Summary
Halifax, recognized as the center of England’s Victorian woolen industry, boasts a weaving history dating back to the 1400s. This industry flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in several notable architectural landmarks, including the impressive Piece Hall and various striking industrial remnants. Additionally, one remarkable feature not included in this text is the colossal Dean Clough, once the world’s largest carpet factory at 800 meters long, which has now been repurposed into a hotel and business park.
In Halifax, visitors can discover captivating historical figures such as Anne Lister, noted for being the first modern woman to identify as a lesbian, and the Crossley family, influential carpet manufacturers whose legacy persists in the town even more than a century later.
Let’s delve into the best activities to experience in Halifax:
1. Piece Hall
The Piece Hall is currently more accessible than ever, following a £19 million restoration project. Constructed in 1779, the building features arcades and two levels of galleries encircling a substantial central courtyard, originally serving as a venue for handloom weavers to market their goods. It remains the only fully preserved cloth hall in the UK and is considered the highest example of its kind, representing the historic woolen industry.
Post-restoration, the courtyard has transformed into a vibrant social space surrounded by shops, dining establishments, bars, and town facilities. Furthermore, a new heritage center offers insights into Georgian life in Halifax, along with an art gallery dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Similarly to its historical role, the courtyard continues to function as an exceptional venue for outdoor events, performances, fairs, and conventions throughout the year.
2. Shibden Hall
Situated on the northeastern side of Halifax is Shibden Hall, a historic residence dating back to the 15th century, nestled within a spacious public park. The oldest portions of the hall date to approximately 1420, with successive families contributing various modifications over the last 600 years. Notably, the coats of arms from three distinguished families are elegantly carved into the stone of a splendid 20-light mullioned window.
Among its esteemed residents, the 19th-century diarist Anne Lister gained recognition for her detailed accounts of her life, including her relationships, and is often regarded as the “first modern lesbian.” As of 2018, a BBC series chronicling her life was under production. Adjacent to the hall is a barn dating back to the 1600s, showcasing traditional Calderdale trades including blacksmithing, copper brazing, and wheelwrighting, as well as a historic carriage collection and an old-time inn and brewhouse.
3. Shibden Park
This idyllic and expansive landscape in Shibden Valley evokes the era of Anne Lister during the early 19th century. Since 1850, the terrace flowerbeds in front of the hall have been designed to mirror the intricate patterns of a Paisley Shawl. The terrace walls facing the hall possess tunnels that lead to the estate’s historic kitchen garden at Cunnery Wood.
The old orchard has been replanted to showcase the array of tree species typical of the early 19th century. Visitors can enjoy rowing boat excursions across the Mere, which has been artistically designed to resemble a river coursing through the valley. Moreover, children can experience a ride on a miniature train and explore the play area, while families can engage in a round of pitch & putt. Throughout summer, the estate hosts an active program of craft fairs, workshops, storytelling sessions, and live music events.
4. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Geared towards children under the age of 11, Eureka! is a hands-on museum featuring more than 400 interactive exhibits arranged across six distinct zones. Established in 1992 on what once was British Rail land next to Halifax Station, the attraction draws inspiration from children’s science museums in the United States. Here, children engage with concepts such as music, sound, employment, weather, and even economics in enjoyable and stimulating manners.
In the past five years, two new galleries have been introduced: All About Me, focusing on human anatomy and health, and the Spark Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions. Outdoors, The Beach offers a substantial sandpit, while The Wonder Walk provides a sensory trail for exploration.
5. Halifax Minster
Designated as a minster in 2009, Halifax Minster serves as the town’s parish church, reflecting its significant role in both civic and religious life throughout its history. While the current structure is an example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, remains of earlier buildings can be observed in the 12th-century ledger stones and chevron stones located in the porch.
The north wall of the nave is believed to be of Norman origin, featuring windows in the Early English style from around the 13th century. One notable fixture is the ornate Gothic font cover, crafted to prevent theft of the font’s water. The sanctuary houses a 15th-century sedilia and three accompanying misericords, with an additional six located in the chancel’s return stalls. Visitors can also view the 17th-century altar rails, two royal coats of arms of Queen Anne from the early 18th century, and the beautifully adorned ceiling panels, which were initially painted at the start of the 18th century.
6. Wainhouse Tower
Standing at 84 meters, Wainhouse Tower holds the title of the tallest folly globally. This octagonal structure dominates the Calder Valley to the west of Savile Park. Originally intended as a chimney for a dye works, its remarkable height was necessitated by the Smoke Abatement Act of 1870, which mandated tall chimneys to mitigate smoke pollution in the valleys below.
Completed in 1875, the mill it was meant to serve was never constructed. Consequently, the structure was converted into an observation tower, adorned with two intricately designed Neoclassical viewing platforms beneath a corona dome. A challenging 403-step spiral stairway leads to the viewing gallery at the summit, which is accessible on bank holidays. For those interested in ascending outside of public hours, arrangements for private visits can be made with the council.
7. Manor Heath Park
Located a mile south of the town center, Manor Heath Park is an award-winning Green Flag park set on the grounds of a former manor house. In the 19th century, it served as the estate of carpet manufacturer John Crossley, hosting notable visits from royalty such as the future Edward VII in 1863 and George V in 1912. Following the estate’s transfer to Halifax in 1929, the main house fell into neglect and was subsequently demolished.
The original site is now home to a beautifully designed sunken garden, while the property’s walled garden has been transformed into a demonstration garden that flourishes with chrysanthemums and dahlias in the summertime. The park also features a water play area in summer, an outdoor gym, and the Flutter Bites café, which boasts a relaxing covered patio for visitors.
8. Manor Heath Jungle Experience
For a nominal fee of £1, visitors can enter Manor Heath Park’s greenhouses, now transformed into a tropical attraction. Within this humid environment, various exotic plants thrive, including banana trees, orchids, tropical water lilies, and birds of paradise, all visible from elevated wooden walkways.
These walkways guide guests over terrapin ponds, past the carnivorous flora in the Savage Garden, and through the Time Zone, detailing 400 million years of evolution and the development of plants and animals from primitive forms to dinosaurs. The Butterfly Garden offers a unique experience as multiple species flutter freely, gathering nectar from the tropical flora.
9. Bankfield Museum
Housed within an elegant former mansion developed by mill-owner and MP Edward Akroyd in the 19th century, Bankfield Museum serves as the primary museum for Halifax and Calderdale. Following his retirement in 1887, Akroyd gifted the building and its parkland to the town, establishing a remarkable free attraction that has thrived ever since.
The museum’s extensive and varied collections encompass military artifacts from Halifax’s Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, toys, Egyptian antiquities, sculpture, Japanese armor, paintings, jewelry, and local memorabilia. Textiles are prominently featured, showcasing a wide range of embroidery, quilting, costumes, textile art, and fabrics from around the globe.
10. Calderdale Industrial Museum
As of 2018, this exceptional museum, located within a 19th-century weaving mill, is entirely operated by volunteers and is exclusively open on Saturdays. It represents a significant resource that merits wider recognition, particularly as many of the museum’s machines are the last remaining examples of their respective kinds.
Among its exhibits is the large oil engine named “Sadie,” which serves as the source of power for several of the museum’s drills, planes, and lathes. The museum displays various industries associated with Calderdale, including textiles, coal mining, quarrying, and clay extraction. Additionally, the Power Gallery on the ground floor showcases the evolution of power generation from waterwheels to steam and electricity. Visitors can also explore the diverse types of textiles produced in Calderdale since the mid-19th century, including renowned brands like Crossley’s Carpets.
11. Halifax Town Hall
The striking Halifax Town Hall was constructed using 24,000 tons of local Ringby sandstone during the early 1860s, culminating in a 55-meter tower. The main architect, Charles Barry, renowned for his work on the Houses of Parliament in London, unfortunately, passed away in 1860 prior to the commencement of the construction; his son Edward Middleton Barry completed the project.
Located on Crossley Street, the base of the tower showcases elaborate figurative sculptures created by Barry’s long-time collaborator John Thomas, notable for his sculptures representing each English monarch in the Houses of Parliament. These sculptures highlight representations of Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. Typically, the town hall is only accessible for external viewing, although it opens on special heritage days, allowing visitors to admire the stunning Entrance Hall, Council Chamber, and Victoria Hall, all illuminated by magnificent stained glass.
12. People’s Park
Presented to the people of Halifax in 1857 by carpet manufacturer Sir Francis Crossley, People’s Park is an opulent 12.5-acre green space situated within a designated conservation area. Inspired by a trip to New England, Crossley sought to create a park where individuals could enjoy refreshing walks among art and nature after a day of labor.
The result is a formal Italianate park, featuring a balustraded terrace, urns, and statues of Greek mythology figures, including Diana, Hercules, and Telemachus, as well as Sophocles. At the heart of the terrace lies the regal Crossley Pavilion, while the charming copper-roofed bandstand is surrounded by manicured lawns.
13. Borough Market
The late-Victorian Borough Market of Halifax was inaugurated by the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1896. The building, classified as Grade II*, features striking Eclectic facades and a wrought iron and glass canopy. The splendid central clock, soaring ceilings, original Victorian storefronts, and intricately painted iron framework make the structure a must-visit destination.
Besides its architectural grandeur, the market hosts an award-winning covered market that operates Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 17:00. Those staying in self-catering accommodations can complete their grocery shopping within this charming historical setting, where stalls offer fresh produce, meat, fish, pastries, charcuterie, relishes, olives, and much more. Additionally, visitors can indulge in sweet treats like toffee and fudge, alongside hot offerings such as pies, Thai street food, and crêpes.
14. Halifax Gibbet
For those intrigued by history’s darker side, the Halifax Gibbet, located off the namesake street near the town center, is an intriguing sight. This location was once the site of numerous executions, carried out by a forerunner to the guillotine that currently stands there. Introduced in the early 16th century, the Halifax Gibbet featured a blade suspended by a wooden frame, released by removing a pin or severing a rope.
The stone platform associated with the Gibbet was uncovered in 1840, nearly 200 years after the last execution. A non-functional replica of the original device was constructed in 1970, alongside a plaque commemorating the names of 52 individuals believed to have been executed at this site.
15. Ogden Water Country Park
Spanning approximately 150 acres of both coniferous and broadleaf woodland surrounding a reservoir, Ogden Water Country Park presents a delightful section of the Calderdale countryside. Recognized as one of Yorkshire’s most favored reservoirs in a 2018 poll, it offers an effortless day out, situated only four miles north of Halifax.
Visitors can explore waterside trails nestled within the shade of the woods, along with picturesque picnic spots featuring stunning views. The visitor center operates daily from 10:30 to 15:15, offering tea, coffee, and sweet snacks such as gingerbread, as well as specialized feed for the aquatic birds that inhabit the reservoir.
