Halifax: The Piece Hall, museums and theatre history

Halifax combines impressive architectural heritage with museums, collections and theatre. Its most distinctive landmark is the Georgian cloth hall, The Piece Hall: it is a Grade I listed building and is considered the only surviving cloth hall of its kind in the world. There are also places where you can explore different chapters of the town’s history and industrial past. You can shape your stay around whatever interests you most, whether that is historic architecture, exhibitions or a changing cultural programme.

The Piece Hall: a building and history to explore

The Piece Hall is more than an outstanding historic building. In the interactive visitor experience, “The Piece Hall Story”, visitors can explore historic objects and exhibitions and try on Georgian clothing. Architecture and interpretation come together here: the listed building showcases a Georgian cloth hall, while the visitor experience makes history accessible through objects and exhibitions.

There is also practical guidance for travelling by train: The Piece Hall is a five-minute walk from Halifax railway station. Direct rail services run from there to Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester. If you are travelling by train, you can take these connections into account when planning your journey; it is worth checking the timetable for your travel dates.

Anne Lister and Halifax’s historic places

Shibden Hall dates back to 1420. There, visitors can learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked in the house, including diarist Anne Lister. The nearby Halifax Minster offers a related insight: the Grade I listed parish church dates from the 15th century and was Anne Lister’s spiritual home. She 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 Bankfield Museum offers a different historical perspective. Its collections tell the story of Halifax and Calderdale and include local history, costumes, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world. The museum is in Akroyd Park, in the centre of Akroydon, a model village designated as a conservation area. The parkland, protected townscape and wide-ranging collection come together here to make a visit that encompasses both a specific place and a variety of historical themes.

Industry, markets and theatre programme

The Calderdale Industrial Museum focuses on industrial machinery and artefacts, with the collection spread across four floors. It also features a recreation of a 19th-century coal mine in Mytholm. By contrast, the Bankfield Museum ranges from local history to international textiles, while the Industrial Museum focuses on machinery and evidence of industry.

Halifax Borough Market brings together architecture and shopping. The covered, listed building is Grade II* listed and was built between 1891 and 1895 by Leeming and Leeming for the Borough of Halifax. The market has sold local, fresh and handmade goods since 1896. What individual traders offer may change. So, if you plan a visit to the market, you will find not only a historic building but also a range of goods that may vary from one visit to the next.

Theatre history includes the opening of Victoria Hall on 8 February 1901, which began 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. Events change, so check the dates for your trip. Another trace of Halifax’s industrial past is Wainhouse Tower: the Grade II* listed building was originally commissioned as a chimney for the local dye works.

Halifax as a holiday rental destination

When choosing a holiday rental in Halifax, you can start by considering what you want your stay to be about. If you are interested in historic buildings and Anne Lister’s life, there are several specific places to explore; museums offer other focuses, from textiles and local history to industrial machinery. An evening at the theatre or a visit to Borough Market can also shape your plans. This lets you search for accommodation around your own itinerary, without having to dedicate every day to the same theme.

Discover more destinations: Hebden Bridge, Todmorden.

Return to the main travel overview: Calderdale.