This Northern Industrial Town Is Better Than I Thought

I took a trip to Halifax in Calderdale
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Welcome to my Channel,
My name is James and I live full time in my tiny van, however this is not just a van life channel. I enjoy travel, food and drink and making videos 🙂
When I turned 50 I decided I’d had enough of the rat race and working long hours just to pay rent and bills, life was passing me by and I needed a drastic change.
FAQ
Where is Helen?
Helen has a responsible full time job and two children so unfortunately she can’t join me on every trip. I really wish she could.
What equipment do you use?
My vlogging camera is a GoPro Hero 9 but I also use my pixel 6a phone and Lumix G80 camera for other footage
For editing, I used Premiere Pro on an old laptop but I’m saving to buy a more powerful computer.
Do you have children?
Yes I have a 6yr old daughter who lives with her mum but I see her quite a lot. I don’t usually put her on the vlogs and if I do, I block out her face for privacy reasons. I also have a grown up son.
How do you fund your lifestyle?
I don’t need as much to live these days since going full time van life but I receive a small percentage of income from the ads that KZbin put on the videos.
Why the sponsored videos?
I only accept sponsorship from companies I use and trust, this is my fulltime job and my income, it’s how I support my family. (I have Patreon if you prefer videos with no ads).
How do I contact you?
Please contact me here: [e-mail]

[@liammcnulty7112]

Turkish barbers, Arab barbers everywhere and most are money laundering branches

[@TrishasMotorhomeMadness]

James I love that Ryan asked you if he could go on your channel and you said yes and just allowed him to say what he wanted to 👏👏👏👏 fair play lad it was I resetting to hear his story respect 😊

[@vandaventures1186]

James thank you for highlighting Ryan's story, more people need to see how hard things are for some people 👍. Great video as usual, thank you.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I wasn't ever going to do it, I've seen a few vloggers filming homeless people and I think the way they did it was a little exploitive but I think if I handle it sensitively it could really make more people aware

[@shaunmoran6511]

Good to see plenty of Turkish money laundering establishments , sorry I mean barbers James 👍

[@Gary-vx7gp]

Don’t forget the car wash

[@johnmorgan1847]

Use your air fryer for the chips and the fish in one shot. Saves on power and the sweet potato chips will be a lot better.

[@johnavery15]

I thought the same!

[@spudbrook5760]

Ditto 😉

[@bythecurb]

Will do, but its a very small air fryer!

[@johnmorgan1847]

@@bythecurb 👍

[@jasonsmith7737]

I really struggle to get sweet potatoes fries crispy . Any thoughts ? Used air fryer and oven but they always turn out soggy

[@stevenmorley1639]

For a minute James , I thought you were walking around Istanbul with all those Turkish barbers and Restaurants. 😊.

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

Absolutely gorgeous buildings in a similar style to Saltaire which is another beautiful little hidden gem

[@atrampinthehills.841]

As you walked around the streets, i noticed how clean they are, not a scrap of litter anywhere....Hats off to Halifax.

[@atrampinthehills.841]

@toms3252 oopps...i must have been pouring a beer at that bit..ha ha.

[@francisarmstrong6463]

I watched your vlog on Sunday about Halifax.I was born in Halifax, many moons ago .The family moved when I was 14 , down to the midlands.I am now 74. 2019 ,I went back for a nostalgic visit to see what had changed,needless to say I was not very impressed.Fly overs ,streets and access to the places I knew were shut off.The largest mill there was Crossleys carpets,which are now flats. Also the old town bridge, called north bridge.That thing you mentioned,which you said was some sort of a folley is called wainhouse tower .So much as disappeared what I knew I decided that was my last visit.

[@allisonalexander3569]

Because you are blind. Halifax was old and decrepit, but now it is a vibrant and thriving community.

[@johngrant5448]

When Turks and ackies move in, then you know that the place is finished.

[@philevans177]

Hi James, we suggested you go to Halifax and I'm glad you did. We loved it and will definitely be going again soon. The piece hall is amazing and we love the Borough market. Next time you go to weatherspoin please get yourself some sachets of sauce for gods sake 😂😂

[@bythecurb]

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I now have some sauce too!! Things are looking up!! 😂

[@annrimmington8690]

You need to take Helen to the peace hall at Christmas, lovely atmosphere. I think Shibden hall was where they filmed Gentlemen Jack, but might be wrong. Have you been to Hebden Bridge, that’s nice place and a bit different. Very interesting as usual 👍

[@suewilkinson910]

You are right.

[@BrendanOSullivan-p8k]

Nah, Todmorden's miles better...

[@garyhillman4993]

Some great countryside around Halifax James and beautiful stone houses on the hills , Sowerby bridge n Hebden bridge just up the Rd and surrounding areas have become a big tourist attraction now after the Happy Valley series

[@claireleamy3168]

I thought fish and chips were banned James?! But I guess 'cook your own' don't count, and yours were a healthy version! But seriously, do not give up food you love. Life is genuinely too short for such self deprivation!😊💙

[@djwebby06]

When that blue van parked next to you, I felt my blood pressure raised a little, why do people do that, proper empty car park and they park right next to you. Some people are sick 😂

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

Don’t you think people park up close because they feel more comfortable that way,if you park a long way away from another car, it’s seems unfriendly,I would always park at least fairly close to other cars,seems saver to me.

[@lowland1]

Would you believe it, but the Piece Hall was almost pulled down. They had a vote in the Council if it should be pulled down or not and it was saved by one vote. This must have been in the 1960's. Thank goodness for that one man who voted not to pull it down.

[@michaelkelly2708]

Hi great video, These are Tartarian structures and were built along time before we are led to believe by the Ruling class bloodline families, Tartaria and the mudfloods KZbin ❤️😎

[@markwilson7788]

If you had told me in advance that you were going there, I could have asked you to see if they had sorted that query with my easy Access acount yet.

[@Wilibear1]

Another great episode i especially loved that big open area where they do all the concerts ,I also loved how compassionate you were with that homeless chap,you’ve got a good heart. I turn 50 on February 16th could you give me a shout out on your next video I’m Wil from Norwich but my pals call me Wilibear pronounced Willy-Bear Looking forward to seeing many more of your adventures Cheers buddy

[@oli230]

The development of the Piece Hall has been excellent for the town and tourism, however on the other side of town the council allowed a monstrosity of a building to be built which houses a cinema, a gym and restaurants, meanwhile there are some very grand old buildings standing empty which could have housed these. There are far worse places than Halifax though.

[@jonathanfinan722]

I haven’t been to Halifax for a long time. The last time was to meet up with an ex for a bit of erm… nostalgia. I also had a fantastic pork pie from the market. When I was very young I had a particularly lurid encounter with a Welsh lass at a Toyah gig at Victoria Hall. Maybe about thirty years ago Halifax got a bit of a reputation for pub fights as it had quite a circuit of pubs that used to get crowds in from L**ds and Bradford and the two have never mixed well.

[@giorgipiorgi]

Ey up James. You should visit Canterbury in Kent if you fancy a little adventure down south. Lots of nice pubs and historic sites to see. One of my favourite places ❤

[@hoyhoytoo6772]

Lived here 20 years. It has tons of history and a tremendous lot of fantastic buildings. Since the Piece Hall was refurbished it’s become a vibrant place too. I’d have made you a brew, James 😌

[@pumbar]

You can say what you want about Turkish barbers but they are a great place to get things laundered.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Nice Georgia flag in your avatar 👍.

[@pumbar]

@@andrewrobinson2565 Oh dear.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@pumbar Who is laundering money through the barbers, pumbar? I'm guessing you have some evidence that someone gave you at the pub. Or would you just prefer a kebab 🥙?

[@andrewrobinson2565]

I can see some shops with NO TENANTS. How would money laundering work in such a commercial environment? 🤔

[@pumbar]

@@andrewrobinson2565 Probably the same people who are illegally transporting their 'workforce' into the country?

[@TimK2646]

Thank you ever so much for sharing Halifax - All I knew was the Building Society so shows little knowledge. Steering Wheel Lock is now compulsory? WOW

[@nickburton100]

I enjoyed Halifax too. Lots to see.

[@LoftechUK]

I have driven through Halifax a few times but never stopped. So travelling from Leeds to Manchester or the other way but I will make an effort to visit and have a stop and stay over for a few nights in the Motorhome.

[@philcarson6731]

turkish barbers suspected to be fronts for money laundering

[@MrStephen54]

Halifax came over well....the tower of spite.. isn't there one of them in every Yorkshire town...??.....the dark side...DON'T GO TO WIGAN..!!!!!!!!

[@HugoVan]

Thanks James we are more likely to visit there now , Steve & Mandy

[@G6EJD]

James - I really enjoy your videos, I like your narration style and the topics covered are very interesting, I like the fact I get to see Northern towns that ordinarily I’d probably discount as being ordinary, but of course the vast majority are far from that. Helen is a great partner for you and the channel as she brings a beaming personality that compliments yours and your style. Overall a great channel and content.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you :-)

[@stuart4024]

How very humbling was Ryan,makes you realise how lucky we all are and there are always people worse off than yourself! Fair play to you James, and yes what a lovely bloke Ryan was.All the best Ryan.

[@allantomlinson2919]

Another enjoyable vlog, James. We love Halifax and make the trip from Cumbria on a regular basis to take advantage of the real/craft beer scene. Next time you're in Halifax, make a point of visiting the Three Pigeons. It's a stunning pub with all its original features still intact.

[@elizabethdunn2992]

Nice one James Halifax looked good. Thanks for being kind to Ryan he seemed a gentle soul. ❤

[@KathySiddle]

Have you been to Saltaire? Sir Titus Salt built this for his mill workers,whole village,chapel,alms houses etc. One of the mills is an art gallery David Hockney. Titus Salt has connections with Morley near Leeds 😊

[@stozy1959]

Always wanted to marry a girl from Halifax as they are so friendly and I did! Still married 42 years later. Saw George Ezra at Piece Hall July. Fabulous!

[@bythecurb]

Congratulations 😂

[@OwlmanHooter]

Always love your videos, and as usual you haven't let us down. I would love for you to go and have a look around Stockport if you can . I was born there but came to Australia in 1975 and I am sure it has changed a lot since then, but there are some historic places around such as the markets that I think you would enjoy.

[@davidmacgregor5193]

Shibden Hall was the home of Anne Lister in the early 19th century, Anne was the inspiration for the BBC drama series "Gentleman Jack". Other places worth visiting in Halifax are Bankfield Museum, Wainhouse Tower, Dean Clough, Halifax Minster and the Halifax Gibbet. A great real ale pub near Wainhouse Tower is the Big 6, it is in the middle of a row of terraced houses, it looks like two houses knocked through to make the pub.

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

James have a google as to why there’s so many Turkish barbers in some towns…

[@Jojobber]

Just a little tip pal. Blondie (Debbie Harry) really is well past her "best before" date as a performer. I wouldn't like to see you pay your money & go away disappointed.

[@bythecurb]

Thanks for the heads up. Might give it a miss then

[@andywrong3247]

James why didn't you put the chips in air fryer save on washing up plus they wouldn't have been soggy.you need to get organised with essentials list sauce being top of list.no more excuses damm no sauce again.

[@tommylicui]

On the Halifax building society, it’s got ore floors underground than above, that’s a interesting fact, as a apprentice electrician I left a testing meter close to the elevators, someone thought it was a bomb and evacuated the building, police and bomb squad attended, hahahahahahah I was not popular

[@fon129]

I worked in Halifax back in the 70s in hillcrest foundry came over from Ireland for a couple of years. then went back home the piece hall had a great market on Saturdays. now theres alot of cheap shops but the old architecture still looks fantastic nice of you to give your time to Ryan its tuff to see a young man with problems like that wish him well. good to see the town again brings back good memories. From Ireland.

[@santorini8423]

Just wanna say James, when I saw you shivering, that I’m in Saigon atm, and this heat is getting on my nerves! You’re lucky mate, it’s 38d in the day here but cools to 30d at night😎 keep up the good work mate

[@bythecurb]

Thank you mate. We're never happy. I remember last year in the heat wave wishing for the cold again 😂

[@samandjennysambrook]

Thanks for the tour James, never been there,it looks really nice...as for charity shops, lots of people use em and the prices are good, Thanks buddy, always looking forward to you're next. Nice of you to spend some time with the man on the pavement.👍✅💕🍀

[@parasinthephilippines]

Youve gone to the Dark side Luke. Sweet potato frieze?!!!!! Campaign foe sluddz

[@johnlatham2156]

James come to Oakwell Hall in Birstall, tons of history dating back to the civil war!

[@ronniechambers2555]

Halifax one of my favourite towns, the Piece Hall is brilliant and I'm surprised its not celebrated more nationally, if it was Roman ..... I often use Halifax as a base when walking in the Calder Valley, its my favourite part of England, love the landscape and the industrial history. I usually stay in the Travelodge in Dean Clough Mills, a massive old mill complex that has been regenerated. Some decent pubs in Halifax as well, another reason for staying there before catching a train to Hebden Bridge or Todmorden the following day to do some walking. My friends always go on about Huddersfield as a good drinking place, but I think Halifax is better, and certainly a better town overall. As you rightly said, you can imagine what a booming place it would've been back in the day. Nevertheless all things considered it still holds up well in these difficult times, certainly many worse towns out there. Great that you took the time to chat with Ryan, quite often that's all a homeless person wants, someone to talk to and respect, not treat as though they are invisible. Unfortunately I can only see more Ryan's on the street in future, you never know what is around the corner, one day it could be you, or it could be me, so I always stay humble, just in case.

[@ronaldcarlton9957]

Some lovely Buildings in Halifax, I used too work there Also , Back down Sheffield next Month ,Daughters birthday .

[@zyllinui]

Cool and informative, very enjoyable, thanks James. What a great looking town too.

[@tokairic3925]

Rubber place mats....

[@ianlowe5221]

Hi James, another great video. I've been to Halifax many times to visit friends who live there, also experiencing the great nightlife they have there 😊. Suggestions for future locations....one of my personal favourites is Nottingham. It's got some nice architecture and history including the castle and caves. Keep up the good work, see thee.

[@bythecurb]

We will be going to Nottingham sometime in the Spring hopefully

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

You know I love the Videos mate!! I was due to go up to Halifax over Christmas to see a very good mate of mine. He moved there from Emley over a year ago but his place over looks the valley’s, looks awesome. Cheers for the insight James! Take care mate…. Smithy

[@bythecurb]

Thank you Smithy 😊

[@kujouk]

Good video and Halifax looks good. Great to hear Ryan's story, I think listening to him he sounds educated, I mean he doesn't sound common like you(and me) 😂 , it just shows homelessness can happen to anyone. I do agree with you on your accent, it doesn't sound that broad, I think we're all losing our accents due to hearing that many different accents from all over the world with the internet, but look on the bright side, at least tha not a dee daa.

[@bythecurb]

😂😂

[@MikeOxlong12]

There's a glut of "Turkish" barbers for a reason ;-) Random Halifax fact . . . Percy Shaw, the inventor of "Cats Eyes" (reflective road studs) was a Halifax lad. Random Elvis fact . . . . When Elvis took to the stage in Vegas he would have a length of hosepipe down his jumpsuit to make himself look extra packed in the underpants area. It's a crying shame he didn't bring his fabulous show to England. He had planned to come over in the Summer of '77 but we had a hosepipe ban on at the time so he swerved it.

[@SteveRiceDJPUD]

We live 10m from Halifax and kinder our local place to go/ eat/shop/ explore.. Harveys very upmarket take Helen round next time ' with ya plastic thou " lol.. We been to see Madness/Paul Weller/Nile Rogers at Piece Hall...fab venue n place generally. Love to you both..Shame didnt see ya ❤

[@jonstuart4991]

the big square with all the independent shops under the cloister looks like its worth a visit

[@MrGearoid65]

Great videos, James (and Helen) The music u use is great too!

[@barnett882]

Great video buddy! Halifax is a lovely town and puts Huddersfield (where we are) to shame! The Piece Hall is fabulous and as a music venue... brilliant, we've been a few times and tickets for two gigs there for this year so far!!! Adam from the band "War On Drugs' played last year, we were there and he said 'brilliant venue, the sound bounces around off the buildings'. The Victoria Theatre is also brilliant and has a host of top name acts every year. Need to watch your Liverpool Vlog - we're there for a belated weekend 60th for my partner, gig and all the usual tourist bits - love that place and the people, be so nice to go back! (would have uploaded a couple of pics from the War On Drugs gig at the Piece Hall to show you where they put the stage but not sure how you do that on here)

[@stollers1]

town hall, funded by the public but not to open the public UK 2024, Turkish barbers all money laundering shops, they are everywhere ,same as the car washers, wouldn't give them a penny.

[@bertibear1300]

Sweet potato chips are never crisp.But a bit of caramelisation in air fryer gives a better taste.I am from north of Yorkshire and never went to Halifax.Its lovely.I am in the SW and towns here are quite ugly. There’s quite a bit of poverty in St Austell,Redruth, Holsworthy but so far no mass immigration. That poor guy, at least he has a roof now.

[@sheilamoss3723]

Hi James never been to Halifax so enjoyed the look around , as you say must have been a really well off place at one time. Take care hope to see you soon. See thy .x

[@RodgerMoore-m3r]

Halifax Town born and bred , just a shell now back in the 60s 70s + 80s it was buzzing with plenty to do , nice vlog but you can't polish a turd , you should have drove on a little bit more to Hebden Bridge 😎

[@kevjaffray]

We used to pass through Halifax on our way to the Dales on our motorbikes back in the 70s, never actually stopped there to look around though. Couple of ideas for visits for you, in Sheffield, Kelham Island Museum (check they've had the big steam boiler fixed first though) and the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet ( re-opens in spring). Great vlog as usual James 👍🏻

[@bythecurb]

I'll do a blog from Kelham Island soon. Lots of interesting things around there, including the pubs! 😂

[@grahamogden70]

Enjoyed that, my home Town, like you said there’s plenty more to see, 👍

[@Whisky_Warrior]

Great video, grew up in Halifax and all my family still there. Architecturally stunning Town and stunning landscape surrounding it. Nice touch talking to Ryan and I wish him all the best with his challenges. Life is not easy at the best of times but managing homelessness and mental health issues must be very tough, good on you Ryan for doing it so well. As a side note, is it just me that thought Brian Gilder (Paddy from TV show Shameless was behind you at 21:30?

[@kevc8759]

Crewe the Window Cleaners go round with sanders 🤣there all boarded up shop's, Big shout for Cheshire East who are corrupt council 🤔

[@donnapierce8558]

What a cracking place Halifax is for architecture… obviously been very affluent in its day. I loved that you had a chat with Ryan, you could be the only person who speaks to him today… I wonder if the Turkish barbers are a way to get a foot in the door… immigration wise…it would explain so many with so few customers 🤔 unless the locals are just naturally hairy obvs 😂 Pity the cultural places were closed… overall a nice place, think that’s one for if you are in the area ☑️ 😊

[@bit-of-this-bit-of-that]

Halifax is ok....come to Brighouse, there isn't owt here but we'll buy you a coffee

[@stibstabler4689]

Couple of things 🤔 before you go shopping mek a list! sweet potatoes aren't real potatoes! and please get yourself a night heater fitted!! believe me you won't regret it 👍✌️😃 Tek care mucker!?

[@philaitch8586]

I've got a cheap air-fryer which has a rotating wire drum option, ideal for cooking chips, they get cooked crisply and evenly. Most of the dubbed music on your stream appears noticeably louder than your normal audio and I have to turn it down, would it be possible to have it at the same volume as the rest of the audio? If it's just me, not to worry, I'll keep turning it down and back up, love the streams... more Helen 😉

[@JohnElsenPlus]

You could've put the sweet potato fries in with the fish. Would've turned out much better

[@margaretnicol3423]

I wish you'd get yourself one of the heated vests. You've probably already got a pocket size power bank so treat yourself lad. They're not too expensive and would be great on your cold and windy walks. Of course, you'd have to buy two!!! 😀

[@robinabbott5781]

Very much like Oxford, looks like they've spent a few bob on the place

[@christinemarchant4678]

Funnily I was thinking of a tv program earlier Gentleman jack & it was filmed at Shibden Hall amongst other places 😊

[@paulwilliams6163]

Gentlemen jack , the story of Annl lister who lived at shibdon Hall. Very interesting bbc i think. You could probably catch a clip or two on KZbin

[@lindawilding724]

Love watching your videos, me and husband always watch you when we're having our butty at lunch time(dinner time)..thank you

[@Freedom2Roam.]

Thank you for the video.. lovely buildings and interesting information. I’m glad you stopped and talked to Ryan , you never know someone’s story , I’m pleased he has a home now. It’s shameful we have so many people living on the streets including veterans . The government has its priorities totally wrong they stopped caring a longtime ago.

[@bobsouthcoat7207]

Finish your soggy chips in the air fryer or put them all in together Big Bob Grimsby

[@heykevwhatyouup2]

I can’t believe you have to pay for parking just to take your dog for a walk , in the summer maybe head down to Cambridge I used to live there in the 80s before moving to sunny Australia

[@michaelkelly2708]

Amazing Tartarian structures James loving your journey ❤😊

[@Mark.Saville77]

Brilliant video James . Halifax my birthplace, fantastic place in the 1970’s,1980’s and 1990’s was the place to socialise, the nightlife was tremendous ..

[@bythecurb]

Thank you mate

[@petermoore2700]

Hi james nice looking old buildings thought they could do with a jet wash or does that take away from the uniquness of them. Sad to hear about ryan people should be able to live off welfare its not right.❤❤❤❤😢😢

[@iancrawford1140]

visit us in oxford someday,you might need more cash though!.

[@tomm5228]

Air fryer chips? Shopping list? Rubber mat for table, nice video

[@TheChodax]

Many of the Turkish barbers are fronts. Also the workers get paid tax credits because they earn low wages. It's an absolute disgrace.

[@davidgray1037]

James & Helen I dare you to come into huddersfield what a dump..show huddersfield counsil for what it's worth. Boarded up shops ect.

[@stevetaylor9783]

When you try out the various pubs, could you rate the beer, particularly if you have cask beer. Such as temperature and taste. Is it fresh, well kept. Camra sort of stuff?

[@lowland1]

Shibden Hall was famous as being the home of Anne Lister, the 'first modern lesbian' - made into a T.V. series.

[@Gazr965]

Halifax is as doomed as Bradford, my birth place ! Gaz Yorkshire.

[@neilmorley7022]

James Halifax is a great place to visit, even better they is a bucket full of great boozer's to try mate 🍺🍻🍻🍻🍺

[@stevelongden7368]

Tbh Halifax looked a lot nicer than I imagined. The Piece Hall looks fantastic, just a shame it wasn’t a lot busier than it seemed, but that is the story for a lot of places nowadays I suppose.

[@Zalley]

Someone should send a photo of that door’s decorated stone surround to Prince Charles. Just his taste I would think. He could incorporate the idea in towns like Poundbury, which he instigated and helped design.

[@jamesbecki8104]

I went to 'end of lock down' rave at the Piece Hall....... No further comment required.

[@tomstovell7425]

Halifax is a lovely place. Are you tempted to venture to Scotland or Northern Ireland? So many lovely and interesting places to see.

[@suzieq2958]

James, well done for remembering to film the blue plaque but next time, if Helen's not there to read it, could you try and get it in focus so that we can read it ourselves please?🤔😂😂

[@Paul-l6h]

There's not much you can't do in an air fryer. Chips are especially good 👍

[@paulfox5248]

The Music Bank at Knaresbrough James. Please pay us a visit. I keep saying it......😂😂😂. Hope to see you ❤

[@pknuts495]

Never mind filming blue plaques start filming some blue movies 🎥 homemade or otherwise 😂

[@FionaKeenan-x6n]

Don't think that the industrial museum had machines working when I went