What Makes The Yorkshire Town Of Mirfield A Proud, Patriotic Place To Visit?

Ever stumbled upon a place that is not in the glossy travel guides but leaves a massive impression? That is Mirfield for you. Tucked away in West Yorkshire, this town might not be the first place that springs to mind for a holiday, but those who visit often find themselves planning the next trip back. It is a spot with a strong sense of identity, a vibrant community spirit, and a charm that is hard to pin down. So what is the secret? It seems to be a mix of friendly locals, fantastic independent shops and a real feeling of togetherness.

A perfect day out in Mirfield

So what does a day out in Mirfield actually look like? Just ask Ian Hartley and Julie Heptinstall from Halifax. They are regulars and have their visit down to a fine art. Their day kicks off with a full English at Mirfield Garden Centre, followed by a trip to the famous Haigh’s Farm Shop to stock up on quality bacon and sausage. It is the kind of local shop that is so popular it has a huge following online, always posting bargains on everything from pop to pumpkins.

After that, it is time for a proper mooch around the town centre. Huddersfield Road and its side streets are perfect for a wander. For Ian and Julie, the main attraction is the brilliant selection of charity shops. A good rummage through the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice charity shop, Kirkwood Hospice shop, Oxfam or the Sue Ryder shop can uncover some real treasures. It is this simple pleasure of bargain hunting that makes the town so appealing. Even a glance at an estate agent’s window is part of the experience, with Ian noting that house prices on a local estate are not overly cheap. It is a clean and welcoming place, as Julie points out: “It is a nice place and a clean place. There are plenty of bins and not many empty shops. There are some new cafes too.” After a day exploring the shops, Ian’s verdict is simple but powerful: “We will be back again.”

A town of pride and togetherness

There is a strong feeling among locals that Mirfield is a town that knows what it is and is proud of it. Linda Allsop, who works at the Kirkwood charity shop, describes the town as patriotic and full of community togetherness. This is not just talk. The community spirit is visible everywhere, from the colourful displays created by the Mirfield in Bloom team to the little get togethers hosted at the town library. This is a place where people look out for each other.

This patriotic spirit is especially clear around Remembrance Day. Linda mentions the event on 15 November 2025, saying, “Mirfield is definitely patriotic. The Remembrance Parade is mega busy.” It is a moment when the whole town comes together, showing a deep respect for its history and its people. Still, Linda wishes more locals would explore their own high street to support the shops and pubs. “If you live in Mirfield, do come into Mirfield,” she urges. “Or come on the train, it is easy.” With good pubs like the Navigation and Flower Pot and a recently resurfaced canal towpath for a lovely walk, there is plenty of reason to stay local.

How the town has changed

Of course, no town stays the same forever. Long term residents have seen plenty of changes in Mirfield’s shopping scene. Margaret, 82, who moved to the town 20 years ago, remembers a different high street. She says the variety of shops was dwindling, recalling a time when there was a wallpaper store and a cobblers. “Now there are vape shops, bookies and hairdressers,” she says with a touch of sadness, though she is glad there is still a shoe shop.

Getting around can also be a challenge. Margaret uses an electric scooter and points out that some pavements are in poor condition, with a lack of dropped kerbs making it tricky for people with mobility issues to navigate. It is a reminder that even in a much loved town, there is always room for improvement to make sure it is accessible for everyone.

A vibrant hub for the community

Despite the changes, Mirfield remains a busy and practical town. Emily from The Mirfield Emporium, a lovely gift shop on Huddersfield Road perfect for finding a unique Christmas present, says people often bob in for services. “It is quite a service town where busy people come in. I do like it as a town as everybody is really friendly,” she notes. This friendly, bustling atmosphere is a big part of its appeal.

However, some feel the town could do with more. Eileen, who now lives in Mirfield, thinks it needs a proper daytime restaurant, not just cafes. She is a big fan of the town in general, calling it a nice little place where you know a lot of people and it is a friendly place. But she also touches on a feeling that Mirfield is sometimes a forgotten town within the wider Kirklees area, especially when seeing other centres get large amounts of capital investment. While Mirfield might not have the overt art de vivre of a luxury resort, its charm lies in its brilliant independent shops and authentic community feel, something that no amount of investment can buy.

More than just a day trip

Thinking of making a more permanent visit? Mirfield has a lot to offer. Paul Keighley, an estate agent from Bramleys, started his career in the town 38 years ago and has a real soft spot for it. He describes Mirfield as having a vibrant town centre and its own railway station with direct links to Leeds and Manchester. The easy access to the M62 also makes it a brilliant spot for commuters.

The housing market is another plus. According to Paul, “There is a diverse mix of properties, quite literally something for every pocket.” It is this variety that makes it such an attractive place for different people. He sums it up perfectly: “It is just a very nice place to live, plenty of countryside, good schools and sports clubs as well so it makes the area good for families, but popular for professionals due to the transport links to the major cities.” It is a town with a strong community, great amenities and a bright future. The locals are proud of their town, and it is easy to see why.