The market town that feels like stepping back into a different era (Image: Liv Clarke)
For years, markets were the vibrant centres of towns nationwide before the supermarket came along. From fresh produce and meat to baked goods and cheese, everything was available at these bustling hubs. Despite the rise of giants like Sainsbury’s and Asda, markets in northern towns continue to buzz with activity.
In Greater Manchester, Bury market remains a popular destination, famed for its Bury Black Pudding among other delicacies. In 2025, it even made the list of top-10 coach trip destinations in the country. Nearby, Stockport Market, housed in a stunning Victorian hall, also thrives.
Venture to other northern towns and you’re likely to discover a market hall waiting to be explored. I had such an experience on a recent visit to Halifax, which felt like stepping back in time.
The central clock tower under the newly renovated roof (Image: Liv Clarke)
Halifax is easily accessible by train, with the journey through the brooding West Yorkshire countryside especially captivating during the winter months.
Upon setting foot in Halifax, it’s evident that the town shares a common heritage with its Calderdale neighbours Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. The Yorkshire Pennines’ towns and villages are characterised by dark millstone grit buildings and historic mills.
However, Halifax boasts an extraordinary feature: the magnificent Piece Hall. This striking Grade-I Georgian edifice, dating back to 1779, houses a vast 66,000sq ft open courtyard, giving it an air of a grand European city square rather than a West Yorkshire town centre.
There are stalls to suit every need, even those you didn’t think you had Halifax Borough Market, Halifax, Yorkshire (Image: Liv Clarke)
The four sides of the Piece Hall are lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, all overlooking the expansive square which hosts Christmas markets in November and December, and live music events during the summer months.
Venturing beyond the Georgian splendour, another focal point emerges in Halifax: the town’s market. First opened in 1896, the Grade II*-listed Halifax Borough Market may not be as ancient as the Piece Hall, but it proudly showcases its Victorian charm.
Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule, transporting you back to not only the Victorian era but also the bustling market days of the 70s and 80s. The first thing that strikes you is the impressive glass roof, supported by towering metal pillars and archways, allowing natural light to illuminate the space below.
The market has recently been revitalised thanks to £4.5million secured from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which financed crucial upgrades to the historic building. The improvements encompassed major restoration work on the structure’s roof, featuring fresh reglazing, whilst the ceiling and ornate wrought iron features received a fresh coat of paint.
At the heart of the market stands the magnificent clock tower, surrounded by wooden benches at its base – yet another section that has been beautifully restored. The outcome is a bright and spacious environment, courtesy of the enhanced roofing, and one can easily picture this as the perfect gathering spot where shoppers would congregate for a chinwag in days of old.
The stalls themselves feel wonderfully nostalgic – and that’s absolutely a compliment. Mister Dee’s Verandah Coffee Shop presents a striking contrast to today’s trendy coffee houses, adorned with charming net curtains, whilst the Tobacconist maintains its classic name, despite now offering vapes alongside traditional products.
One of the impressive entrances to Halifax Borough Market (Image: Liv Clarke)
As I wander through, I encounter all the familiar market essentials: a fruit and vegetable stand bursting with colourful produce, a haberdashery overflowing with every conceivable trim and ribbon, a florist displaying rows of beautiful bouquets, and a distinctly vintage-style lingerie stall – Carters – where mannequin legs showcase hosiery in every shade and design imaginable. Beyond the vibrant stalls and sun-drenched hall, Halifax Borough Market harbours a fascinating secret.
Perched above the market are two hidden residential streets, aptly named ‘Streets in the Sky’.
These rooftop terraces were once home to those who ran businesses in the market below. As of 2023, a few residents remain, although most of the houses now stand empty.
The market feels like a film set (Image: Liv Clarke)
Before the market’s renovation, Visit Calderdale used to conduct guided tours of these unique streets, but these were temporarily halted due to construction work. While it’s currently not possible to explore these hidden streets, it’s captivating to imagine life unfolding above the bustling market stalls.
Despite its nostalgic charm, Halifax’s market is undeniably a thriving hub for the local community. During my visit, the market was alive with the steady hum of weekday shoppers, traders peddling their goods, and workers grabbing a quick bacon sandwich before resuming their tasks.
It’s heartening to see such historic sites still in active use, making it a must-visit destination if you find yourself in this Yorkshire town.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
