Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique experience, Huddersfield is the perfect destination for you! Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, England, and nestled between the bustling cities of Manchester and Leeds, Huddersfield is a lively and historically rich town that offers something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the wonders of Huddersfield things to do!
Visit Historical Landmarks & Art Attrations
Huddersfield has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with several landmarks and art museums that are well worth visiting. If you are a history and art hunter, load this list and add them in your must-visit things to do in Huddersfield.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is an iconic and attractive attraction for nature lovers and history buffs. The hill can date back 4,000 years, and the hilltop Victoria Tower is one of Huddersfield’s most famous buildings. The tower was built in 1899 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The tower is 1,000 feet (about 305 meters) high and is an important landmark in the area. The tower opens at weekends or school holidays when You are allowed to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Huddersfield, the Pennines, and beyond.
📍Location: Castle Hill Side, Huddersfield HD4 6TA.
🚍How to go: 13-minute drive, 38-minute by bus line 358 & 30-minute cycling from Huddersfield town center.
🏞️What to Do & See: Hiking, Picnic & Leisure
Huddersfield Railway Station
Huddersfield Railway Station is another historic landmark building in the town center with a bronze statue of former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson in St. George’s Square. The station is not only a Grade I-listed historic architecture but also an important transport hub. Located at 14 St George’s Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF, it handles over 5 million passengers a year, making it the fourth busiest railway station in Yorkshire.
Huddersfield Art Gallery
As one of the most popular things to do in Huddersfield town center, Huddersfield Art Gallery is always a primary destination for couples, young people, and students. The University of Huddersfield is well-known for its excellent education quality, especially in the fields of art and design. Therefore, it often becomes a good place for these up-and-coming “artists” to cultivate their sentiments. In particular, the Huddersfield Art Gallery is known for its rich collection, which mainly covers British art from the 19th century onwards, but also houses some 18th-century watercolors and drawings, Japanese prints, and local landscapes. The gallery’s permanent collection includes works by many well-known artists such as Francis Bacon, L.S. Lowry, Henry Moore, and Frank Auerbach.
In recent years, the gallery has also showcased contemporary art through temporary exhibitions. In 2023, the gallery held the “Contemporary British Painting Prize” exhibition, which exhibited works by 16 shortlisted artists, representing the diversity and high quality of contemporary British painting. In addition, the gallery also held the “Bygone Times” exhibition, which exhibited nostalgic works by Huddersfield artist Glen Williams. Currently, Huddersfield Art Gallery is hosting a series of temporary exhibitions at Unit 7 of the Piazza Shopping Centre. These include:
- Contemporary British Painting Prize 2023: featuring works by the 16 shortlisted artists, exploring the diversity of contemporary painting.
- Bygone Times – Memories of an Artist Growing Up in a Northern Town: nostalgic works by Huddersfield artist Glen Williams.
You will find the details as:
📍Location: Unit 7, The Piazza Shopping Centre, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield HD1 2RS.
🖼️Opening Time: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00-16:00.
🔑Entry Cost: Free.
Tolson Memorial Museum
Visiting Tolson Memorial is one of the well-liked things to do in Huddersfield. It has a variety of historical and natural history exhibits, including many taxidermied birds in particular. The museum is located in Ravensnore Hall in Ravensnore Park, a Victorian mansion built in 1862. In 1919, Legg Tolson donated it to the city of Huddersfield as a memorial to his nephews who died in World War I, and it started as a museum in 1922. In followed years, the museum added a bird exhibition hall in 1925, a lecture room in 1935, and a rear extension in 1974. The museum’s exhibits cover the natural history of Huddersfield from prehistoric times to modern times, including Slack’s Roman floor heating system, bird specimen collections, and other industrial heritage, especially the textile industry.
All of this makes the museum a very worthwhile place to visit for students, especially for international students. It is a place that fully displays the development and cultural charm of the city of Huddersfield, where you can get a good understanding of the city. Of course, as a free museum located in Ravensnore Park, the museum also provides a pleasant environment with gardens, sports facilities, and children’s playgrounds. So if you are struggling with what to do in Huddersfield with families, come here to have a good time with kids.
📍Location: Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Rd, Moldgreen, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ.
🦖Opening Time: Saturday and Sunday: 12:00-16:00.
🔑Entry Cost & Booking Process: Free.
Join Cultural Activities & Festival Events
When you are wondering about creative things to do in Huddersfield, you will find the city never answers you with blank paper. Huddersfield, as a city with such a rich history and art, will not lack expression in culture and festivals, especially in music and literature.
It is well-known Huddersfield Choir is one of the oldest and most respected choirs in the world, and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival demonstrates the city’s continued commitment to musical innovation. In addition, Charlotte Brontë’s novel “Shirley” can be seen as born in Huddersfield, as the history of the city’s textile mills and workers’ lives inspired Brontë’s creation. Plus, the city’s architecture and landscape have also inspired the creation of artists of all generations. Moreover, the various festivals held in the city also demonstrate the city’s multicultural and community spirit, providing residents and tourists with rich entertainment and communication opportunities. Let’s start exploring these fun things to do in Huddersfield.
Lawrence Batley Theatre
When you do not know what to do and see in Huddersfield, why not visit Lawrence Batley Theatre to meet some dreaming greats? If you are a fan of drama, dance and concerts, you will definitely be a guest of honor at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. The theater is located on Queen Street in the center of Huddersfield. It was formerly a Methodist church built in 1819. It was not until 1994 that it was officially opened as a theater after renovation.
Various types of performances are held throughout the year, including drama, dance, music, comedy, and family entertainment programs. In spring 2025, the world-renowned circus dance company will return, as well as brave and exciting new dramas from local West Yorkshire. In addition, the theater will also host some community events for everyone to participate in. You can log on to their website to view the recent performance schedule, book tickets online, or book tickets by phone.
The more popular performances recently are “10 Nights”, which was nominated for the Oliver Award, a comedy about a person’s journey of self-discovery, and “The Magic of the Beatles,” a performance that reproduces the classic songs of the Beatles. The actors not only imitate the Beatles in appearance and voice, but also reproduce their sense of humor.
Huddersfield Literature Festival
HuddLitFest is an annual Festival with community, accessibility, and inclusivity at its heart, which makes it one of the most welcomed things to do in Huddersfield for students, and adults, and some educated things to do for families with kids.
The Huddersfield Literary Festival focuses on literature, held annually in March, covering a variety of literary forms such as novels, poetry, and non-fiction writing, providing literature lovers with a unique opportunity to discover new writers, meet their favorite authors, and improve their writing skills. In addition, there are many diverse and interesting cultural activities held at the festival every year, and many of them are free or affordable. Festival activities include writer lectures, workshops, poetry readings, community projects and online activities. The 2024 festival featured performances by poet Simon Armitage and his band LYR, as well as well-known figures such as broadcaster Gavin Esler, comedian Helen Lederer, explorer Ash Bhardwaj, and crime writers Mark Billingham and Abir Mukherjee. The festival offers a wealth of activities for families, including eco-craft and crime-solving workshops, a chance to meet The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and the annual Stafflex free family day.
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (HCMF)
Finding grand things to do in Huddersfield for adults or for couples annually? Look at here. Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival is one of a grand scene with its rich and varied musician events, suitable for audiences with different interests and backgrounds. Whether you are a professional interested in contemporary music or an ordinary enthusiast who wants to learn about new music, here is something for you.
The Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival was founded in 1978. It was originally a small new music weekend event organized by the Department of Music at the University of Huddersfield. Later, it developed into the largest international contemporary and new music festival in the UK. It is held for 10 days in November every year, including about 50 events, covering various forms such as concerts, musicals, dance, multimedia, lectures, and films. Under the leadership of the current artistic director, Graham McKenzie, the festival has expanded to include not only contemporary classical music but also improvisational music, electronic music, sound art, and noise. It attracts top composers and performers from all over the world, providing audiences with an opportunity to experience cutting-edge experimental music. The festival also cooperates with international organizations, such as the British Council, to jointly organize events to promote international cultural exchanges.
Explore Outdoor Places to Visit in Huddersfield
If you ask what to do or what are the best places to go in Huddersfield on weekeds, I think to go outside the city and explore the ourdoor activities are ranked prior. Outdoor activities are always the most popular activities for all ages in a city. More and more young people choose to get out of the complicated city and enjoy their own piece of pure land. Family activities are also increasingly inclined towards natural scenery. Image that flying kites and picnicking with your kids on the open grass, a couple taking a romantic walk in the afterglow of the sunset, such scenes are extremely warm and attractive whenever you think of them. What’s more, Huddersfield is a city with many beautiful parks, trails and reservoirs with great views. Searching for the destinations? Check our destinations:
Greenhead Park
Greenhead Park is a good place to visit in the town. It covers an area of 46 hectares and is located near the center of Huddersfield, just half a mile from the city center. The park has a boating lake, a children’s play area, a skate park, a mini railway, tennis courts, croquet courts, pet bowling courts, etc. The park is famous for its magnificent Victorian architecture, including the grand entrance gate, the bandstand and the Italian terrace. It is also a great place for walking and cycling. Besides, fun events are hold in the park in regular, including outdoor concerts, fitness classes, pet bowling activities, orienteering, etc. There are spacious lawns and play areas, which are perfect for urban relaxation, family picnics and children’s activities.
Beaumont Park
This is the largest park in Huddersfield, covering an area of 82 hectares. The park is famous for its magnificent natural scenery, with waterfalls, cliffs, caves, ponds and beautiful woodland trails. The park has historical sites such as castle walls and castle gates, and there are many winding trails suitable for hiking and viewing natural beauty. Compared with Greenhead Park, there are not many events here, so it is more suitable for those who like quiet and nature.
Reservoirs in Huddersfield
Digley Reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green space, so its walking trails are beautiful and peaceful, perfect for walking picnics and people who like beautiful and peaceful environments.
Ogden Reservoir is located in the west of Huddersfield. It is an important reservoir in Huddersfield and is surrounded by abundant wildlife. It is an ideal place for bird-watching and wildlife enthusiasts. There are many water activities, including fishing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking, which are particularly popular among outdoor sports enthusiasts, especially water sports.
Compared with the above two reservoirs, Scammonden Reservoir has its own historical significance. It was developed and constructed in the 1960s to meet the growing water demand in West Yorkshire. Since the development and construction relocated the entire village at that time, its construction was an engineering miracle. Today, Scammonden Reservoir adds a sense of tranquillity and is suitable for walking, hiking and cycling. There are many kinds of fish in the reservoir, such as trout and pike, which is an ideal place for fishing enthusiasts. There is abundant wildlife around the reservoir, including herons, kingfishers and ducks.
Top Hiking Attractions in Huddersfield
Hiking is one of the active and lively things to do in Huddersfield, especially for young adults and couples. Huddersfield and its surrounding areas are home to many scenic walks, making them a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the walks worth trying:
Colne Valley Trail is an 8-mile route through the picturesque Colne Valley, with views of the countryside and historic mills along the way. The route also passes the beautiful Marsden Moor, where you can spot local wildlife. Holme Valley Walk: A 10-mile route through the Holme Valley, with views of the River Holme and the surrounding countryside along the way. It also passes the picturesque village of Holmfirth. The Stanza Stones Trail is a unique 5-mile walk that combines natural beauty with poetry, with six stones engraved with poems along the way. The poems were written by Simon Armitage, the British poet laureate, and were inspired by the natural scenery.
If you are a “crazy” walker, then the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, a 20% profit route, is definitely a challenge you love. This canal is a witness to the British Industrial Revolution. Along the way, you can admire ancient canal architecture and engineering wonders, such as the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in the UK. Small towns along the way, such as Stalybridge and Slaithwaite, have rich cultural activities and food, which are suitable for resting and replenishing energy during the hike.
Take Sport Activities in Huddersfield
Sports are the necessary things to do in Huddersfield for modern young people. Participating in sports activities is no longer limited to listening and watching but is more about joining in it. Huddersfield can also be called a vibrant sports city with a deep sports history, especially in ball and water sports. There are many sports activities, from football, rugby, cricket, hockey and swimming. These activities are not only diverse, but also very popular. Huddersfield has two well-known football teams: Huddersfield Town F.C. and Huddersfield United F.C. Huddersfield Town F.C. was founded in 1908 and is part of the English Football League. It won three league championships in the 1920s. Huddersfield is one of the birthplaces of rugby league. The world’s first rugby league was established here in 1895. Huddersfield Giants is the local rugby league team.
Social and Nightlife Activities in Huddersfield
We have talked about almost all the “big events” in life that should be visited. Maybe we should talk about some daily things to do next. What do people do in Huddersfield every day? It’s nothing more than eating, drinking, and shopping! You can check our hand-making list with some really well-liked bars and pubs. Some are especially suitable for students because they don’t cost much, but they are exciting, and rest assured, they are safe here. In addition, shopping paradise is indispensable, let’s take a look together to enrich our daily life.
Bars & Pubs in Huddersfield Town Centre
If you think Huddersfield is just a small town that has come out of history, you are wrong. Without the hustle and bustle of the big city, Huddersfield still gives you fabulous nights after another. You must not miss Camel Club, one of the most well-known clubs in Huddersfield. The various theme nights, live music and DJ performances offered here will make you step into this place again and again and enjoy the wonderful night. If you are a foodie who just wants to have a drink after busy school work, then Bar Maroc is very suitable for you. Its Moroccan-style decoration and rich cocktail selection are the most attractive, which is not just for advertising. It also offers vegetarian and vegan pizzas. It is recognized as a good place for relaxation and enjoyment.
However, if you want to have a nostalgic night and enjoy the music and nostalgic atmosphere of the 80s, Maverick’s 80s Lounge is a good choice. There are often theme parties here, playing classic 80s music, allowing you to dance to your heart’s content. Alternatively, visit King Street Nightlife, the heart of Huddersfield nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants perfect for a lively night out with friends.
Top Shopping Places to Go in Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a great place for holiday shopping, with hundreds of independently owned shops and high street chains throughout the city selling a wide range of goods. There are also many specialty shops, including jewellery shops, art galleries, toy shops, antique shops and gift shops, as well as many boutiques. Let’s take a look at these supermarkets in the city centre:
- Kingsgate Shopping Centre is one of the largest shopping centres in Huddersfield and a popular choice for shopping. It has over 100 shops, including speciality stores of well-known brands and various dining facilities. There are not only fashionable clothing and homewares but also children’s play areas and cinemas, suitable for shopping with the whole family.
- Piazza Shopping Centre is an open shopping centre with 35 stores, including well-known retailers such as Boots, Marks and Spencer.
- Packhorse Shopping Centre is a small shopping area known for its unique shops and friendly atmosphere. There are many independent brands and speciality shops here, suitable for daily social shopping.
Find Accommodation in Huddersfield
After exploring all the fun things to do in Huddersfield, you may start thinking about where to stay. Whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer rent, Huddersfield offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from affordable private accommodations to cosy shared apartments. However, when you are faced with a multitude of choices, how to choose the most suitable place for you is not an easy process for everyone, especially for students who rent for a long time, it is extremely difficult to find a comfortable “home” in a strange country.
At this time, if there is a reliable online rental website that shows you all the advantages and disadvantages, and all the important information is presented to you without reservation, this is what uhomes.com is doing: solving all your accommodation problems. uhomes.com comes to you with such a mission! Not only is the information true and clear but there is also a caring 1-to-1 online service to solve all your questions. At this time, you will find that all the problems you just thought of will become simple. What’s more, uhomes.com offers the widest range of student accommodation in Huddersfield, along with student-friendly facilities and all-inclusive bills, which are comfortable and affordable. Whether you would like studios, ensuites, non-ensuites, 1b/2b/3b apartments or another, you will find one that suits your needs.
Conclusion on Things to Do in Huddersfield
What to do and what to see in Huddersfield is not a blank paper. Huddersfield is a charming and gorgeous town where history lovers, nature explorers and nightlife seekers can find their own fun here. From historic buildings and art attractions to picturesque hiking routes and lively nightlife, Huddersfield offers many experiences. In addition, shopping venues in the city centre and convenient accommodation options ensure that your journey is comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you plan to stay for a short time or achieve your new life here, Huddersfield welcomes every visitor and newcomer with its unique charm and rich activities.
FAQ on Things to Do in Huddersfield
Is Huddersfield a good place to live?
Huddersfield is an excellent place to live for all-age people. There are pretty things to do in Huddersfield town centre, and the town is steeped in history, with landmarks like Castle Hill and a vibrant cultural scene. It has a diverse community, safe neighbourhoods, and a thriving nightlife.
What is the nicest things to do in Huddersfield town centre?
There are a wide range of things to do in Huddersfield town centre, refering to the history attractions, cultural activities and shopping malls. Plus, plenty of faculous bars and plubs at night. It is so hard to tell the best thing, but if you say the must-visit place in town centre, that must be Huddersfield Art Gallery.
Is Huddersfield worth visiting?
Huddersfield is definitely worth visiting! This charming town offers a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With friendly locals and diverse attractions, Huddersfield provides a unique and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Are there any free things to do in Huddersfield?
Yes, there are several free things to do in Huddersfield. Explore the Huddersfield Lego Trail with hidden Lego sculptures around the town centre. Enjoy a picnic in Greenhead Park or visit the Tolson Museum and Huddersfield Art Gallery for free exhibits.
What are best areas to live in Huddersfield?
The best areas to live in Huddersfield should has a wide range of affordable accommodation in Huddersfield, friendly community and close to town centre to make the residants receive plenty of things to do in Huddersfield. You can find places to live in areas like: Aspley, Turnbridge, Lockwood, and Newsome.
