Shibden Mill Inn, West Yorkshire

Overview

Tucked away in the fold of a wooded valley close to Halifax, the stunning 17th century Shibden Mill Inn is an ideal spot to lose yourself in some comfort.

Owner Max Heaton and his team have built quite a reputation for good food, and they know a thing or two about looking after you, so whether you're simply after a pint and sandwich or settling down for dinner and a bed for the night, you're in safe hands.

The interior boasts black-beamed rooms and logged fires, proving the perfect spot to while away a wintry afternoon supping a pint and perusing the paper. On summer days spill out onto the charming sheltered patio garden, where you can take lunch at one of the chunky oak tables. Or, head to the terrace out front, enjoy the views of the charming whitewashed inn over a glass of wine or a delicious alfresco lunch from the Shibden Shack - pizzas, burgers, seafood and salads. At the end of the day, guests can enjoy one of the distinctive bedrooms, which offer comfortable and contemporary accommodation, as well as big breakfasts sure to set keen walkers up for the day.

Rooms from

11 doubles: £140; Suite £210

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Alfresco & private dining
Shibden Shack - Pizzas
Weddings in Mill Room
Parking available

A touch of culture
Literary enthusiasts should head to the world-famous Bronte Parsonage, former home of the Bronte sisters which opened as a museum in 1928.

Outdoor adventures
Enjoy excellent walking from Shibden Mill's own doorstep - or tackle the more challenging Calderdale Way.

Rooms

Reflecting the attention to detail that has given Shibden Mill its classy character, the eleven rooms have bags of contemporary style and individual panache.

They're all different shapes and sizes with vibrant wallpaper, stylish blinds and interesting artworks, as well as comfy mattresses and thoughtful details like retro digital radios and Smart TVs. Bathrooms are smart and contemporary, two featuring monsoon showers or stand-alone baths. If the 'Staying in Sunday' promotion sounds like your thing, pick a DVD from the library and settle down with a bucket of popcorn and a bottle of wine.

The Shibden understands the importance of a hearty breakfast, and the inn welcomes early-risers and walkers to stop by and sample their gorgeous breakfast menu. Choose from Welsh rarebit and roast tomatoes on homemade bread or a delicious Yorkshire-cured ham and tomato omelette.

Restaurant & bar

Passion for locally sourced ingredients shine through the imaginative menus from breakfast through to supper.

Served the warren of beamed, cosy rooms downstairs, dinner might include pig cheek tart, celeriac, fig and vanilla, followed by lamb rump, cheek, lettuce, anchovy and turnip, and passion fruit tart with white chocolate. There's also a taster menu, lunchtime sandwiches, a fabulous breakfast menu, the Shibden Shack serving burgers, seafood and pizzas, and the pop-up Crust & Craft horsebox offering cakes, coffee, pies and craft beer . Sunday lunches bring in the crowds for traditional roasts and children get their very own mini-menu. If you skipped breakfast, or maybe burned a few calories on the hills, return for one of their mighty fine afternoon teas.

At the pumps is a brew made especially for the pub and a bunch of local heroes such as Stod Fold's Gold, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Little Valley Brewery's Organic Withens Pale Ale (from just down the road). Gin and whisky lovers are spoilt for choice and the broad, cosmopolitan wine list includes some interesting and exclusive labels, and an impressive 27 by the glass.

Private dining

The Wine Loft is an intimate space with a fine banquet table seating 12 and makes a great setting for business meetings, family dinners and celebrations. The characterful, beamed Mill Room provides a beautiful setting for weddings, breakfasts and private celebrations for up to 40 people.

Things to do

There are plenty of good walks on Shibden Mill's doorstep but for something a bit more adventurous, there's the Calderdale Way, a 50-mile circular long-distance trail that can be joined at any stage and completed in day-long chunks. Close to the route are National Trust-owned Hardcastle Crags, where you'll find picturesque walks, broad-leaved woodland and rocky outcrops.

It's not just Pennine hills and miles of open moorland that are great to explore in Calderdale. Hire a narrowboat from Bronte Boat Hire, for a day at Hebden Bridge and get to see the rugged beauty of this region from the unique perspective of Britain's wonderful inland waterway network.

Those searching for a little retail therapy should head over to The Piece Hall in Halifax. An open shopping venue in the heart of Halifax, restored and transformed into a thriving town square and heritage destination in 2018. Originally built as a sales centre for weavers, The Piece Hall is home to specialist shops, an art gallery and a tourist information centre. Its unique heritage and distinctive architecture make this much more than just a shopping experience.

Literary enthusiasts - don't miss the famous Bronte Parsonage at Haworth, the former home of the Bronte sisters which opened as a museum in 1928. This is where Bronte fans get a feel for the daily lives of these extraordinary sisters and how they applied themselves as writers. If you feel like a walk while you're there, trek across the Pennines to Top Withins, thought to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights.