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For generations, markets have been the lifeblood of towns nationwide, serving as bustling hubs long before supermarkets became commonplace. From vibrant fruits and vegetables to cuts of meat, fresh fish, baked goods, and cheese blocks, markets were a one-stop shop for all. Despite the modern convenience of supermarket giants like Sainsbury's and Asda, markets still hum with activity in northern towns.

In Greater Manchester, Bury market remains a popular destination, famed for its world-renowned Bury Black Pudding among other delicacies. In 2025, it even earned a spot on the top-10 coach trip destinations in the country. Nestled within an impressive Victorian hall, nearby Stockport Market also thrives.

Venture to other northern towns and you're likely to discover a market hall waiting to be explored. I did just that on a recent visit to Halifax, which felt stepping into a time capsule.

Halifax is easily accessible by train with the brooding West Yorkshire countryside offering a particularly atmospheric view during the winter months.

It's evident that the town shares a resemblance with its Calderdale neighbours, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. The Yorkshire Pennines' towns and villages are characterised by dark millstone grit buildings and ancient mills. However, Halifax boasts an extraordinary feature: the magnificent Piece Hall. This stunning Grade-I Georgian edifice, dating back to 1779, showcases a vast 66,000sq ft open courtyard, appearing more suited to a European city centre than the heart of West Yorkshire.

Encircling the Piece Hall are rows of shops, cafes, and restaurants, all overlooking the expansive square which hosts Christmas markets in November and December, as well as concerts and live music events during the summer months.

Venturing beyond the Georgian splendour reveals another gem in Halifax: the town's market. First opening its doors in 1896, the Grade II*-listed Halifax Borough Market may not be as ancient as the Piece Hall, but it certainly flaunts its Victorian charm with pride.

Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule, transporting you back not only to the Victorian era but also to the bustling market days of the 70s and 80s. The first thing that strikes you is the splendid glass roof, supported by towering metal pillars and archways, allowing natural light to illuminate the space below.

The market has recently seen a significant transformation, with £4.5million from the Government's Future High Streets Fund being utilised to refurbish the building. The renovation included substantial improvements to the roof, which has been reglazed, and the ceiling and wrought iron fixtures have also received a fresh coat of paint.

At the heart of the market stands the grand clock tower, surrounded by wooden seats at its base - another area that has undergone a makeover. The outcome is a bright and spacious area, courtesy of the enhanced roof, making it easy to envision this spot as the ultimate gathering place for shoppers to engage in a bit of chit-chat in days gone by.

The stalls themselves exude a nostalgic charm. Mister Dee's Verandah Coffee Shop seems a far cry from the trendy cafes we're accustomed to today, adorned with quaint net curtains, while the Tobacconist maintains its traditional moniker, despite now stocking vapes.

As I wander around, I encounter all the typical market offerings: a fruit and 'veg' stall bursting with produce in every hue, a haberdashery shop overflowing with an array of trimmings, a florist showcasing rows of bouquets, and a particularly retro-looking lingerie stall - Carters - where a display of shapely calves model tights in every colour and style.

Beyond the vibrant stalls and sunlit hall, Halifax Borough Market harbours a fascinating hidden feature. Perched above the market are two clandestine rows of houses, known as the 'Streets in the Sky'.

These terraces rest atop the market roof and were once home to those who ran businesses in the bustling market below. As of 2023, a couple still resided there, although most of the houses now stand empty.

Before the market's refurbishment, VisitCalderdale used to conduct guided tours of these secret streets, but these were temporarily halted during the renovation works. While it's currently not possible to explore these hidden streets, it's captivating to imagine life above the lively market stalls.

Halifax's market may evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet it remains an integral part of the community today. During my visit, the market was alive with the constant murmur of weekday shoppers, traders peddling their goods, and workmen grabbing a bacon sandwich before getting back to work.

It's heartening to see these historic sites still in operation and certainly worth a visit if you find yourself in this Yorkshire town.