John Edward Wainhouse was a local dyeworks owner and his aunt previously owned the building of which we are a part. He inherited it and certainly added the distinctive front porches and the garden wall too as it bears his initials JEW and the date 1878. Part of the wall was a water source, probably a well or trough which has been bricked in more recently. We have now been told that this was actually 3 water troughs which were installed following the failure of a previous scheme called Cockett Well due to land ownership issues with Sir Henry Edwards. On the back wall there was an inscription in gilt lettering which said “And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away” Genesis 21:25. This is a reference to JEW’s feud with Sir Henry Edwards who lived at Pye Nest House and had objected to the building of Wainhouse Tower a few years previously as he thought it was an intrusion of his privacy. It later became known as ‘the tower of spite’. The cottages were allegedly known as Dye Nest which was inscribed on a chimney. More research is required to find out more!
Thanks to Peter Kemp for the photo and Steve for the additional information.
Special events at the Bankfield Museum Halifax 2025
The fascinating Bankfield Museum is just outside the town centre, across North Bridge and along the road to Queensbury. The entrance is slightly hidden so watch out for the stone gate posts leading up a narrow drive just past the magnificent All Soul’s Church which sadly only opens occasionally. It has been a museum since 1887 and tells the story of Halifax, Calderdale and its people and heritage.
Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-16.00 FREE ENTRY unless you attend an event or workshop.
The house was originally the home of Edward Akroyd local MP and mill owner and now hosts a very interesting collection of local memorabilia such as exhibits from the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, a toy collection and jewellery crafted by the renowned local silversmith Charles Horner.
In addition, the museum hosts special events throughout the year and below is the schedule for 2025. For more details please visit the website https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk
Exhibition 50 Years of Calderdale. This explores the history of the borough, created in 1974, over the past 50 years from archaeological discoveries to the changing industrial landscape and the new future as a filming location. To December 21st 2025
Exhibition Edith Durham 1863-1944; Explorer, Collector and Champion of The Balkans to March 29th 2025
Exhibition Wild Words. This celebrates the poetry of the area most famously Ted Hughes 1930-1998. To 1st March 2025
Exhibition Welcome to Calderdale, a new exhibition of paintings by local Brighouse artist Roger Davies until 28th June 2025
Exhibition The World of Chris Mould an award winning graphic illustrator. Until 30th August 2025
Event Sketch Away with Chris Mould. Come and join a workshop on 18th February. Book online.
Event Fastest Felting Workshop and create your own wet felting masterpiece. 19 February 2025. Book online.
Event Mask Making Workshop for children 4-12 21st February. Book online.
Event Poetry Inspired by the Brontes to accompany the Wild Words Exhibition. 21st February. Book online.
Event Vintage Sewing Machine Demonstration, a free session on 8th March
Exhibition Let’s go Shopping! Suitable for all ages, this looks at the shops of yesteryear in Halifax with a display of photos and objects. 8th March -13th September 2025
Event Roger Davies in Concert. Join in with a performance by local poet, who is also a talented songwriter, on 11th April 2025. Book online
Event Regency Summer Ball with music from the Pemberley Players. 2nd August 2025. Book online
Below are two of the costumes, from a previous exhibition at the Bankfield Museum, worn by the fictional character Eugenie Pierre played by Albane Courtois in the BBC/HBO tv series ‘Gentleman Jack’. This very popular historical drama focuses on the unconventional life and loves of local landowner Anne Lister who was played by Suranne Jones.
View from the top of Wainhouse Tower Halifax UK, the tallest folly in the world
Wainhouse Tower is unique! Originally designed to be a chimney for a dyeworks, the creativity of the architect Isaac Booth got ever more bold and it never achieved its original purpose. John Edward Wainhouse, the owner of the dyeworks, was very influential in the architectural design of the local area and this masterpiece took from 1871-1875 to build. It became the most famous landmark in Halifax offering views from the balconies over the whole of Calderdale into the Pennines. Unfortunately it also overlooked the estate of his neighbour Sir Henry Edwards and locally became known as “the tower of spite”. Reputedly, on days with excellent visibility, it is said that having climbed the 369 steps, you are rewarded with a view to Blackpool Tower over 40 miles away. It is 84 metres tall, with a square base, an octagonal shaft and 2 balconied viewing platforms, the upper one not open to the public.
It is now owned by Calderdale Council who arrange special open days when tickets can be booked. In 2024 these were on the third Saturday and the first Wednesday of each month and some Bank Holidays. For more information visit https://www.visitcalderdale.com
Philip Fearnley, a local photographer and owner of Halo Vue Aerial Photography https://www.halovue.co.uk has published an extensive series of stunning photographs taken by drone from the top of Wainhouse Tower in all directions. Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax is proud to feature in the left part of the first photograph which is looking South West towards Sowerby Bridge and in the distance are the Pennines. These photographs are available in a book with more information about Wainhouse Tower called Calderdale From The Air Wainhouse Tower by Philip Fearnley and would make an amazing Christmas gift for anyone who has a connection to Halifax and Calderdale.
Photos credited to Philip Fearnley Photography. Dyer’s Holiday Cottage is in the centre left of this photo just before the bend in Edwards Road, next to a large Victorian building with a slate roof which was formerly the home of John Edward Wainhouse and known as West Air. It is now the very popular pub The Wainhouse Tavern and has won accolades as one of the best real ale pubs in Calderdale and the food is well worth a mention too.
If you would like to see more of Philip’s work, please take a look at the virtual tour on our website https://www.dyerscottageyorkshire.co.uk which takes you around the cottage and then offers you an opportunity to see more of Halifax and Calderdale from the air. He also has worked with tv production companies, notably on ‘Gentleman Jack’ and ‘Canal Boat Diaries’.
Just £500 for a weeks stay at Dyer’s self catering holiday cottage in the beautiful Calderdale West Yorkshire between Halifax and Sowerby Bridge. Located in the shadow of Wainhouse Tower, the tallest folly in the world, this is a truly heritage area and our cottage is part of is one of the oldest buildings in the area.
Price includes a breakfast pack too.
Shorter stays available too.
Enjoy relaxing in our unique cottage garden after a day out exploring the natural beauty and historic sights.
The Magna Via also known as The Wakefield Gate Halifax: a great walk from Hipperholme to Halifax
This ancient road, connecting Halifax to Wakefield is a fascinating reminder of the illustrious past and until the 18th century was the only route East. Carrying animals, wool and textiles by packhorse, this footpath enables walkers to really experience how difficult life must have been in times gone by.
The walk from Hipperholme to Halifax, which we took by bus from Dyer’s Holiday Cottage into Halifax and bus to Hipperholme, is provided in the walks section of our guest information folder at Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax but briefly consists of a downhill section from Station Road, then an upward path following Dark Lane, which is one of the best preserved Medieval holloways, up to 12 metres deep in parts, carved out by many centuries of traffic. At the summit, above Shibden Hall, home of Anne Lister aka ‘Gentleman Jack’ from the television series written by Sally Wainwright, the track levels out offering splendid views across the Shibden Valley to Queensbury on the opposite ridge. Look out for the old mineshaft before descending into the remnants of the woods of Beacon Hill. Here the track becomes setted again. The cobbles were laid in the 1720’s to provide an all weather surface but the gradient was too steep for wheeled vehicles. Excavated and restored by Halifax Civic Trust in 1984. we can now see the beauty of their workmanship.
The 1741 Turnpike Trust meant that gradually the Magna Via was used less to carry goods as the toll paying Halifax Old Road was built following a lower but longer more Northerly route between Halifax and Hipperholme.
It remains a great memorial of past times for walkers to enjoy and took us 1.5 hours, approximately 3 miles.
For more information have a look at www.milestonesociety.co.uk
www.visitcalderdale.com
www.calderdale.gov.uk
Information Board near Dark Lane HipperholmeDark LaneChoose your routeShibden ValleyThe track descends into the woods on Beacon Hill HalifaxA work of art!
Dean Clough Halifax is a centre for the arts located in the world’s former largest carpet factory hosting shopping, dining, events and exhibitions –www.deanclough.com.
Shibden Hall is a magnificent Grade 11* listed historic house situated in 90 acres of beautiful parkland. It’s architecture is a mix of styles which reflect its long and interesting history.
Home to the Lister family for over 300 years, it features in a new BBC drama series set in 1832 following the life of Anne Lister, also known as Gentleman Jack – museums.calderdale.gov.uk/visit/shibden-hall.
A Grade 11 listed historic house museum set within an attractive park, this was originally the home of Edward Akroyd who was one Halifax’s most eminent woollen and worsted manufacturers. Less than a mile from the centre of Halifax in Boothtown, it incorporates costume and textile galleries and the regimental museum of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment who were based in the town.
The Piece Hall is an amazing Grade 11 listed building based around a huge square in the centre of Halifax which reopened in 2017 after a huge renovation and is now a lively hub of activity offering a range of unusual shops, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Built in 1779 as a Saturday sales centre for local handloom weavers, there is an extremely interesting local history exhibition too – www.thepiecehall.co.uk.
The Wainhouse family were very influential in the area as they built the dyeworks which provided employment to most of the local people, our family included. The last member of the family was J.E. Wainhouse who inherited the dyeworks and property, including this cottage, from his uncle. Initially designed as a 77m chimney for the dyeworks and built between 1871 and 1875, with balconies and an elaborate dome, the tower can be seen from miles around.
One week breaks start from £420 in low season and are up to £550 in peak season. Short breaks of 3 days or more are also available and we sometimes offer 2 night weekend breaks so please do contact us.
We enjoyed our stay again immensely. It was definitely difficult to leave. Dyer’s Cottage and Pye Nest are a special corner of a special part of the world. MB Jan 2025 USA
Really appreciate all your support Jane
It will be a 5 star review all round from us.We have loved staying at the house. It is so comfortable and the location is so handy.
LH Jan 2025 UK
We spent a warm and wonderful Christmas at our ‘home away from home’ Dyer’s Cottage
Thank you Jane; our expectations are always exceeded when we visit.
PM Dec 2024 UK
We loved staying at Dyer’s Cottage and will definitely be back!
Screenshot
Wonderful Stay at Dyer’s Cottage
Thank you for everything. We would love to stay again.
TB Dec 2024 UK
Thanks for the lovely peaceful stay at your beautiful Dyer’s Cottage
It’s just what we needed and the pub nearly next door is fabulous.
MN UK Oct 2024
I adore Dyer’s Cottage
Just love the rich history you have shared. The folks at the Wainhouse Tavern are gems! Thank you for your hospitality.
AB USA Oct 2024
We had a lovely stay at Dyer’s Cottage Halifax
Thanks for the stay, we had a great time and Dyer’s Cottage is very cosy.
DN USA Oct 2024
Enjoyed our stay at Dyer’s Cottage Halifax
We can see the hard work and considerable investment you have made to create such a charming place.
GD UK Nov 2024
Thanks so much Jane. We had a lovely time and really enjoyed the beautiful cottage. VF UK Aug 2024
I will recommend your spot!! It was fantastic. LG Bermuda Aug 2024
Yorkshire Gem
Dyer’s Cottage is exactly as advertised – charming and comfortable. Jane made sure we had all the necessary info and provided a fascinating cottage history. Good location for walking and bus routes around the Calder Valley.
TA Canada June 2024
Friendly hosts and thoughtful welcome basket
Great location (easy to get into the centre of Halifax and to Outlying areas such as Hebden Bridge. Comfortable accommodation. We enjoyed our stay very much and highly recommend visiting Halifax and Calderdale and staying at Dyer’s Cottage
MB April 2024 USA
Our second visit to Dyer’s Cottage
And still the cosiest cottage we have ever been to.
Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (in spite of the weather)
LR UK Nov 2022
Thank you for a lovely holiday
What an amazing job you’ve done renovating the cottage. We’ve had a great couple of weeks exploring the area and enjoyed a night at the theatre.
HM UK Sept 2022
Dyer’s Cottage is a “home away from home” which never fails to impress
This visit we were greeted with coffee and fruitcake. Thank you!
PM UK Sept 2022
Love this cottage!
A great base from which to explore the area and a lovely haven to relax in at the end of each day.
JM UK Aug 2022
Thank you so much for having us
Dyer’s Cottage is really amazing and we love this place so much! AK UK May 2022
Outstanding!
We have stayed in many cottages over the years but none compares. DH UK April 2022
We definitely will return!
We had the most wonderful relaxing holiday and the cottage is beautiful
SR UK April 2022
Had a lovely time and really enjoyed exploring the surrounding area
We loved walking to Hebden Bridge (train back), walking to Halifax and eating out in pubs including the Wainhouse Tavern. What a great shower and comfortable bed – why can’t all self catering places be like this? We hope to return, thank you.
DP UK Jan 2022
A lovely fabulous Yorkshire traditional cottage
Despite the low temperature, it was warm and cosy with all amenities available. The cottage is tastefully set out with a good mixture of the history and modern re-furbishment. Bedroom and bathroom are first class. Very safe and secure. We have family in the area and would not hesitate in re-booking in the future – have already recommended to friends.
TB UK Jan 2022
We had such a lovely relaxing time
We felt welcome from the start and didn’t need or want for anything as everything had been thought of. We will definitely be back.
JL UK Dec 2021
A perfect break at Dyer’s Cottage to start the New Year
The set up was ideal for us, sparkling clean and Jane was so helpful with any enquiries.
AL UK Jan 2022
Thank you for making us so welcome
The cottage is a home from home with everything we could possibly wish. The local pub and neighbours were very warm and welcomed us as family on our first of what will be many more trips to Halifax.
PM UK Dec 2021
We’ve had an amazing child free days at Dyer’s Cottage
The cottage has everything you need plus more! Loved our welcome biscuits and above all the toiletries etc. Thank you for making the cottage so homely and spotless. We’ll be back for sure. CC UK October 2021
We’ll be back again!
We had a lovely stay at Dyer’s. The cottage was very comfortable and homely. The Wainhouse is a really great pub- warm welcome and great food. Thanks Jane, excellent accommodation and a wonderful cottage. Sad to be leaving Yorkshire. WB UK October 2021
Loved our stay in your cottage
Everything was perfect. Your cottage was lovely with everything we could possibly need and was beautifully clean, so important in these Covid times. Thank you for all your help and information. We’d love to visit again and will do so if you have availability when we’re next up in the area. Many thanks to you and of course Emma.
RW-W UK Sept 2021
Thank you for a lovely stay.
We were very comfortable and had everything we needed.
AO UK Aug 2021
It’s beautiful!
We had a great time at the cottage. Thank you for everything
AP UK August 2021
5 star Google review
Thank you, we are settled in lovely. I love the cottage and its history and the views. It’s good to be back home. JC UK July 2021
Exemplary cleanliness and everything well presented
Our short stay at Dyer’s Cottage has been very comfortable and cosy. The family history is fascinating- what would they think of their house now we wonder? It was a real joy to see all the bluebells out in the garden and to sit outside with our coffees. Our thanks to Jane and her team.
SS May 2021 UK
Staying at Dyer’s Cottage has done us the world of good
It is such a beautiful, cosy and unique place to get away to with so many wonderful views, walks and places of interest on your doorstep. Really recommend the Anne lister Walk.
Thank you so much Jane; you are a wonderful host. The background information and tips were so appreciated.
NM May 2021 UK
We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this delightful cottage
Beautifully renovated, very well equipped, extremely comfortable, lovely location, beautiful views, loads of history and friendly neighbours
SD UK April 2021
A real home
I felt at home in your lovely cottage as soon as I walked in and I’m so settled you may have to prise me out! JR UK Oct/Nov 2020
Thanks!
Lovely, clean and beautiful cottage. We enjoyed exploring the local area and Halifax Golf Club. I have taken your business card and would not hesitate to recommend Dyer’s Cottage to others. IM UK Oct 2020
Such a beautiful cottage
I have had a lovely time, nice and chilled, exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for all your help and advice. EH UK July 2020
We will return!
Thank you for having us stay in your home Jane. We enjoyed our stay and the history behind it. PM UK July 2020
Our ‘Lockdown’ could not have been more comfortable
Navigating the tiring and turbulent time that is Coronavirus has been so much easier thanks to this beautiful cottage and its equally beautiful setting. Jane has gone above and beyond to ensure we are safe and our needs are attended to. Somehow we have managed to thoroughly enjoy ourselves despite the circumstances. Thank you so much. GL UK April 2020
Lovely stay
We had such a lovely 2 week stay at Dyer’s Cottage and we look forward to a return visit.
KO Jan 2020 Australia
Wonderful Christmas in the beautiful Dyer’s Cottage
Cosy and warm, with everything we could possibly need, including Christmas tree and decorations, it was a special treat as we visited our family in Halifax. We would absolutely, 100% definitely, come back another time and stay much longer.
CG Dec 2019 USA
We stayed here because of Anne Lister
We will certainly be back. We feel we only touched on all the history. We love Dyer’s Cottage!
M M-M UK Oct 2019
Warm, welcoming and cosy
We have had a very relaxed break and relished the time here at Dyer’s Cottage. We look forward to returning in the not too distant future.
GH UK Nov 2019
Enjoyed our stay in this typical Calderdale cottage
Dyer’s Cottage is well situated and provided with all the things you need. Thank you very much!
MH Belgium October 2019
RC Eire November 2019
It was a lovely home to stay in for the week.
Loving coming back to the cottage!
It’s such a gorgeous cottage, absolutely love it! LM UK Sept 2019
Had a lovely time in your beautiful cottage
Didn’t get to see everything we would have liked to as we just had the weekend. We will definitely be back. JPS UK August 2019
Thank you again for your support
It was a wonderful stay and a perfect ‘home base’ for our holiday. PK Austria August 2019
Picture Perfect!
It is as good as it looks! The location has a feeling of a village in the countryside although it is just a few minutes away from the city centre. Great vacation! MA Greece July 2019
Perfect!
What a lovely, well equipped cottage. Loved it. PT UK June 2019
Dyer’s Cottage is a bit of Yorkshire history
It sits below Wainhouse Tower which means you will never be lost trying to find one’s way home. Cozy and private, the dark stone exterior opens into a modern and well lit interior. The main bed is a dream machine, big and inviting, warm and delightful. BL USA May 2019
Love the view!
It was a great privilage to enjoy the view from bed, which I loved, and all the amenities of this beautiful cottage. Thank You. JO USA May 2019
So much to see in the area
We’ve had a lovely 4 night stay in the cottage and visited the Piece Hall, Hebden Bridge, Haworth and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. All very interesting
CM UK May 2019
We have had a wonderful stay
Bed was really comfortable. We enjoyed our walks up and down hill into Halifax to see the Piece Hall and along the canal to Hebden Bridge (we got the train back!)
RM UK April 2019
Beautiful cottage
Very homely with everything we needed; thank you.
CW Sept 2018 Australia
Perfect location for visiting cousins in Halifax
Thank you for providing such a lovely house. It is beautifully renovated with every modern convenience and yet retains all the charm of the original house.
DM Sept 2018 USA
Wonderful stay at Dyer’s Cottage
It is beautifully restored with a modern kitchen and bathroom but plenty of original features throughout. Parking was easy and the pub round the corner was very welcoming. Highly recommended!
RF Nov 2018 UK
Beautiful cottage
Very well planned out and superb views.
CP Feb 2019 UK
We loved the cottage
Felt very homely here. Would love to return.
KJ March 2019 UK
Our second visit here this year
Just as good as last time.
BR Dec 2018 UK
A fantastic cottage
Just what we were looking for. A real “home from home”. We will definitely be spreading the word about Dyer’s Cottage. A real gem.
SD Jan 2019 UK
Thank you
Thank you so much for everything. We had a wonderful stay and are just ashamed that we couldn’t enjoy it more as we worked all day.
CW Jan 2019 UK
Lovely Christmas
Just to say we had a really lovely Christmas at Dyer’s Cottage. It was everything we wanted and more.
BT UK Dec 2018
Wonderful!
A wonderful, luxurious property in an historic part of Halifax. The property has undergone a miracle transformation.
JD South Africa Jan 2019
CR, Canada, September 2018
When I walked into your cottage the first thing I said was “I’m home” and that is exactly what it has been for me. My safe place to rest after a long day of travel and exploring, my quiet place to read, journal and pray.
LM, Canada, March 2018
Dyer’s Cottage is exquisite.
SH, USA, September 2017
Thank you for an amazing stay. Jane has been so efficient, welcoming and helpful that we cannot wait to come back. Dyer’s Cottage is beautiful.
BJ, UK, May & Nov 2017
Just perfect. Once I walked through the front door, I was totally at home.
DF, UK, October 2016
Had a lovely “holiday” in the cottage whilst some major work was taking place on our house. Found some new walks and a new pub.
BJ, USA, August 2016
We had a great stay in your cottage whilst visiting family in Halifax. A perfect getaway.
KS, Australia, May 2016
We have had a wonderful time staying in your lovely cottage. We found everything we needed which enhanced our stay. The bed was comfortable and the shower was a pleasure to use.
VA, Germany, April 2016
A beautiful cottage ideally placed. Incredibly well equipped and modernised with great taste. A real ” home from home” experience.