places to visit in halifax uk

11 Best Things to Do in Halifax, England

Halifax, located in the metropolitan borough of Calderdale in Yorkshire (the UK), is a beautiful town well-known for being England’s woollen manufacturer from the 15th century, and the centre was originally what the Halifax Piece Hall is now.

I didn’t know about Halifax until I’d heard from a friend, and the only thing I knew about Halifax was Halifax Bank. So I decided to look for things to do in Halifax, Yorkshire, and I found lovely places to visit and a good variety of indoor and outdoor activities to do.

As you walk around Halifax, you’ll see beautiful iconic buildings – from the Piece Hall to Halifax Minster – and museums. 

If you’re looking for a complete day trip in Yorkshire, you definitely need to visit Halifax. So keep reading to discover all the things to do in Halifax town centre and its surroundings.

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Table of Contents

11 Incredible Things to do in Halifax, England

1. go to the piece hall.

The Piece Hall is a beautiful impressive Grade I listed building and one of the most visited places in Halifax. 

It used to be the main centre of the textile trade in England, but now you can wander around and discover small independent shops where you can get unique gifts or eat in mouthwatering cafes and restaurants.

Apart from great shopping and eating experiences, its Georgian architecture won’t disappoint you at all. 

I thought it was smaller, but when I was there, I was very impressed by how big it is and how many shops there are inside. I loved going through the two floors to stop by unique shops and getting an amazing view of the hall with the mountains as a background.

Before you visit The Piece Hall, I highly recommend you go to their website and check events as they have many great events (music concerts, street theatre and much more) going on throughout the year. 

One of the best events is Christmas at The Piece Hall! You’ll absolutely love the Christmas spirit and atmosphere.

Next to The Piece Hall, you can also find the Calderdale Industrial Museum, a museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the Halifax and Calderdale area.

📍 Location : Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE

2. Check out Halifax Town Hall

Halifax Town Hall is another grade II listed building in the town. Its classical sandstone architecture complements well with other iconic buildings in Halifax.

The tower and spire are definitely the two features that stand out, and you can see them from other points of the city. 

Although I didn’t have the chance to go inside Halifax Town Hall, I’ve heard and read that it’s amazing inside.

📍 Location : Halifax Town Hall, Halifax HX1 1ZS

3. Visit Halifax Minster

Halifax Minster is known as one of the three West Yorkshire minsters, which include Dewsbury and Leeds. 

When you see the minster, you’ll have the feeling that it’s quite old because of its structure and Gothic design, and it really does date back to 1438. Over the next couple of years, the building was reformed.

However, it was only the town’s parish church until 2009, when it was recognised as a Minster. 

As you walk around the Minster, you’ll see gravestones dating back hundreds of years!

📍 Location : Causeway, Halifax HX1 1QL

4. Enjoy the views from Wainhouse Tower

If you’re after a view of the town, you must visit Wainhouse Tower. The tower is situated on the outskirts of Halifax, but only 35 minutes walk from the town centre.

Apparently, the tower was built with no purpose, but now you can actually go inside and climb the spiral staircase with 403 steps!

📍 Location : Wainhouse Tower, 9 Wakefield Gate, King Cross, Halifax. HX3 0HB

5. Go to Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Halifax does not only offer activities for adults but for children too. Eureka is an interactive and educational museum for children aged 0 to 11.

The museum is the ideal day out for kids with six different zones to explore and learn about humans and the world.

📍 Location : Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Rd, Halifax HX1 2NE

6. Discover the Bankfield Museum

Bankfield Museum is located in the beautiful Akroyd Park, only fifteen minutes walk from Halifax Town Hall. 

It’s your sort of museum if you love uncovering the local history and the stories of the Halifax and Calderdale people. The museum has plenty of displays that cover local history and culture, customs, jewellery and textiles not only from the United Kingdom but from around the world.

On top of this, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions where you can learn more about textile art, painting and photography.

Interestingly, this museum used to be a Victorian mansion.

*Free entry

Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

📍 Location : Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Boothtown Rd, Halifax HX3 6HG

7. Go for a walk to Shibden Park

Doubtless, this is one of the best parks I have visited in West Yorkshire. The park has plenty of things to do – a miniature railway, a boating lake, walking trails, playground areas, a cafe, and last but not least, Shibden Hall.

It’s the perfect place to relax or go for a walk on a sunny day. I went on an autumn day, and luckily the weather was really good. Although it was a bit busy, I definitely enjoyed walking around the woods and the lake (actually, I wish I had time to go on a boat!)

If you don’t have a car, like me, you need to know that the park is on the outskirts of Halifax. I had a look on Google Maps and thought that it was pretty close to the train station and it was accessible.

However, I had to walk carefully on the narrow shoulder of a busy road for 10 minutes or so. It isn’t impossible to access, but it isn’t the best route.

📍 Location : Godley Ln, Halifax HX3 6XG

8. Visit the Shibden Hall Museum

Shibden Hall is another incredible Grade II listed historic building that is situated in the picturesque Shibden Park.

Surprisingly, the building has been restored a couple of times. However, the Tudor half-timbered frontage remains untouched as its most important feature.

The building is also known for being the residence of notable people like Anne Lister, an English diarist from Halifax.

I found Shibden Hall and its gardens beautiful. I particularly liked getting a view of the park from the balcony. However, I didn’t go inside the museum as the entry fee is 8 pounds, and the museum seems to be quite small.

But if you’re interested in learning more about the lives of the people who lived and worked there, it’ll be worth spending those pounds.

📍 Location : Lister’s Rd, Halifax HX3 6XG

9. Explore People’s Park

Next to Calderdale College, it’s People’s Park, a beautiful park designed by Joseph Paxton.

The park was restored and improved in 1995, and it’s become a great place to relax and contemplate beautiful sculpture and architecture too. The park includes features such as a bandstand, serpentine pools, statues, cast-iron bridges and much more.

📍 Location : People’s Park, Park Rd, Hopwood Ln, Halifax HX1 2TS

10. Discover Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience

Manor Heath Park is definitely a must-see. It’s an incredible park that has a Green Flag Award, and there’s no doubt why. The park has a variety of activities and attractions that make it a great place for a day out.

Some of the most popular attractions are The Jungle Experience, Walled Demonstration Garden and Flutter Bites Cafe.

Inside The Jungle Experience, you’ll find a huge range of plants (including exotic ones!), butterflies and other small animals. As you walk in, you’ll feel the heat as the minimum indoor temperature inside the glasshouse is 21 degrees.

The Walled demonstration garden is a garden that used to be used to grow fruit and vegetables. Today, the garden is a place where you can learn different gardening techniques. 

Last but not least, Flutter Bites is the ideal place to grab a takeaway Yorkshire tea or coffee or enjoy lunch in their outdoor seating area. 

📍 Location : Manor Heath Rd, Halifax HX3 0EB

11. Go for a hike at Ogden Water Country Park

Whether you love escaping the crowded city life or relaxing in nature, you’ll love Ogden Water Country Park. 

This park is only 10 minutes drive from Halifax city centre, but it’s worth visiting. Its scenic nature reserve and beautiful lakeside views make it a great day out. 

Ogden Water is ideal for picnics, walks and other nature activities. However, there are many other outdoor activities you can do.

📍 Location : Ogden Ln, Halifax HX2 8XZ

Where to eat in Halifax

If you’re looking for where to eat and drink in Halifax, I highly recommend going to Ricci’s Place . I loved the atmosphere and decoration inside – modern and distinctive.

They offer a great menu with plenty of options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. They also have vegetarian dishes, and some meals can be adapted for anyone who follows a gluten-free diet.

I went to Ricci’s for brunch and had delicious egg benedicts. The poached eggs and the hollandaise sauce were perfect.

Although I haven’t had dinner at Ricci’s, I’ve heard they offer amazing Italian dishes such as seafood linguine and aubergine parmigiana.

Day trips from Halifax

There are plenty of small and pretty villages around Halifax you can easily visit. Hebden Bridge is one of Halifax’s best trips, as it has been named “the greatest town in Europe”. Its welcoming atmosphere and quirkiness make it unique. 

However, there are endless small cute places to visit in Yorkshire. Some of my favourites and hidden gems are Haworth (home of the famous Brontë sisters) and Knaresborough (a beautiful market town with magical places like Mother Shipton’s Cave).

If you prefer bigger towns or cities, you must check out Leeds , York and Manchester, where you’ll find many more attractions and things to do.

So, Is Halifax Yorkshire worth visiting?

 My straight answer is yes , as you have read above there are many things you can do in a day in this pretty town.

I hope that I have convinced you to visit Halifax! The town won’t disappoint you as it’s full of culture and heritage that you can see in its buildings and museums.

On top of this, Halifax has beautiful green walks that are perfect for hikers and cyclists.

If you have any questions about things to do in Halifax or any other trips around Yorkshire, reach me at cristina[at]mylittleworldoftravelling.com or on Instagram.

Safe adventures! 

Cristina xx

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Helpful resources to plan your trip to Halifax

• Flying to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)? Have a look at the best flight fares with  Skyscanner .
• Check out train and bus fares with  Omio .
• Book your hotel in Halifax with  Booking.com
• Discover the most traditional British foods you can try in Halifax in  this guide .
• Get travel insurance  for your trip. This is a must for any trip!

Other beautiful towns in Yorkshire you need to check out

• Fantastic things to do in Knaresborough
• Great things to do in Harrogate
• Things to do in Saltaire

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Travel Writer

Hola, I’m Cristina, the founder and writer of My Little World of Travelling. I was born and raised in Malaga (Costa del Sol), and I’m passionate about showing you my hometown and other beautiful Andalusian destinations. I help other travellers plan their trips to Spain by providing local advice and unique insights.

22 Comments

Halifax looks like the perfect town to spend the day exploring. I would especially love to see inside Halifax Minster. It looks gorgeous!

Absolutely! I hope you visit Halifax one day 🙂

Halifax sounds lovely! The Piece Hall looks huge, and I’d love to explore that Town Hall. Always something to see, even in smaller towns/cities.

It is indeed 🙂 I hope you can visit it one day.

What a lovely town! I’d love visit the Bankfield Museum and then take a walk in Shibden Park 🙂 This is a very helpful guide!

Thank you so much, Jiayi! 🙂

I’ve never been to Halifax but it’d be awesome to get to go there someday! I’d love to check out the parks!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy visiting this lovely town 🙂

You had me at bottomless brunch and sourdough hand stretched pizza!! The sights sound awesome too, but I am a total foodie at heart and love hearing about good eats haha!

You definitely need to visit Alibi! 🙂 You will love the food and atmosphere.

I didn’t know much about it either, so I loved reading this guide from you! Definitely adding it to my never ending UK list. Great post, Cristina!

I’m happy to hear you’ve discovered a new place in the UK 🙂

Lovely pictures. I have only heard of Halifax in Canada but it sounds like I’ll need to check out the Halifax in UK!

Thank you, Lisa 🙂

I love the water country park! What a great place!

I agree it’s a lovely place.

Halifax looks like a lovely place to visit – I’m adding it to my bucket list!

I’m glad to hear that!

Looks like such a lovely place to visit! Despite having been living in the UK for over seven years, I actually haven’t visited Halifax yet! I should definitely change that – especially since I probably won’t be going abroad this year, I’m very excited to see more of the UK 🙂

It is a lovely town 🙂 As you said, it would be a good place to visit as we’re travelling more local than before.

This is an awesome guide to Halifax! I don’t live too far away but haven’t really explored it fully. I do love The Piece Hall and Shibden Hall though, they’re both beautiful places! I really want to climb Wainhouse Tower too! I’ll definitely check out your other suggestions. Thanks for the great guide!

Thank you, Hannah! I am glad you like the guide. It’s also great to know you have discovered some new places in Halifax in this blog post 🙂

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Halifax, England

mirrormere / Getty Images

Halifax, a city in West Yorkshire, is an under-the-radar destination for visitors to England. Located in the borough of Calderdale, between Manchester and Leeds, Halifax is a former historic market town, and many of its buildings date back hundreds of years. From the Halifax Minster to The Piece Hall, visitors can explore that history in addition to more modern attractions, like the popular Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. The city is a good destination on its own, but it also can be included as part of a larger exploration of West Yorkshire, which boasts destinations such as the Peak District. Here are 10 of the best things to do when visiting Halifax.

Explore The Piece Hall

The Piece Hall, an impressive Grade I listed building, is one of the most iconic destinations in Halifax. A former 18th-century cloth hall used in the textile trade, The Piece Hall is a sprawling site and a great example of Georgian architecture. Today it welcomes visitors throughout the week, and holds regular events and performances during the annual calendar. Look for the yearly Christmas market, which takes place in the square, and their summer concert series, which include popular British musicians and bands. All areas of the hall are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Climb Wainhouse Tower

Standing at 275 feet, Wainhouse Tower is the tallest structure in the area of Calderdale. It was built between 1871 and 1875, and originally commissioned by John Edward Wainhouse as a chimney for the local dye works. (However, the tower was never used as a chimney, and is considered "folly" today.) Visitors can ascend 403 steps to the top for amazing views of the surrounding landscape. It's open most days, but check online ahead of your visit for any closures. It's a good attraction for older kids and teens, but be sure everyone in your party will be able to make the climb before heading up.

Tour Shibden Hall & Estate

Keith's Captures / Getty Images

Shibden Hall, a Grade II listed historic house, sits in a beautiful public park near Halifax and is the perfect destination for those interested in history. It was once the home of 19th-century diarist Anne Lister—but the house itself dates back to 1420, so you can see all sorts of styles in its rooms. While you're there, explore Shibden Park and its massive grounds, including the picturesque Cunnery Wood. There is also a shop and café at the hall. Book your tickets in advance online; family tickets are available for those in a group.

Stroll Through People’s Park

Located in the heart of Halifax, People's Park was created back in 1857 and given to the town by Sir Francis Crossley. It extends for 12.5 acres, which gives visitors lots of opportunities to explore its beautiful green stretches, which feature gardens, sculptures, a playground, and bandstand. It's a nice spot for a quick stroll, or to spend an afternoon on a sunny day. Numerous events take place throughout the park during the year.

Shop at Borough Market

Courtesy of Borough Market

This Victorian covered market, which shares a name with the famous Borough Market in London, is open Monday through Saturday (with the exception of bank holidays). It features numerous permanent stalls, where vendors sell the likes of baked goods, fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, vintage clothes, vinyl and books, and furniture. On specific dates, you can join a guided tour of the market to learn more about its history and experience its "Street in The Sky," which is located above the market's roof.

Hike Ogden Water Country Park & Nature Reserve

Just north of Halifax you'll find the Ogden Water Country Park & Nature Reserve, a peaceful spot to enjoy the nature of West Yorkshire. It's ideal for those who want to take a hike through the open fields and wooded areas, or for families looking to picnic near a scenic pond. There is a Visitor's Centre with snacks and coffee, as well as duck food to entice the local wildlife. Note that fishing and cycling are not allowed. The park is best accessed by car, although there are hourly buses available from central Halifax for those who prefer not to drive.

Visit Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Courtesy of Eureka! The National Children's Museum

One of Halifax's most notable attractions is Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, a vibrant attraction tailored to kids 11 and under. The museum features both temporary and permanent exhibits, as well as a family-friendly café in case you get hungry. They offer a calendar of ongoing events for visitors, so check the website for current happenings. Book your tickets in advance online as well; because the museum can be crowded with school groups during the week, plan for a weekend morning or summertime visit.

Dine at Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant

Courtesy of Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant 

No trip to England is complete without an excursion to a historic country house hotel. Halifax boasts the Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant, a charming luxury property that's perfect for a weekend stay. If you have less time, consider booking lunch or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, which also serves a chic afternoon tea. The restaurant has three connected dining rooms filled with historic touches and beautiful wood paneling, so you'll feel like you've gone back in time. There is a children's menu for those with kids, and those cruising without the family will want to pay a visit to the Long Bar after their meal.

Visit the Jungle Experience at Manor Heath Park

Manor Heath Park is beautiful in its own right, but the Jungle Experience promises an unexpected adventure and is where you'll want to spend your time. Comprised of converted glasshouses, the Experience showcases botanical gardens and habitats for a variety of plants, butterflies, and animals. It's amazing for kids of all ages—especially the Butterfly World sections—but adults will get a kick out of the Carnivorous Plants area as well. The Experience gets quite humid and warm in the glasshouses, so dress accordingly. It costs only 1 pound to enter.

Tour the Halifax Minster

The Halifax Minster, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, dates all the way back to the 12th century, though most of the impressive building was finished in 1438. The church holds regular services, but visitors can also come to learn about its history. To hear the Minster's famous bells, visit the church on Friday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. when the bell ringers practice, or attend the 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist on Sunday mornings. For those who prefer a more casual visit, the Minster is open to the public from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year, with no tickets required. There are several guided tours available, which can be booked by email or phone.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Halifax (Yorkshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Halifax (Yorkshire, England)

The centre of England’s Victorian woollen trade, Halifax has a weaving history that goes back to the 1400s.

This industry went into overdrive in the 18th and 19th century, bestowing Halifax with some eye-catching monuments, from the princely Piece Hall to the many striking industrial relics still standing.

One sight not on this list is the mammoth Dean Clough, once the largest carpet factory in the world at 800 metres long and now a hotel and business park.

In Halifax you’ll get to know some fascinating historical characters like Anne Lister, the first modern woman to identify as a lesbian, and the Crossleys, a powerful carpet manufacturing family whose impact on the town is tangible more than a century later.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Halifax :

1. Piece Hall

There’s never been a better time to see the Piece Hall, as this Georgian wonder in the centre of town has just completed a £19m restoration project.

Built with arcades and two floors of galleries around a gigantic central courtyard, Piece Hall dates from 1779 and was a place for handloom weavers to sell their cloth.

It is the only surviving intact cloth hall and the UK’s finest monument to its old woollen trade.

Since the restoration the courtyard has become a sociable piazza, fringed by shops, restaurants, bars and town amenities.

There’s also a new heritage centre, painting a picture of Georgian life in Halifax and an art gallery for temporary shows.

And, as in the past, the courtyard is a magnificent space for outdoor gatherings, performances, fairs, conventions and more, throughout the year.

2. Shibden Hall

On Halifax’s northeast side is a 15th-century historic house in a spacious public park.

Shibden Hall’s oldest architecture dates from around 1420, but the families that have lived here over the last 600 years have all added something to the property.

You can spot the coats of arms of three early families carved into the stone of the splendid 20-light mullioned window.

The most famous resident was the 19th-century diarist Anne Lister, who chronicled her life in rich detail, including relationships, and has become known as the “first modern lesbian”. At the time of writing in 2018 a BBC series was being made about her life.

The barn next door dates from the 1600s and showcases the traditional Calderdale trades, with a blacksmith, copper brazier and wheelwright.

You can also size up a historic carriage collection and enter an old-time inn and brewhouse.

3. Shibden Park

This picturesque, rambling landscape in the Shibden Valley harks back to the time of Anne Lister in the early 19th century.

Since 1850, the flowerbeds on the terrace fronting the house have been designed like the pattern on a Paisley Shawl.

The hall’s terrace walls have tunnels through them, and these lead to the estate’s old kitchen garden at Cunnery Wood.

The old orchard has been replanted to reflect the variety of tree species growing here at the turn of the 19th century.

You can go for a trip on a rowing boat over the Mere, which was drawn up to look like a river coursing through the valley.

On top of this, kids can take a ride on the miniature train and explore the play area, while families can play a round of pitch & putt.

There’s also a busy programme of craft fairs, workshops, storytelling and live music on the estate all summer long.

4. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Geared towards children up to the age of 11, Eureka! is a hands-on museum with more than 400 interactive exhibits in six different zones.

Set on what used to be British Rail land next to Halifax Station, the attraction was founded in 1992 and is inspired by children’s science museums in the USA. Kids are introduced to concepts like music, sound, employment, weather and even economics in fun and engaging ways.

In the last five years two new galleries have been added: All About Me, dealing with the human body and health, and the Spark Gallery, which hosts short-term exhibitions.

Outside is The Beach, a huge sandpit, and The Wonder Walk, a sensory trail.

5. Halifax Minster

The town’s parish church was upgraded to a minster in 2009 to recognise its importance to civic and religious life in the town down the years.

The Halifax Minster as we see it is Perpendicular Gothic, but signs of the earlier buildings can be found in the porch’s 12th-century ledger stones and chevron stones.

The north wall of the nave is thought to be Norman, and has windows in the Early English style from the turn of the 13th century.

One fixture you can’t miss is the exuberant Gothic font cover, crafted to stop people stealing the font’s water.

The 15th-century sedilia in the sanctuary has three 15th-century misericords, and there are six more in the chancel’s return stalls.

Also see the 17th-century altar rails, two royal coats of arms of Queen Anne from the early 18th century and the glorious panels in the ceiling, first painted at the turn of the 18th century.

6. Wainhouse Tower

At 84 metres the Wainhouse Tower is the tallest folly in the world.

This octagonal monument towers over the Calder Valley to the west of Savile Park.

It was intended as a chimney for a dye works, and owes its height to the Smoke Abatement Act of 1870, which required chimneys to be tall enough to stop smoke filling the valleys below.

The chimney was completed in 1875, but the mill was never built, and so it was turned into an observation tower and fitted with two elaborate Neoclassical platforms beneath a corona dome.

There are 403 steps up a tight spiral stairway to the viewing gallery at the top, which is open on bank holidays.

If you’re eager to make the climb outside opening hours you can arrange a private visit with the council.

7. Manor Heath Park

A mile to the south of the town centre is Manor Heath Park, an annual Green Flag winner on the grounds of a former manor house.

In the 19th century this was the home of carpet manufacturer John Crossley, and was visited by royalty like the future Edward VII in 1863 and George V in 1912. After the estate was given to Halifax in 1929 the house fell into disrepair and was later demolished.

The site of that building is now a formal sunken garden, while the estate’s walled garden has become a demonstration garden growing chrysanthemums and dahlias in summer.

There’s a water play area in summer, an outdoor gym and the Flutter Bites cafe, which has a relaxing covered patio.

8. Manor Heath Jungle Experience

For just £1 you can head inside Manor Heath Park’s greenhouses, which have been turned into a tropical attraction.

Growing in this humid environment are banana plants, orchids, tropical water lilies, birds of paradise and many more exotic plants that you can admire from raised wooden walkways.

These will lift you over terrapin ponds, past the carnivorous plants of the Savage Garden and carry you through the Time Zone, which has a chronology of 400 million years of history, showing how plants and animals evolved from primitive organisms to dinosaurs.

The Butterfly Garden has a host species flying freely around you and collecting nectar from tropical plants.

9. Bankfield Museum

The museum for Halifax and Calderdale is in a regal former mansion, mostly developed by the mill-owner and MP Edward Akroyd in the 19th century.

He donated the building and its parkland to the town when he retired in 1887 and it has been a superb free attraction ever since.

The Bankfield Museum’s collections are large and very diverse, from the military equipment of Halifax’s Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, to toys, Egyptian antiquities, sculpture, Japanese armour, painting, jewellery and local ephemera.

Textiles are of course prominent in the displays, and you can pore over large assortments of embroidery, quilting, costume, textile art and fabrics from around the world.

10. Calderdale Industrial Museum

As of 2018 this first-rate museum in a 19th-century weaving mill is run completely by volunteers and only opens on Saturdays.

It’s an impressive resource that deserves a bigger audience, not least because some of the machines inside are the last surviving examples of their kind.

Lurking in the basement is “Sadie” a large oil engine, and the source of power for some of the museum’s drills, planes and lathes.

This is accompanied by exhibitions about the different industries in Calderdale, like textiles, coal mining, quarrying and clay extraction.

Above, on the ground floor is the Power Gallery, recalling the evolution of power generation, from waterwheels to steam and electricity.

On the first floor you can inspect the types of textiles manufactured in Calderdale from the mid-19th century, including brands that gained national renown, like Crossley’s Carpets.

11. Halifax Town Hall

The theatrical town hall was built with 24,000 tons of local Ringby sandstone in the early 1860s and is topped with a 55-metre tower.

The main architect was Charles Barry, most famous for the Houses of Parliament in London.

Charles passed away in 1860 before work was started, and his son Edward Middleton Barry completed the design.

Standing on Crossley Street at the foot of the tower, you can make out the figurative sculptures by long-term Barry collaborator John Thomas (known for his sculptures of every English monarch at the Houses of Parliament). These evoke Asia, Europe, North America and Africa.

The town hall can normally only be seen from the outside, but it does open on heritage open days, when you’ll get to see the stunning Entrance Hall, Council Chamber and Victoria Hall, all illuminated by magnificent stained glass.

12. People’s Park

A gift to the people of Halifax from the carpet manufacturer Sir Francis Crossley in 1857, the People’s Park is an opulent 12.5-acre open space in the middle of a conservation area.

After a trip to New England Crossley was inspired to build a park where people could take refreshing walks amid art and nature after hard days at work.

The result is an Italianate formal park, with a balustraded terrace, urns and statues of Greek mythological figures like Diana, Hercules and Telemachus, as well as Sophocles.

At the centre of the terrace is the regal Crossley Pavilion, while below, surrounded by lawns, you’ll find the dainty copper-roofed bandstand.

13. Borough Market

Halifax’s Borough Market is a late-Victorian wonder, unveiled by the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1896. The building is Grade II* listed, with bold Eclectic facades and a wrought iron and glass canopy.

With its splendid central clock, vaulting ceilings, original Victorian shopfronts and painted iron framework the building would be a must-see on its own.

But it also hosts an award-winning covered market, open Monday to Saturday, 09:00-17:00. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation you could get all your grocery shopping done in this quaint period setting, browsing stalls for fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, pastries, charcuterie, relishes, olives and lots more.

You can also get hold of sweet treats like toffee and fudge, and hot options like pies, Thai street food and crêpes.

14. Halifax Gibbet

If you have a taste for the macabre, you’ll be keen to see the Halifax Gibbet off the namesake street near the town centre.

Dozens of people were put to death at this very place, by an ancestor of the decapitation machine that stands here now.

The Halifax Gibbet, introduced around the start of the 16th century, was a forerunner of the guillotine, with a blade held in place by a wooden frame.

This would be released from above by removing a pin or cutting a rope.

The Gibbet’s stone platform was rediscovered in 1840, almost 200 years after the last execution.

The (non-functioning) replica was built in 1970, and a plaque records the names of 52 people known to have been executed at this spot.

15. Ogden Water Country Park

Some 150 acres of coniferous and broadleaf woodland around a reservoir, Ogden Water Country Park is an appealing patch of the Calderdale countryside.

Ogden Water won a poll of Yorkshire’s favourite reservoirs in 2018 and is an easy day out at only four miles north of Halifax.

There are waterside trails in the shade of the woodland, and romantic picnic spots with dreamy views.

The visitor centre is open daily, from 10:30 to 15:15. As well as tea, coffee and sweet snacks like gingerbread you can buy special feed for the reservoir’s waterfowl.

15 Best Things to Do in Halifax (Yorkshire, England):

• Shibden Hall
• Shibden Park
• Eureka! The National Children's Museum
• Halifax Minster
• Wainhouse Tower
• Manor Heath Park
• Manor Heath Jungle Experience
• Bankfield Museum
• Calderdale Industrial Museum
• Halifax Town Hall
• People's Park
• Borough Market
• Halifax Gibbet
• Ogden Water Country Park

• Accessibility

Halifax is Calderdale's largest town, with stunning Victorian architecture and a strong industrial heritage. It is home to the unique Piece Hall, Eureka! The National Children's Museum, and the Halifax Minster. You will also find markets, independent and high street shops, theatres and many great places to eat and drink.

Top things to see & do

Shibden Hall & Estate

Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and offers visitors a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked here, including the noted diarist Anne Lister (1791 - 1840).

Pride & Provenance

Enjoy tea & coffees, wine, cured meats & salamis, bread & oil, cheeses, sandwiches, sides and salads and more at this award-winning cafe, wine bar and restaurant.

Ogden Water Country Park

Ogden Water is a very popular destination for picnics, walking, family outings and nature activities and was officially Yorkshire’s Favourite Reservoir in 2018, having won a public vote.

Bankfield Museum

Bankfield’s exhibitions cover local history, costume, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world

Culture & Heritage

The piece hall.

Britain’s magnificent and last surviving cloth hall is an open-air courtyard surrounded by bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.

Food & Drink

Victorian craft beer cafe.

The Halifax & Calderdale CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022.

Upcoming events

This charming market town exudes inimitable character and historical vitality and is home to some of yorkshire’s most famous landmarks. from iconic buildings, independent live music venues, to the splendid halifax borough market, this diverse town has much to offer., make your trip happen.

From the unique Grade I-listed Piece Hall to Halifax Minster, one of the finest buildings in Yorkshire, this is a town immensely proud of its heritage.

Food & Drink

See & do, piece in..., welcome to culturedale, attractions, easy family fun, entertained in..., family fun in..., leisure & outdoor, culture & heritage, services & information, arts & literature, created in.., captured in..., heritage highlights.

1885 The Pub

53 Degrees North

Al’s Emporium

Alexandra Beer House

Another World Adventure Centre

Antep Sofrasi Turkish Restaurant

Babajaks Barbeque

Blondin’s

Heptonstall

Sowerby bridge, bike libraries & banks in calderdale.

Bob’s Tearoom & Gardens

Bottomley’s Eyewear Boutique

The Tipsy Pigeon

Broad Street Plaza

Cafe Passion

Calderdale Industrial Museum

Brown Paper Packages

Cafe wednesday.

Creative Crystals

Cycle Calderdale

Creative International Adventures

Deli-cious Delicatessen

Electric Bowl

Five Vintage Cafe Bar

Ginger Vegetarian Cafe

Halifax Borough Market

Halifax Golf Club

Halifax Sailing Club

Halifax Playhouse

Halifax Music Heritage Trail

Harveys of Halifax: Piece Hall

Julio’s Italian Restaurant

La Luna Cafe Bar and Diner

Ricci’s Place

Thai Corner

The Stump Cross Inn

Victoria Theatre

Need more information.

We can provide a whole host of inspirational advice and information on where to stay, where to eat and what to do whilst staying in ‘magnificently modest’ Calderdale.

Top Things to Do in Halifax, West Yorkshire

Places to visit in halifax, tours near halifax.

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

The Manchester Cheese Crawl

1-Hour Public Cruise

Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

2 Hour Leeds Highlights Walking Tour

3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch

Top attractions in halifax.

Other Top Attractions around Halifax

What travellers are saying

• Shibden Hall
• The Piece Hall
• Shibden Park
• Bankfield Museum
• Ogden Water Country Park & Nature Reserve
• Manor Heath and Jungle Experience
• Dove Cottage Nursery and Garden
• Halifax Ski & Snowboard Centre
• Calderdale Industrial Museum

Explore Halifax

Plan your trip to halifax: best of halifax tourism.

Essential Halifax

Halifax Is Great For

Eat & drink

• Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant
• The Imperial Crown Hotel
• Premier Inn Halifax Town Centre hotel
• Travelodge Halifax
• Premier Inn Halifax South hotel
• Hatch Brunch House
• THE CORNER TURKİŞH GREEK
• Restaurant at Shibden Mill Inn
• Pride and Provenance
• The Piece Hall
• Shibden Hall
• Eureka! The National Children's Museum
• Halifax Borough Market
• Shibden Park

Walks in Halifax

Halifax, the largest town in the diverse borough of Calderdale, packs a punch when it comes to the breadth of arts, culture, and historical sights on offer along with an incredible array of green spaces. Our Walks in Halifax guide brings it all together in one place – from the best boutiques, cafes and bars to mooch around, to historic landmarks with grounds. We have you covered.

The breathtaking Piece Hall – a magnificent Grade I listed Georgian building is an unmissable stop on any meander around town. Following an epic restoration, it now boasts a huge open-air courtyard and an array of multi-purpose businesses including galleries, bars, and independent shops. The vastness of the space, though, is what makes it so attractive for a wander, with little ones sure to race around the ornate archways and steps with views of softly undulating hills in the background.

One-of-its-kind Eureka! has long been a must-see for families with children of all ages, and with 400 installations across eight separate ‘zones’ it’s a brilliant way to combine fun and educational activities with a substantial stomp.

Picture-postcard pretty Shibden Hall and its surrounding parkland is a haven for wildlife. Popular with birdwatchers, Shibden Park features a boating lake with island, wilderness garden and a miniature railway. Visit in spring or summer and you’ll be greeted by a riot of colour from the flowers in bloom which is guaranteed to add some cheer to your walk.

With so much to see many visitors extend their visit to the town with a stay in one of the many great hotels . We highly recommend Holdsworth House and the White Swan which both provide easy access to hiking trails – including the Calderdale Way and The Mary Towneley Loop.

Whether your trip to Halifax is inspired by the award-winning dramas Gentleman Jack and Last Tango in Halifax or you have the all-weather gear packed primed to explore the surrounding moorland, one thing’s for sure, Halifax has heaps of cultural attractions to be discovered on foot.

Our top picks

Eureka the national children’s museum.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE - Visit now

No trip to Halifax would be complete without a visit to Eureka! – the UK’s only national children’s museum – which has been enriching the lives of families with a range of fun, one-of-a-kind educational activities since opening in 1992. With such substantial square footage to be covered, it’s wise to arrive armed with your Fitbit or Garmin!

The museum has an on-site café which offers a selection of delicious meals and snacks and if the weather permits there is outdoor space with picnic tables to enjoy a cuppa with your sarnies.

The Piece Hall

The Piece Hall, The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1RE - Visit now

A stone’s throw away from Eureka! is the incredible Grade I listed Piece Hall which dates back to 1779 and has been coined as one of the most significant Georgian buildings in the country. Now, the hall and glorious surrounding square are a hive of activity – providing a heady mix of independent shops, cafes, bars, and art from local artists in The Yorkshire Gallery.

Piece Hall also offers a world-class events programme of music, dance, film, and visual art for audiences of up to 7500 people in an informal, outdoor performance space.

Shibden Hall

Shibden Hall, Lister's Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG - Visit now

Thanks to the wide-spread success of the BBC period drama ‘ Gentleman Jack’ which charts the life of the notable diarist Anne Lister, Shibden Hall (where Lister resided) is fast becoming one of Halifax’s top attractions. It is only a 25-minute walk from the train station (albeit uphill), and undoubtedly worth the effort. Situated in the picturesque Shibden Valley, the 600-year-old hall is a magnificent picture-postcard medieval property dating back to 1420 and is home to a well-persevered collection of historical artefacts from the people that lived and worked on the estate.

The surrounding wooded grounds that make up Shibden Park are an oasis for those wishing to explore nature on foot. With beautifully restored gardens, the park boasts a miniature railway, boating lake with island, ‘wilderness garden’, kids’ play area, orienteering course, and coffee shop. The stunning parkland comes to life in spring and summer, the fruit trees bearing fruit and the flowers in bloom. With plenty of space to roam and run, the Shibden Estate is unbeatable.

Dean Clough

Dean Clough, 139 Dean Clough, Halifax, HX3 5AX - Visit now

Occupying a vast 22-acre site on the edge of Halifax town centre, the Grade II listed Dean Clough Mills (once the world’s largest carpet manufacturing factory) is now home to a thriving community of arts venues and businesses which include office space, a hotel, shops, and eateries. Perhaps most excitingly, the mills now house a hive of arts activity with six galleries, the hugely successful Viaduct Theatre , and several other performance spaces.

Under a mile away is Akroyd Park with eight acres of well-maintained lush parkland. It is home to Victorian Mansion Bankfield House and museum which opened in 1887. The dwelling was the home of mill owner, philanthropist and MP, Colonel Edward Akroyd and is now open to the public to showcase the rich history of Halifax and Calderdale through its diverse collections.

With Dean Clough offering a plethora of arts venues to uncover and Akroyd Park ripe for exploring, this part of Halifax is well worth a visit.

Holdsworth House

Holdsworth House, Holdsworth Road, Halifax, HX2 9TG - Visit now

The breathtakingly beautiful Holdsworth House must be seen to be believed. Situated in secluded gardens on the northern edge of Halifax, the historic Jacobean manor featured as the backdrop for several key scenes in the TV series Last Tango in Halifax . The estate is made up of several buildings – the original, ivy-covered house which was constructed in the late 16th century, with other additions added in 1689 and the 1970s.

Combine a relaxing afternoon tea and overnight stay with some walking along the rugged Calderdale Way – a 50-mile circular walking route around West Yorkshire which can be accessed nearby. Offering unrivaled views – punctuated with some of Yorkshire’s best little towns, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy windswept Brontë moorland along meandering canal towpaths.

Halifax Borough Market

Halifax Borough Market, 31-32 Market Stall,, Halifax, HX1 1DZ - Visit now

Halifax’s Borough market is grand to say the least – set within a striking Victorian structure, topped by an impressive 60-foot glassy octagonal dome, the market attracts visitors from near and far. It’s a place to experience a real slice of Yorkshire life in covered market form.

With a whopping 179 stalls and 47 external retailers, Borough Market is best tackled at a slow and steady pace to fully absorb the beauty of over 120 years of retail history. While in the area, a short walk away in Westgate Arcade you’ll find Revo Records – an iconic independent record store which has been in the business for more than 30 years, known for its eclectic vinyl collection. This, and the other shops and cafes in the area are perfect for having a good old mosey and mooch around.

Meandering Bear

Meandering Bear, 21-23 Union Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1PR - Visit now

Meandering Bear is a new addition to Halifax’s growing independent food and drink scene owned by the powerhouse behind award-winning Grayston Unity . Offering locally sourced wholesome food, you can expect toasties, ploughman’s, and meat and cheese platters along with an impressive range of drinks including ales, lagers, cocktails and spirits.

Located close to Westgate Arcade (which houses some great shops, including the vinyl haven Revo Records ), the Meandering Bear is perfect for a pitstop on a walk around town with the incredible The Piece Hall a mere hop skip and jump away, this gem makes for a great addition to any bar crawl. The unusually named spot refers to the real-life grizzly bear who, in 1913, pluckily made a dash for freedom from Halifax Zoo – enjoying a good old meander around town before being captured and returned. With that in mind, we think a meander over to this bar and eatery for some fuel is a must.

White Swan Hotel

White Swan Hotel, Princess Street, Halifax, HX1 1TS - Visit now

With bright, modern rooms on offer, situated in the heart of Halifax town centre, the White Swan Hotel offers an ideal location for those looking to explore West Yorkshire – its arts and culture, its shops, and its stunning surrounding countryside. Grade II listed, the hotel building itself is worthy of note and is just one of many examples of Halifax’s rich architectural heritage.

Basing yourself here is perfect for soaking up the grandeur of many sites – including the Town Hall, The Piece Hall and Shibden Hall . What’s more, hop in the car for a short drive and you soon have access to many walking trails.

The popular Pennine Way for example, runs for 268 miles from Derbyshire to Cumbria and passes through some of West Yorkshire’s most historic towns. And The Mary Towneley Loop – a 47-mile section of the Pennine Bridleway takes in the sights of Blackshaw Head, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Walsden. So, all in all, there are plenty of options for avid ramblers.

Where to go in Halifax

This live-music speakeasy makes it own tradition. A cosy prohibition bar with cocktail teapots and vinyl DJs…

Situated in the beautiful gardens of Akroyd Park, Bankfield Museum is a grand Victorian villa with permanent exhibitions of textiles and costume, as well as varying temporary exhibitions also.

A beautiful and varied collection of contemporary art from across the UK. Their regular exhibitions are both seasonal and thematic and always worth visiting…

Halifax’s West Riding Stonecarving Association aims to keep alive the art of carving stone by hand using traditional tools.

Using the freshest ingredients, Pollino boats classic recipes to new-age kitchen adventure with each and every dish delivered reflecting the team’s passion for the highest quality food.

Expect an absolute feast of favourites for special occasions, including lobster ravioli, lobster thermidor, confit of barbary duck or fillet steak.

This lovely tearoom is taking orders for delivery slots of afternoon teas packed with generously filled sandwiches and homemade scones, cakes and mini desserts.

True North is the perfect neighbourhood style family restaurant. The sort of place you can rely upon for a warm northern welcome and consistently good food.

This grand and historic market was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1896 and has been at the heart of Halifax life ever since.

Trading for over 30 years, the iconic shop prides itself on stocking an eclectic selection of vinyl records – the latest new releases alongside second-hand vinyl.

Bookshop that is located on the rustic level of The Piece Hall in the northwest corner.

The bar itself is small but you’ll find it a friendly place where you can get a lovely drink in a unique setting.

West Yorkshire Visitor Guides

Here’s our guide to the best hotels in the North East of England, including Hedben Bridge, Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

Our guide to the best shops in West Yorkshire, including independents and markets in Hebden Bridge, Huddersfield, Halifax and Wakefield.

West Yorkshire District Guides

A destination for foodies, music-lovers and culture-seekers, Halifax is also home to some of the North’s best-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.

Destination Guides

Culture Guides

Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.

We have an eclectic bunch of new gig picks for you this month, alongside free summer festivals and brand new concert seasons.

From intimate drawings and immersive displays on bees to the remaking of classic films, this month brings exciting new exhibitions.

From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.

Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.

In this month's Tours and Activities guide we're looking to get our minds blown and our world views expanded by science.

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.

Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Halifax

Things to do in halifax, tours near halifax.

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

The Manchester Cheese Crawl

1-Hour Public Cruise

Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

2 Hour Leeds Highlights Walking Tour

3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch

Top attractions in halifax.

Other Top Attractions around Halifax

What travellers are saying

• Shibden Hall
• The Piece Hall
• Shibden Park
• Bankfield Museum
• Ogden Water Country Park & Nature Reserve
• Manor Heath and Jungle Experience
• Dove Cottage Nursery and Garden
• Halifax Ski & Snowboard Centre
• Calderdale Industrial Museum

Halifax Visitor Guide

Use the guide to get inspired and plan your next halifax adventure., halifax kids' guide, order guides and maps.

Order the Halifax Visitor Guide , the Halifax Kids’ Guide , or the Halifax Urban Walking Map to help you plan your trip.

Bulk order Visitor Guides and Maps for a business or event

Halifax Visitor Guides

Welcome to Halifax

P'jilita'q wla kjipuktuk.

Halifax is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land.  Historically, a land acknowledgment is a traditional practice shared amongst Indigenous groups to recognize the Indigenous land and territory they are visiting. Today a land acknowledgement remains a way to express one’s gratitude to the Indigenous people for being stewards of the land that we live and work on.

Privacy Overview

How to spend a perfect weekend in Halifax

Dec 9, 2019 • 4 min read

The Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmarks © Joe Regan / Getty Images

From rugged coastlines to war memorials, Halifax is filled with amazing sights you can only find in the east coast. While a weekend isn’t nearly long enough to experience all Halifax has to offer, you can still see plenty of cool spots during your short trip. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Halifax, one of the friendliest cities in Canada.

Saturday: explore downtown Halifax

Downtown Halifax is quite small compared to other Canadian cities, but the city is packed with historical buildings and beautiful architecture. A lot of the sites are within walking distance of each other, so you can ditch the rental car or ride a bike instead.

Start your day off at the Halifax Public Gardens , a 16-acre public garden dating to the Victorian era. With wrought-iron gates and ornate fountains, you’ll feel you’ve transported through time. Take a free horticultural or historical tour of the garden, or just wander around it on your own.

A short 11-minute walk away is the Halifax Town Clock , a Palladian-style clock more than 200 years old, with the original clockworks still in use. Head up to the Citadel Hill National Historic Site , where you can wander inside the walls of the citadel for a small admission fee. Four fortifications have been built here since 1749 to protect Halifax, and it’s incredible standing in a place so full of history.

You might be hungry at this point, so head over to the Halifax Waterfront for some seafood and sea views. Grab a takeout lobster roll at Goldwater Seafoods and enjoy it along the boardwalk, or sit down at one of Halifax’s best restaurants, The Bicycle Thief .

The Halifax Waterfront features the longest boardwalk in the world, at 2.5 miles, and it’s an entire stretch of restaurants, museums and more. Stop into the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market to shop local products, explore the HMCS Sackville and stretch your legs in a hammock by the water (if you can manage to find an empty one).

If you’re a history buff, you’ll be glad to hear that Halifax has plenty of historical buildings to explore. Stop by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 , which was once an immigration terminal. Take a quick walk over to St. Paul’s Anglican Church , the oldest existing Anglican church in Canada and the oldest building in Nova Scotia. Then, stop by Province House, Canada’s oldest legislative building.

There are plenty of great dinner spots around Halifax, especially if you’re into seafood. Although Halifax is right by the Atlantic Ocean, expect to pay high prices for fresh seafood. Head to Wasabi House for sushi (they give additional free rolls with every order) or Shuck for fresh east coast oysters.

Related content: The best free things to do in Halifax

Sunday: wander outside of the city

A visit to Halifax isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse . Built in 1914, this lighthouse is still being used today to guide ships. You can walk along the rocks near the lighthouse but be wary of the crashing waves and stay off if the rocks are dark.

Fewer than 10 minutes’ drive away is Rhubarb Restaurant at the Oceanstone Seaside Resort, a great lunch spot in Peggy’s Cove, away from the tourist crowds. They’ve also got Sunday brunch if you come on a weekend. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by Dee Dee’s for homemade ice cream.

After you’re all filled up, take the hour drive to the adorable town of Chester. Once a destination for pirates and Prohibition-era smugglers, it’s now a popular stop on the way to Lunenberg. While you're here, hike along the various trails, kayak around the islands and cycle along the coast.

Mahone Bay is just a 21-minute drive away from Chester. It’s most well-known for the Three Churches standing side-by-side, which make for great photos. More than 1,000 ships have been built here since the mid-1700s, and shipbuilding was the primary business in Mahone Bay until the 1970’s. You can learn all about it at the Mahone Bay Settlers’ Museum .

Drive 13 minutes over to Lunenberg, which might be one of the cutest towns in all of Canada. With its picturesque harbor and brightly colored homes, it’s a photographer’s dream. It’s also a Unesco World Heritage Site, so it still retains the look of 18th century British colonial settlements.

While you’re in Lunenberg, take a tour of the Ironworks Distillery , a micro-distillery named after the old blacksmith shop it’s now housed in. It creates artisanal spirits made with fruits, like blueberry liqueur and sweet apple brandy.

If it’s open for the season, end your day with dinner at the South Shore Fish Shack . It offers fantastic fish and chips as well as other seafood dishes, which go great with the local craft beers on tap.

Halifax is beautiful all year-round, but you’ll definitely find more things to do during the summertime. It’s a great city to do a weekend trip, especially if you’re into history and great seafood.

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