With the success of recent TV dramas such as Last Tango in Halifax, Ackley Bridge and Gentleman Jack amongst others, Halifax and the surrounding Calder Valley is becoming as much a magnet for tourists as Holmfirth as a result of Last of the Summer Wine. The town of Halifax seems to be an attractive location for TV and film companies and it is quite easy to see why with its beautiful Pennine backdrop and lovely valley scenery. Not only can you spot where your favourite TV or film scene was shot, but you can take advantage of visiting some amazing and historic properties, many of which have featured on the small and large screen. There is the new re-furbished Piece Hall (a cloth merchant’s exchange dating from 1772) which featured in the film Brassed Off; Shibden Hall and Park (Gentleman Jack); the town centre with its magnificent town hall built by Sir George Gilbert Scott, designer of the Houses of Parliament, which looked brilliant in Last Tango in Halifax. If you venture slightly out of town you can see the Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Claremount which was the backdrop for the opening scenes of History Boys; and going back even further go to the model village of Akroydon, past the Puginesque All Souls Church (another Sir George Gilbert Scott building – considered by many and himself one of his finest designs), you will find the park at the centre of the development which featured in the debut Alan Bennett TV film of 1972 called A Day Out about the Halifax Cycling Club ride from Halifax to Fountains Abbey – a really lovely, poignant piece of writing. So you see, there’s a lot to Halifax, and television and film companies have discovered this. We too can discover this first hand and re-live some amazing television and film moments in a fascinating town set in fabulous countryside.
