Huddersfield factfile

How to get to Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large town in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees in West Yorkshire. It's a popular choice for commuters working in Leeds and Bradford, and by car is served by the M1 northbound or M62 running east to west.

Huddersfield through the ages
Huddersfield was a centre of civil unrest during the Industrial Revolution.

Local hand-weavers or "Luddites" (so named after Ned Ludd, who smashed two stocking frames in Leicestershire in 1779) destroyed mills and machinery in protest at newfangled machinery that threatened their jobs.

The movement resulted in increased welfare provision, and Huddersfield has had a strong leftist political tradition ever since.

Shopping in Huddersfield
There's a wide variety of shopping options in the town, from conventional malls to smaller, more distinctive outlets such as the renovated Victorian-style Byram Arcade.

Queensgate market hall holds hundreds of covered stalls under an innovative glass canopy with Grade II listed status. The restored Open Market in the town's Victorian quarter is also popular with bargain hunters.

Famous people from Huddersfield
A number of well-known names originate from the town, among them poet Simon Armitage, actor James Mason and the late former Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Famous landmarks in Huddersfield
Castle Hill is regarded as one of Yorkshire's most important Iron Age hill forts and has been settled for over 4,000 years. Its tower was constructed to mark Queen Victoria's jubilee year and offers panoramic views over Huddersfield and the surrounding countryside.

Huddersfield's grand train station is a great example of the town's splendid Victorian architecture. It was famously described by Sir John Betjeman as "a stately home with trains running through it".

The town is also home to the McAlpine Stadium, recipient of a Royal Institute of British Architects' award for its pioneering modern design.

Art and culture in Huddersfield
Huddersfield has a burgeoning artistic reputation. The Lawrence Batley Theatre, in a former Methodist chapel is a progressive regional theatre offering a diverse programme of dance, drama, comedy and cabaret.

Huddersfield Art Gallery hosts changing exhibitions as well as an excellent permanent collection from artists such as Francis Bacon, LS Lowry and Henry Moore.

Things to see and do in Huddersfield
In addition to its lively entertainment and arts scene, Huddersfield hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Highlights include the famous Contemporary Music Festival and summer Caribbean Carnival.