We know the best places in Halifax for couples, families with young kids or teenagers, and solo travellers to enjoy during your weekend in Halifax.
Halifax’s historic and lively Piece Hall with bars, restaurants, independent shops, Anne Lister Statue, and music events; Halifax Pubs; Shops; Victoria Theatre, and much more!
Here, we show you places to go in Halifax, with links to click to our more in-depth posts and other sources should you wish to learn more.
Contents
Weekend in Halifax: Visit The Piece Hall
The Piece Hall, set in Halifax town centre is great for couples, families with young kids or teenagers, and solo travellers.
Opened in 1779 as a cloth trading meeting venue – now in the 21st century, the magnificent Piece Hall is an architectural and cultural phenomenon – a fine place to indulge in a gin and tonic, a craft beer, enjoy a meal, people-watch and a great place to shop at its independent stores in the classical gallery arcades.
The Piece Hall in Halifax town centre hosts a huge array of events including music gigs from world-class artists, seasonal markets, food and drink celebrations and fairs, outdoor film screenings, large-scale participation projects – and the Piece Hall is a superb wedding venue. Above the Trading Rooms Restaurant are the Caygill Rooms with a capacity 120 wedding guests.
Classical in style, the Piece Hall in Halifax town centre, draws inspiration from Roman and Italian Renaissance buildings and is a truly inspirational place to be in the 21st century. The merchants’ rooms are set back behind elegant colonnades, constructed from fine-grained honey-coloured local sandstone.
In the Piece Hall’s magnificent central piazza, there are gentle water cascades, illuminated at night, where young children can be entertained by safely splashing around.
There are a multitude of picnic tables on which to sit for free whist enjoying your own food and drink or take away, should you wish not to dine in one of the Piece Hall’s restaurants, bars or coffee shops.
Anne Lister’s Statue
Weekend in Halifax: Visit Victoria Theatre for Comedy Shows, Plays and Pantomimes
Victoria Theatre in Halifax prides itself on its large theatre experience. The Victoria Theatre in Halifax has an impressive capacity of 1,518 seated and 1,875 standing, making it one of the largest and most accessible venues in the region. The Victoria Theatre is near another of Halifax’s architectural gateways, the Halifax Building Society HQ, now Lloyds.
Throughout the year, there is entertainment for all tastes at The Victoria Theatre, from rock music acts, chart-topping pop bands, ballet, opera, top comedians, wonderful family shows, musicals, plays and of course the annual pantomime!
The Victoria Theatre in Halifax has 2 main bars and a smaller bar for pre-show drinks and your interval drinks, which can be ordered in advance. The Victoria Theatre also has pop-up bars for larger events, including bars in the main auditorium for stand-up comedy, rock and pop music gigs.
Also, in addition, Victoria Theatre’s Basement Venue – Q – is designed to encourage creative thinking and is used for small-scale live events, meetings and workshops.
Next door to Victoria Theatre in Halifax is Circle Lounge on Commercial Street, Halifax’s Premium Cocktail Bar with over 150 different spirits used to create cocktails to suit every taste. If cocktails don’t float your boat, they also serve steins of lager, beer cocktails and various bottled beers and ciders.
Victoria Theatre is also a 1-minute walk from the wonderful Victorian Craft Beer Cafe on Powell Street and a 4-minute walk from the Piece Hall.
Weekend in Halifax: Visit the Square Chapel Arts Centre
The Square Chapel a registered Community Interest Company that is a venue for film, theatre, live music, comedy, family shows, workshops and discussions.
Halifax Square Chapel is next door to The Piece Hall and opposite Halifax Railway Station. The main entrance is located next door to The Piece Hall’s South Gate. It can also be accessed from the Piece Hall by a door near the Trading Rooms Restaurant and Piece Hall Information Centre.
The Square Chapel is a not-for-profit organisation. As well as supporting by being a visitor, there are lots of ways you can get involved with Square Chapel from artist call-outs and projects engaging young people and communities, to becoming a volunteer or applying for a temporary or permanent job.
Square Chapel Booking Office -The Square Chapel no longer has a dedicated Box Office onsite, they sell tickets via Quaytickets – Book by clicking here.
Weekend in Halifax: Visit Eureka
Eureka is a must for families with young children – it has over 400 interactive exhibits. Nothing is trapped inside a glass cabinet and it is the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children aged 0-11 anywhere in the UK.
Eureka engages children in a range of play-based learning experiences which helps their emotional, intellectual, physical, social and creative development. Eureka is an essential reason to visit Halifax with kids and toddlers!
Eureka has a very large car park and is located immediately next to Halifax Railway Station.
Direct Grand Central trains run from London King’s Cross station to Halifax. There are also direct trains to Halifax from many other places including Manchester, Leeds, York, Bradford, Huddersfield, Chester and Blackpool.
Note the Quality Street sign on the Nestlé facility. After Eight Mints are also made there in Halifax. The Piece Hall is a 200-metre walk from Halifax Railway Station.
Weekend in Halifax: Electric Bowl Bowling Alley
Electric Bowl is a great place to visit in Halifax town centre for adults and families with kids at any time of the day or whatever the weather. Electric Bowl Halifax is fully licensed with food available all day including pizza, platters, burgers and kids’ meals.
Electric Bowl Halifax has 10 Pin Bowling with ramps and automatic bumps for juniors or anyone that needs them; RaceCentre 10 fully linked professional Race Car Simulators with a choice of cars from F1 to Lamborghini Gallardos; Ludas Interactive Gaming Wall, Interactive Golf and Golf Simulators; 8 American Pool Tables and 1 English Pool table; 18 Snooker Tables and Darts Booth.
Weekend in Halifax: Galactic Golf
Galactic Golf is space-themed adventure golf with 18-hole courses to enjoy. They also have their amazing interactive Ludus Gaming Wall, one of the first to be installed in the UK.
With the Ludus Gaming Wall at Galatic Golf, you play as a team or in pairs, choosing from a mind-boggling variety of games covering everything from football and racket sports to piano playing, alien invaders and virtual pinata, or you can test your skills at smart darts.
You’ll also find amusement arcade games and pool tables at Galactic golf. There’s a diner on-site plus a licensed bar – the venue is also geared up to handle groups or birthday parties should you wish. Galactic Golf is located very near Eureka and The Piece Hall.
Weekend in Halifax: Broad Street Plaza
The Broad Steet Plaza Halifax is the modern hub in Halifax where you can eat out, watch a film, work out, visit the dentist, park your car and stay over for your weekend in Halifax. Broad Street Plaza is conveniently located off the A58 near the heart of Halifax town centre by Halifax Town Hall. Broad Street Plaza Halifax 24 hr parking: North Parade, Halifax HX1 1YQ
What is at Broad Street Plaza for your weekend in Halifax?
Here’s a list of attractions at Broad Street Plaza:
- Vue Cinema Halifax – 11-screen Multiplex
- Weatherspoons – Percy Shaw Pub Halifax
- Premier Inn Halifax Town Centre – 100 Room Hotel
- Beefeater Restaurant Halifax
- Nando’s Halifax
- Los Pampas Halifax
- Friday’s Halifax
- NHS Calderdale
- PureGym Halifax open 24 Hours
- Broad Street Plaza Multistorey 24/7 Car Park Northgate, Halifax HX1 1YA
Weekend in Halifax: Visit Halifax Borough Market
Visitors from all over the world come to experience this Yorkshire market and see the stunning Victorian building and wander through its maze of stalls, including five butchers and three traditional fishmongers. Please note that Halifax Borough market is closed on Sundays, so if you’re in Halifax for the weekend, go Saturday!
The Halifax Borough Market was first opened in 1896 and has been the beating heart of the town ever since. The market’s central clock, wrought-iron decoration with rich green and orange atrium paintwork – similar to the local bus colours – make Halifax Borough Market a joy to potter around.
Grade II-listed Halifax Borough Market has been used in several TV productions, including Last Tango in Halifax and Ackley Bridge.
Weekend in Halifax: Halifax Farmers Market
Halifax Farmers Market is held on the third Saturday of the month on the precinct on Corn Market outside the Victorian Halifax Borough Market and near Halifax Town Hall. Try this wonderful market for some relaxed inspirational shopping for genuine and great value artisan goods and produce.
Weekend in Halifax: Visit Halifax Minster
Halifax Minster is the spiritual home and burial place of Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack) and Halifax Minster is also the spiritual home of the Duke of Wellington Regiment, which is now the 3rd battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment.
At Halifax Minster, you can visit the Duke of Wellington Regiment Chapel and see their colours from the Battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War and right up to their last campaign, Iraq.
TYPICAL HALIFAX MINSTER CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME
Halifax Minster Advent Carol Service Sunday in November 6:30pm
A Candle-lit service of hymns, readings, and carols for Advent. Music is performed by the Minster Choirs accompanied by the Minster organ. Due to the darkness, it is not a child-friendly service.
HALIFAX MINSTER CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL December
Halifax Minster is filled with the wonderful scent and inspiring sight of over 30 Christmas trees for this annual event and is a magical experience!
The Halifax Minister Christmas trees have been sponsored and decorated by different families and organisations from across the town, for everyone’s enjoyment. Halifax Minster is an important gathering space for people of all faiths and those of none, a warm welcome is offered to everyone!
Halifax Christmas Tree Festival is opening times:
10:00am – 4:00pm (Friday, Saturday & Monday) 12noon – 4:00pm (Sunday)
Adults £2.00 Children are free
Refreshments are available and the Halifax Minster shop will be open.
Carols at All Souls Haley Hill Early December Sunday
Enjoy the best acoustics in Halifax in Sir Gilbert Scott’s finest Church! However, wrap up warmly because there is no heating and take a torch because it is candle-lit only! Readings, Carols for choirs and congregation.
Halifax Minster Public Sector and Community Carol Service Mid December
A short service with congregational carols, led by Calderdale Council Choir followed by seasonal refreshments.
Halifax Minster Christmas Carol Service Sunday Mid December December 8:00pm
This candle-lit service tells the story of Jesus’ birth through readings and carols. Music is performed by the Minster choirs, organ and brass. Traditional carols are sung by everyone. Arrive early to get a good seat! Please note the later time of this service than usual to avoid any potential conflict with the Football World Cup final on this day.
Halifax Minster Christingle Christmas Experience 24th December, Christmas Eve 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Walk through the Minster and get the real Christmas experience with Elland Silver Youth Band, the Minster Choir, donkeys and sheep to experience the ancient Christmas story. This is a repeat of the successful event of 2021 and is ticketed by donation to the Children’s Society on the Minster website via Eventbrite. Adults £3 Children under 16 are free.
Halifax Minster Midnight Mass Saturday 24th December, Christmas Eve 11:30pm
A traditional sung service of Holy Communion for Christmas. If you want to lie in bed on Christmas morning or are otherwise occupied, then this is the Christmas service for you!
Halifax Minster Christmas Day Sunday 25th December 10:30am
Family Eucharist with carols led by the Choristers of the Minster Choir.
Weekend in Halifax: Visit Harveys Department Store
Harvey’s is 100% family-owned and run. The departments include men’s and ladies’ fashions, accessories, toys, books cosmetics and perfumery, lingerie, household linens, cookshop and gifts and their cafe- restaurant, Upstairs at Harveys.
Harveys Department Store is a focal point in Halifax and definitely worth visiting for a browse when in the area. Please note Harvey’s department store is closed on Sundays (however note that Harveys of Halifax is open Sundays until 4:00 pm in December running up to Christmas) but Harveys Gift Store located in nearby Halifax Piece Hall is open all weekend all year.
Weekend in Halifax: Halifax Town Hall
Why visit Halifax Town Hall? It’s a beautiful and impressive building designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament and Highclere Castle the setting of Downton Abbey as seen in the TV and films – Halifax Town Hall never fails to impress visitors from far and wide.
Organised Halifax Town Hall Tours cost £5, are bookable through Eventbright and are led by Calderdale Council staff, who have worked in the building for many years. Free guided tours of Halifax Town Hall can be arranged by contacting the Mayor’s office
Weekend in Halifax: Halifax Borough Market
Visitors from all over the world come to Yorkshire to experience Halifax Borough market to see the vast, stunning Victorian building and wander through its maze of stalls, including five butchers and three traditional fishmongers. Halifax Borough Market has a magnificent 5,850 m² Victorian glass and wrought iron canopy.
There are bookable guided tours of Halifax Borough Market available that take in the history of Halifax Borough Market, introduces you to traders and enables you to visit the unique ‘Street in The Sky’ – a full street of terrace houses and an old Victorian hotel, all above the high roof of the market. Please note Halifax Borough Market is closed on Sundays.
Weekend in Halifax: Visit Dean Clough
What is at Dean Clough? Dean Clough is a 500-metre walk from Halifax Town Hall, it is a Grade II listed Victorian mill complex destination with restaurants, bars, arts and theatre venues set within a unique historical venue. Dean Clough is also home to over 150 businesses, a Travelodge hotel and a gym. Free parking is available in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays. See our comprehensive article on Dean Clough here.
Travelodge Dean Clough
The Travelodge hotel in F Mill Annexe has 52 bedrooms and is a convenient place to stay, whatever your reason for visiting Dean Clough – for business or pleasure, as all amenities are on your doorstep.
Check out Next Level at Dean Clough E mill, the free-to-play retro arcade gaming bar and restaurant serving cocktails and American-style food. They also have a great outdoor heated pergola area.
Stod Fold Brewery Tap
Stod Fold at Dean Clough D mill serves craft beer, bespoke cocktails and food. Stod Fold also hosts comedy nights and Sunday afternoon music sessions. They also have a private booking area. Stod Fold is closed on Mondays.
On the first floor of Dean Clough’s D Mill by Stod Fold, you can see the enormous 1 million-piece Lego 1:40 scale model of Dean Clough, a delight for all ages.
See our comprehensive article about what to do at Dean Clough here.
Covéa Insurance Halifax
Covéa Insurance Plc, one of the 150 businesses located at Dean Clough Halifax, is the UK underwriting business of insurance group Covéa which generates 17 billion Euros in premiums per year. Covéa visitors and staff appreciate the amenities and facilities of Dean Clough and the close proximity of Halifax town centre with its magnificent Piece Hall.
Weekend in Halifax: Acapulco Night Club
Acapulco Night Club, known locally as The Acca is the oldest nightclub with the same continuous name in the UK, first opening its doors in 1961. Since then it has been open every week without fail, apart from covid restrictions. Open for over 60 years, millions of visitors have enjoyed a night out at the Acapulco in Halifax.
The Acca in Halifax is famous for its 75p drinks before 11 pm, crazy-themed dressing-up nights, and numerous personal appearances from countless celebrities such as Steve McFadden, Michaela Strachan Philip Middlemiss, Captain Steve Warren, Mat Stevenson, Lous Emerick Katie Price solo, Katie Price with her son Harvey, Stephen Bear, Joey Essex, Marnie Simpson, Jorgie Porter, Keiron Richardson plus many people from Love Island and Big Brother reality TV Shows.
Don’t expect sophistication – The Acca’s walls are almost entirely covered with mirrors so it’s impossible to avoid your drunken alter ego. T-shirts have been seen with “I’m an Acca slapper”, “good girls go to heaven, bad girls go to Acca” and “Frankie goes to Acca”
And there’s the famous Acapulco carpet…for £5 you can own an A4-sized piece of the old sticky Acca carpet or you can take home a framed and engraved piece of the Acca carpet for £50. You can even order a piece of Acca carpet from a specific place in the club such as the exact spot where you met your partner. One buyer had scattered their grandmother’s ashes in the club. Proceeds go to the local Street Angel charity.
Acapulco nightclub dress code
- No Sports Tops
- No Track Suits
- No Caps
- No Tops with Sports Logos
The Acca does allow Trainers, Converse and Vans as footwear.
Fancy Dress is always welcome at the Acca and every entry decision is made on an individual case-by-case basis.
All coats and jackets are required to be left in their cloakroom
Weekend in Halifax: Halifax Pubs and Bars
There’s a wide selection of pubs and bars catering for all tastes in Halifax town centre ranging from the traditional Union Cross pub dating from 1535 to the 2022 addition of The HourGlass bar at the Westgate Arcade near the Piece Hall.
Salt Jute Session IPA 4.2% Craft Beer at the HourGlass Bar Halifax
The Hourglass Bar Westgate entrance and its outside area. The premises was previously the ‘b hair’ hairdressers’ salon for many years.
You’ll find The Hourglass Bar down from K Ø B E N H A V N and up from La Luna in Westgate Arcade Halifax, near the Piece Hall Westgate entrance.
The other entrance to The Hour Glass Bar is on Albion Street opposite Halifax Borough Market and Fish Market shops
For ideas for other Halifax town centre pubs to visit, see our article Halifax Pubs 6 of the Best
Weekend in Halifax Town Centre Summary
There is so much to do in Halifax town centre for all ages and tastes from the interactive Eureka for families with young children, to the 1779 Piece Hall with its amazing Italian piazza, history and 21st-century facilities and gigs; the 1,518 seated capacity Victoria Theatre; the Vue Cinema and other attractions on the modern Broad Street Plaza; pubs and bars galore; Dean Clough and of course, the famous Accapuco nightclub.
Within a mile of Halifax town centre are the other major Calderdale attractions of Gentleman Jack’s Shibden Hall that Anne Lister owned, Shibden Park with its miniature train, boating lake, playground and Mereside Cafe; and the Bankfield Museum with its impressive Gentleman Jack fashion, local history and Duke of Wellington Regiment displays.
Where to Stay or Eat and Drink in Shibden with Anne Lister Connections
Whether you are just looking for a quick drink or coffee, a leisurely lunch or quality dinner, or want to stay over in a countryside boutique room or the Anne Lister suite, take a look at our article on the Shibden Mill Inn here. The Shibden Mill Inn has been in the ownership of both the Lister family and the Walker family and is less than a 3-mile journey by car or taxi from Halifax Town centre.
Attractions in Halifax to Consider for Your Visit
If you’re looking to extend your adventure, there are several attractions in Halifax and the surrounding Calderdale area that are worth exploring. You can wander through the charming streets of Halifax admiring the many examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture and enjoying the many local amenities and shops
Or consider taking a trip out to the nearby countryside as Calderdale’s dramatic valleys, historical landmarks and cobbled towns and villages are proving to be in very high demand by film and television producers making some of the most popular dramas – Calderdale, the Hollywood of the North.
Shibden Hall – the Home of Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack)
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Weekend in Halifax Town Centre
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