Meltham: Park, Trails and Architectural History

Meltham offers a range of highlights to consider when planning a stay: walking trails in Robert Ashton Memorial Park, the Meltham Greenway, sections of the Meltham Way and architectural history at the Church of St Bartholomew. If you are looking for a hotel in Meltham, these themes can help you choose based on the interests that matter for your trip. The park and routes offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors; the church and Meltham Hall add historic buildings to the picture.

Park trails and the linear Meltham Greenway

Robert Ashton Memorial Park combines sports and play facilities with walking trails. The park has a play area with various pieces of equipment, a multi-use sports court and a tennis court. Visitors can walk around the pond, through the formal gardens and along a range of paths. This means the park can be appreciated both for its facilities and for its walking opportunities. Toilets and free parking are also available. Facility details may change as a result of future improvements.

The Meltham Greenway offers a different experience: it is a flat, linear route along a disused railway line. An existing traffic-free section runs between Meltham (Morrisons) and Huddersfield Road. This makes it different in form from the walking opportunities in the park: the Greenway is defined by its linear route, while the park connects the pond, formal gardens and various paths. A short detour from the Greenway leads to the viewpoint at Folly Dolly Falls, a local waterfall. If you plan this detour, check the trail conditions before setting out.

Moorland, pasture and mixed woodland on the Meltham Way

It is also worth considering the individual sections of the Meltham Way. The first runs along the edge of the moorland and through pasture. The second section is 7 km long and includes mixed woodland of oak, beech, birch and sycamore. The landscapes described are therefore quite different: the first section is characterised by the edge of the moorland and pasture, while the second features the tree species listed. The landscape focus of each section is therefore a useful guide when making your choice; the features of the second section should not be attributed to the first.

Architectural history at the Church of St Bartholomew

The Church of St Bartholomew is a Neoclassical church built between 1782 and 1786 on the site of a church dating from 1651. In 1835, J. P. Pritchett added the tower and the north transept. This sequence shows two building phases: the construction of the Neoclassical church and later additions. Those interested in architectural history will find here both the earlier church site and a clearly dated alteration to the building.

Meltham Hall is a Grade II listed building on Huddersfield Road. Together with the Church of St Bartholomew, it adds another named site to Meltham’s architectural picture. The church has a building history with several dated phases; Meltham Hall, as a Grade II building, offers a different perspective on the area’s built heritage.

Discover more destinations: Harewood, Oakworth, Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge, Guiseley, Pudsey, Mirfield, Normanton

For the wider travel overview: West Yorkshire.