Hardcastle Crags

Sunlight shining on the bluebells at Hardcastle Crags

Important notice -

Our countryside space is open. If the car park is full, please come back another time. The cafe is open 10am - 4pm, 7 days a week. We ask all visitors to follow government guidance on travel and social distancing to keep everyone safe.

A spectacular wooded valley with 19th-century Gibson Mill at its heart

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open to visit. Houses in England and Wales will reopen from 17 May and houses in Northern Ireland are expected to reopen from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

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Hardcastle Crags

Things to see and do

Visitors on the bridge next to Gibsons Mill

Visiting Hardcastle Crags 

Keeping our visitors, staff, and volunteers safe is our priority. Before you set off to see us, here's everything you need to know about what to expect on a visit to Hardcastle Crags.

A close up of a bluebell flower

Bluebells at Hardcastle Crags  

During May, the woodland is carpeted with colour as the bluebells burst into bloom. Discover the best ways to enjoy bluebell season at Hardcastle Crags here.

A woman and child walking through the bluebells at Hardcastle Crags

Walking at Hardcastle Crags  

With over 15 miles of footpaths to explore, Hardcastle Crags is a walker's paradise. From gentle strolls through bluebell woodland to rugged hikes to the top of the estate, find out more about our walking trails here.

A family looking for bugs on the woodland floor at Hardcastle Crags

Family adventures at Hardcastle Crags  

From den building to child-friendly walks, there's lots for families to enjoy at Hardcastle Crags. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your adventure in the woodland.

A black cocker spaniel sits on a rock at Hardcastle Crags

Walking your dog at Hardcastle Crags 

Bringing your four-legged friend with you? Find out where you can take your dog at Hardcastle Crags and how to keep wildlife and livestock safe.

A Northern Hairy Wood Ant at Hardcastle Crags

Wildlife at Hardcastle Crags 

From bats to beetles and skylarks to bluebells, Hardcastle Crags is home to an amazing array of wildlife. Find out what you might be able to see on a visit here.

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Hardcastle Crags

Eating and shopping

Scones on a counter next to flowers on the café at Hardcastle Crags

The Weaving Shed Cafe

The Weaving Shed cafe is open 7 days a week, 10am - 4pm, serving a limited range of takeaway hot and cold drinks, light snacks and yummy cakes. We’ve introduced new safety measures, including screens at our till and collection points and waymarked routes, and we’ll also only be accepting card payments. There is outdoor seating available around Gibson Mill and on Lady Royd field, up the hill towards the footpath to The Crags. We look forward to welcoming you and know that you’ll support us to make this a safe experience for everyone.

The second hand bookshop at Hardcastle Crags

The second hand bookshop

Our new second hand bookshop is open 7 days a week, 10am - 4pm. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, looking for a new book on nature or searching for an exciting children's adventure story, the shop is packed with a great selection of second hand books for you to browse and enjoy. All of the funds raised from the second hand bookshop will go back into conservation, helping us to care for this amazing place. By picking up a new page-turner, you're helping look after Hardcastle Crags for generations.

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Hardcastle Crags

Our work

A man uses a mallet to knock a stake into place to support a young sapling

Working towards a healthier woodland 

Find out what we're doing to look after the trees at Hardcastle Crags, including thinning some areas of the woodland and planting new trees too.

Logs and sticks create a natural barrier, slowing the flow of water

Slow the Flow - Natural Flood Management at Hardcastle Crags 

Have you every wondered what these dams are for? Find out the partnership work that we're doing to help improve and monitor natural flood management in Calderdale.

Lit bulb in front of inverter technology

Renewable energy at Hardcastle Crags 

Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags is completely off the grid. Find out how we manage our renewable energy and our plans for future green technologies.

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Hardcastle Crags

History

Gibson Mill with the mill pond overflowing

History at Hardcastle Crags 

Find out more about the history of Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill.

Explore the past at Hardcastle Crags.
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Hardcastle Crags

Weddings

A couple infront of Gibson Mill during their wedding at Hardcastle Crags

Say "I do" at Hardcastle Crags  

Planning your special day? Gibson Mill is a unique and versatile space, set in the heart of a romantic West Yorkshire woodland. Let our team help you to create a day you'll never forget.

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Hardcastle Crags

Places to stay

The Lodge and surrounding gardens

Holiday with us 

Holiday in Widdop Gate Barn at the edge of a hayfield with views over the wooded valley of Hardcastle Crags or relax in the Victorian Lodge surrounded by enchanting Pennine countryside.

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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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