A fun one day guide to Halifax, Yorkshire: From Georgian grandeur to craft beer culture - your perfect day trip itinerary
- teamthomastravels
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Halifax, West Yorkshire, is best known for it's wool and textile mill industrial heritage, Halifax bank, Mackintosh's Confectionery (creator of Rolo, Toffee Crisp and Quality Street) and Anne Lister, the 19th-century diarist whose life was depicted in the BBC/HBO series "Gentleman Jack". It's a really easy day trip from Manchester and only about half an hour's drive from another Yorkshire industrial stalwart (and the UK's City of culture 2025) that we've also written a day trip itinerary for: Bradford!
Full of amazing Victorian architecture, an home to an award winning children's museum and one of the most amazing buildings we've ever seen, here’s how to make the most of one day in this fascinating northern market town:
Morning:
Start your day trip in the very heart of Halifax, where some of its most iconic landmarks can be found:
Begin your exploration at the magnificent Piece Hall. This Grade I listed building is truly unique - the only one of its kind in the UK - and is absolutely amazing. In the bright June sunshine, we felt like we were in Italy! built in 1779, this vast, former open-air Georgian cloth hall has been beautifully repurposed into a vibrant, award-winning public space. Wander through its impressive courtyard and explore the independent shops, cafes, bars, and galleries housed within its three floors of colonnades. It's a fantastic place to enjoy a coffee or an artisan gelato at La Piazza, and this summer there is an amazing programme of concerts planned, from Il Divo to Roger Daltrey. See if you can find the statue of Ann Lister...
Just a short stroll from The Piece Hall, you'll find the majestic Halifax Minster. This beautiful parish church, dating back to the 15th century (with parts even older), is a treasure trove of history. While the exterior might be stained black from years of industrial pollution, step inside to admire its impressive stained-glass windows, Jacobean pews intricate wood carvings and the Duke of Wellington's regimental Colours on display in a side chapel at the back - some of which were arrived during the Crimean War and at the Battle of Waterloo! The Minster is also the burial place of Ann Lister and you can see a fragment of her grave stone on display.
Visiting as a family?
If you're travelling with children, start your day at Eureka! The National Children's Museum. Located conveniently close to The Piece Hall, Eureka! is an absolute must-visit if you're travelling with little ones. This award-winning interactive museum is entirely designed for kids up to 11 years old, encouraging them to learn through hands-on play. With everything from giant interactive exhibits explaining the human body to a dedicated town square where kids can role-play in a bank, post office, or even a mini M&S shop, it provides hours of engaging fun. If visiting with family, you might choose to spend the bulk of your morning here, perhaps combining it with a quicker wander through the Piece Hall.
Lunch: Halifax Borough Market
Housed within a magnificent Victorian market hall with a stunning glass and iron roof, this pitstop is a feast for the senses. You can wander among dozens of independent stalls and food vendors serving up diverse options from traditional Yorkshire pies and sandwiches to international street food. It's the perfect spot to grab a casual, delicious bite, soak in the busy atmosphere, and truly feel like a local.
More amazing Yorkshire destinations to explore:
Afternoon:
Take a 7 minute taxi ride (or walk just over a mile out of town) to Shibden Hall, an attractive timber-framed manor house dating back to 1420 and famously associated with Anne Lister (it also served as a filming location for "Gentleman Jack"). It offers a fascinating glimpse into 600 years of history, with period rooms, gardens, and a notable carriage collection. It's also set within the beautiful Shibden Park, which offers boating, a miniature railway, and lovely walks.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to stay more central, 20 minutes away from Borough market is Bankfield Museum, a free museum located in a grand Victorian mansion in Akroyd Park. Bankfield Museum tells the story of Halifax and Calderdale, with diverse collections including local history, costume and textiles from around the world, military history (including the Duke of Wellington's Regiment), and natural history.
On your way back into town from either of these museums, you'll pass Dean Clough Mills. Once one of the world's largest carpet factories, this sprawling Victorian industrial complex has been brilliantly regenerated into a dynamic arts, business, and leisure destination and it's where you'll stop for dinner...
Dinner: Thai Corner Dean Clough
Tucked within this impressive Grade II listed setting is Thai Corner, a fantastic spot for authentic and delicious Thai cuisine including curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. Festooned with pink orchids and staffed by a lovely team, be sure to book a table here!
As your Halifax day trip winds down, head back into town to the Victorian Craft Beer Cafe. This bar celebrates local and independent breweries, offering an impressive selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles. The setting itself is a highlight - original Victorian architecture, cosy nooks, exposed brickwork and candles on every table.
Evening (Optional):
Time permitting, consider watching a show at the neighbouring Victoria Theatre: dance, comedy and fantastic musical tribute shows, plus the main foyer has a beautiful stained glass roof!
How to get to Halifax:
Halifax is in West Yorkshire, in the north of England.
By car: Halifax is easily accessible by road from Leeds (35-50 minutes depending on traffic), Bradford (20-40 minutes), Huddersfield (30-40 minutes), and Manchester (50-90 minutes).
By train: Halifax has direct services to Manchester Victoria (42 minutes) and Leeds (30 minutes), but you can also get to York and Sheffield in under 90 minutes, changing at Leeds. Coming from the south, you can also depart from London Kings Cross and change at Leeds (around 3-3.5 hours).
By air: Leeds Bradford Airport is the closest (around 45 minutes by car).
For more information, visit the official Discover Halifax website or the regional tourism board, Visit Calderdale.
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