Tiny village home to England’s highest beach is right by UK’s ‘Little Switzerland’

ONE tiny village in the North of England has been dubbed one of the best places to visit.

It’s surrounded by ‘Little Switzerland’s‘ rolling hills, not to mention it has a wild swimming spot that’s is considered England‘s highest beach.

The Independent put the village of Todmorden in top spot when ranking its ‘best places to visit in summer‘.

It said: “Hebden Bridge, up the road, is a tourist magnet. Happy Valley put Calderdale on the TV pilgrims’ map. But Todmorden at the eastern end of the valley has retained a down-to-earth, organic quality.“

It continued: “With the historic Lancashire-Yorkshire border running through the town – even cutting the Town Hall in half – it’s a mix of rural and urban, Mancunian and West Riding, poshed-up and proletarian.“

Found in Lancashire, Todmorden sits in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire.

It has a few pubs like the Golden Lion, Hare & Hounds and The Polished Knob as well as cafes, an indoor market.

Some of the houses sit on the waterfront as the River Calder runs directly through Todmorden.

The village is also very close to Hardcastle Crags, a wooded valley managed by the National Trust.

It’s often referred to as ‘Little Switzerland‘ thanks to its steep Alpine-style hills, valley, streams and rock ravines.

It also has a 19th-century mill that is open to visitors.

One of its most popular attractions in Todmorden is Gaddings Dam which is a Victorian reservoir high up on the moors.

At 1,150 feet above sea level, it’s actually considered the highest beach in England and is a wild swim spot managed by the local communities.

One visitors said: “Wow! Went here one sunny, but windy day in July. Took about half an hour to walk to the top but well worth it when we got there!

“Make sure you take water and refreshments as there is nothing at the top apart from beautiful scenery! Only a small beach and only a handful of people there but was really peaceful.”

Another added: “Gaddings Dam is a fab place to go for a walk, swim, and picnic.”

Another popular site near Todmorden is Stoodley Pike, a landmark along the Pennine Way.

It overlooks both Todmorden and the neighbouring town of Hebden Bridge.

Lots of hikers say the spot ‘gets windier every single time you visit’ but is worth the walk for the ‘unreal’ views.

Meanwhile, Hebden Bridge is Todmorden’s more well-known neighbour considered ‘quirky’ and ‘bohemian’ thanks to its many artists, crafters, brewers and beekeepers.