An ancient wool and textile town located in West Yorkshire on the River Calder. During the 15th-c the town produced more cloth than any other town in Yorkshire. Sadly the textile trade later moved to Bradford with the arrival of the railways. Although the wool trade has gone the old cloth market (Piece Hall) is still standing on the west side of the town, which is now a popular meeting place, events venue and arts centre.

Piece Hall Market
Piece Hall Market, Halifax © TAB

Halifax Town Hall

Halifax Town Hall © TAB

The Halifax Building Society (now part of the Lloyds Banking Group) was founded in the town in 1853. The Halifax plc headquarters is still located on Trinity Road. The town is also known for its manufacture of confectionary, most notably by Nestle.

An important landmark in the town is Dean Clough. A large warehouse, measuring some two-thirds of a mile in length. It was once home to the largest carpet manufacturer in the world. Today the converted building is host to an internationally renowned centre for business and the arts. The site also supports a thriving theatre scene, showing popular music events and comedy shows.

The mid-19th-c town hall was designed by Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament.

The Halifax Gibbet, an early form of guillotine (1541 to 1650) that was once used in the town to execute cloth thiefs, is preserved in Bedford St. A plaque records a list of the poor souls who were beheaded here.

Places of interest to visit in Halifax

Bankfield Museum

Early 19th-c Renaissance-style property, built by Edward Akroyd and situated in magnificent parkland on a hill overlooking Halifax. Contains an internationally important collection of historic costumes and textiles from around the world. A key exhibit tells the story of Edith Durham, a traveller and collector from 1900-1914 and provides a showcase for many of the
wonderful textiles she collected. Plus a fascinating toy collection and the museum of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Changing exhibitions and regular events, workshops and activities throughout the year.

Opening times: all year, Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-4, BH Mon 10-5 Free Entry
Location: Boothtown Road, Akroyd Park, Halifax, HX3 6HG
Tel: 01422354823
Website: calderdale.gov.uk
Facilities: Parking, shop.

Calderdale Industrial Museum

Covers the history of the Industrial Revolution in the Calder Valley from clock making to sweet manufacture. On display are a number of working textile machines (circa 1850 to 1930).

Opening times: Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Location: Square Rd, Halifax HX1 1QG
Tel: 01422 384721
Website: calderdaleindustrial.co.uk

Eureka! The National Children's Museum

Eureka Science Museum

The kids will just love this hands-on museum, with hundreds of scientific exhibits and interactive activities in six main gallery spaces, covering science, technology and biology.

Opening times: all year, daily 10-5 (Closed Xmas) Admission Charge
Location: Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE
Tel: 01422 330069
Website: eureka.org.uk
Facilities: Parking, cafe, shop.

Piece Hall

Piece HallBuilt by the rich merchants of Halifax in 1770. It houses over 300 merchant's rooms located around a central colonnaded courtyard, with markets, independent shops, a contemporary art gallery, visitor centre and music venue. The architect Thomas Bradley, who designed the Piece Hall, is buried in the front of the Square Chapel on Square Road (a building he also designed, which is now the Centre For The Arts).

Opening times: all year, daily 10-5 (Closed Xmas & N.Y.) Free Entry
Location: Near Railway Station, HX1 1RE - Tel: 01422368725
Website: thepiecehall.co.uk
Facilities: Parking (nearby), picnic area, shop.


Shibden Hall

Fine period house, dating back to the early 15th-c , with oak paneled interiors and a truly atmospheric setting. The rooms have been authentically furnished to recreate life in different periods of history. The Folk Museum and Pennine Barn provides an insite into 19th-c traditional craftsmanship, where tradesmen hand crafted in wood and iron. Regular programme of craft events, workshops and family activities.

Opening times: Mar-Nov, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. Dec-Feb, Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4 Admission Charge
Location: Lister's Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG - Tel: 01422 352246 Website
Facilities: Parking, cafe, picnic area, shop, toilets.

Shibden Park

Take a peaceful row on the boating lake or have a go at pitch and putt. The nostalgic miniature railway and children's play area are among the various attractions.

Opening times: Mar-Nov, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. Dec-Feb, Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4 Admission Charge
Location: Lister's Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG - Tel: 01422 352246 Website
Facilities: Parking, cafe, picnic area, shop, toilets.


Map of Halifax

Information:

 • Festivals & Events  • Where to Stay  • What to Eat  • Walks & Trails  • Weather  • General Info  • News & Articles

UK Regions:

 • South East  • South West  • London  • East Anglia  • Midlands  • Wales  • North East  • North West  • Scotland