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| Stunning views |
A short drive out to Castle Hill to see the Tower that always seems to be in sight wherever we go ! Castle Hill goes back over 4000 years. The site was developed as an iron
age hill fort, surrounded by defensive ditches and ramparts. In the
Middle Ages there was a castle on the hill, of which the well remains.
The present tower was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond
Jubilee of 1897. Not surprising really as the The grade II listed Victoria Tower on the summit of Castle Hill is by far the most conspicuous landmark in Huddersfield.
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| Victoria Tower |
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| I can see for miles and miles |
The hill has been a place of recreation for hundreds of years and the
easily discernible remains of past occupation have made it a subject for
legend, speculation and scientific study. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular looking across Huddersfield, Halifax , Emley Moor and Wakefield.
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| Emley Moor Mast (Transmitting Station) in the distance |
It was a shame that the Tower itself wasn't open today , I should have liked to have gone to the top. There was someone there from the local council who said it only opens at weekends . We moved on to the small town of 'Holmfirth', famed for being the home of the long running TV 'comedy' 'Last of The Summer Wine'.
At this point I will confes as to not being a particular fan of LOTSW,finding it quite tedious if truth is really being told. However as we were so closed it would be rude not too as they say.
Thousands of tourists flock to the area each year to enjoy scenery and locations familiar from the series.
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| Holmfirth Cricket Club |
Being good tourists we followed the Heritage Trail map which took about an hour to complete. I particularly wanted to see the Holmfirth Picturedrome which still attracts decent bands and is a fairly iconic venue. It was opened in 1913 and held over 1,000 people originally , mostly watching silent movies and vaudeville acts . The building today retains valuable period features and and a tin plate ceiling! In the 1940's cinemagoers were sprayed with disinfectant to keep fleas and other diseases at bay.
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| The Holmfirth Picturedrome |
Other notable highlights that I procured from the walk were a local Joiner and Entrepreneur named John Bailey, turned his backyard into the Holmfirth Lido !
The cold spring waters attracted up to 400 visitors a day would you believe? Heating was installed bringing the temperature up to 19 degrees. there were even diving boards, a slide and changing rooms , not to mention hot beef drinks always available.
Sadly the pool fell into disuse in 1949 and now lies hidden in a private garden.
As if that wasn't enough a real life Tigress called 'Fenella' lived in Holmfirth throughout the 1940's ! Fenella could often be seen being taken for walks around the town and children would come and stroke her. One day she made international news by holding up a funeral procession. If I ever get to go in a time machine I want to go back to Holmfirth in the 1940's !
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| The famous home of Norah Batty with the steps |
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| A Heron in the River Holm by the Bridge |
Tucked away down a back alley behind some old garages and sheds you happen upon Holmfirth Cricket Club. It did look a little run down but like so much of the town it possessed great character . I felt like I would want to play for Holmfirth C.C.
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| 'Sid's Cafe' from LOTSW |
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| The River flows by Nora Batty's house |
We walked past the Cafe that featured heavily in the TV show, it hadn't changed at all from what I remember of it ? It is still very much functioning as a cafe.
Whether you are a fan of the show or not Holmfirth is a great place to visit!
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