Things to do in Huddersfield

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Surrounded by the stunning Yorkshire countryside, the market town of Huddersfield is steeped in history, from its award-winning Victorian architecture to its ancient Castle Hill monument. But alongside that rich heritage, there’s a new Huddersfield – a hotbed of culture and independent business.

Home to the UK’s largest international festival of contemporary music, an award-winning literature festival, and a Grade II listed theatre, Huddersfield more than holds its own when it comes to arts and culture. It also has a great independent shopping scene, with the architectural gem that is Byram Arcade housing a plethora of local retailers and businesses, all with their own distinctive character.

There are also plenty of options for dining and drinking, from truly authentic Thai cuisine to one of the UK’s coolest breweries to an adventurous, fine dining brunch restaurant. And if you’re looking to make your visit to Huddersfield a longer one, then places to stay include a Georgian manor house and the UK’s first Eco-Spa.

Huddersfield’s past and present have a lot to offer, and with a £100million regeneration project just around the corner, the future, too, looks bright for this understimated Yorkshire town.

Our top picks

Castle Hill and Victoria Tower

Castle Hill and Victoria Tower, Hillside, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD4 6TA - Visit now

located off Lumb Lane in Almondbury lies Castle Hill, an over 4000 year old ancient monument complete with spectacular panoramic views of Huddersfield and the surrounding district. Perched on the crest of  the Castle Hill  is  Victoria Tower, the castle’s most iconic landmark, standing 106 feet high and providing even more incredible views of Huddersfield.

Food and drink delivery in Huddersfield
Courtesy of Welcome to Yorkshire

Lawrence Batley Theatre

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP - Visit now

The Lawrence Batley Theatre, located in Hudderfield’s centre, is home to an array of productions including drama and contemporary dance to circus and pantomime. The theatre delivers a varied programme for and with its local community, and offers a range of ways for families and young people to get involved.

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield
Image courtesy of Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Byram Arcade

Byram Arcade, Westgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 1ND - Visit now

In the heart of Hudderfield lies this stunning Victorian shopping and business Hub complete with three floors of independent shops, designers, cafés and restaurants. It proudly promotes some of the area’s most well-loved retailers and businesses, a great day out for people of all ages to enjoy.

Courtesy of Byram Arcade

Thai Sakon Restaurant

Thai Sakon Restaurant, 5 SAINT JOHN'S ROAD,, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 5AY - Visit now

Established in 2005 by a husband and wife team, Thai Sakon is a hidden gem in the heart of Huddersfield town centre, providing authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed and friendly environment. The menu features an extensive array of traditional dishes as well as some that cater to western tastes.

Thai Sakon

Titanic Spa

Titanic Spa, Low Westwood Lane, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 5UN - Visit now

Positioned as ‘the original pioneers of sustainability in the heart of Yorkshire’, Titanic Spa is a multi-award-winning destination spa that places equal emphasis on the wellbeing of its guests and the protection of the environment. Set against the majestic hills of the Pennines, the beautifully restored 20th Century textile mill blends stunning architecture with state-of-the-art spa facilities and apartment-style accommodation.

Titanic Spa

Magic Rock Brewery

Magic Rock Brewery, Willow Park Business Centre, Willow Lane,, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 5EB - Visit now

Inspired by local brewing traditions and the vibrant and growing US craft beer scene, Magic Rock Brewery produces an ever-changing line up of quality beers packed with flavours. Its shop offers the full range of beers and gin and you can also pick up some cool glassware, unique branded clothing and merchandise including hats, growlers and cycling jerseys.

Magic Rock Tap

The Bionic Chef

The Bionic Chef, Barncliffe Mills, Near Bank, Shelley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 8LU - Visit now

This family-run contemporary eatery Serves up some of the tastiest breakfasts and brunches in Huddersfield .Staff at the Bionic Chef are passionate about high-quality food that doesn’t fit into one mould; the menu caters to customers’ desire for ever-changing dishes with complex flavours and interesting textures.

Bionic Chef

Om Is Where The Heart Is

Om Is Where The Heart Is, 23A Carr Lane, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 5AG - Visit now

Located in Slaithwaite near Huddersfield, Om Is Where The Heart is a brunch house, neighbourhood bar and yoga studio all rolled into one. This multi-purpose venue promotes health and balance in body and mind with a primary aim that anyone that steps through the door  l”eaves with their tummies and hearts full”.

OM IS WHERE THE HEART IS

More West Yorkshire events

Rebecca Hurst
LiteratureWest Yorkshire
Poetry at the Dusty Miller

Poetry at the Dusty Miller is a now regular night with invited readers, organised by Carcanet-published Carola Luther and Judith Willson in the Coiners’ Room in the Mytholmroyd pub.

free entry

Where to go in West Yorkshire

Huddersfield Art Gallery courtesy of Kirklees Council
Huddersfield
Gallery
Huddersfield Art Gallery

Based in the town centre and easily accessible, Huddersfield Art Gallery is home to an extensive and stunning collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures.

West Yorkshire
Museum
Bankfield Museum

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.

West Yorkshire
Gallery
Open Gallery

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

Huddersfield
Gallery
AC Gallery

What was once, in the 1950s, a family ran art shop, has since evolved through the generations into a successful series of galleries across the north.

Wakefield
Music venue
Jock’s Cavern

High quality cocktails and vibrant live music is what makes Jocks Cavern so popular. This underground bar offers an intimate and effervescent atmosphere to indulge in their well-stocked bar.

Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Now Serving

In the heart of Wakefield this basement bar, ‘high end, low brow’ by their own description, remains a popular watering hole.

West Yorkshire Visitor Guides

Hebden Bridge
Walks in Hebden Bridge

A round-up of the best walks in Hebden Bridge, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.

Stately Homes in the North

The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.

Waterton Park Hotel
Hotels in West Yorkshire

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

Shot down Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Walks in Huddersfield

Surrounded by the Yorkshire countryside, Huddersfield is steeped in history and holds its own when it comes to arts and culture. Our Walks in Huddersfield Guide takes in many of the sites plus some glorious green spaces and parks.

Walks in Wakefield

A round-up of the best walks in Wakefield, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.

Walks in Halifax.
Walks in Halifax

A round-up of the best walks in Halifax – including the cultural sites, parks and surrounding countryside by Creative Tourist.

Byrom Arcade
Shopping in West Yorkshire

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

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.