 

So whether it be wrapping up and embracing the winter chill, or seeking refuge somewhere cosy, we hope you are able to find beauty in the unexpected and turn this season into a time of discovery and joy…