Use our quick Visit Halifax guide, with an interactive UK map including Piece Hall, Shibden Hall, Dean Clough, Things to do with Kids in Halifax, Halifax Pubs, Shops, Victoria Theatre, and much more! Here, we show you places to go in Halifax, with links to click to our more in-depth posts and other sources should you wish to learn more.
Where is Halifax? Halifax, England is easily accessed by the M62 Pennine Hills motorway corridor, and the town centre is just 20 miles from Leeds and 33 miles from Manchester city centres. Halifax is the commercial, cultural and administrative centre of Calderdale, the most southerly of the Yorkshire Dales in the scenic South Pennine Hills.
The view from Halifax Railway Station – Halifax is also home to Quality Street, the world-famous chocolate assortment and Nestlé Easter Eggs, After Eight and Butterfinger Cups
Beautiful Calderdale and Halifax are outside of the National Park and its restrictions, so all the expected entertainment, shopping and digital amenities of the 21st century are at hand and work in semi-rural harmony for an enjoyable time for adults and children alike.
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Places to Visit in Halifax
The Piece Hall Halifax
The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE, England
The Piece Hall opened in 1779 in the centre of Halifax, with the magnificent Beacon Hill as its backdrop, to sell pieces or lengths of cloth, made by local weavers in their hillside cottage homes.
Now in the 21st century, the magnificent Piece Hall is an architectural and cultural phenomenon – a fine place to indulge in a gin and tonic, a craft beer, enjoy a meal, people-watch and a great place to shop at its independent stores in the classical gallery arcades.
Classical in style, the Piece Hall in Halifax town centre, draws inspiration from Roman and Italian Renaissance buildings and is a truly inspirational place to be in the 21st century. The merchants’ rooms are set back behind elegant colonnades, constructed from fine-grained honey-coloured local sandstone.
In the Piece Hall’s central piazza, there are gentle water cascades, illuminated at night, where young children can be entertained by safely splashing around. There are a multitude of picnic tables on which sit for free whist enjoying your own food and drink or take away, should you wish not to dine in one of the Piece Hall’s restaurants, bars or coffee shops.
Perhaps enjoy ice cream from Blondin’s Diner and Deserts, the Piece Hall’s Ice Cream Parlour and 1950s American Diner. They serve a range of award-winning Yorkshire ice cream, sorbets, waffles and pancakes. Blondin’s also serves breakfast and lunch. Blondin’s is after Charles Blondin, who famously performed a tightrope walk at The Piece Hall in 1861.
The Piece Hall is free to enter unless there is a special event such as well-publicised performances by the likes of Tom Jones, Pamola Faith or Duran Duran.
Piece Hall – Information Video to Watch
To watch the PlanPlacestoVisit.com video Visit the Piece Hall – Things to do in Halifax – enjoy the Piece Hall Shops and Piece Hall Bars click here
Things to do with Kids in Halifax
In addition to The Piece Hall being a good reason to visit Halifax with kids, there are many places to visit in Halifax for kids and toddlers including…………..
Eureka – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #1
Eureka, The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Rd, Halifax HX1 2NE
Eureka, the National Children’s Museum, has a very large car park and is located immediately next to Halifax Railway Station and also a short walk away from the Piece Hall.
Eureka in Halifax has over 400 interactive exhibits. Nothing is trapped inside a glass cabinet and it is the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children aged 0-11 anywhere in the UK, engaging children in a range of play-based learning experiences which helps their emotional, intellectual, physical, social and creative development. Eureka is a very good reason to visit Halifax with kids and toddlers!
Halifax Ski & Snowboard Centre; Charlie Fastrax Soft Play Centre and Sportsman Pub – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #2
Address: Bradford Old Rd, Halifax, HX3 6UG
Your whole family can have hours of fun playing on their artificial snow slopes – from lessons in skiing and snowboarding to freestyle and snow tubing – or just watching! Local Olympic and World Cup Slopestyle Champion Snowboarder, Katie Ormerod, started snowboarding aged 5, at Halifax Ski & Snowboard Centre with her family.
On the same site, near Halifax town centre, is Charlie Fastrax a multi-story adventure soft play for children ages 3-12. Charlie Fastrax has two large ball pools and 3 slides including the famous Black Slide, the large twirl slide, under 5s slide, several mazes and their “spooky” area. Over 5s can try their family snowtubing (rubber ring) sessions.
Charlie Fastrax’s Café has homemade food, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks plus tea and coffee to enjoy.
Also, on the same site is the Sportsman Inn with real ales and food including Sunday roast lunches and function facilities.
The Halifax Ski & Snowboard Centre, Charlie Fastrax Soft Play Centre and Sportsman Pub complex is 1.75 miles (4 minutes by car or taxi) from Eureka and Halifax Railway Station.
Manor Heath Park – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #3
Manor Heath Road, Savile Park, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 OEB
Manor Heath is a large 19-acre park and is open all year round. There’s a well-equipped children’s play area for all abilities, a water play area (May to October) and plenty of places to play and for your picnic, or eat fish & chips and ice cream from New Lodge Fisheries on Manor Heath Park.
Manor Heath Park is 1.5 miles (3 to 4 minutes by car or taxi) from Eureka and Halifax Railway Station.
Shibden Hall and Shibden Park – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #4
Godley Lane, Halifax, HX3 6XG.
Shibden Hall and Shibden Park was the home of Anne Lister, the historical figure of BBC TV’s Gentleman Jack Fame. Shibden Estate is one of West Yorkshire’s most important heritage sites and there’s plenty for kids to do!
Hire Rowing Boats and Paddle Boats on Shibden Park Lake
The shallow Shibden Lake or “Mere” was designed in the 1800s to resemble a wide river in the Shibden Valley. Here the whole family and kids can now hire rowing boats and children’s paddle boats, or just watch and feed the ducks and other wildlife!
Shibden Park Boathouse at the Lake is open daily from May to September and all school holidays (weather permitting).
Ride on the Shibden Park Land Train
Shibden Park Land Train carries visitors on a scenic route around the park and can also be booked for private parties by emailing your enquiry to parks@calderdale.gov.uk.
Ride on the Shibden Park Miniature Railway
The Miniature Railway is always a great hit with kids and adults alike! The circular ¾ mile railway line runs along Shibden valley, passes a picnic area, woodland and the Boating Lake. Running from Shibden Park Miniature Railway Station, it goes through a tunnel, over two bridges and through a cutting on its way back around the track.
Take a Break at the Shibden Park Mereside Coffee Shop and Restaurant
Located by the boating lake is the modern café with hot and cold meals, ice creams, snacks and great coffee.
This is an exciting play area for toddlers and young children with swings, a cable ride, a covered slide, a roundabout and a climbing frame.
Shibden Park Toilets including Nappy Changing and Disabled Facilities are at:
- Shibden Mereside (Shibden Park Lower Car Park).
- Children’s Play Area.
- Shibden Hall Car Park
See our separate posts for our in-depth information on visiting SHIBDEN HALL the home of Anne Lister aka Gentleman Jack and the Shibden Hall Folk Museum.
Bowling and Other Fun at Electric Bowl – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #5
Electric Bowl is a great place to visit in Halifax town centre with the kids and family members at any time of the day or whatever the weather! Electric Bowl Halifax is fully licensed with food available all day including pizza, platters, burgers and kids’ meals.
Electric Bowl Halifax has 10 Pin Bowling with ramps and automatic bumps for juniors or anyone that needs them; RaceCentre 10 fully linked professional Race Car Simulators with a choice of cars from F1 to Lamborghini Gallardos; Ludas Interactive Gaming Wall, Interactive Golf and Golf Simulators; 8 American Pool Tables and 1 English Pool table; 18 Snooker Tables and Darts Booth.
Electric Bowl Address: Electric Bowl, 70 Commercial Street, Halifax, HX1 2JE
Galactic Golf – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #6
Seeking another weather-proof way for family fun in Halifax? Try Electric Bowl’s sister venue, Galactic Golf, the space-themed adventure golf with 18-hole courses to enjoy.
They also have their amazing interactive Ludus Gaming Wall, one of the first to be installed in the UK. You play as a team or in pairs, choosing from a mind-boggling variety of games covering everything from football and racket sports to piano playing, alien invaders and virtual pinata, or you can test your skills at smart darts. You’ll also find amusement arcade games and pool tables at Galactic golf.
At Galactic Golf, there’s a diner on-site plus a licensed bar – the venue is also geared up to handle groups or birthday parties should you wish. Galactic golf is open every day in the school holidays, otherwise, opening times are Thursday 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm., Fri 10.30 am to 11:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 11.30 pm and Sunday 10:30amto 7: 30pm.
Another World Activity Centre – A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #7
Moss Farm Ogden, Halifax HX2 8YB Tel:01422240700 Tel:07377536494
Another World Activity Centre has various activities including:
Grass Sledges 2 years +
Dirt Scooters 3 years +
Safe Target Archery 5 years +
Sling Shots with Paintballs 5 years +
Bumper Tumbling Zorber Balls 8 years +
Also, bring your football, rugby ball, rounders or cricket set
Bring your picnic, or have food from their cafe take away – delivered to your table
See Another World’s video here
Ogden Water Country Park -A Good Reason to Visit Halifax with Kids #8
Ogden Lane, Keighley Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX2 8XZ
Ogden Water is a very popular destination for picnics whilst taking in the stunning views, walking, family outings and nature activities. Ogden Water was voted Yorkshire’s Favourite Reservoir in 2018, by public vote.
There are hourly buses from Halifax Bus Station to Ogden Water Country Park. The road entrance is by the Causeway Foot pub and 500 metres down the road from Another World Activity Centre
Visit Halifax – Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant – The Beatles Stayed There
The Beatles arrived at Holdsworth late on 9th October 1964, celebrating John Lennon’s 24th birthday at the start of their UK tour. John Lennon and Ringo Starr slept in the room that is now an office – Paul McCartney and George Harrison stayed in the Ayrton Room which is now a private dining room.
The Beatles had their evening meal in the Ayrton Room, dining on turtle soup and steak tartare. The French Maitre d’ wrote their order, a copy of which can be found on the reception wall, referring to the band as ‘The Beetles’.
Through the years many famous people have chosen to stay at Holdsworth House, a Jacobean manor that dates back to 1633, although there is evidence of a building on the site as far back as 1272. Holdsworth House has connections to the Anne Lister and Bronte families from the 1800s and retains many period features such as stone mullioned windows, beamed ceilings and impressive fireplaces that give you a sense of history calm, comfort and tradition.
Among those who have stayed at Holdsworth House, Halifax includes Billy Connolly, Cilla Black, Cliff Richard, Dave Stewart, Jamie Oliver, Jayne Mansfield, REM, Rudolf Nureyev, The Searchers, The Small faces and Victoria Wood.
Holdsworth House Hotel continues to welcome famous faces who are performing or filming in the Yorkshire area and is used as a set for the BBC/HBO hit Gentleman Jack starring Suranne Jones.
Holdsworth House also features in the final three episodes of Last Tango in Halifax where Caroline and Kate (Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid) head off for a romantic break in Halifax at Holdsworth House.
Holdsworth House’s Last Tango Break is from around £190 per couple.
Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant, Holdsworth Road, Halifax, HX2 9TG. Tel:01422240024
If you’re interested in following in the footsteps of the stars and you wondered where did Samuel L Jackson stay whilst filming Marvel’s six-part series Secret Invasion in Halifax? He stayed, less than 6 miles away from the Piece Hall film set at the Manor House, Lindley HD3 3JB, which is near M62, Junction 24. Tel:01484504000
Halifax Town Hall – Another Good Reason to visit Halifax
The tremendous architecture is one of the first things you’ll notice about Halifax and it’s part of what sets it apart from other provincial towns that have suffered much more at the hands of 20th-century town planners and their bulldozers than Halifax – from the Georgian Piece Hall on Blackledge and Somerset House on Rawson street to the Victorian Town Hall and the strikingly contemporary Halifax Building Society Headquarters (now Lloyds) one of the best buildings of the 1970s era.
Free guided tours of Halifax Town Hall help you learn more about its fascinating history, appreciate its grandeur and see Mayors Parlour and the Councils Chamber. Contact the Mayor’s Office Tel:01422393022
Actor Robert De Niro swapped Hollywood for Halifax when he dined at Ricci’s Place, next to the town hall in Halifax – he said he loved the food, loved the coffee.
The menu for Robert De Niro featured Italian charcuterie, artisan cheeses and bruschetta to start followed by a fillet of dry-aged beef and braised short rib. The dessert was a trio of New York cheesecake, Amalfi lemon tart and tiramisu.
Visit Halifax for Halifax Pubs!
Here’s our alphabetical list of some interesting Halifax Pubs……try some of these Halifax Bars to be found in and around the thriving town of Halifax…
- Big Six – uniquely tucked away, being one property in a row of terraced houses near Manor Heath Park, with 8 real ales and always one real cider. Beer garden. Open Monday to Friday from 4 pm, Friday from 3 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 1 pm. 10 Horsfall Street, Halifax, HX1 3HG.
- Causeway Foot – near Ogden Water Country Park and another World Activity Centre, with 5 Timothy Taylor’s beers on draught and a large outdoor seating area. Causeway Foot Inn, 13 Causeway Foot, Halifax HX2 8XX. Opening Times:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12-2:30, 6:00–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12-2:30, 6:00–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am–9:00 pm. Food 12:00 -3:00pm, 6:00–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12:00 –7:45 pm Food 12:00 -3:00pm, 6:00–8:30 pm |
- Cock o’ The North – Halifax Steam Brewery Tap – located in a unique urban-industrial area near Hipperholme traffic lights, adjacent to R.S.H. South Edge Works, a Camping & Caravan Club Certified Site and Motorhome Service Centre, which is independent of the pub and brewery. The bar has low-level full-length fish tanks beneath it that entertain kids and adults alike. Beer garden-decked terrace. Free of tie, they have 8 of their own brewed real ales on draft plus quality ciders and European draft lagers. Bottled beer take-outs. Opening times: Monday to Thursday 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday noon to 11:00 pm. Bottled beer take-outs. Wheelchair accessible and dog friendly. Opening times: Monday to Thursday 5:00 pm to 11:00pm, Friday 2:00 pm to 11:00pm, Saturday & Sunday noon to 11:00pm.
- Cross Keys Siddal – a popular community pub that also draws in customers from across the country to meet proprietor-landlord Hugh and enjoy the friendly atmosphere he has created. 8 real ales on draft and Sunday afternoon bands. White Gate, Siddal, Halifax HX3 9AE Open Monday to Thursday 3:00 pm to around 11:00 pm
- Dukes Bar – is located in an entrance thoroughfare of the historic Victorian Halifax Borough Market building with a selection of good local beers on draft plus music and artwork. Food is available until late. Market Arcade, Halifax HX1 1 NX. Open Tuesday to Saturday noon-10:00 pm and Sunday Noon-8:00 pm
- Kobenhavn – is located in the buzzing Westgate Arcade near the Piece Hall’s Westgate Entrance. 24 craft beers or real ales beers on tap or draft. Open all week from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (midnight Saturday).
- Meandering Bear – is located only yards from the Piece Hall’s Westgate entrance just before the Westgate Arcade with 6 draft real ales and 5 craft beers on tap plus Ayinger lager and Aspall’s cider. Open Tuesday 1:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm to 10:00pm, Thursday 1:00pm to 11:00pm, Friday 1:00pm to 11:30pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 9:00pm.
- Shears Inn Paris Gates -sits beneath the imposing Victorian Holdsworth Mill with cobbled streets, at the side of the Hebble Brook and only a 3-minute walk from the Cross Keys at Siddal. The Shears Inn at Paris Gates Pub and B&B is steeped in history with hearty Yorkshire pub food servings. When in Halifax, especially try Shears Inn Paris Gates Sunday Lunches or Pie of the Day. 4 real ales, always including Timothy Taylors. Shears Inn, 1 Paris Gate, Boys Lane, Halifax HX3 9EZ.. Shears Inn Paris Gates opening times – BAR Open Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, Bar Sunday noon to 10:30 pm; Shears Inn Paris Gates FOOD Service Monday – Thursday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm and Sunday noon – 8:00 pm.
- Shibden Mill Inn – Shibden Mill Inn, an award-winning 17th-century country pub, restaurant and hotel with an outdoor Terrace – 3 miles from Halifax town centre is located in beautiful Shibden Valley off the A58 (6.5 miles from M62 J26, 3 miles from the Piece Hall, Victoria Theatre and Eureka) and is a multi-award winning atmospheric 17th-century country pub with ancient oak beams, log fires, 2 acclaimed restaurants, 11 splendid bedrooms and a large outdoor terrace. They have 4 Cask Marque 4 real ales and an extensive selection of wines and spirits. Address: Shibden Mill Inn, Fold, Shibden, Shibden Mill Fold, Halifax HX3 7UL. Opening times Monday- Friday : 12:00-11:00pm. Lunch is served 12:00-2:30 pm, and Ala Carte Menu is served 5:30-9:00pm ; Saturday: 12:00- 11:30pm.
Shibden Mill Inn Halifax
- Stod Fold – Taphouse, kitchen & cocktail bar – is located in the iconic Dean Clough Mills and is within easy walking distance of Halifax town centre. 5 own-brewed real ales plus cocktails, food. regular music gigs. Stod Fold, Dean Clough Mills, D Mill Courtyard, Halifax HX3 5AX. Opening times Sunday to Thursday noon – 10:00 pm and Friday & Saturday noon to 11.00 pm
- The Grayston Unity – is immediately next to Halifax Town Hall. During the lockdown, an internal wall was knocked down to give more elbow room for live music(the UK’s smallest music venue). Also, they have music events and an outdoor cinema in the backyard in the summer months. They also hold regular talks nights (on social, cultural, history, sports and music topics). In addition, they hold a poetry slam night, a spoken word festival, a monthly music quiz night. Grayston Unity has 6 real ales on draft and 6 keg craft beers on tap. 1-3 Wesley Ct, Halifax HX1 1UH. Grayston Unity opening times: Closed Monday except for Bank Holidays, Tuesday & Wednesday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday 2:00 pm to 11:15 pm, Saturday 12:30 pm to 11:15 pm, Sunday 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The Grayston Unity is the sister pub to the Meandering Bear.
- The Royal Oak – is located a 2-minute walk from Halifax town centre’s Westgate Arcade. The Royal Oak is a Grade II-listed building constructed in 1931 using the timbers from HMS Newcastle. It has 9 rotating real ales on draft and offers a 10% discount to CAMRA members. Opening times daily from noon to 11:30 pm and Saturday & Sunday from noon to 1:00 am.
The above list represents just a fraction of the pubs in Halifax town centre and the Calderdale region. For more information see Halifax Pubs 6 – of the Best which includes the iconic Victorian Craft Beer Cafe.
Restaurants – Halifax
If you’re in Halifax for a short break, an essential eatery to investigate is to be found at the spectacular Piece Hall – The Trading Rooms restaurant.
Trading Rooms at The Piece Hall
The family-friendly Trading Rooms restaurant, with its own bakery, is on the ground floor and looks out over the spectacular Piece Hall Piazza and is open for lunch and dinner, or just order their homemade cake and coffee. The menu changes throughout the day.
They have a surprisingly large dining and drinking space with high ceilings, large windows, an open kitchen plus outdoor booths and a heated covered terrace. They serve craft beers and lagers and have a good wine selection. Trading Rooms’ Opening Times are normally: Monday Closed, Tuesday noon-5:00 pm, Wednesday noon – 5:00 pm, Thursday: noon -9:00 pm, Friday-Saturday: noon-11:00 pm, Sunday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm. The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1RE.
Brunch Halifax
La Luna – Westgate Arcade
Near the Piece Hall in Halifax, you’ll find this vibrant contemporary family-run cafe bar and restaurant serving their menus of European meals and snacks including Breakfast, Brunch Lunch and Dinner. They also have their external dining area to the front of the restaurant under the covered vibrant Westgate Arcade. Open daily 9:00 to 10:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, La luna, 13 Westgate, Halifax HX1 1DJ
Alibi – Somerset House Halifax
Alibi is located within Somerset House, a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Halifax town centre, near Harvey’s Department Store and The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe. If you’re wishing to celebrate or prefer somewhere special to enjoy brunch in Halifax, then try Alibi.
Alibi also has afternoon High Tea, served in the magnificent Grand Salon of Somerset House.
Alibi boasts truly magnificent interior spaces, making it the ideal venue for a birthday brunch with loved ones. The vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant are open throughout the week but Alibi’s Bottomless Brunch is on offer from noon to 4:00 pm on Fridays and from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays. It costs £30 per person (£25 for their non-alcoholic version) including one dish from their set menu and unlimited drinks for 90 minutes. Address: Somerset House & Grand Salon, 10 Rawson St, Halifax HX1 1NH
Visit Halifax – Fast Food Halifax
Burger King – Fast Food located near the Piece Hall, Eureka and Train Station in Halifax.
Burger King in Halifax is tucked away only yards away from The Piece Hall, where there are picnic tables in its magnificent piazza courtyard on which to enjoy your takeaway in style should you wish.
Using the Piece Hall’s Eastgate (library) exit, take the stairs to the road and you’ll then find Burger King to your left. Another way (wheelchair accessible) from the Piece Hall – take the Northgate exit turning immediate right down the tree-lined paved path to Burger King at the bottom, on your right.
Burger King Halifax is open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Address 6 Square Rd, Halifax HX1 1QG
Pearsons Fish and Chips Takeaway and Restaurant – located near the Piece Hall
Pearsons is Halifax’s oldest established Fish & Chips Takeaway & Restaurant. From the Piece Hall’s Westgate exit (the uppermost – the one with the weather vane above it) walk towards the covered Westgate Arcade. After 50 metres, when you are only 10 metres from the arcade entrance, Pearsons Fish and Chip Shop can be seen on Union Street to your left.
Peasons have a dine-in fish and chip restaurant, or there are picnic tables in the Piece Hall’s piazza courtyard to enjoy your fish and chips in style, should you wish.
Visit Halifax – Pearsons Fish and Chips Takeaway Hours:
| Monday | 10:30am – 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30am – 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10:30am – 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:30am – 6:00pm |
| Friday | 10:30am – 6:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:30am – 6:00pm |
| Sunday | 11:00am – 4:00pm |
Pearsons Fish and Chips, 19 Union Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1PR
Visit Halifax – Pearsons Fish and Chips Restaurant Hours:
| Monday | 11:00am – 2:30pm |
| Tuesday | 11:00am – 2:30pm |
| Wednesday | 11:00am – 2:30pm |
| Thursday | 11:00am – 2:30pm |
| Friday | 11:00am – 3:00pm |
| Saturday | 11:00am – 3:30pm |
| Sunday | Noon – 3:00pm |
Visit Halifax for Theatre, Cinema, Comedy shows and Pantomimes
Halifax is home to the Victoria Theatre, Square Chapel CIC, Viaduct Theatre and Vue Halifax Cinema
Victoria Theatre Halifax
Located by another of Halifax’s architectural gateways, the Halifax Building Society HQ, the Victoria Theatre in Halifax prides itself on its large theatre experience. The Victoria Theatre in Halifax has an impressive capacity of 1,518 seated and 1,875 standing, making it one of the largest and most accessible venues in the region.
Located by Halifax Building Society HQ and Circle Lounge Cocktail Bar, the Victoria Theatre in Halifax has an impressive capacity of 1,518 seated and 1,875 standing
Throughout the year, there is entertainment for all tastes at The Victoria Theatre, from rock music acts, chart-topping pop bands, ballet, opera, top comedians, wonderful family shows, musicals, plays and of course the annual pantomime!
The Victoria Theatre has 2 main bars and a smaller bar for pre-show drinks and your interval drinks, which can be ordered in advance. The Victoria Theatre also has pop-up bars for larger events, including bars in the main auditorium for stand-up comedy, rock and pop music gigs.
Also, in addition, Victoria Theatre’s Basement Venue – Q – is designed to encourage creative thinking and is used for small-scale live events, meetings and workshops.
Next door to Victoria Theatre in Halifax is Circle Lounge on Commercial Street, Halifax’s Premium Cocktail Bar with over 150 different spirits used to create cocktails to suit every taste. If cocktails don’t float your boat, they also serve steins of lager, beer cocktails and various bottled beers and ciders.
Victoria Theatre is also a 1-minute walk from the wonderful Victorian Craft Beer Cafe on Powell Street
Address: Victoria Theatre, 2 Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP
Square Chapel Arts Centre
Located adjoining the Piece Hall is the Square Chapel Arts Centre, a registered Community Interest Company that is a venue for film, theatre, live music, comedy, family shows, workshops and discussions.
Address: Square Chapel Arts Centre 10 Square Rd, Halifax HX1 1QG
Viaduct Theatre, Dean Clough, Halifax
The Viaduct Theatre was established over 30 years ago by Northern Broadsides – their mixed touring programme of Shakespearean productions, adapted classic plays and new productions with a northern voice have built a significant following.
The Viaduct Theatre is a unique and atmospheric subterranean 300 seat venue at the prestigious Dean Clough Mills in central Halifax.
The Viaduct Theatre is used for Theatre Productions, film screenings, chamber music, opera, rock gigs, TV programmes and filming, conferences and the occasional wedding. For a pre-show dinner or Sunday lunch, consider the adjacent stylish True North restaurant.
Viaduct Theatre Address: Dean Clough Mills, Halifax HX3 5AX
Vue Cinema Halifax
Vue Cinema Halifax is located in the Broad Street Plaza in Halifax town centre, with its multi-storey secure 24-hour parking, Wetherspoon’s modern Percy Shaw pub, Frankie & Benny’s, TGI Friday’s, Beefeater, Nando’s and the Halifax town centre Premier Inn. Halifax Vue is also only a 2-minute walk from Ricci’s Place restaurant on Crossley Street.
Visit Halifax for the Bankfied Museum
Bankfield Museum near Halifax town centre tells the story of Halifax and Calderdale, using its rich and diverse collections such as ‘Fashion in Anne Lister’s Time (1791-1840)‘
A museum since 1887, Bankfield displays cover local history, costume, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world. Bankfield Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions including costume, embroidery, quilting, textile art, paintings and photography.
The Duke of Wellington’s Regimental Museum is on the ground floor of Bankfield Museum and is fully accessible. The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment has a long association with the town of Halifax and displays include items relating to the Duke himself and to the rich and varied history of the regiment. Its location within Bankfield Museum complements the wider history on display there.
The car park is located close to the main entrance – disabled parking is to the rear of the building with access via a ramp. Toilets, disabled toilet and baby change are all on the ground floor.
Admission to Halifax’s Bankfield Museum including The Duke of Wellington’s Regimental Museum is free. Bankfield Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, but is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Bankfield Museum Address: Akroyd Park, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG
Visit Halifax to appreciate Halifax Minster
The nave and chancel were completed around 1450 and now In the 21st century, Halifax Minster welcomes thousands of people every year from all the faith communities and those of no faith. Christmas alone sees around 14,000 people come through Halifax Minster to hear the Christmas story.
Halifax Minster dates from the 1400s, though there is evidence of stonework from earlier periods. It has been altered over the years, although it still contains wooden box pews from the 1600s. Most of the medieval stained glass was removed during the Puritan Commonwealth period (mid-1600s) and there are several leaded windows with plain glass from this period. Most of the stained glass that now exists, including the East Window, is Victorian.
The exterior stonework of Halifax Minster is blackened due to it being immediately adjacent to a long-since demolished Victorian railway viaduct and its steam trains, leading to North Bridge.
Anne Lister’s (Gentleman Jack) tomb can be seen in Halifax Minster. All the chairs in the Chapel at the southeast corner of the Church (adopted by the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment as their Memorial Chapel) were made by ‘Mousey’ Thompson, and there is a mouse carved on one of the legs of each chair.
You can view, print, or download the official pdf Halifax Minster Short Guide here.
Halifax Minster address: Halifax Minster, Causeway, Halifax HX1 1QL
Visit Halifax for Shopping
Halifax has a multitude of independent shops for something distinct or perhaps for a special occasion, as well as well-known store brands. Here’s our brief selection to guide you.
Lister Horsfall Rolex Watch Jewellers 14-16 Corn Market, Halifax HX1 1TH
Established in 1902, Lister Horsfall is a 4th generation family-run business and has two showrooms in Halifax town centre with one of the best selections of quality Swiss watch brands in the North of England. They have a dedicated Rolex area, plus fine jewellery, diamonds and accessories. Even if it’s just for window shopping, it’s worth eyeing their displays during your visit to Halifax.
Lister Horsfall’s flagship, an official Rolex Retailer store, is at Corn Market in the centre of Halifax. This showroom is home to all of Lister Horsfall’s watch brands including Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Tudor, Longines, TAG Heuer, Mont Blanc, Tissot, Certina and Gucci plus after-sales and servicing department and their bespoke jewellery design team.
Lister Horsfall’s Flagship Store 14-16 Corn Market, Halifax HX1 1TH. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Lister Horsfall Jewellery & Bridal Suite 14-16 Corn Market, Halifax HX1 1RU
Lister Horsfall also has a dedicated jewellery showroom, which opened in 2021 in the Woolshops Shopping Centre in Halifax town centre, a short walk from their flagship store. This Lister Horsfall jewellery store showcases Lister Horsfall’s wide range of jewellery brands including Gucci and it hosts the Lister Horsfall Bridal Suite.
Lister Horsfall Jewellery Showroom and Bridal Suite, 4 Woolshops, Halifax HX1 1RU. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Harveys Department Store – The Halifax Department Store
The Harvey’s Halifax department store was opened in 1950 and Harvey’s now has approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space with a multitude of departments including beauty, handbags, lingerie, women’s and men’s clothing, cookware, books, gifts, curtains, linens and Harvey’s restaurant. Harvey’s also has a gifts and homewares store at the Piece Hall.
Harvey’s Department Store Address: Harvey’s, Commercial St, Halifax HX1 1LJ. Open daily 9:30 am to 5:00 pm but closed Sundays. Harvey’s of Halifax restaurant opening times are Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, please note Harveys of Halifax is open Sundays in December during the run-up to Christmas.
Harvey’s also has a gifts and homewares store at the Piece Hall
Sainsbury’s Halifax Supermarket and Petrol Station
Sainsbury’s is handily placed, just a 5-minute walk from the Piece Hall and the Woolshops via the Wade Street / Winding Road entrance behind the store. Sainsbury’s Halifax has a cafe, a chemist’s department and a petrol station. Parking is free for customers for up to 2.5 hours.
Sainsbury’s is handily placed, just a 5-minute walk from the Piece Hall and the Woolshops. Even the view from Sainsbury’s in Halifax, towards Beacon Hill and the hilltop village of Southowram is beautiful.
Piece Hall Shops
There’s a wide range of fascinating independent Piece Hall shops to browse within our list below:
- Piece Hall Halifax Colonnade Level (Top Floor) :
- Al’s Emporium – Antiques and Collectables
- Pages ‘N Pixels – Collectables and Artwork
- Vintage Metal Signs – Fascinating Collectable and Interior Decorators’ Pieces
- Leon K Dewhurst – Handcrafted Jewellery
- A Piece of Christmas – Open all Year Gifts
- Hudson Belle – Gifts
- Replicar – Collectable Model Cars
- G’s Cakes – Family Run Independent Coffee House
- Mrs Sinclair’s – Vintage Clothing
- The Escaporium – Adventure Venue
- The Loft -Fashion and Accessories
- Custard Create – Vibrant Artwork by Kimmi Custard
- Off the Wall – Humorous and Evocative Art
- Caygill Rooms – Venue Space
- Joseph Chance – Men’s Fashion and Accessories
- The Handmade Gift Shop – Gifts
- Christian Scott Hairdressing – Barber/Unisex Salon
- Piece Hall Halifax: Rustic Level (Middle and Ground Floor)
- Harveys of Halifax – Piece Hall Gift Store
- The Book Corner – Independent Bookshop
- The Yorkshire Gallery – Independent Contemporary Gallery
- Jitterbug Jean – Vintage Clothing
- Sweet Tooth – Memory Lane Sweet Shop
- Mystical & Magical – Unique Cultural Gifts and Candles
- Bottomley’s Eyewear Boutique – Opticians with Exclusive Eyewear Collections
- House Of 925 – Fashion and Accessories
- The Wine Barrel – Pub with Covered Outdoor Terrace
- The Chocolate Box – Luxury Handmade Chocolates
- Creative Crystals – Gemstones, Crystals, Minerals and Jewellery
- Gin Lane – 100 Gin Choice Retail Shop with Gift Wrapping Available
- Astronomer – Restaurant
- Totally Awesome Gingerbread – Interior Design Studio
- Shop 4 Little Horrors – Unique Baby and Children’s Gifts Including Steiff
- Brown Paper Packages – Gifts, Gisela Graham, East of India, Jellycat, Chilly Bottles
- Just Gaia – Plastic Free Cafe & Shop. Instore & Online Tea, Coffee Fruit & Veg Boxes.
- Blondin’s – Ice Cream Parlour & 1950s Diner
- The Deli – Breakfast Sandwiches, Light Lunches, Pies, Jams, Chutneys, Cakes & Coffee,
- Jewella – Jewellery and Accessories
Visit Halifax with our Interactive Map
Best Visit Halifax Guide Map – things to do in Halifax, places to visit in Halifax
What to do in Halifax – summary
At the dramatic Piece Hall in Halifax town centre, you’ll feel like you are in a grand Italian piazza!
You’ll have seen how much there is to see and explore about the history and current joys of the Piece Hall; the unique and interesting Eureka National Children’s Museum for 0 to 11 years olds; Halifax’s Dry Skiing and Snowboarding Centre and Charlie Fastrax Soft Play Centre; Manor Heath Park, Shibden Hall and its Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack) lineage, Shibden Park’s boating lake, cafe, land train and miniature railway; Electric Bowl’s and Galactic Golf’s indoor attractions; Another World’s outdoor activities and the Ogden Water Country Park; the historic Holdsworth House and it’s TV and popular culture connections; Halifax Town Hall’s Palace of Westminster architecture connection plus a sample of Halifax’s thriving pub and restaurant culture and Halifax’s theatre and music venues, opening times, plus an interactive map with travel details.
just 4.5 miles from the Piece Hall in Halifax town centre, between Elland and Brighouse, is Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve. It is one of the richest areas in Calderdale for biodiversity, with over 130 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and large numbers of mammals, amphibians, invertebrates and insects. Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve is home to flower meadows, dry and wet woodland, a lagoon, ponds and several bird viewing areas.
Perhaps consider a weekend in Halifax There’s so much in Halifax to enjoy for all ages and all tastes, that you’re sure to make plans to plans to initially explore Halifax, and perhaps explore the Happy Valley filming locations and Happy Valley Countryside Pubs in spectacular Calderdale, update family and friends about your finds, and then return!
Where to Stay or eat and drink in Shibden with Anne Lister Connections
Whether you are just looking for a quick drink or coffee, a leisurely lunch or quality dinner, or want to stay over in a boutique room or the Anne Lister suite, take a look at our article on the Shibden Mill Inn here. The Shibden Mill Inn has been in the ownership of both the Lister family and the Walker family and is less than a 2-mile journey by car or taxi.
