1 The Summerwine Exhibition

Back in the early 1970s, the sleepy Pennine town of Holmfirth was turned head over heels by the introduction of three rascally men, joined over the years by a mix of equally amusing and varied characters.

Last of the Summer Wine is the longest-running comedy series on television, with fans all over the Globe, particularly the United States, where they have fallen in love with the gentle charm, Yorkshire humour and rolling countryside.

The dramatic beauty of the Pennine moorlands, featuring quaint villages, dry stone walls and beautiful cottages, is an added bonus to the mischievous antics TV viewers have come to expect from the Summer Wine characters.

The late Bill Owen, who played the lovable and famous rogue Compo, described himself as an adopted “Holmfirther”, for a time living in the town, and lending his name and support to many local worthy and charitable causes.

He was also heavily involved in the creation and design of the Summer Wine Exhibition in conjunction with local Summer Wine photographer Malcolm Howarth. The BBC supported the venture with props and equipment, and Bill was keen to make sure the Exhibition faithfully represented the programme, and provided an interesting and memorable feature for visitors.

The exhibition was officially opened by Compo on Easter Saturday, 1996, the 25th anniversary of the programme.

The premises are situated in a delightful part of Holmfirth, next to the most famous steps in the country, those leading to the cottage of the fearsome Nora Batty, the sight of whose wrinkled stocking legs used to bring a wicked gleam to Compo’s every hopeful eye.

The exhibition also incorporates Compo’s house, as seen in the TV series, which is part of the Wrinkled Stocking tearoom and Steps gift shop.

After buying your ticket, you walk up the famous steps and then through a rather familiar looking door, into “Compo’s” house. Here you will find not only his disreputable sleeping garments hanging up, but fascinating props from the show including Compo’s Submarine (upperiscope!) and a rather large inflatable lady!

The main display room is a real treasure trove of Summer Wine memories, appealing not only to dedicated Summer Wine fans but just about anyone, and all age groups.

There is a video featuring famous clips from the series (lookout for that submarine and inflatable doll!) plus some hilarious out-takes - where things did not work out exactly as planned - introduced by Bill Owen.

There is an incredible range of photographs and display information capturing the many characters and situations from the show - and even the world famous matchbox which used to scare the more-sensitive cast-members with one quick glimpse of the contents. We never did find out for sure what Compo kept in his matchbox - but the guesses keep coming in.

The tour finishes in the Steps gift shop, stocked with unique and interesting souvenirs from the show and the town of Holmfirth, including postcards, Toffees and Fudge, maps, mugs and much more.

We hope to see you soon.