As well as being one of West Yorkshire’s most important heritage sites, the Shibden Estate is full of fun to keep all the family entertained.
The beautifully restored grounds, commissioned by Anne Lister, are wonderful to walk through and there is the tranquil Wilderness Garden, the cascade and pools, restored tunnels within the terrace walls that lead through to Cunnery Wood, the site of the old kitchen garden.
There’s a lake where you can feed the ducks (duck food sold in the café) or hire a rowing boat, pitch and putt and depending on the season, a miniature railway and a land train (charges apply).
The kids can burn off steam in the playground and there is a café for refreshments afterwards.
There’s also a permanent dry stone walling exhibit.
Inside Shibden Hall, which dates back to 1420, you can enjoy a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked there, including Anne Lister, whose life is soon to be explored in a new BBC drama written by Sally Wainwright. There is a 17th century barn and workshops with a carriage collection and displays including a blacksmiths, coopers, wheelwrights and saddlers.
Special events run throughout the year.
Shibden Park, Godley Lane, Halifax. Shibden Hall, Lister’s Road, Halifax. Phone: 01422 352246.
