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Things to do in Huddersfield - My favourite spots

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Tyesha Francis

Biomedicine BSc(Hons)

Hi! I’m Tyesha and I am currently in my first year of studying Biomedicine at the University of Huddersfield.

Shopping with friends

Despite being a small town, there are plenty of hidden gems in Huddersfield where you can spend your study breaks, weekends and even birthdays. 

Anyone that knows me knows I’m a massive shopaholic and I love a good shop with friends at every chance I have.  

In terms of the mainstream shops, my favourite place to find some affordable basics and cute pyjama sets has to be Primark (a fan fave). Not only is this branch located close to campus, but it also has quite a large range so there’s something for everyone! 

I also love the Tk Maxx located in Kingsgate Shopping Centre. You can find so many affordable brand pieces here from bags to jewellery.  

Now, I also can’t ignore a good charity shop and there are so many located in the town  centre, meaning you can always find some serious grails.  

What’s better than getting some cheap pieces and donating to a good cause, right? My favourites have to be Barnardo’s, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Sense Shop. 

Interior of a Vox bar in Huddersfield, a vibrant bar with red lighting, showcasing walls adorned with framed rock band posters, including the Ramones. People are seated, enjoying the ambiance.
An iced coffee from one of the town centre's many great cafes

Grab a coffee in the best cafes 

If you don’t have time to shop, but want to grab a quick drink and sit somewhere else other than the library while you get some work done, there are plenty of cute cafes with good coffee around.  

My personal favourite for high-quality coffee has to be Noofé. Its strawberry latte is divine, and it has some insane noodle dishes - just in case you feel a little peckish while you get the assignment you’ve been procrastinating finally done.  

Matcha has been all the rage recently and I have most definitely fallen victim to the hype, especially since moving to Huddersfield and discovering Ai Tea 

It only uses ceremonial grade matcha, so you know you’re getting really good drink. Not just that, it has an upstairs seating area equipped with plenty of plugs and charging ports, so it's perfect for a study date with your friends. My personal recommendation has to be the strawberry matcha latte (can you tell I like strawberry?), but honestly all of its drinks are to die for. 

A cup of layered matcha beverage with a visible logo for
Matcha from Ai Tea is a great study break treat

Eating out in Huddersfield

I was pleasantly surprised to find so many food gems in and around the town centre - you’re spoilt for choice, even if you’re a real foodie like me.  

If you’re a commuter, I have to suggest you visit Legends at least once. It is on the way to university, and it is surprisingly affordable for the quality of the food. This food joint specialises in all types of burgers, is halal and is so unbelievably good.  

If you need somewhere to sit down for a meal with friends or family who are visiting, you have to go to Med-One, a family-owned Lebanese restaurant and the food is all made fresh. It’s amazing and the vibes are truly unmatched. I can’t recommend the Kebab Halabi enough, so make sure you try that if you do go.  

Plate of food from Legends Desserts & Bar, featuring a burger with spicy chicken, a side of fries, and a dipping sauce.
Legends burgers are a must-try

No shortage of entertainment 

Now, in terms of entertainment, there are so many options out there for you and your friends. The most versatile place you could visit has to be The Light. It has an arcade, cinema, bowling alley, karaoke, axe throwing and so much more. The activities are fairly affordable and always a good time.  

It also serves food and drink so if you’re planning to be there all day, you most definitely won’t go hungry.  

If you’re more of a night owl and prefer to sit in a bar with your gang, you most definitely should go to Vox Bar or ParishVox is located near the railway station and is a perfect place to visit if you love indie music and intimate vibes.

Parish is for my rock lovers, but even if that’s not your scene, keep an eye out for the events it holds upstairs as there’s always something for everyone. Recently, I went to an R&B event there and I had an amazing time.

Interior of a Vox bar in Huddersfield, a vibrant bar with red lighting, showcasing walls adorned with framed rock band posters, including the Ramones. People are seated, enjoying the ambiance.
Vox Bar, a great night out for indie music lovers

I hope this blog post has been helpful in guiding you away from the mainstream and encouraging you to visit some of the more unknown spots because, like I said, Huddersfield is filled to the brim with hidden gems.

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