The unassuming village with a 700-year-old pub that’s witnessed a tourism ‘boom’

Tucked away just inside the borders of West Yorkshire lies the charming, historic village of Ripponden, ripe for discovery.

This quaint gem, nestled near Bacup and Whitworth, has recently experienced a resurgence, with an influx of unique shops breathing new life into its streets.

Beyond its cobblestone paths and centuries-old architecture, Ripponden offers breathtaking hiking trails and the added bonus of remarkably affordable parking – a mere 40p, or free for an hour.

Positioned in Calderdale’s picturesque Ryburn Valley, the village boasts a 700 year old pub, The Old Bridge Inn, and has earned the seal of approval from locals who affectionately describe it as a ‘nice little place’.

Despite its modest size, Ripponden is making a significant impact, drawing tourists from far and wide.

To delve deeper into the essence of life in Ripponden, we paid a visit, engaging with the locals and business owners who contribute to its distinct charm. Claire Wood, owner of the gift shop Cuckoo and Rose, shared her insights on the village’s exciting transformation.

She highlighted the surge in new shops and cafes, which has fostered a stronger sense of community among residents. Moreover, Claire noted an increase in tourist visits, with people gravitating towards Ripponden for various reasons, reports .

“We had a couple of ladies in here who said they were going to go to Hebden Bridge came to Ripponden which is now a destination and has had a proper boom,” she said.

Claire added: “We have got everything here; we are not lacking anything. We have really good restaurants and pubs. I think the village is definitely becoming a destination venue.”

Although there have been a lot of changes, Ripponden has kept the feeling of a small village, says Claire.

“It is still a village where everybody knows each other and I know everybody who comes in the shop,” she said. “There is definitely a camaraderie in the village. People do look out for each other and it is a great place to live. It is also equidistant from Leeds and Manchester.”

Tracy Barlow, landlady at the buzzing Ripponden Club, notes the village’s ‘entrepreneurial’ zest. “It’s very entrepreneurial,” she said. “Quite a lot of new shops have opened and we are getting a lot of out-of-towners coming in.”

A lively social scene thrives here, with Denise and her friend Jill, en route to bingo, keen to praise local tribute, Darren Lee. Denise said: “The Ripponden Club is good and Darren Lee is brilliant. The village is nice and friendly; everybody talks to everybody.”

They recommend the Wildgoose café and The Toll House for a delectable coffee and doughnuts break.

Ray Nicholls, owner of the Ripponden Wine Company, which has been located on Halifax Road since 2021, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the village’s retail scene. Once home to only a sparse collection of shops, the area now boasts more than 18 stores.

Accommodation options have also flourished for those looking to enjoy a holiday or weekend getaway. Ray said: “The last time I searched there were 62 AirBnBs (in the area). I had a couple in the shop yesterday who were from Cheshire.”

He credits popular television series such as Happy Valley for boosting the locality’s profile, but equally highlights the impact of distinctive independent retailers in making Ripponden a destination worth visiting. “We are really fortunate that we have some destination shops and people will travel to come and see the vinyl shop (Ryburn Vinyl and Coffee) and vintage shops,” he said. “While they are here they can grab cake and a coffee.”

Ray said people often tell him they can spend an hour just looking around because there are so many places to visit. Ray said Ripponden had a past as a ‘thriving’ village, and was undergoing a renaissance, spurred by the revitalisation of vacant storefronts.

“I think lots of minds came together to create a thriving high street,” he said.

Local consensus suggests that the introduction of parking fees at the council-run car park in Royd Hall, situated behind the Ripponden Club, has been beneficial. The nominal charge of 40p for up to two hours is seen as instrumental in ensuring parking availability for visitors.

“It used to be free but was full of residents (cars),” said Ray, who founded the Ripponden Business Network. “Now it is one-hour free.”

Darran Joseph, head of sales at VG Estate Agents, said: “Locals have really got behind local businesses. They want their village centre to be bustling and thriving.”

He added: “As someone who moved to the area myself, I’m always struck by its stunning countryside and strong sense of community.”

“The combination of excellent private and state schooling makes it a popular choice for families, while the easy access to Manchester and Leeds appeals to commuters seeking a quieter lifestyle. These transport links are also a draw for retirees, making it easy to get around even for those relying on public transport.”

“The village boasts a fantastic selection of independent shops, pubs, and cafés, along with scenic walking trails and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its semi-rural setting, combined with strong transport connections, makes it particularly appealing for those looking for a balance between convenience and countryside living.”

“The village boasts a fantastic selection of independent shops, pubs, and cafés, along with scenic walking trails and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its semi-rural setting, combined with strong transport connections, makes it particularly appealing for those looking for a balance between convenience and countryside living.”

According to Joseph, there’s a consistent trend of buyers from outside Yorkshire eager to relocate to the charms of Ripponden.

Interest in Ripponden’s property market is surging, with potential buyers flocking from as far as Devon, Hampshire, Scotland, and even overseas. With many drawn by family connections or the lure of enhanced value for money and quality of life, the demand is high.

“In just the last few weeks, we’ve had interest from buyers as far afield as Devon, Hampshire, Scotland, and even overseas,” said Darran. “Many have family ties to the region or are drawn by the better value for money and quality of life that Ripponden offers.”

He went on to note the robust state of the local market, saying, “Ripponden’s property market is thriving, with high demand and relatively low supply. Homeowners tend to stay for the long term, but when properties do come up for sale, they attract strong interest and often sell quickly.”