Calderdale Industrial Museum
Calderdale Industrial Museum
Calderdale Industrial Museum
5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
A museum showing the development of industry in Halifax and Calderdale from domestic textile manufacture in the seventeenth century through to modern machine tools. The museum is located in the centre of Halifax, five minutes from the train station and Eureka! It is unusual in covering such a wide range of industries in one museum.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Long WCotswolds, United Kingdom182 contributionsThe best volunteers in the countyAll thanks to the informative, friendly and knowledgeable volunteers this has to be the best museum in Yorkshire. If you wander round without engaging with the volunteers it's not quite the same. Only managed 2 floors in the 2 hours we visited. Will definitely be back. A must visit to understand the history of West Yorkshire.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 March 2024
- Ruth GBridgwater, United Kingdom156 contributionsFascinating & Informative!Fabulous visit to this great museum. What makes it so good is the enthusiastic, friendly volunteers. We spent 2.5hrs here, looking at the exhibits listening to & talking with the volunteers in all areas of the museum. Enjoyed our lunch in the café on site too. Would definitely recommend a visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2024
- Molly SHalifax, United Kingdom8 contributionsExpectations exceeded ten fold!I visited the museum as a teacher, taking the children for a school trip. I wasn't sure what to expect prior to going, but any expectations I had were completely blown away and exceeded. The volunteers went above and beyond to answer every single question a group of very inquisitive 10 year olds could throw at them, as well as the adults too. The exhibits were well looked after and expertly demonstrated. There were lots of opportunities to get involved, and lots of interesting facts about the local area. A highlight for me was absolutely going into the mines! A brilliant recreation. The day went by in a flash, and we were reluctant to leave as we had had so much fun. A great experience for all of the family.Visited June 2024Travelled on businessWritten 29 June 2024
- SamiSunshineBradford, United Kingdom13 contributionsThe most informative museum we've visited for a long time.I can highly recommend a visit to Calderdale Industrial Museum. Trip Advisor suggested 1 to 2 hours to visit but I would say you should allow for 3. The exhibits are interesting by themselves but what really makes this place stand out from other museums are the incredibly informative and friendly volunteers. We learnt so much from them. We live locally and didn't realise Halifax was linked with quite so many industries. The museum is well laid out over 4 floors. At £5 per adult it is very good value for money.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 August 2024
- Michael NBirkenshaw, United Kingdom13 contributionsCalderdale Industrial Museum well worth a visit.We visited Calderdale Industrial Museum today and had a most enjoyable morning. The museum was well equipped with working exhibits and all the staff were extremely friendly and enthusiastic in sharing their knowledge in how things worked and their historical ties to Calderdale . One of the best museums I and my teenage grandchildren have visited.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 August 2024
- carol HOxford, United Kingdom4 contributionsA truly wonderful museum, the best attraction in Halifax!We came upon this place when visiting the Piece Hall next to it and we are so glad we did. This is the best museum we have been to because unlike many other places the people who volunteer here are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and proud of their history. A number of machines were working and many of the people actually worked (or still work) in the industry that they tell you about and this truly brought it to life for us. This is not just the history of Halifax or even Yorkshire but it is all our histories. Thank you to all the people who give up their time to bring history to life for all of us.Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2024
- jenuine1524 contributionsFascinating.Visited this amazing museum with a friend. Had a huge sandwich, soup and a home made cake for lunch in the cafe. There are knowledgeable volunteers around who will chat to you and give you lots of interesting information about the exhibits. You must give yourself plenty of time, as it takes longer than you think to get round. We arrived at 1pm and spent an hour in the cafe, then it took two hours to see everything before closing time at 4pm. It was fascinating. Well done volunteers. Keep up the good work.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 27 October 2024
- Ruth RHalifax, United Kingdom129 contributionsFascinating placeFascinating place to visit. What an amazing bunch of volunteers, so knowledgeable and interesting. Really enjoyed learning about the machines and local history too! Everyone is polite and friendly. Cafe is delightful, homemade cakes, clean, inexpensive … what’s not to like.Visited January 2025Travelled with friendsWritten 4 January 2025
- Jeffrey F14 contributionsNot far from Manchester and a must see if anywhere near HalifaxAbsolutely when visiting Halifax, if you have any interest in understanding the history of the wool, textile Empire of Britain the industrial museum, run by volunteers is a must see. Janine. Polly and Ann were three of the volunteers that we talked to. All of them were extremely informative about wool, weaving, machinery an the different types of wool that were used and the textiles that were derived from this. It also has a cute café that is very reasonably priced and some of the food items are definitely homemade. it is absolutely a must see if you’re going to go to Halifax. And it’s close by to the Piece Hall so it’s an easy walk to it. The industrial museum is a hidden gem for sure.Visited January 2025Travelled with familyWritten 11 January 2025
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5.0
195 reviews
Excellent
181
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Carol Stevens
Sheffield, UK26 contributions
Nov 2022
It seems if you can think of it someone in Halifax invented it or manufactured it. From drilling machines to washing machines from chocolate wrapping machines to carpet weaving machines. The word diverse doesn't cover it. Start in the basement and work your way up to the fifth floor it works out at a pound a floor and it is fantastic value. You can spend hours there either being shown around by the very knowledgeable volunteers or wander freely under your own steam.
Surprisingly we found metal boring machines aren't boring, the spinning Jenny had us in a spin and the fulling machine was full of wonder! And everyone's dream machine the chocolate wrapping machine was fascinating to watch at work, you even get a free sample. All I need now is a chocolate unwrapping machine -- oh wait a minute I've got one - ME!
There's a lift so no one has to miss a thing and a really pleasant cafe. All the staff are so enthusiastic and friendly I can't fault it.
Surprisingly we found metal boring machines aren't boring, the spinning Jenny had us in a spin and the fulling machine was full of wonder! And everyone's dream machine the chocolate wrapping machine was fascinating to watch at work, you even get a free sample. All I need now is a chocolate unwrapping machine -- oh wait a minute I've got one - ME!
There's a lift so no one has to miss a thing and a really pleasant cafe. All the staff are so enthusiastic and friendly I can't fault it.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JakesnanLancaster
Lancaster41 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Visited the museum with my husband and 16yr old grandson. We all agreed it was thoroughly enjoyable, made more so by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. Something of interest for everyone here.... can recommend the cafe too, which is open to the general public.
It was easy to find being just across the road from the Railway station and adjoining the Piece Hall.
We had a grand day out!
It was easy to find being just across the road from the Railway station and adjoining the Piece Hall.
We had a grand day out!
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happytravellers8A
Greasby, UK185 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Visited this museum for the cafe initially . Great value cafe, there was 6 of us and between us we had soup of the day, sandwich and sampled the cakes too . Food was lovely and great value . We then decided to go into the museum . Takes around 1-2 hrs to walk around. It’s over four floors but there are volunteers on all floors providing information about what you are looking at . Great history around the textile industry of the area. Only £5 to enter currently so we’ll worth a visit .
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
3 contributions
Jul 2022
What a great Museum! Full of interesting and fascinating exhibits ranging from engines to domestic appliances and even included a toffee wrapping machine! And to top it off there were plenty of enthusiastic volunteers around who worked in each industry and were willing to explain each exhibit and impart knowledge. This was the icing on the cake and just brought the experience alive for me.
This is a national treasure and should feature on the mandatory visit list for all schools. This is where we came from and how we got here and we need to remember.
Finally, a must stop is the cafe on the way out. A great cup of tea (or coffee) and a delicious cream tea - cheaper than anywhere else we've been.
I'm coming again!
This is a national treasure and should feature on the mandatory visit list for all schools. This is where we came from and how we got here and we need to remember.
Finally, a must stop is the cafe on the way out. A great cup of tea (or coffee) and a delicious cream tea - cheaper than anywhere else we've been.
I'm coming again!
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard F
Keighley, UK20 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
Randomly showed up at the museum today whilst out for a wander in Halifax. It is very small, only taking me an hour or so to go around but most of that time was spent talking to the small army of dedicated knowledgeable and very friendly volunteer guides.
The exhibits are fascinating but the volunteers really made my visit! From the gent in the basement who showed me the workings of a '30s diesel engine to the lovely lady onthe 3rd floor demonstrating a vintage sweet wrapping machine from the nearby sweet factory. I throughly enjoyed interacting with them.
I think my £5 entry fee was well worth it and I highly reccomend a visit to anyone in the area with kids or just an interest in out industrial past.
The exhibits are fascinating but the volunteers really made my visit! From the gent in the basement who showed me the workings of a '30s diesel engine to the lovely lady onthe 3rd floor demonstrating a vintage sweet wrapping machine from the nearby sweet factory. I throughly enjoyed interacting with them.
I think my £5 entry fee was well worth it and I highly reccomend a visit to anyone in the area with kids or just an interest in out industrial past.
Written 17 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda H
Hebden Bridge, UK63 contributions
Jul 2023
My husband and I called in for what we thought would be an hours visit but we stayed for three hours until closing time. The museum's four floors are packed with items from Calderdale's industrial past but most importantly there are some very knowledgeable volunteers on hand to demonstrate/explain/answer questions about the exhibits.
The entrance fee is nominal and there is an excellent cafe with very moderate prices.
A wonderful place to visit.
The entrance fee is nominal and there is an excellent cafe with very moderate prices.
A wonderful place to visit.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evangeline W
burnley, lancashire. england7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful visit to the museum today - the volunteer staff were fab, and on every floor there were cheery volunteers ready to engage our children in an activity and speak to us about the exhibits. The staff really are a credit to the museum and make the whole experience what it is - you can tell they are enthusiasts about their exhibit. Loads to see, it’s a shame we arrived 1.5 hours before closing time as we could have easily spent another hour or so there. Would recommend and would visit again.
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Really impressed - the museum is spread over four floors covering all industries from the Calder Valley - from coal mining, printing presses, engineering and carpet/fabric looms to confectionary. The museum itself is filled with lots of things to see, and is very well presented, but what makes this museum 10x better are the volunteers - not only are there lots of people to talk to, but they are incredibly knowledgeable, and more than happy to pass on their knowledge. The only downside is that due to a lack of council funding it is only open on Saturdays (and some days in school holidays).
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Stockport, UK62 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a truly fabulous museum with equally wonderful volunteers. From the friendly reception people to each of the volunteers working in the exhibition rooms & cafe, we could not fault the place. Fantastic working machines & knowledgeable volunteers to explain the intricate workings & history.
What was intended to be a quick visit, turned into hours . There was even an art exhibition, showing some great local talent's pieces.
Highly recommended & worth every penny given for the upkeep of this precious place
What was intended to be a quick visit, turned into hours . There was even an art exhibition, showing some great local talent's pieces.
Highly recommended & worth every penny given for the upkeep of this precious place
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenneth M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
We visited yesterday and were bowled over by the exhibition and the amazing volunteer staff. In every room the volunteers were knowledgeable and willing to explain the exhibits in detail.
We visit many houses, castles and museums but this was the best performance of a volunteer team we had experienced.
The amazing soup ,sausage rolls and homemade cakes were then the perfect end to a great day out.
Very educational on the history of textile, machine building and mining in the Halifax area.
Will certainly be back and would highly recommend.
We visit many houses, castles and museums but this was the best performance of a volunteer team we had experienced.
The amazing soup ,sausage rolls and homemade cakes were then the perfect end to a great day out.
Very educational on the history of textile, machine building and mining in the Halifax area.
Will certainly be back and would highly recommend.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it suitable for a 10 y o boy?
Written 16 May 2023
Yes it is, we have many interactive exhibits suitable for all the family and our volunteers are very engaging and adapt what they say to their audience.
Written 8 January 2024
Is this a new museum? Have not been to Halifax for a couple of years and going tomorrow, but can't recall there being an industrial museum. Thanks
Written 1 February 2019
This museum has been in Halifax for a long time and is full of interesting machinery which tells of the town's industrial past. It's run by helpful volunteers and is well worth a visit.
Written 14 August 2019
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