Tackle a challenging nine-hole golf course high in the Pennines at Hebden Bridge, with some of the best views in Yorkshire. Explore the hills, valleys, canals and lanes of Calderdale on an e-bike from Juiced-Up Bikes. Do it all on two legs, with walks to Stoodley Pike and Hardcastle Crags. Or brave a wild swim at Lumb Hole Falls.
Head to Banyan Tree in Hebden Bridge, the area’s most comprehensive holistic and beauty-therapy centre, offering massages, energy work and talking therapies to get your wellbeing on track. Or get shop-shape at Halifax Borough Market, Westgate Arcade or further afield at Manchester and Leeds.
Step back in time to see magnificent old buildings such as Harewood House, with its exhibitions of contemporary art, rare-bird garden, farm and over 100 acres of exquisite gardens. Or see Castle Howard, one of the great palaces of Europe, then buy the local gin and refuel in one of three cafés.
Take a tour of Halifax Minster, with its 900 years of history, or 7th century York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Shop for vegan-friendly beer at the Little Valley Brewery, with its unique roots in rural Nepal. Or get your glad rags on for the races at Doncaster, home to the prestigious St Leger Festival each September.
Hens (and stags) love a bit of high-living and there’s plenty on site. Sleeping 14 in 9 sumptuous bedrooms, Walshaw Lodge gives you reception rooms galore in which to mingle or single yourself out with a book. Light a fire, get Netflix or Sky on, tinkle the grand piano and indulge yourself in a little homely luxury.
Stay on site for table tennis in the garage and bangers and burgers on the barbecue. Then head out to get pampered at the Banyan Tree, with its massages, face and head treatments, and talking therapies. Don’t forget to pick up some essential oils on the way out. Or wander the cobbles of Haworth, home to the Brontes’ Parsonage Museum.
Stop off for some offbeat fun at The Oaks Golf Course in Leeds, home of 12 holes of footgolf. Have a go on Yorkshire’s top indoor-karting venue at Wakefield. Stay there to splat your pals at Delta Force Paintballing. Then maybe gorge walking or abseiling at Stean Gorge, Pateley Bridge? Or a Land Rover Experience at Broughton Hall?
At night, head into Wakefield for real ales at Harry’s Bar or cocktails at Lobby 1867. Go all out, with a night in Leeds, jam-packed with cocktail bars, craft-ale houses, jazz bars and clubs with endless floors of music. Or stay local for Calan’s Micropub, the White Lion or the comedy club in Hebden Bridge.
