Halifax: Discover Culture and History

Halifax offers several ways to explore its history: Georgian architecture, churches, museums and industrial heritage each tell their own story. The attractions do not all tell the same story: some take visitors through collections and everyday life, while others focus on architectural history or the industrial past.

Georgian Architecture and the City’s History

The Piece Hall is a Grade I listed building and the only surviving Georgian cloth hall in the world. Its architecture makes it a striking testament to the city’s history. In the interactive experience “The Piece Hall Story,” visitors can explore historical objects and exhibitions and try on Georgian clothing. This offers both a chance to appreciate the building and an opportunity to learn about its history.

You can also plan your journey around a specific landmark: The Piece Hall is a five-minute walk from Halifax railway station. Direct train services run from the station to Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.

Shibden Hall, which dates back to 1420, offers a different historical perspective. Visitors can learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked at the Hall, including diarist Anne Lister. The focus is therefore on people and their everyday lives. Shibden Park has walking paths; these are a separate aspect of the visitor experience and should not be confused with the Hall’s historical interpretation.

Museums, Collections and Historic Sites

Bankfield Museum has been a museum since 1887 and tells the story of Halifax and Calderdale through its collections. Its exhibitions cover local history, costumes, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world. This broad range of subjects complements the museum’s regional focus. The museum is located in Akroyd Park, in the centre of the conservation area of the model village of Akroydon.

Halifax Minster is a Grade I listed parish church dating from the 15th century. Anne “Gentleman Jack” Lister was baptised there, attended services and is buried there. On a guided tour, visitors can explore the historic interior, stained glass and painted wooden ceiling panels. The building’s history, Anne Lister’s life story and the interior design come together here.

Wainhouse Tower also reflects Halifax’s industrial history. The tower is a Grade II* listed building and was originally commissioned as a chimney for the local dye works. Its history therefore differs from the religious and domestic themes of the Minster and Shibden Hall.

Calderdale Industrial Museum houses a collection of industrial machinery and artefacts across four floors. It also features a recreation of a 19th-century coal mine in Mytholm. The collection and mine display present the industrial theme in different ways: one focuses on machines and objects, while the other interprets a mine.

Market, Exhibitions and Events Programme

Halifax Borough Market is a covered market and a Grade II* listed building. Leeming and Leeming built it between 1891 and 1895 for the Borough of Halifax. The market has sold local, fresh and handcrafted products since 1896. The construction period and the start of trading are two different dates. Traders and the availability of individual products may change.

Eureka! Gallery has six zones, hundreds of exhibits and extensive outdoor areas. The layout of the exhibitions may change. Specially trained staff, known there as “Enablers,” help visitors have fun and stay safe. Both the different exhibition areas and the support provided by the team are relevant to understanding what the venue offers.

Victoria Hall opened on 8 February 1901 with a concert by the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Hans Richter. The Victoria Theatre programme includes rock and pop concerts, ballet, comedy, family shows, pantomime and drama. The specific selection and dates vary, so check which events fall within your travel dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hebden Bridge, Todmorden.

Return to the main travel overview: Calderdale.