Days out with the Dog; exploring Shibden Hall and Park, Halifax.
Shibden Park is a fantastic destination for dog owners looking for a scenic spot for a walk. With its historic landscape, ample space, and dog-friendly amenities, it's a popular choice for a wander in West Yorkshire. We headed out there this morning, and despite coming back with a white dog who ended up black (more on that later), we found it as lovely as ever now the greenery is out in full. Shibden has recently been made famous by the BBC series Gentleman Jack, so you may recognise one or two areas from the telly :)
Location:
Shibden Park is located to the east of Halifax town centre. The main address for navigation is:
Shibden Park, Godley Lane, Halifax, HX3 6XG.
It's situated on the A58 Leeds/Bradford Road (Godley Lane), making it easily accessible by car.
Parking:
You have a few options, depending on whether you want to start at the top (the Hall) or the bottom (the cafe and lake).
Mereside Car Park: This is the main and largest car park, accessed off Godley Lane (A58). It provides good access to the lower park, lake, and cafe.
Upper Car Park: A smaller car park located off Shibden Hall Road (Lister's Road) at the top entrance to the park. This can fill up quickly.
Museum Car Park: Situated next to Shibden Hall and accessed via Shibden Hall Road, this car park has limited spaces and is primarily for Blue Badge holders visiting the Hall.
Parking is pay and display, with charges applying during specified hours (these can vary seasonally, so it's worth checking the Calderdale Council website for the most up-to-date information). An annual parking permit is also available for regular visitors. It's advisable to arrive earlier, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot, as the park is a popular destination. We paid for two hours today which cost us £2.00
How dog friendly is Shibden Hall and Park?
We found Shibden Park to be a very dog-friendly place, but it’s worth following signage to make sure everyone is kept happy. I prefer the woodlands on the perimeter of the park as they’re quieter and I can let my two off lead for a fuller walk. Overall I’d say it’s an 8, just because its not a total off-lead zone.
General Access: Dogs are welcome throughout most of the parkland and woodland areas, making it a great place for a varied walk.
On-Lead/Off-Lead: It's generally expected that dogs are kept on a lead in busier areas, near the cafe, children's play areas, and around Shibden Hall itself. Calderdale Council has Dog Control Orders in place across its parks and this typically means you must pick up after your dog and may be directed to put your dog on a lead if it's causing a nuisance (as all good dog owners do anyway!)
Shibden Hall: While the park grounds are dog-friendly, only assistance dogs are permitted inside Shibden Hall itself. We walked around the front of the hall and through the gates to the back.
Poo pickup: Goes without saying. Bins are available at various spots throughout the park.
Dog-Friendly Cafe: The Mereside Cafe is generally dog-friendly - especially the outside seating area, as you’d expect. It's a nice spot to grab a coffee or a bite to eat after your walk but does get busy in school holidays and when the weather is good. If you prefer to take your own picnic, there are some tables for sitting near the mini train.
Where to walk
Shibden Hall & Its Immediate Surroundings
The Hall itself is a cute Grade II* listed timber-framed manor house which dates back to around 1420. It was the home of the Lister family for centuries. Anne Lister made significant alterations and improvements to both the Hall and the surrounding landscape apparently. I’m not much of a history buff, but if you do want to find out more about the history of the place, there’s plenty of information out there. While dogs can't go inside the Hall (unless you have an assistance dog), the paths around it offer lovely views. This area can get busy, so it's a good idea to keep your dog on a lead here, otherwise they might end up annoying other vistors. The beautifully maintained gardens immediately around the Hall are also somewhere to keep your dog on a lead, especially if you have a digger!!
Terrace, Formal Gardens & The "Paisley Shawl"
Anne Lister designed a terrace along the front of the Hall for promenading. Below this, you'll find more formal garden areas. The "Paisley Shawl" garden, a Victorian-era bedding design resembling the intricate patterns of a Paisley shawl, is a lovely feature, replanted to reflect its historic layout. Admire the planting and the views back towards the Hall. The intricate flowerbeds of the Paisley Shawl are best appreciated with your dog kept close to avoid any accidental trampling of delicate plants 🫣
The Wilderness & Cunnery Wood
To the west of the Hall lies the "Wilderness," an area of woodland that Anne Lister developed with winding paths, a rustic cascade, and a tunnel. The Cunnery Wood, an ancient woodland area, was a rabbit warren (hence "cunnery") providing a source of food for the estate. It features a Victorian-era stone-built cabin, sometimes referred to as the "Hermitage." This is an off-lead area. The woodland paths offer fantastic sniffing opportunities and a chance for a good run. Be mindful of uneven terrain, tree roots, and potentially muddy patches, especially after wet weather. The cascade and tunnel (if accessible) add an extra point of interest. The Cunnery Wood provides a lovely, shaded walk, perfect on warmer days.
The Mere (Lake)
The serpentine lake at the bottom of the park was a key feature of Anne Lister's landscape design, created by damming the Red Beck. It was intended for boating and to enhance the picturesque quality of the estate. The path around the lake is a popular route for dog walkers. It's generally flat and offers lovely views across the water. This is a good spot for on-lead walking, especially as there are often ducks, geese, and other waterfowl that your dog might find a little too interesting! The Boating Lake is still in use today for rowing boats and pedalos during certain seasons, and was busy today as it’s the school holidays. If you prefer to keep your dog off lead this can be done by walking around and behind the lake (where the little train runs).
The Parkland & Open Fields:
These grassy expanses are ideal for a game of fetch or for letting your dog have a good, safe run, away from the more formal areas.
Other bits to know about dog walking at Shibden Park
Shibden Park offers a mix of open fields, woodland paths, and lakeside walks. This means there's plenty of sniffing and exploring opportunities for your dog. Some paths can be steep or muddy, especially after rain, so wear decent footwear.
While the cafe might have water bowls, it's always sensible to bring your own fresh water and a collapsible bowl for your dog, especially on warmer days or for longer walks.
Be aware of the local wildlife, including ducks and other birds around the lake. Keep your dog under control to avoid disturbing them. As I mentioned earlier, I ended up with a black (originally white!) dog because I wasn’t quite quick enough to put her on lead, and the lake at the boating end is very muddy. Lesson learned! She did keep other visitors entertained though - cue laughing and even a round of applause when she plopped in!
Shibden Park occasionally hosts events, including dog-specific ones like the RSPCA's Shibden Dog Day. Check the Calderdale Council website or local listings before your visit if you'd prefer to avoid crowds or alternatively, join in the fun.
For those wanting a longer adventure, there are footpaths leading from Shibden Park towards Beacon Hill and the wider Shibden Valley, offering even more extensive walking opportunities. I’ll cover these in a future blog.
If your dog is nervous or reactive, or you simply prefer a quieter walk, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the park is typically less busy.
