Halifax is a historic market town situated in West Yorkshire, noted for its industrial heritage and best known for being the birthplace of the popular confectionery, Quality Street.
If you’ve been thinking about visiting and are looking for things to do in Halifax, then you’re in luck. There is no shortage of places to visit in Halifax, most of which are free, so anyone can enjoy a memorable day out in the town.
Since there is almost too much choice in Halifax for things to do, we’ve narrowed it down to our top five suggestions.
The Piece Hall
This beautifully unique historic landmark is the best place to start. The Piece Hall is the last remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world. But it no longer serves as a trading place for cloth and instead offers endless entertainment with a number of independent shops, cafés, bars, art galleries, and even a heritage tour. It also regularly hosts concerts and events, creating a name for itself as one of the best gig venues in West Yorkshire.
The building itself is truly a sight to behold and for those interested in 18th century history, there is no better place in Halifax to visit.
Bankfield Museum
The Bankfield Museum in Akroyd Park offers a completely free display of military and local history, showing costumes, toys, art, and jewellery, as well as textiles from around the world.
It’s popular for having a diverse collection and hosting a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. With plenty of artifacts to see and history to explore, this is one of the best things to do in Halifax if you’re looking for a fun and engaging family day out.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, with free parking available close to the main entrance. Plus, it’s only a short distance from the centre of Halifax, making it ideal for those travelling via public transport.
Halifax Minster
This stunning 900-year-old church is certainly not one to miss. Steeped in local history and beautifully designed with magnificent stained glass windows, the minster has a number of interesting exhibits, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the town’s history. There are also several trained guides so you can take a more tailored tour based on your interests.
Centrally located, there are plenty of parking options nearby as well as excellent public transport links.
Shibden Park
On a sunny day, strolling through the restored grounds of Shibden Park is one of the top things to do in Halifax. The vast and scenic park has plenty of paths with a variety of scenery to explore, including woodlands, a fruit garden, and a boating lake. There is also a café, a land train, and a dry stone walling exhibit within the grounds.
The park’s opening times vary throughout the year, but it is open 8am to 9pm during the summer months, offering ample time for bird watching, long walks, or family picnics. There are several car parks close by too, so it’s perfectly convenient.
Dean Clough Galleries
Stretching half a mile, this 22-acre mixed-use mill complex built in the Victorian era is home to one of the UK’s largest private galleries. Its variety of art forms, from painting and photography through to sculptures and installations, as well as its mix of works from established creators, regional names, and up and coming artists is what makes this place so worth a visit. It’s also free entry and open every day from 10am to 4pm.
Accommodation in Halifax
If you’re travelling from afar or you’re looking to stay and do some day trips from Halifax too, there are plenty of staycation options available here at Retreats Yorkshire. Live in luxury and check out everything this charming town has to offer!
Explore Halifax Today!
From shopping in The Piece Hall to taking a scenic stroll through Shibden Park, there is no shortage of things to do in Halifax. No matter if you’re local to West Yorkshire or live further afield, Halifax is a must-visit destination for anyone in search of an unforgettable day out.
