Explore the living heritage of Lumb Bank

Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arvon’s new Heritage Programme is all about connecting people with place through story. Whether it’s local residents curious about what goes on within the walls of Lumb Bank, or long-time Arvon supporters keen to explore the roots of the organisation, there’s something for everyone. 

Lumb Bank has been many things over the years: a millowner’s house, a smallholding, a mink farm, and finally a writing house that has welcomed thousands of poets, playwrights and novelists. It is deeply embedded in the history of the Calder Valley itself, a place shaped by industry, literature and the Yorkshire landscape. Now, we’re inviting the community to help shape and share those stories. 

What’s Happening? 

The Heritage Programme includes: 

• Heritage Detectives – a community-led research project where locals and visitors choose a strand of Lumb Bank’s story that resonates with them 
• Creative Walks– poetic rambles through the landscape, tracing the imprint of Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, the Brontes and the generations of writers they’ve inspired 
• Community Curators – individuals and local groups will work with us to bring new voices and perspectives to our story 
• Little Lumb – a specially commissioned model of Lumb Bank, made by artist Georgia d’Silva, a cardboard story house, just waiting to be filled with words and ideas.

Upcoming Events: 

• Sunday 7 September, 12–4pm – Family Open Day – Storytelling, outdoor play, creative drop-ins and a chance for kids (and grown-ups) to explore the landscape that inspired generations of writers. 

• Sunday 21 September, 12–4pm – Heritage Open Day – Part of the national Heritage Open Days festival, with special exhibitions and walking tours of the Lumb Bank grounds. 

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Lumb Bank as an Arvon writing house and it’s the perfect time to reflect and open the house to more people than ever before. 

Through Arvon North, we’re working to make Lumb Bank a place that truly belongs to its region. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, a writer or a walker, or just curious – come along! For more information and event details, follow us on Instagram @arvonfoundation for the latest updates from Lumb Bank.