Things to Do in Sowerby Bridge: Pubs, Cafés, Canals & a Brewer's Day Out

Sowerby Bridge is a small Calder Valley town with a lot going for it: canals, cracking pubs, independent cafés and a proud brewing history. Whether you're visiting our shop or just passing through, here's our local guide to making a day of it.

The Canals and Tuel Lane Lock

Sowerby Bridge is where two waterways meet: the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, on the edge of the Pennines. Once an industrial centre, the old canal warehouses and mills now house pubs, cafés and businesses, and the towpaths are great for a stroll.

Don't miss Tuel Lane Lock. With a fall of 19 feet 8 inches, it's the deepest canal lock in the UK. It was built in 1996 during the restoration of the Rochdale Canal, replacing two of the original locks, and because of its depth it's operated by trained volunteer lock keepers rather than boat crews. Catching a narrowboat going through is well worth the wait.

The Best Pubs in Sowerby Bridge

For a town its size, Sowerby Bridge punches well above its weight for pubs, and several have a brewing story of their own. Our three favourites:

Hogs Head Brew House

A brewpub in a sprawling 18th-century former malthouse, sympathetically restored with wooden beams, oak floors and even an original well under a glass floor at the end of the bar. The beer is brewed on site and you can see the brewery from the bar, with guest ales alongside. Opened in 2015, it's a must for any beer lover. 1 Stanley Street, HX6 2AH.

Hollins Mill

A spacious, relaxed real ale pub beside the Rochdale Canal. It was converted from an old joinery (formerly known as The Works) and won CAMRA's award for Best Conversion to Pub Use in 2006. Expect exposed beams, a wide range of real ales and gins, and a big south-facing beer garden. 12 Hollins Mill Lane, HX6 2QG.

The Puzzle Hall

A historic 17th-century inn tucked between the canal and the river, which once had its own brewery. After closing, it was saved by the community and reopened as a community-owned pub in December 2019. Changing real ales and a long reputation as a live music venue. 21 Hollins Mill Lane, HX6 2RF.

Hollins Mill and The Puzzle Hall are on the same lane, and Hogs Head is a short walk away, so all three make an easy afternoon.

Cafés and Independent Shops

Willow Tree Café at Number 5

A friendly local favourite for proper coffee, herbal teas, breakfasts, lunches, homemade cakes and afternoon teas. 5 Ryburn Buildings, HX6 3AH.

Artichoke Natural Foods

An independent vegan whole-food shop, deli and greengrocer with organic fruit and veg and zero-waste refills. A great place to pick up fresh fruit for a country wine or cider. 11 Ryburn Buildings, HX6 3AH.

Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing

Every year over the first weekend of September, Sowerby Bridge celebrates Rushbearing, an ancient custom from the days when fresh rushes were carried to churches to cover the floors for winter. Today it's a lively weekend of music, dancing and celebration around the town (and yes, a fair few pub visits). If you can time a visit for it, do.

Walks

The area is well known for walking and cycling routes around the Pennines. The canal towpaths are flat and easy, heading up the valley or down towards Halifax, while the surrounding hills offer bigger walks with views across the Calder Valley.

Getting Here

Sowerby Bridge has its own railway station on the line between Leeds and Manchester, and it's about 3 miles from Halifax town centre. Our shop is 5 minutes' walk from the station.

Visit BrewCo While You're Here

Inspired by a pint at the Hogs Head? Pop into BrewCo at Unit 4b, The Old Post Office, Victoria Road, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 3AE for beer kits, wine and cider kits, hops, malt, yeast and friendly advice. We're open Monday to Friday 9am–3:30pm and Saturday 9am–1pm. See our Find Us page for directions, or read more about our shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best pubs in Sowerby Bridge?

Popular choices include Hogs Head Brew House, which brews its own beer in a former malthouse; Hollins Mill, a canalside real ale pub; and The Puzzle Hall, a historic community-owned inn known for live music.

What is Sowerby Bridge known for?

Its canals, where the Rochdale Canal meets the Calder & Hebble Navigation, Tuel Lane Lock (the UK's deepest canal lock), its pubs and its annual Rushbearing festival.

Is there a brewery in Sowerby Bridge?

Yes. Hogs Head Brew House brews its beer on site, and you can see the brewery from the bar.

How deep is Tuel Lane Lock?

It has a fall of 19 feet 8 inches, making it the deepest canal lock in the UK. It opened in 1996.

When is Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing?

Over the first weekend of September each year.