Fans of literature and poetry can discover the birthplace of writer Ted Hughes (1930-1998) on a hotel break at Holdsworth House.
Ted (Edward) Hughes is often considered the greatest British poet laureate of all time. He was born in Mytholmroyd in West Yorkshire in 1930 and he lived in the village until he was seven. Undoubtedly, his formative years in the scenic Upper Calder Valley of West Yorkshire influenced his writing and poetry.
Ted Hughes’ Mytholmroyd
Mytholmroyd is just seven miles from Holdsworth House, around 20 minutes by car. There are a small number of cafes and pubs, but miles of countryside to discover. Mytholmroyd and its neighbouring countryside Cragg Vale is well-known for the infamous coiners of the 18th century. The wooded valley of Hardcastle Craggs is now National Trust owned and makes a delightful bluebell-filled spring walk. Also nearby is the town of Hebden Bridge, famed for its boho culture, river canal cruises and for featuring in the TV series Happy Valley.
Take a walk in the footsteps of Ted Hughes with the Discovering Ted Hughes’s Yorkshire project; a series of walking routes that take you on a trail of beautiful Yorkshire landscapes that inspired the poet.
Heptonstall and Sylvia Plath
Near Mytholmroyd is Heptonstall, a village close to where Hughes’ parents lived at Slack. It’s also where Ted Hughes’ wife and American poet and novelist Sylvia Plath (pictured with Hughes) is buried in the churchyard.
Heptonstall has an annual festival in July featuring children’s Entertainment, food and drink, and craft stalls.
BOOK A SHORT BREAK AT HOLDSWORTH HOUSE TO EXPLORE TED HUGHES’ BIRTHPLACE
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