The Story House: Local Histories

Set in the former home of poet Ted Hughes, Lumb Bank is opening its doors for two afternoons of free workshops, talks and activities.

Stories, Bees & Buildings: A Day for Gathering Local Histories

This open day invites adult visitors to dive deeper into the heritage of the Calder Valley through stories, maps, and community memory.

Local Story Map Making
Using old and new maps, we’ll build a collective heritage map of the places that matter to you. What stories live in your street, valley or hillside?

Little Lumb & The Story House
Georgia D'Silva’s Little Lumb model returns as the centrepiece of our storytelling space, inspiring conversations about how places shape who we are.

Bees & Buildings Continued
Beekeeper Pawel returns with a second beekeeping demo and more chances to explore the bee boles and enjoy another slice of Lumb honey cake. You’ll also meet Dr Ryad Alsous, the inspiration for the novel the Beekeeper of Aleppo who will be doing a talk about his experiences as a beekeeper and refugee from the war in Syria, as well as his initiative called the Buzz project, which aims to help refugees and the long-term unemployed to find a sense of purpose through bee-keeping.

No booking required, just turn up! Bring a friend, bring a story, and help shape The Story House.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 21 September:

1200-1600

Location & directions

Lumb Bank, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 6DF

Directions:

Hebden Bridge Railway Station is on the main Manchester Victoria to Leeds line, with regular trains from both cities. Taxi: Prefer to skip the hike? Arrange a taxi in advance from the station. Call Valley Private Hire on 01422 844070. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes, and taxis may drop you at the top of the lane (a short walk down to the house). Bus: Take the 596 bus (towards Blackshaw Head) from the station (runs every 30 minutes). Get off at Heptonstall – Green Lane / Smithwell Lane (just after Heptonstall School). Turn left onto Green Lane (by the benches, signposted Lumb Bank) and follow the steep lane down for about 5 minutes. Lumb Bank is at the end of the lane, before the road turns into a path. Car: Please note: there is no parking onsite at Lumb Bank. Park on Smithwell Lane (postcode HX7 7EU) and walk down to the house (around 5 minutes on foot).

Contact on day:

Helen Meller

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Check out our online channels

Back to results