The Story House: Two Free Heritage Open Days at Lumb Bank

12–4pm | Lumb Bank | Free Entry 

Arvon invites the local community to Lumb Bank this September for The Story House – two interactive and imaginative Heritage Open Days that explore the rich heritage of Lumb Bank through storytelling, creativity, and community connection. 

Set in the former home of poet Ted Hughes, Lumb Bank is opening its doors for two afternoons of workshops, talks and activities. One day will be family-focused, the other more for adult visitors, but both are free, open to all, and full of creative ways to engage with the history of this remarkable place and region. 

Sunday 21 September | 12–4pm 

Stories, Bees & Buildings: A Day for Gathering Local Histories 

This open day invites adult visitors to dive deeper into the heritage of the Calder Valley through stories, maps, and community memory. 

• Local Story Map Making 

Using old and new maps, we’ll build a collective heritage map of the places that matter to you. What stories live in your street, valley or hillside? 

• Little Lumb & The Story House 

Georgia D’Silva’s Little Lumb model returns as the centrepiece of our storytelling space, inspiring conversations about how places shape who we are.  

• Bees & Buildings Continued 

Beekeeper Pawel returns with a second beekeeping demo and more chances to explore the bee boles and enjoy another slice of Lumb honey cake. You’ll also meet Dr Ryad Alsous, the inspiration for the novel the Beekeeper of Aleppo who will be doing a talk about his experiences as a beekeeper and refugee from the war in Syria, as well as his initiative called the Buzz project, which aims to help refugees and the long-term unemployed to find a sense of purpose through bee-keeping. 

These days are part of Arvon’s wider Heritage Programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and reflect our commitment to welcoming diverse communities, celebrating local stories, and making Lumb Bank a creative home for all. 

We’re also making connections with local heritage sites in Heptonstall and Hebden Bridge, to highlight the shared and layered history of the region, from the churches to the museum, the Octagonal Chapel to the Birchcliffe Centre. 

No booking required, just turn up! Bring a friend, bring a story, and help shape The Story House. 

Travelling to Lumb Bank 

Hebden Bridge Railway Station is on the main Manchester Victoria to Leeds line, with regular trains from both cities. 

Taxi:
Prefer to skip the hike? Arrange a taxi in advance from the station. Call Valley Private Hire on 01422 844070. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes, and taxis may drop you at the top of the lane (a short walk down to the house). 

Bus:
Take the 596 bus (towards Blackshaw Head) from the station (runs every 30 minutes). Get off at Heptonstall – Green Lane / Smithwell Lane (just after Heptonstall School). Turn left onto Green Lane (by the benches, signposted Lumb Bank) and follow the steep lane down for about 5 minutes. Lumb Bank is at the end of the lane, before the road turns into a path. 

Car:
Please note: there is no parking onsite at Lumb Bank. Park on Smithwell Lane (postcode HX7 7EU) and walk down to the house (around 5 minutes on foot). 

A Lovely Walk from Hebden Bridge:
For those who enjoy walking, the route from Hebden Bridge to Lumb Bank is beautiful – taking you up through the cobbled streets of Heptonstall and along woodland paths with fantastic views across the valley. It’s about 45–60 minutes on foot, with some steep climbs and uneven ground – sturdy shoes recommended! 

If you have mobility issues or cannot walk down the lane, please email lumbbank@arvon.org ahead of your visit and we’ll be happy to make arrangements with you. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.arvon.org/centres/lumb-bank/