Discover Birstall
Birstall is a village located in the West Yorkshire area, governed by Kirklees Council. It has a population of approximately 16,000 and falls under the WF17 postcode. Birstall is notable for its historical ties to the textile industry and its proximity to key transport links, enhancing its economic connectivity.
Explore the map below to discover accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and live events across Birstall. Scroll down to browse featured listings and plan your perfect visit.
Stay in Birstall
Premier Inn Leeds South - Birstall
George Hotel
Experience comfortable stays and delightful dining at the George Hotel, a highly-rated establishment in Cleckheaton.
Hide & Steak
Hide & Steak provides comfortable accommodation in tong.
Upper Independent Chapel
Experience contemporary comfort at Upper Independent Chapel, offering stylish apartments in the heart of Heckmondwike.
Copley Springs Spa & Lodge
Copley Springs Spa & Lodge offers a tranquil retreat in Birkenshaw, providing comfortable accommodation with relaxing spa facilities.
The Wickham Arms Hotel
The Wickham Arms Hotel offers comfortable accommodation in Cleckheaton, perfect for both business and leisure travellers.
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Things to Do in Birstall
Oakwell Hall & Country Park
Oakwell Hall & Country Park in Birstall offers visitors a delightful experience with its 17th-century manorial hall, beautifully restored gardens, and expansive country park. Enjoy free parking as you explore the historical exhibits and take leisurely walks through the scenic grounds, perfect for picnics and dog walking.
Oakwell Country Park
Oakwell Country Park in Birstall offers a delightful escape with its scenic walking trails and a welcoming atmosphere for both families and dog walkers. Visitors can enjoy a play area for children and a refreshment hut with a variety of ice cream flavors, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day out. Convenient parking options are available, ensuring easy access to this charming park.
Oakwell Hall Countryside Centre and Play Area
Oakwell Hall Countryside Centre and Play Area in Liversedge offers ample free parking, making it a convenient spot for a family day out. Enjoy scenic woodland trails, a children's play area, and a delightful café, all set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Food & Drink
Horse & Jockey Birstall
The Horse & Jockey in Birstall offers convenient parking for visitors looking to enjoy a traditional village pub experience just outside the city. Located on Low Lane, this facility is perfect for those exploring the charming surroundings of Batley. With easy access and payment options, it's a great choice for tourists seeking a taste of local hospitality.
Pizza 55
Pizza 55 offers great dining in birstall.
KFC Junction 27 - Bankwood Way
Located at the Centre 27 Business Park in Birstall, the KFC Junction 27 offers convenient parking for visitors looking to enjoy a meal at this popular fast-food restaurant. While the parking is not explicitly free, it is likely a pay-and-display facility, ensuring easy access for those traveling by car. The restaurant is known for its quick service and delicious fried chicken, making it a great stop for travelers exploring the area.
Interactive Map
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Geographic Facts
This village is geographically within the following regions:
- Population
- 16,298
- Postcode
- WF17
- Administrative area
- Kirklees
- Dialing code
- 01924
Data sourced from Wikidata and verified public records
Upcoming Events in Birstall
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Local Guides & Stories
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Walkshire in Birstall
More Walks in Birstall →
Walk: Brontë Way
The Brontë Way is a scenic and literary trail that winds through the rugged landscapes of West Yorkshire and into Lancashire, offering a journey into the world of the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. The trail is a tribute to the Brontës' enduring legacy, inviting walkers to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and evocative landscapes that shaped the authors and their stories. Route What3Words: ///valley.stem.vibrates Distance: 44 miles (71 km) Start: Oakwell Hall, Nova Ln, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LF Finish Location: Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Rd, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8UA OS Walking Map & GPX Download Our OS map below shows the full route. Under the map, you can find a GPX file download for your navigational device. bronte-way-routeDownload Walk Description As you journey along this trail, you'll encounter various locations, each with a unique connection to the Brontës. Below is an overview of the key points along the route, highlighting their significance to the Brontë legacy. Oakwell Hall, Nova Ln, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LF Oakwell Hall is a striking Elizabethan manor house that served as the inspiration for "Fieldhead" in Charlotte Brontë's novel Shirley. The hall is steeped in history, with its well-preserved interiors offering a glimpse into the kind of environment that Charlotte imagined for her characters. The trail then goes through Birstall, a quaint village near Oakwell Hall. Gomersal Gomersal is where Charlotte Brontë’s close friend, Mary Taylor, lived at the Red House. The house and its surroundings played a significant role in Charlotte's life and were also immortalized in Shirley as "Briarmains." The Brontë Way then skirts past Cleckheaton. Cleckheaton was a bustling mill town during the Brontës' time. Liversedge Liversedge is where the Brontës’ friend, Ellen Nussey, lived. The town is mentioned in letters between Charlotte and Ellen, revealing the close-knit connections between the Brontë sisters and their circle of friends. The Brontë Way then passes through Hightown. Thornhills Thornhills was once the home of the Taylor family, friends of the Brontës. The area captures the essence of the moorland settings often depicted in their novels, providing a backdrop to the Brontë sisters' stories. The walk then goes through Bailiff Bridge, Shelf, Westwood Park and Clayton. Thornton Thornton holds significant importance as the birthplace of the Brontë sisters. The village is where Patrick and Maria Brontë raised their family before moving to Haworth. The Brontë birthplace, now a museum, is a must-visit site for anyone on the trail. The route then passes through Keelham, past Thornton Moor Reservoir, Leeming Reservoir and Oxenhope. Haworth Haworth is the heart of Brontë country, where the Brontë Parsonage Museum is located. This village was the Brontës' home from 1820 and is where they wrote most of their works. Walking through Haworth, visitors can explore the church, the parsonage, and the surrounding moors, all integral to the Brontë story. The route then passes through Penistone Hall Country Park and past Lower Laithe Reservoir. Brontë Waterfall The Brontë Waterfall is a significant landmark on the Brontë Way, often visited by the sisters themselves. The picturesque waterfall, located near Haworth, is a place of natural beauty that continues to draw Brontë enthusiasts. Ponden Reservoir Ponden Reservoir, near Ponden Hall, is believed to have inspired locations in Wuthering Heights. Ponden Hall itself is thought to be the model for "Thrushcross Grange" or "Wuthering Heights" in Emily's novel. The route then passes Watersheddles Reservoir - located on the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire - through Thursden, Lee Green Reservoir, Hurst Well Bridge, Lennox Street Stepping Stones - a unique crossing point along the trail, then past Holbeck Park and Wood End. Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Rd, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8UA Gawthorpe Hall is the final significant stop on the Brontë Way. Charlotte Brontë was a frequent visitor here, and the hall remains largely unchanged from her time. The stunning architecture and surrounding gardens provide a fitting conclusion to the Brontë Way, connecting the literary heritage of the Brontës with the grand historical homes of their time. This journey through the Brontë Way not only allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Brontë sisters but also to experience first-hand the landscapes that inspired some of the greatest works of English literature. Each stop on the trail offers a unique glimpse into the world that shaped the Brontës, making it a pilgrimage for both literary enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors.
Walk: The Kirklees Way
The Kirklees Way is a scenic long-distance footpath that encircles the metropolitan borough of Kirklees in West Yorkshire, England. Spanning approximately 72 miles (116 km), this circular route offers a diverse and captivating journey through some of the region's most picturesque landscapes Designed for those seeking both a physical challenge and an opportunity to connect with the area's history and environment, the Kirklees Way provides a comprehensive experience of West Yorkshire's rural charm and historical depth. Whether undertaken in sections or as a complete circuit, the route promises a rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The Route what3words for start point: ///squeaking.thanks.kinks Start Point: Marsden Railway Station Finish Point: Marsden Railway Station Distance: 72 Miles GPX Route Map kirklees-way-west-yorkshireDownload Walk Description Marsden The journey often begins in the village of Marsden, nestled in the Colne Valley. Known for its rugged Pennine landscapes, Marsden is the gateway to the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. Wessenden Valley and Reservoirs From Marsden, the path leads into the Wessenden Valley, home to a series of reservoirs, including Wessenden Reservoir and Wessenden Head Reservoir. This area is known for its stunning moorland views and is a haven for wildlife. Black Hill and Holme Valley Continuing east, the route ascends Black Hill, one of the highest points in West Yorkshire, offering panoramic views. It then descends into the Holme Valley, passing through the village of Holme, known for its proximity to Digley Reservoir and Brownhill Reservoir. Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe Further along, the route passes through the villages of Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. Denby Dale is known for its famous giant pies and the Denby Dale Viaduct, while Skelmanthorpe offers a glimpse of traditional Yorkshire village life. Clayton West and the Dearne Valley The path continues through Clayton West, then follows the Dearne Valley into the village of Flockton, offering a mix of wooded areas and open fields. Grange Moor and Emley Moor The path then heads towards Grange Moor and the towering Emley Moor Mast, the tallest freestanding structure in the UK. The mast is a significant landmark visible from miles around. Thornhill and Dewsbury As the route heads back towards the west, it passes through Thornhill, known for its historic Thornhill Parish Church and Dewsbury. Dewsbury is a large market town with significant historical architecture and a bustling town centre. Huddersfield The route skirts the town of Huddersfield, a vibrant town known for its impressive architecture, including the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Lockwood Viaduct. The route offers glimpses of the town before continuing into more rural areas. Scapegoat Hill and Deanhead Scapegoat Hill is a small, elevated village that stands proudly on the hillside, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continuing on the Kirklees Way, the route leads you to Deanhead, a remote area characterized by its rugged moorland terrain and a sense of isolation that feels far removed from the bustling towns below. Deanhead lies in the upper reaches of the Deanhead Reservoir. This section of the walk is particularly appealing to those who enjoy the raw beauty of the Pennines. Return to Marsden The route completes the circle as it returns to Marsden, bringing the journey full circle. Here, walkers can reflect on the varied landscapes, rich history, and natural beauty encountered along the Kirklees Way. Key Landmarks: Standedge Tunnel (Marsden) Wessenden Reservoirs Black Hill Digley and Brownhill Reservoirs Victoria Tower (Castle Hill) Emley Moor Mast Denby Dale Viaduct Thornhill Parish Church This journey through the Kirklees Way provides a comprehensive exploration of the area's natural and cultural heritage, making it a rewarding experience for hikers and history enthusiasts alike.