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Shibden Park

What's at Shibden?

For a great day out, visit Shibden Estate. Discover our history, environment, fun activities and a wide range of events. Availability of individual facilities varies with the seasons, the contact numbers are:

• Shibden Hall and barn: 01422 352246
• Shibden Mereside - Coffee Culture in the Park: 01422 382959
• Miniature Railway: 07854 658635
• Boating: 07812 796550
• Pitch and Putt: 07812 796550
• General enquiries and events: 01422 393215.

Shibden Mereside

Visit Coffee Culture in the Park, our fantastic new cafe, for tasty hot and cold meals, snacks and a great cup of coffee! The Mereside can be booked for lunches, celebrations, weddings, and a wide range of business and community occasions. For opening times and information, contact:

• E-mail:
• info@coffeeculturecatering.com
• Web site:
• Coffee Culture|
• Telephone:
• 01422 382959.

The Hall

Over six hundred years of architecture and craftsmanship is represented in Shibden Hall, reflecting its continual development to meet the needs of its owners. This ranges from the 16th century stone mullioned painted glass windows, to the housebody that was modified in the 19th century by Anne Lister.

Folk Museum

The Folk Museum provides a glimpse of ordinary people's lives, including tools and objects familiar to the people of West Yorkshire before the First World War, housed in the 17th century barn and outbuildings.

Shibden Hall Tea Room

For a warming cuppa and a light snack, visit the tea room at the hall. There is a variety of hot and cold snacks, Karen's famous toasties, drinks and ices. Open from 10 am daily, for further details and group bookings contact 01422 352246.

Miniature railway

The miniature railway runs along the valley of the park, passing a picnic area, woodland and boating lake. A circular line, trains run from the station, through a tunnel, over 2 bridges and through a cutting on its route round the ¾ mile loop line.

Open weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, weather permitting. For opening times and further information about the railway, contact Robert Trout, telephone 07854 658635.

Pitch and putt

Come and try out our challenging nine hole course, fun for all the family with aptly names holes such as “Up T'Hill” and “Triple Tree Trouble”! Clubs and balls are available for hire. Open every weekend from Easter to September, and all school holidays (weather permitting), contact Rex Lawson for further details of opening times, telephone 07812 796550.

Boating lake

Rowing boats and children's paddle boats can be hired from the boathouse at the far end of the lake. Open every weekend from Easter to September, and all school holidays (weather permitting), contact Rex Lawson for further details of opening times, telephone 07812 796550.

Orienteering course

A permanent orienteering course planned by East Pennine Orienteering Club, with courses designed to suit varying levels of ability, takes you on a journey through the estate's woodland and hillside.

Shibden Estate Trail

This new trail is available from the shop at Shibden Hall and at Shibden Mereside (50p). The trail (2 kilometres/one hour) is a fairly easy walk with a steep climb to Shibden Hall. The route follows footpaths and trails that can be muddy at times. Wheelchair users can access the lower park and areas around the hall. Wheelchair access is not advised for the woodland footpath linking the lower park and the hall.

Events and Activities

Find the great outdoors at Shibden. We have craft fairs, entertainment, music, storytelling, walks and craft activities taking place throughout the year. Guided walks are planned for varying abilities. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor visits.

A range of corporate events, team building, functions and celebrations can be booked, both within the Estate and at Shibden Mereside. For further information e-mail deborah.comyn-platt@calderdale.gov.uk or info@coffeeculturecatering.com.

Play area

This exciting play area opened in 2008, with toddler play equipment, swings, cable ride, covered slide and climbing frame for the more adventurous. The equipment is designed to be inclusive for all, enabling children in wheelchairs to ride on the roundabout and play amongst their peers.

Environmental Education

A series of educational workshops are offered in the park and at other locations in Calderdale. See Environmental education.

Calderdale Discover!

Shibden Hall is one of the venues for The Museum Education Programmes delivered to schools further and higher education. These are provided by Calderdale's Museums Education Service and directed at National Curriculum subjects.

Shop and information

The shop is located at Shibden Hall and sells a range of local pottery, books, leaflets, guides and gifts, in addition to the range of promotional and educational leaflets relating to Shibden.

Rangers Office

The Shibden Rangers's office is based at Shibden Mereside, telephone 01422 344816. For emergencies and First Aid contact, Shibden Hall 01422 352246 (up to 5 pm daily) or Calderdale Council Emergency Services, telephone 01422 365101.

Toilets

Toilet facilities are available at the following locations:

• Shibden Mereside - lower car park
• The children's play area
• Shibden Hall car park.

Nappy changing and disabled toilet facilities are available at all locations. These are inspected twice daily.

Access

We have tried to make Shibden Estate as accessible as possible. All facilities are accessible, but some of the terrain is steep or uneven and is not suitable for wheelchairs. Shibden Hall is accessible on the ground floor. There are steps at the main front entrance and a bell is provided on the approach to the hall for those needing assistance. An electric wheelchair is available for hire from Shibden Hall. Please book in advance.

The Land Train

The Shibden Land Train carries visitors from Shibden Mereside in the lower park, up to Shibden Hall and back. This facility may also be booked for private parties. For running times and further information, e-mail: parks@calderdale.gov.uk.

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