You’ve arrived at one of Holmfirth’s most recognisable television locations.
The famous steps are closely associated with Last of the Summer Wine, but Holmfirth’s relationship with the screen stretches much further back.
From Bamforths to long-running television and the creative people working here today, there’s a lot more to discover behind the camera.
1. See the famous steps – Take in one of Holmfirth’s best-known television locations.
2. Discover Holmfirth’s screen heritage – Find out more about Bamforths and the town’s links with early filmmaking.
3. Look beyond the television connection – Explore the nearby work of Ashley Jackson and the Eco Gardens.
Nora Batty’s cottage appeared in the opening shot of the very first Last of the Summer Wine episode, broadcast on 4 January 1973. Nora, known simply as “Mrs Batty” was seen hanging out her washing.
It was an understated beginning for a programme that would eventually run for 295 episodes over 37 years.
Around 75 years earlier, James Bamforth had begun producing some of Britain’s pioneering silent films here. His company experimented with editing, camera angles and visual storytelling before becoming famous for its cheeky seaside postcards.
From silent-film actors performing in front of painted scenery to Compo being chased down Nora Batty’s Steps, Holmfirth has been making audiences laugh for more than a century.
Recreate a classic Holmfirth photo or ignore the classic view completely and find your own.
