HALIFAX

In the Borough of Calderdale, Halifax is a commercial and cultural market town that was known for being a thriving woollen manufacturing location from the 15th century. Tucked between Hebden Bridge and Huddersfield, Halifax retains its traditional charm whilst evolving with modern attractions - a mix which visitors and locals explore to soak up some true Yorkshire culture.

Although most of the existing town was built in the 19th Century, modern day developments still showcase its popular industrial era through some of the remaining older buildings. In amongst these are the Town Hall which was built by Sir Charles Barry and opened in 1863, the Central Library, the Bankfield Museum that is set in a Grade II listed Victorian building, and Dean Clough Mills, a Grade II listed mixed-use mill complex.

In yet another Grade II listed building, Shibden Hall is a historic house that dates back to 1420 and allows visitors to take a journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked there, including Anne Lister, whose life was dramatised on TV series Gentleman Jack. In the 17th Century barn you can find collections and displays from blacksmiths to saddlers, all surrounded by the beautiful gardens and estate of Shibden Hall.

Beautiful nature is all around the town, which can be explored on a number of walking trails. With options including Beacon Hill and Shibden Park Circular, Claremont and Shibden Valley Circular or Anne Lister Way of the Setts, it’s a great way to view and appreciate this distinctive area of Yorkshire.

As well as these grown up attractions, Halifax is also a kids favourite as the home of the National Children’s Museum. Eureka! is an interactive, educational, informative and entertaining day out which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors across the year.

Another of the town's popular attractions is The Piece Hall. This historical 18th-century cloth hall is a stunning site which is now filled with an array of independent shops, food and drink, as well being a thriving hot-spot for events such as food markets and live music, all enhanced by the unique backdrop.

At both Piece Hall and stylish centre Westgate Arcade, as well as places dotted around town, you’ll find a special selection of independent shops. The Handmade Gift Shop stocks unique handmade items from over 60 different crafters, artists and makers, showcasing Yorkshire talent through jewellery, art and textiles. Revo Records in Westgate Arcade sells new and secondhand vinyls in many genres.

Plastic free shop Just Gaia is an organic family-run business who provide loose ingredients at their refilling stations, fresh produce and more. And The Book Corner is a beautiful bookshop which sells a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books, as well as supporting local authors.

For a bite to eat and a warm drink whilst here, stop by Temperance who serve up specialty coffees, locally sourced brunch and baked goods, with both vegan and vegetarian options available. The Engine Room in Dean Clough is a lovely cafe and kitchen where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch to kickstart your day.

Nearby, for a leisurely lunch or something special in the evening, True North is the perfect neighbourhood style restaurant that’s ready to serve you some delicious dishes. Continuing into the evening, there are international eateries to choose between. Ricci’s Place is a true, family-run Italian restaurant that captures the essence of authentic, seasonal and homemade food. Whilst Seoul Food Korean Kitchen is a casual and cosy eatery that serves up traditional Korean dishes which are sure to warm you up.

With so many friendly bars and welcoming pubs, you won’t be short of drink choices on your journey around the town either. There are inclusive atmospheres, warm welcomes, stylish settings and impressive ranges of beers and wines at the likes of Meandering Bear, Dukes, Good Mood, The Wine Barrel and Kobenhaven. Add some excitement into your bar crawl and head over to Next Level, perhaps for a cocktail paired with their nostalgic collection of arcade games.

Whether it’s for the drink, the food, the shops, the architecture, the entertainment, the outdoors, the culture or the history, you’ll have every reason to be making a return to the traditional and modern piece of Yorkshire that is Halifax.