Things to do in the area
Outdoors
Cycling 
There are many bike friendly routes including towpaths in Slaithwaite and the National Cycle Route 68 which is between Holmfirth and Meltham.
Holme Moss is 525m above sea level and is part of the Tour de France in July 2014 and is within a mile of Ford Cottage!
Walking 
There are lots of different terrains in the area - there is a different view of them from every window in Ford Cottage;
For a gentle stroll, head to the tiny village of Upperthong, just down the road, where there is a traditional Yorkshire country pub called The Royal Oak
- take the trail to Wolfstone Heights and rest on a new stone seat commemorating the Queen's diamond jubilee and from here, see uninterrupted views to Victoria Tower on Castle Hill, the local landmark, visable all around the Holme Valley and beyond.
Download walking routes which include nearby reservoirs
www.kirklees.gov.uk/walks
www.walkridessouthpennines.co.uk
www.yorkshirewater.com/walks-and-leisure
www.kirklees.gov.uk/walks
www.walkridessouthpennines.co.uk
www.yorkshirewater.com/walks-and-leisure
Food and Drink
The Holme Valley has a wide variety of places to eat and drink, lots of information is in our Welcome Pack at Ford Cottage, but here is a selection of what's on offer :
Compos Fish and Chips
About a mile down the road from Ford Cottage is Compo's where you can eat in the restaurant, outside on the picnic tables or take away delicious fish and chips.
Longleys Ice Cream
Try a luxury ice cream from the famous Longley Farm Dairy, before walking up into the park in the centre of Holmfirth
The Pure North Cider and Juice Company
Here, apples are grown on site, picked and pressed by hand and traditionally fermented to give a superb quality taste; there is also
the Cider Cafe where you can sample apple based food and buy the cider!
Holmfirth Market / Holmfirth Farmers Market
Local produce galore at these regular markets, just down the road in Holmfirth; includes food, home baked goods and hand made crafts.
Family Days Out
Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre
Marsden is the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the country. You can explore on a family friendly guided canal boat trip,
or just let the children explore the playground and wildlife garden, whilst you have a bite to eat in the café.
Cannon Hall Farm
Situated in the rolling Pennine hills, Cannon Hall Farm is home to hundreds of creatures great and small and is the winner of multiple awards, including Best Farm for Schools in the uk - there is alarge adventure playground with a separate area for young ones.
The shop sells all local produce, including a local butchery counter.
Handmade Bakery
You can book a half day family baking day at the award winning Handmade Bakery in Slaithwaite
Potters Den
Children can make their own ceramic keepsake, whilst you enjoy a coffee and a cake.
Kirklees Light Railway
Here you can ride on the steam railway - sometimes Thomas the Tank Engine - you can use the picnic areas or use the café. There is a huge free car park and lots to do and see.
Holmfirth Swimming Pool
The pool is situated at Sands Recreation Park - with a good sized car park and walks by the river as well as the swimming pool facilities
Holmfirth Blue Plaque Trail
This walk is supported by the Holme Valley Civic Society - the trail leaflet is in our Welcome Pack and is a brilliant way to see Holmfirth and find out about its fascinating history at the same time, by spotting the 12 blue plaques. It takes about 60 minutes.