Halifax Car Hire

Guide of Halifax

Geography

Located in the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in the county of West Yorkshire, England, Halifax is a cathedral and market town. Besides being the seat of Calderdale Council, it serves as the borough's commercial, cultural, and administrative epicentre.

Climate in Halifax

Summers in Halifax are mild, with a good amount of cloud cover; winters are long, very cold, windy, and cloudy. The annual average temperature is about 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures rarely falling below 26 degrees and rising above 76.5 degrees. Between the beginning of July and the end of August, Halifax is at its best for outdoor fun.

Culture

The Halifax Parish Church, which remnants date to the 12th century, has always been devoted to the worship of the Prophet John the Baptist. William Herschel, later known for his discovery of Uranus, served as the church's first organist in 1765. Halifax's coat of arms features the original Earls Warenne coat of arms, which was used when the town was held by the Normans. As a city, Halifax is infamous for its use of the "Halifax Gibbet," an early version of the guillotine that was used to decapitate criminals until 1650. A gibbet replica stands in its place on Gibbet Street. The Halifax institution Bankfield Museum has the original gibbet blade on display.

Things To Do in Halifax

Admire the magnificent Piece Hall

Among the most popular attractions in Halifax is the stunning Grade I listed Piece Hall. It was once the heart of England's textile industry, but today its streets are lined with quaint boutiques and restaurants serving up delicious fare. The building's Georgian architecture and the excellent restaurants and stores it houses are both swoon-worthy. Make sure to explore the two levels, with their assortment of interesting stores and a breathtaking panorama of the hall against the mountain backdrop. There are also many excellent events (music concerts, street theatre, and more) that often take place at The Piece Hall throughout the year, so we recommend checking their website for upcoming events before you plan a trip there. The Piece Hall's annual holiday celebration is a must-see.

Take a trip into the past at Bankfield Museum

Just fifteen minutes stroll from Halifax Town Hall will take you to the beautiful Akroyd Park, where the Bankfield Museum can be found. If you are interested in learning about the history of Halifax and Calderdale, this museum is right up your alley. Throughout the museum, visitors can see artefacts from the United Kingdom's history as well as that of other countries, as well as displays of jewellery and textiles. The museum also features rotating temporary exhibitions that provide insight into various artistic mediums, including textiles, painting, and photography. It may be fascinating to learn that the museum building was once a Victorian-era mansion. The entrance is free.

Go for a stroll at Shibden Park

Without a shadow of a doubt, Shibden is one of the finest West Yorkshire parks. There's a ton to do at Shibden Park, including a miniature railroad, a boating lake, walking paths, playgrounds, a cafe, and Shibden Hall. On a beautiful day, this is the ideal spot to take a stroll or just unwind. Make sure to explore the forest and lake as well. The park is on the outskirts of Halifax but it’s still easily accessible and not far from the train station. Situated in the lovely Shibden Park, the magnificent Shibden Hall is also a historic building that has been awarded the Grade II listed status. Despite the building's surprising history of restoration, its most notable feature—its Tudor half-timbered facade—has been preserved. Anne Lister, an English diarist from Halifax, once lived in the building, adding to its notoriety.

Eating Out in Halifax

Halifax’s culinary scene is booming, as evidenced by the myriad of international restaurants that have popped up in recent years. Prashad is a West Yorkshire institution that has been on people’s radar since its founding in 1992, and is now run by the second generation under Bobby Patel. The vegetarian Gujarati fare served there is so delicious that you might not even notice the absence of meat. The starters are simply spectacular. Shibden Mill Inn features “fabulous food, a great pint, and a lovely atmosphere.” In 1890, it was converted from a corn and spinning mill into a country pub, and today its original features, open fires, and low-beamed ceilings provide a pleasant backdrop for the outstanding locally sourced food. Engine Social Dining is a Yorkshire pub and a runaway success, serving "eclectic and wonderful" dishes from around the world. Don’t miss their outstanding Japanese gyozas stuffed with Spanish sobrasada and served with an Indian makhani sauce. One of the most reliably delicious establishments in Halifax is The Moorcock Inn, a pub on the moors above Halifax that serves food made with rustic, locally foraged ingredients prepared over open fires and with incredible pickling and fermenting techniques. The wait staff is friendly, and natural wines take centre stage on the wine list.

Transport

Airport

Located only 13.2 miles away, Leeds Bradford (LBA) Airport serves as the closest airport to Halifax.

Getting Around Halifax

West Yorkshire Metro operates and subsidizes public bus and train services in Halifax. Halifax Bus Station serves as the hub for the city's bus network. Trains depart from the Halifax station on the Caldervale Line and travel to cities and towns across England. Many visitors to Halifax also opt to hire a vehicle to get around more comfortably.