Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
Location Location
In the heart of West Yorkshire, Halifax is having something of a moment. There's a mesmerisingly good food scene, the magnificence of the restored Piece Hall and an unrivalled profile on the TV screen thanks to popular programmes such as Last Tango In Halifax, Happy Valley and of course, Gentleman Jack. Halifax is in Calderdale, the southernmost of the Yorkshire Dales and covers part of the South Pennines area of beautiful river valleys, moorland and hill country. The landscape is packed with heritage from the area's industrial past and there's a drive to make a noise about the future and celebrate the richness of grand buildings and a definite sense of place.
Pretty much. Good rail services in every direction. The M62 is your car's best friend and it's the land of the challenging cycle ride for sure.
Bag a property
The best of both worlds in these parts. Close to town Skircoat Green and Savile Park areas are where you'll find striking Victorian houses, great for families, nice residential areas, good schools - and green spaces at Skircoat Moor.
On the up is the city centre where cooler types might like the increasing number of apartments springing up, such as Westgate Arcade, close to the heart of the action.
Explore
The cente of Halifax has loads to offer as do the villages close by. A day in Halifax appeals to all. The Piece Hall nails it when it comes to heritage. A breathtaking and unique Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece and the oldest remaining cloth hall in Britain dating back to 1779, it has been beautifully restored to become a cultural, heritage and leisure destination. The huge open-air courtyard is surrounded by a mix of independent bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops. The stories of Georgian Halifax are told in the specially created exhibition spaces, while the central courtyard plays host to a year-round events programme of music, dance, film and spectacle for up to 7,500 people at a time. Close by is Eureka, the fun-packed museum for children. Six unique zones each with a different theme to explore. Make some noise and explore how music is created, experience the world of work and take over a child-sized town, and step inside giant body parts.
Nearby is Dean Clough, a restored mill with loads of events, eating places, a cookery school, galleries and shops. It's also home to The Viaduct Theatre and Northern Broadsides Theatre Company which is extending its programme to attract new audiences. The beauty of the central area of Halifax is the easy proximity to these attractions. A ten-minute drive or so will take you to big hills, grand views and the expanse of Calderdale.
Café & Cocktails
There's such a foodie scene in Halifax at the moment. Names to watch are Adam Ryan at Glor (Norwegian for embers) - he cooks amazing meat dishes such as venison taco, lamb rump smoked over hay and salt-aged brisket. Try music and craft ales at The Lantern, The Meandering Bear, Grayston Unity, or the Victorian.
The Piece Hall has a great food offering including Trading Rooms, Deli, Blondin's for ice-cream. Loafers (good coffee and pizza with a side of vinyl) and Elder. The Wine Barrel and Gin Lane are great drinking venues here. Worth a namecheck in town are are Holdsworth House, Pride and Provenance, Ricci's Place, Kashmiri Spice, Alibi and Ginger Vegetarian Café. True North is Dean Clough's newest eatery. Chef Mark York offers an exciting range of menus from relaxed breakfasts to fine dining. For notable feasting, The Moorcock at Sowerby Bridge is Michelin Guide noteworthy - and winner of Yorkshire Life's Dining Pub of the year in our Food and Drink Awards 2019.
Retail therapy
Nice independent shops to be found in Piece Hall - a great book shops and craft galleries featuring the work of local artists - also a splendid optician.
