Slaithwaite

Template:GBthumb Slaithwaite (pronounced Slathwait or Slawit but never Slaythwait the proper pronunciation depends on where you live - go to any of the local pubs and they will correct you(!)) is a small town in the Kirklees district of West Yorkshire, England, near Huddersfield, on the River Colne and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Slaithwaite is famed for being the Skelthwaite in the British TV show 'Where the Heart is' - an over-sentimental depiction of everyday life based around a doctor's surgery. Locals watch the programme with the sound off to see if they can spot the landmarks. One of the main landmarks of the show is 'The Skelthwaite Arms' Pub, this is actually 'The Silent Woman' Pub a warm and friendly place in the centre of Slaithwaite.

If you take a walk around Slaithwaite you will find many places to eat, Monsoon is a fantastic Indian Restaurant in the very centre that supports local football teams. Walk a little further towards Manchester Road and you will find just the best Tapas place (Endogans) it is a small affair, however the food is out of this world. If you wish to go to Endogans you must book early as getting a table can be mean up to 2 weeks notice!!! (it is that good). In 2005 a new 'Home Made' ice cream shop opened selling wonderful ice cream that is made on site - Vanilla Bean - the flavours change daily but one to look out for is Ginger!! We can not forget to mention the cafe on the canal (a narrow boat)! oh yes there is a floating cafe where you can have bacon 'teacakes' from 9am on white or brown bread! There is a new cafe under construction that sits between the Canal and The River Colne, when completed it will have the most romantic setting for people spending time in such a wonderful village. There is also a most interesting bookshop, a bit like Aladin's Cave that also has on show local (and not so far away) artists' paintings. Apart from the 'Silent Woman' there are many other public houses in Slaithwaite many having a long history with the village. The Shoulder of Mutton was a hot spot in the 1800's for tenants of land (when Dodsons where the landlords) when they came to the village to pay their annual rent, The Earl would give rent dinners and the Shoulder of Mutton was the most sought after with the tables of hot roast beef, mutton and tongue cooked together in the set pot.

Recently, Slaithwaite has seen the restoration of the canal, which had to be excavated from scratch (it was filled in during 1956). The change has revitalised the high street area and Slaithwaite is currently the only village in England with a canal running alongside its main street.

Slaithwaite has many walks that offer all year round enjoyment, the canal walk from the village centre can take you to Huddersfield or to Marsden and beyond. During the summer you will often see sheep making the same trips!! In fact sheep often walk down Manchester Road making drivers slow down and move around, this has often been reported in the National Newspapers.

It is served by Slaithwaite railway station. The rail trip from Slaithwaite to Huddersfield is a 5 min ride that will cost approx £1.20, but it passes Titanic Mill (now turned into very luxurious apartments and includes a gym and swimming pool and a small shoping centre) though a short trip it is stunning. The railway will also take you to Manchester city centre with some of the very best views of West yorkshire.

Each February Slaithwaite celebrates the Moonrakers legend with various activities including local children parading with homemade lanterns. The Moonrakers is a week long celerbration that includes lantern making and ending with the parade of lanterns along the cannal side, worth a look if you are in the area.

Legend has it that local smugglers caught by the excise tried to explain their nocturnal activies as raking the moon from the canal and definitely not fishing out smuggled brandy. The small hump bridge over the canal is called 'Tim Brig' this is said to be named after a local inn keeper who used the bridge during smuggling operations with the barges passing through.