Watch a show at Victoria Theatre

If you love watching live shows at the theatre, the Victoria Theatre in the heart of Halifax is a must-visit venue on your next day out. The Victoria Theatre is home to a wide variety of performances from pantos, ballet and kids shows, to comedy and rock shows. Until January 2nd you can enjoy the magical family friendly fun of the Sleeping Beauty panto. It’s the perfect show to enjoy with your family this festive season. If pantos aren’t your style, in the new year even more exciting shows will be seen on stage. Keep an eye on the shows coming to Victoria Theatre next year and book away!

Do some shopping in The Piece Hall

The Piece Hall is an architecturally stunning Grade I listed building that is the sole survivor of the eighteenth century northern cloth halls. Now it is home to a plethora of unique independent shops and eateries that make a perfect, relaxing outing with your partner or a chill solo self-care day out.

Stop by The Handmade Gift Shop for amazingly, unique handcrafted items from 60 different extremely talented Yorkshire crafters, artists and designers. These items include a wide variety of beautiful jewellery, art, textiles and much more. If you are searching for even more creativity, head over to Custard Create that is full of the owner’s own creative masterpieces. Her artwork and photography are available as well as cards, creative gifts, frames and mounted art prints of her work. Inside the store there is a photography studio where all types of portraits can be taken, and a creative space where classes often take place such as art, crafts and photography.

Music lovers can enjoy the day sifting through new and used vinyls at Loafers. However they are not only home to amazing vinyls. Here they also serve locally and hand brewed Darkwoods coffee, craft ales, tea, soft drinks, wines, spirits and snacks. Live music events are also often held here so keep an eye out to catch the next one. The Book Corner is a haven for book lovers with a wide variety of handpicked fiction and non-fiction books sold here. If you bring the family along for a shopping trip, their dedicated children’s book section is the perfect wonderland for kids to explore their favourite titles. And if you are unable to find that specific book you’re searching for, their friendly staff can help you find it with their free next day ordering service.

Bankfield Museum

Explore the local history and more at Bankfield Museum through their rich and diverse collection of artefacts, set in the beautiful Akroyd park. Their displays include the local history, costume, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world. Temporary exhibitions are also hosted here which currently includes a Shibden Hall 600th birthday exhibition until February 2023, a South Asian Heritage Month exhibition until March 2023 and a Calderdale Grid project exhibition until February 2023. New and exciting exhibitions will be landing in this museum in 2023. Admission is free which makes it a great budget friendly day out for the whole family.

Walk to Beacon Hill

If you want to spend the day outdoors, breathing in fresh air, enjoy a relaxing walk to Beacon Hill and enjoy the beautiful viewpoint. A suggested route starts at the lay-by along Long Lane from where you walk between the changing rooms and the football pitch and then picking up a footpath. Once you reach the T-junction you can continue forwards straight ahead and the following the path as it loops until you reach Beacon Hill. Along the way you can look out for Wainhouse Tower, which is the tallest folly in the world! This walk is a great way to get the whole family moving, or could become a romantic walk with your partner.

Wander around Shibden Hall

Shibden Hall is a beautiful building dating back to 1420, with a mixture of architecture styles reflecting its interesting and rich history. Surrounding the hall are the restored gardens and stunning estate that makes up Shibden Park. Spend the day wandering around the hall and journey through the fascination of those who once lived and worked there, then explore the beautiful gardens as well as the variety of other attractions on offer. From their boating lake and miniature railway, to their walking trails and play area, there are plenty of things to do on a fun day out. After a long day of adventuring, stop off in the site’s cafe where you can relax and re-energise yourself with a nice drink and maybe a sweet treat.

Grab a bite to eat

A good day out can be made even better with a delicious, hearty bite to eat. Halifax has plenty of options to offer when it comes to food. If you are craving some Korean flavours, stop by Seoul Food for some authentic, tasty and healthy Korean dishes. From flavoursome mains like bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, bulgogi and spicy rice cakes, to delicious desserts like crepes, ice creams and bakery goods, there are plenty of options to feed your soul.

If you fancy something different, Ricci’s Place is home to soulful, handcrafted dishes honouring Italian grandmothers who skillfully cooked these dishes years before. Fulfil your cravings for Italian and Mediterranean flavours with some of their delicious handcrafted pasta, fresh fish and seafood cooked in tasty sauces and chargrilled meats that are succulent and juicy. Finish your day off right and treat yourself to their homemade desserts that can’t normally be found outside of Italy.

Play games at Next Level

End the day with drinks, games, fun and good food at Next Level. Relax by playing on one of their many retro and modern games including gaming favourites like Mario Kart. Enjoy one of their fifty spirits and liqueurs, one of their six premium draught lagers or one of their many craft beers and ciders from around the world whilst you play your day away. If you start feeling peckish, their impressive menu will have something you will love to fight that hunger and keep you fuelled up to continue playing.

Get there by bus! Download the First Bus App to plan your journey and buy your tickets.

Photos: The Piece Hall, Victoria Theatre, Next Level