Last Updated on August 24, 2026 by Tavernier’s Travels
Back in West Yorkshire, and after our explorations around North Yorkshire and County Durham, we decided it was time to take a bit of a chill pill and give our tired legs a rest after consecutive days of exploring cities, towns and villages!
Thankfully, another town recommended by our cousin Diane was only a short drive away. So, on a Sunday, we hopped in the car and drove around ten minutes south-west from Bradford to explore Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is the largest town in Calderdale and, like many towns and villages across West Yorkshire, has a rich industrial heritage. The town played an important role in the region’s textile industry, particularly the production and trade of woollen goods, which helped shape Halifax into the town it is today.
One of Halifax’s standout landmarks is Halifax Minster. The site has been a place of worship for more than 900 years and continues to attract visitors, including those interested in the grave of Anne Lister, the remarkable 19th-century diarist and landowner whose life was brought to a wider audience through the BBC drama Gentleman Jack.
Kitcheners: A Retro 1940s Diner
One of the things that particularly attracted us to Halifax was Kitcheners, a retro diner that had opened the previous year.
Designed in the style of a 1940s wartime diner, Kitcheners has waitresses dressed in period-inspired uniforms, giving the restaurant a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere. We stopped for brunch, where the menu includes all-day breakfast dishes alongside traditional British favourites, including filled Yorkshire puddings.
The food was enjoyable, the staff were friendly and the prices were very reasonable.
Piece Hall
If there is one place that should be at the top of your things to do in Halifax list, it’s Piece Hall.
The architecture immediately reminded me of Covent Garden in London, particularly because of its large open piazza. The atmosphere, however, was quite different – much calmer and more relaxed, which made it an enjoyable place to wander around.
Piece Hall is home to a fantastic collection of independent shops, boutiques and businesses, selling everything from gifts and homewares to fashion and accessories. One boutique sold a few brands I already love, including Fable and Elizabeth Scarlett, alongside a selection of vintage boutiques.
Beyond the shops, Piece Hall also has a gallery space, restaurants and cafés, while its enormous central courtyard is used for events and outdoor concerts. When we visited, preparations were already underway for an upcoming event, giving us a glimpse of the venue in action.
The History of Piece Hall
Piece Hall first opened on 1 January 1779 and was built as a place where woollen cloth merchants could trade their wares. Today, it is the only surviving Georgian cloth hall of its kind in the world and is arguably one of the most spectacular Georgian buildings still standing in Britain.
Its combination of history, architecture, independent shops and events makes Piece Hall one of the highlights of any visit to Halifax.
Halifax Filming Locations
Halifax has also become increasingly recognisable on screen, having provided the backdrop for a number of television and film productions.
Most notably, the town and surrounding Calderdale area have featured in BBC dramas including Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack, the latter focusing on the remarkable life of local woman Anne Lister.
For fans of British television, exploring Halifax filming locations adds another interesting dimension to a visit.
Final Thoughts on Halifax
Our visit to Halifax made for a welcome change of pace after several days of exploring on foot. From the fascinating history of Halifax Minster and Piece Hall to the retro charm of Kitcheners and the town’s connections to popular television dramas, there’s plenty to discover.
If you’re visiting West Yorkshire, Halifax is well worth adding to your itinerary – particularly if you enjoy history, architecture, independent shops and British TV locations.
