Hebden Bridge News

Local Campsite Makes England's Top Ten

Jerusalem Farm has been named one of the top ten campsites in England.
Camping Magazine listed the site, near Halifax, as one of its ten best sites in its July issue. Describing the site as a ‘treasure’, the magazine named it number 6 in the country. The description praises the site’s idyllic setting and lack of car access (there is car parking but cars are not allowed onto the actual site). Camping Magazine continues:

“Yes it’s only three miles into Halifax, but lying in the bottom of the very deep valley of Luddenden Dean, which is completely immersed in the massive Pennine landscape.”

“The campsite isn’t just a campsite either – it’s a nature reserve with no direct vehicular access, and even though this means humping all y’r gear down to the campsite, that action of detaching yourself from the car can lead to you not going near it again until it’s time to depart.”

“There are footpaths leading off in all directions, and a bus service along the valley back to so-called civilisation – where you find out that this area of West Yorkshire isn’t just stunningly beautiful, but absolutely stuffed full of intriguing things to do and see. ‘Once bitten – hooked for life’ is the motto here.”

Councillor David O’Neill, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:
“Jerusalem Farm is rightly in a top spot in Camping Magazine as one of the best in the country. Easily accessible from Halifax and surrounding areas, it’s a lovely, peaceful setting from which to explore the Pennines and all that Calderdale has to offer including our rich landscape, natural and industrial heritage.”

The site is in the stunning setting of a 13-hectare nature reserve, and much of the surrounding countryside is designated as a Special Protection Area for its breeding bird population. It’s easily accessed on either foot or bike and surrounded by an extensive network of rights of way. The site was also recently highlighted in a Guardian feature on best UK campsites and was included in this year’s Time Out guide to camping.

Jerusalem Farm can accommodate up to 30 tents and has car parking, toilet and shower facilities, as well as a children’s play area. The site is open from Easter to the end of September and is on Jerusalem Lane, Booth, Halifax HX2 6XB, phone 01422 883246, or visit www.calderdale.gov.uk