Flower Laying Credit Ellis Robinson (1)

If Gentleman Jack sparked your interest in Anne Lister's remarkable life, there's no better place to explore her story than West Yorkshire. From Anne's home at Shibden Hall to filming locations across Halifax, Bradford and Saltaire, this itinerary brings together the places that helped bring her story to life on screen.

Image: Costumed interpreter portraying Anne Lister, often known as "Gentleman Jack", chats with visitors during a heritage event. Photo credit: Ellis Robinson.

Stop 1: Shibden Hall, Halifax

Shibden Hall

Begin where Anne Lister's story began. Shibden Hall was Anne's home for much of her life and remains one of the most important Anne Lister sites in the world. Explore the historic rooms, gardens and estate featured throughout Gentleman Jack and discover the story of one of Yorkshire's most fascinating and pioneering figures. 

During your visit, don't miss the Gentleman Jack at Shibden Hall ( until 5 October 2026)

exhibition, which explores Anne Lister's remarkable life, legacy and enduring cultural impact, offering a deeper insight into the woman behind the iconic nickname.

Stop 2: The Piece Hall

Flower Laying Credit Ellis Robinson (2)

Head into Halifax town centre to visit The Piece Hall, one of Yorkshire's most impressive heritage attractions. Its striking courtyard appeared in Gentleman Jack, standing in for Georgian Halifax. While you're here, seek out the Anne Lister statue, a fitting tribute to the woman whose diaries inspired the series.

Image: Anne Lister Statue at The Piece Hall. Photo credit: Ellis Robinson.

Stop 3: Wainhouse Tower

Wainhouse Tower

Take in sweeping views across Halifax from Wainhouse Tower, the tallest folly in the world. From the top, you can look out across the landscapes Anne Lister knew so well as she travelled across Yorkshire and beyond. 

Brave visitors can climb the tower's 369 steps to the viewing gallery, where panoramic vistas stretch across Calderdale and the surrounding countryside. The striking Victorian landmark is closely woven into Halifax's history and makes a fitting stop on any Anne Lister inspired itinerary. Ascents are available on selected dates throughout the year and must be booked in advance. Keep an eye on the Visit Calderdale Wainhouse Tower page for the latest opening dates and ticket releases. Visitors can also purchase an official Ascent Certificate as a souvenir of their climb.

Stop 4: Halifax Minster & Anne Lister Mural

Exterior View of Halifax Minster

Anne Lister's legacy can be found throughout Halifax. Start with the colourful Anne Lister mural before making your way to the exterior wall of the Ring O' Bells, next to Halifax Minster on Upper Kirkgate.

Painted by artist Anna Jaxe during Anne Lister Birthday Week in April 2022, the artwork has become a popular stop for fans keen to celebrate Anne's enduring connection to the town.

Just a short walk away, Halifax Minster offers another important link to Anne Lister's story. The Minster marks the starting point of the annual Anne Lister Pilgrimage, and visitors can also view Anne Lister's tombstone, making it a significant place of remembrance for one of Yorkshire's most remarkable historical figures.

Stop 5: Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Gentleman Jack

From Halifax, hop on a train or bus or train to Bradford, the world's first UNESCO City of Film.

While you're in the city, visit the iconic Alhambra Theatre, where Northern Ballet's Gentleman Jack comes to the stage from 3-5 September 2026. Inspired by Anne Lister's extraordinary life and diaries, the production is another example of how her story continues to captivate audiences today. If you're planning your visit around those dates, it's the perfect addition to your Anne Lister-inspired Yorkshire adventure.

Stop 6: Little Germany, Bradford

Gentleman Jack in Little Germany

A short walk away, Little Germany's grand Victorian streets were transformed into 1830s Halifax for Gentleman Jack, making them one of the series' most recognisable filming locations.

Wander among the impressive sandstone warehouses and atmospheric streets that provided the backdrop for scenes from Anne Lister's world.

Stop 7: World Heritage Site Saltaire

Saltaire Allotment View

Continue by train to Saltaire, the UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating 25 years of World Heritage status in 2026.

Fans of Gentleman Jack may recognise parts of the village, with filming taking place around Salts Mill and its historic courtyard. Explore the mill, browse independent shops and galleries, stop for a coffee or bite to eat, and wander the beautifully preserved Victorian streets that make Saltaire one of Yorkshire's most distinctive destinations.


Make the Journey Part of the Story

One of the joys of this itinerary is how easy it is to follow by public transport. Travel from Halifax to Bradford and on to Saltaire by train or bus, linking Anne Lister's home, key Gentleman Jack filming locations, Bradford's UNESCO City of Film status and Saltaire's UNESCO World Heritage Site in one Yorkshire adventure.

Related

Gentleman Jack
Ballet
A picture of two female ballet dancers, one dressed in women's clothing, and one in men's

Masters of storytelling Northern Ballet bring to the stage of the Alhambra Theatre the extraordinary story of Anne Lister – better known as Gentleman Jack.

Little Germany
Architectural Interest
Little Germany

Little Germany is one of Bradford’s most remarkable historic areas, home to one of the largest concentrations of listed Victorian buildings in the UK. Once at the heart of the city’s world-famous wool trade, its impressive stone warehouses and grand Victorian architecture make it a fascinating place to explore.

Saltaire Village
Town
Saltaire Village - Victoria Road

Mill owner Sir Titus Salt built the village for his workers, and today Saltaire attracts millions of visitors to its magnificent architecture and visitor attractions.

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