Culture is everywhere here; from highbrow arts to big-name entertainers you’ve seen on the telly. The beautifully revamped Piece Hall is one of the UK’s most spectacular outdoor music venues. Meanwhile, our much-loved Victoria Theatre hosts comedy, panto and everything in between. Film-lovers flock to Vue for blockbusters, while Square Chapel shows everything from mainstream films and indie releases through to BBC premiers and performing arts. Even our fantastic Library offers services you wouldn’t expect, like reading groups and 3D printing – all from an award-winning building.

It’s no surprise heritage is so big in a town built on history.
Highlights include the 900 year-old Minster; a striking community space hosting music recitals and daily services. Displaying rare machines and artifacts like lathes and looms, the Industrial Museum is another must. Our breathtaking Town Hall is Grade II listed and topped by a magnificent 180ft spire, with design and interiors by Charles Barry and statues by John Thomas. Don’t miss Dean Clough, once the world’s largest carpet factory and now a vast and impressive home to various eateries, galleries and businesses. The Bankfield Museum is popular too: a wonderful Grade II listed historic house with a textiles gallery, regimental museum and gorgeous interior decor. Even our fabulous Borough Market is a Victorian treasure, and a stunning venue for a host of great stalls.

If you’re a fan of Gentleman Jack, you’ll feel right at home in Halifax.  Two of our attractions should be top of your list to visit, not just because they’re packed with history and gorgeous to look around, but also because they were significant in Anne Lister’s fascinating life. If you think you’ve seen Shibden Hall before, that’s because it played a starring role in Sally Wainwright’s hit series. Dating back to 1420, this stunning estate was the focus of the BBC drama, and visiting it gives you a uniquely close-up insight into the everyday lives of its characters. The gorgeous estate and restored gardens feature a boating lake, miniature railway, walking trails, play area and café. Meanwhile, Hope Hall is a fabulous Grade II listed Georgian building, and was once the home of Anne Lister’s arch rival coal merchant, Christopher Rawson.

There’s plenty for kids as well as grown-ups in Halifax, so it’s brilliant for a family day out. A visit to the National Children’s Museum at Eureka! makes the perfect start. Here you’ll find six themed zones full of play and learning, plus outdoor space, a special creativity zone, and even a café and shop. Best of all, you only pay once for a full year’s entry, so it’s a bargain too! Halifax YMCA is another must-do, with indoor skating, a pantomime society and parent and toddler groups, all inside the beautiful Marlborough Hall, a grade II listed building (yes, yet another one!). Head to the Electric Bowl if galactic golf and ten pin bowls is more your thing, or to our fantastic Vue Cinema for the latest big screen blockbusters. For outdoor action why not try the walking trails and wonderful miniature railway at Shibden Hall.