Of all the locations in Northern England accessible by rail from Chinley that will host Christmas markets, the Piece Hall in Halifax must be a strong contender for 'most iconic'. Not everyone enjoys shopping, many people have strong views on excessive consumerism, not everyone celebrates Christmas, but the Grade 1 listed Piece Hall is certainly worth a visit.

The Piece Hall website describes the location of this Christmas market (Friday to Sunday from November 15th) as follows:

"The Grade I listed Piece Hall, Halifax is a rare and precious thing, an architectural and cultural phenomenon which is absolutely unique. It is the sole survivor of the great eighteenth century northern cloth halls, a class of buildings which embodied the vital and dominant importance of the trade in hand woven textiles to the pre-industrial economy of the West Riding of Yorkshire, from the Middle Ages through to the early nineteenth century.

Dating from 1779, when it was built as a Cloth Hall for the trading of ‘pieces’ of cloth (a 30 yard length of woven woollen fabric produced on a handloom), The Piece Hall was the most ambitious and prestigious of its type and now stands in splendid isolation as the only remaining example. It is one of Britain’s most outstanding Georgian buildings.

 A Christmas Market is held over six weekends showcasing some of the region’s favourite independent food and drink producers, artisan makers and pop-up street food. Featuring a wide range of unique stalls with everything from homeware to jewellery, gifts and delicious food to take home."

From Chinley the easiest way to travel by rail is via Manchester Piccadilly where you need to transfer to Manchester Victoria to pick up a train for Halifax. Leaving Chinley at 08.55 on a Saturday you'll arrive at Halifax at 11.04 (the connection leaves Victoria at 10.21). On the way home you could leave Halifax at 19.16 and, after changing stations in Manchester, pick up the 20.48 from Piccadilly to get you back to Chinley by 21.23.