Huddersfield Guide
A Guide to Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Huddersfield in West Yorkshire is a town of over 141,000 people with a significant industrial history. It is the largest town and administrative centre of the metropolitan district of Kirklees.
The 10th largest town in the UK (defined as an urban area without a cathedral), Huddersfield is now a culturally-diverse center of education (a quarter of the population are students) and culture close to the Peak District National Park.
History
Huddersfield's history dates back to the Iron Age, with evidence of human settlement in the region as early as 4,000 BC.
In the Domesday Book of 1086, Huddersfield is mentioned as "Oderesfelt," a small settlement with a population of around 500. The medieval period saw the establishment of the Parish Church of St. Peter, which still stands today (see below), though it has undergone significant renovations.
Huddersfield became a significant center for textile production during the Industrial Revolution, particularly woolen cloth. The town's growth was driven by the development of the canal and railway networks, making it a hub for the distribution of goods. Key figures such as Sir John Ramsden played a crucial role in the town's expansion, and the Ramsden family remained influential landowners until the mid-20th century.
Locally-born former Prime Minister Harold Wilson (1916-1995) is commemorated by a statue outside the town's station. Unveiled by Tony Blair in 1999, the larger than life 2.5 meter bronze statue is by sculptor, Ian Walters. The work shows Wilson without his trademark pipe, at the request of his wife, Mary, who believed it would make the statue a caricature. Based on photographs taken in 1964, the statue is a major landmark in St George's Square outside the station.
The Huddersfield Choral Society was founded in 1836 and is one of Britain's leading choirs.
Attractions
The Lawrence Batley Theatre is housed in a former Methodist chapel and is a center for performing arts in Huddersfield, hosting a range of productions from drama to dance.
Presently closed for redevelopment, The Huddersfield Art Gallery features a collection of British art, including works by L.S. Lowry and Francis Bacon.
South of the center on Castle Hill, Victoria Tower offers panoramic views of Huddersfield and the surrounding countryside. The site has historical significance, with evidence of ancient settlements dating back to the Bronze Age.
The Tolson Memorial Museum in Ravensknowle Park offers exhibitions on Huddersfield's history, from its prehistoric roots to its industrial heritage.
Other parks and green spaces in Huddersfield include Greenhead Park, a Victorian-era park that provides an oasis in the heart of the town. It features a lake, conservatory, and various sports facilities. Beaumont Park opened in 1883, this park offers woodland walks, ornamental gardens, and stunning views of the Holme Valley.
Huddersfield Churches
The imposing Anglican St Peter's Church aka Huddersfield Parish Church stands in Kirkgate close to Huddersfield Station. The architect for both buildings was James Pigott Pritchett. It a prominent landmark in the town with its clock tower rising to 120 feet.
The present St Peter's dates from 1836 but there has been a church on the Kirkgate site since the 11th century and Norman times. Legend has it that the Norman knight Walter de Lacy was thrown from his horse into a swamp en route from Huddersfield to Halifax. He vowed to build a church in Huddersfield if he survived his ordeal.
Once rebuilt in the 16th century, the present church dates from the 19th century. The architect James Pigott Pritchett (1789-1868) used bricks from the earlier building in the construction to lower costs. However, as a result the church has required regular maintenance work since its consecration. Further work and additions to the church continued in the 19th century. The latest renovation was in 2012, helped by a grant from English Heritage.
Shopping & Entertainment
Housed partially within a restored Victorian cast iron, glass roof building and spilling outside into the surrounding streets, Huddersfield Open Market opens every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. As well as fruit and veg stalls the market sells a range of clothes and household goods. There is a second-hand market every Tuesday and Saturday and Upmarket Sundays feature local artists and independent retailers and traders. Food stalls offer an appetizing range of foods, tea, coffee, cakes, snacks and sometimes something stronger.
Shopping centres in Huddersfield include Kingsgate Shopping Centre with a variety of high street stores and places to eat and drink. The Piazza Centre nearby has a branch of Boots. The Packhorse Shopping Centre has a number of independent shops and small eateries.
Huddersfield Restaurants & Bars
Some notable restaurants include Erics in Lindley, renowned for its contemporary British fare, and Apadana, which offers authentic Persian dishes, one of many ethnic restaurants in Huddersfield. Visitors can find food here from all over the world with Indian, Thai and Turkish cuisine well represented.
The Head Of Steam and the Kings Head are two pubs near the railway station. The Grove is another recommended bar.
Outside Huddersfield try the Farmers Arms in the village of Holmfirth, The Bulls Head in Linthwaite and The Little Bridge in Slaithwaite.
Hotels
Close to the station is the Stay Hotel. The more upmarket Cedar Court Hotel is a little out of town near the M62 motorway. The Plumbers Arms is a guest house with flat-screen TV and en suite bathrooms.
See here for a complete listing of hotel accommodation close to the station in Huddersfield.
Access - Getting to Huddersfield
Huddersfield Station has trains to Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport in Manchester as well as Liverpool Lime Street in Liverpool (via Manchester Victoria). There are also services to Leeds, Sheffield Station, Hull, York Station in York, Scarborough, Middlesbrough and Newcastle.
By road, Huddersfield is located close the M62, which connects the town to Manchester (approximately 25 miles southwest) and Leeds (20 miles northeast). The A629 and A640 roads provide further connections to nearby towns and cities.
The nearest major airports are Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport, both approximately 45 minutes away by car.
National Express buses depart from Huddersfield Bus Station with buses to Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Barnsley, Mansfield, Nottingham, Leicester and London Victoria Coach Station among other destinations.
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