Huddersfield is Terrier-ific
Julie Delahaye lists some of Huddersfield’s top attractions, as the town warms up for its debut in football’s top flight
Premier League football kicks off again on Friday and fans will be setting their satnavs and booking train tickets for new territory this season – Huddersfield.
The Terriers, captained by Tommy Smith, joined the elite for the first time after winning the Championship playoff final against Reading at Wembley in May.
German defender Christopher Schindler scored the winning penalty after an inspirational performance by Aussie midfielder Aaron Mooy. They become the 49th team to enter the top flight since it was created in 1992.
But there’s more to Huddersfield than football. It was the birthplace of Rugby League too – the game was devised in the town’s George Hotel.
Huddersfield’s parks are Victorian gems and the local Tykes should be more than happy to show visitors the way.
“Most people would be surprised at how beautiful the parks are,” says Huddersfield local Mark McManus. “And there are plenty of brilliant restaurants and pubs too.”
So here we take a look at 10 attractions the place has to offer, whether you are just in town for the match or making a break of it as a couple, with pals or with the family.
1 The view from Castle Hill Take a scenic stroll to the top of Castle Hill and you’ll be taken aback by the stunning views of both Huddersfield and the surrounding Pennine hills.
Make sure you check out the 106ft Victoria Tower at the top – it was built in 1897 to commemorate the then queen’s diamond jubilee.
(kirklees.gov.uk adult £1.90/child 55p/family £3.75) 2 Terrier territory
The John Smith’s Stadium is home to Huddersfield Town and Rugby League team the Huddersfield Giants.
There are guided tours which take in the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel and the dugouts, and there’s plenty of Huddersfield sporting memorabilia too. (From £15, johnsmithsstadium.com) 3 Stroll through Beaumont Park With beautiful ornate gates, splendid greenery, cascades, grottos, colourful plants and plenty of wildlife, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale from the moment you enter this Victorian park. Perfect for a pre-match walk. ( fobp.co.uk)
In front is a statue of local lad, prime minister Harold Wilson
4 Marstons Chicken Shop Marstons Chicken in Bradley is a Huddersfield institution, according to Mark. The menu is extensive so you’ll be spoiled for choice if you want a matchday refuel – there’s everything from chicken wings to spit roast to chicken bites. (marstonschickenshop.co.uk). 5 The Tolson Museum
Huddersfield’s “history book” takes visitors on a journey through the area’s past from Roman times to the present day. There are plenty of collections covering topics such as the town’s textiles past, birdlife and transport. (kirklees.gov.uk, free) 6 Last of the Summer Wine country Head seven miles down the road to Holmfirth and you’ll find where the bulk of the much-loved BBC sitcom was filmed.
There’s an exhibition that you enter under Nora Batty’s famous steps, and inside you’ll see Compo’s front room complete with homemade submarine. (summerwine-holmfirth.co.uk adult £2.50/ child £1)
Sid’s Cafe is another sitcom location, plus there are plenty of great pubs. (holmfirth.org) 7 The home of Rugby League The 13-man game was established in Huddersfield’s George Hotel in 1895, when the Northern Rugby Football Union broke away from England’s Rugby Football Union in a row over players being compensated for missing work.
The hotel is just one of the town’s grand Victorian buildings. Beside it is the railway station with its neoclassical columns to impress visitors, and in front is a statue of local lad and prime minister Harold Wilson. 8 Enjoy Greenhead Park
Opened in 1884, this is one of the largest parks in the district and is a firm favourite with locals.
There are two cafes, children’s play areas, a paddling pool, bowling greens, a bandstand, and a miniature railway. Plus there’s loads of open green space, making it ideal for a pre-match kickabout.
( friendsofgreenheadpark.org.uk) 9 Tunnel vision
Standedge Tunnel is Britain’s longest canal tunnel and was built to carry freight under the Pennines between West Yorkshire and Manchester. The Yorkshire end in Marsden has a free visitor centre.
From here you can take a 30-minute barge ride into the gloom, and get a first-hand look at what life must have been like for the Victorian boatmen who “legged” their way through the 3.25-mile tunnel, driving their boats forward by pushing the walls with their feet.
(canalrivertrust.org.uk) 10 Kirklees Light Railway From Thomas the Tank Enginethemed events to scenic tours of the South Pennines on a steam train, this is a great family day out. There’s a tea room at Shelley station if you’re after some snacks, plus plenty of outdoor play areas. (kirkleeslightrailway. com, adult £7.50/child £5.50/family £24)