Hardcastle Crags

A family fishing near Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire.

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 and countryside locations are open. Cafés are offering a takeaway service and some outdoor seating is available at cafés in England only. Some shops are open in England and Wales but remain closed in Northern Ireland. All houses are currently closed. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors remains our priority. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

Back to top
Hardcastle Crags

Things to see and do

A family enjoy the sunshine in front of Gibson Mill

Visiting Hardcastle Crags during the coronavirus outbreak  

The countryside space is open for local visitors to enjoy. Here's everything you need to know about visiting during the coronavirus outbreak.

Two walkers in shaded woodland

Walking at Hardcastle Crags  

With over 15 miles of footpaths to explore, enjoy the countryside on your doorstep with a local walk at Hardcastle Crags.

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 young boy looking for bugs on a tree at Hardcastle Crags

Spring adventures at Hardcastle Crags  

Spring is here. Here are a few ideas for families to enjoy nature at Hardcastle Crags, when you’re visiting for your local walk.

Back to top
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.

Back to top
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.

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.

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.

A roe deer in the woodland at Hardcastle Crags

Unearth the wildlife 

Spot the skylark, twite and meadow pipit that fly above our hay meadow and the great woodrush, bilberry and bluebell that flower in our woodlands.

Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.

Back to top
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.

Back to top
Close

For everyone, for ever

Download the app

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

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies.