Why not leave the car at home and explore the Calderdale Festival of Food by train? Calderdale’s railway line links several of the festival’s towns and villages, making it easy to enjoy a sustainable foodie break packed with local flavours, independent businesses and unique experiences. The route between Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden offers beautiful valley views and plenty of opportunities to hop on and off as you explore.

Start your journey in Brighouse, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of independent cafés, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of the station. During the festival, book a special dining experience at Brook’s Restaurant, whose seasonal menus celebrate local Yorkshire ingredients and showcase the best produce from the region. Their festival menu is available on the 10th and 11th September, with a specially curated Tasting Evening taking place on the 17th September.

Whilst you’re in Brighouse, don’t miss a trip to Wildings Chocolates, where you can pick up the new Brighouse Bar created in partnership with local artist Roger Davies. You can also grab a bag of Magnetic North Coffee‘s limited-edition Festival Blend from Simply Divine Things, created especially for the Calderdale Festival of Food.

Next, jump on the train to Sowerby Bridge, home to a thriving independent food and drink scene. Here, you can take a Yorkshire Dama Cheese Factory Tour on the 9th September to discover how their award-winning halloumi-style cheeses are made, before enjoying the Willow Tree Café’s ‘Local Heroes’ Menu, showcasing ingredients and producers from across Calderdale.

Continue up the valley to Mytholmroyd, where festival visitors can enjoy Rhubarb Fortnight at The Blue Teapot, celebrating Yorkshire’s iconic rhubarb with a range of seasonal treats. From here, you’re also perfectly placed to join one of several Foraging Sessions with Live Wild in nearby Hebden Bridge, taking place on the 10th, 12th, 17th and 19th September, providing you with a chance to explore Calderdale’s woodlands and natural larder.

Then continue by rail to Todmorden, the home of the world-famous Incredible Edible movement. Join A Taste of Todmorden: Incredible Edible Tour & Market Feast on the 18th September to discover the town’s edible landscapes and community growing spaces before enjoying a feast of local produce. You can also get hands-on at Incredible Edible Todmorden and Pennine Cropshare’s Extra Local Gardening Sunday and Community Lunch on the final day of the Festival (20th September), celebrating sustainable growing, local food and community spirit.