Halifax

Rather randomly, one of the children, when asked where they might like to go for a day out was adamant that we should go to Halifax. I’ve nothing against Halifax, I quite like it as it has some very interesting buildings, but it seemed an odd place to suggest, seemingly apropos of nothing.

But, Halifax we went to.

Of course perhaps the best known attraction in Halifax is the Piece Hall. Built in 1779 for the trading of “pieces” – thirty yard lengths of woven cloth, this grade 1 listed buildng is the sole remaining example of this style of Georgian architecture. It is now home to boutique shops and cafes and used as a pretty impressive events venue.

After this we went down to Manor Heath Jungle experience. This is a relatively small tropical glass house with butterflies and plants. Horrifically the flock of quails who are normally there had been decimated by a weasel getting in, but I will say I have never seen so many terrapins who were only to happy to pose! I also took the opportunity for some plant portraits while there.

Outside the greenhouse is a classic walled garden which is very beautiful.

After this we went to The Shears Inn, a quaint little pub on the Hebble Brook in the lee of the giant mills, for a pint, as children were becoming irritating as they do…

We walked back along the brook and through the old industrial dereliction that rings the centre of he town.

Though it has many faults, the West Yorkshire Urban Area has the advantage of there being a lot of interesting places to go and see, within a relatively small area.