Grade II* listed, the fabulously ornate 77 metre (253 feet) high Wainhouse Tower was originally commissioned as a chimney for the local dye works by John Edward Wainhouse in the late 19th century. The structure was never actually used as a working chimney and as such, it is the tallest folly in the world and is regarded by many as one of Britain’s finest follies. For those brave enough to tackle the 369 steps to the viewing gallery at the top, the stunning views make it well worth the climb!

Can I Go Up Wainhouse Tower?

Yes! We’re planning to open Wainhouse Tower from March to October 2026 on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month, pus Bank Holidays. Tickets will be available via the VisitCalderdale Eventbrite page. 

Each individual date will be confirmed as soon as possible, announced here and through the VisitCalderdale social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. Approximately a week in advance of the opening date you will then be able to book tickets via the VisitCalderdale Eventbrite page. Bookmark this page so you can keep in the know!

We have Ascent Certificates for you purchase as a souvenir of your ascent. Certificates cost £1. When you book your tickets on Eventbrite you have the option to book your ticket with or without a certificate. Certificates will also be available for sale at the Tower on the day (but only for those who have been up to the top – no cheating!).

Please note;

• Wainhouse Tower is NOT open on daily basis, despite out of date information  on third party websites such as Google and Tripadvisor (which we are trying to get them to amend).
• We are unable to affect the lighting of the Tower and cannot accept any requests regarding the colours used to illuminate Wainhouse Tower.  

For any enquiries about Wainhouse Tower, please email: wainhouse.tower@calderdale.gov.uk.

Visiting Wainhouse Tower

The address for Wainhouse Tower is:  9 Wakefield Gate, King Cross, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 0HB.

The What 3 Words for Wainhouse Tower is: Puff. Couch. Mental

If you’re travelling to Wainhouse Tower by car, please park considerately so you leave enough space for any emergency vehicles to pass and you do not block any driveways or entrances to other roads. There is no parking in the immediate vicinity of the Tower.

Visitors are advised to park on Skircoat Moor Road (A646) and approach the Tower on foot by travelling down Wakefield Gate and taking the footpath on your right from Wakefield Gate to the base of the Tower. The footpath slopes upwards. The first half of footpath is earthen and uneven. As the footpath reaches the park area at the base of Wainhouse Tower the footpath’s surface changes to a tarmac path.

Please note that a footpath from Skircoat Moor Road that runs alongside the cemetery comprises extremely uneven stone setts and has six steps down at the far end onto an earthen path that then becomes onto a tarmac path as the footpath reaches the park area at the base of Wainhouse Tower.

There may be low-level lighting in places on the stairs and there is no handrail inside the Tower.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, and young children must be supervised at all times.

No dogs permitted inside the Tower except Assistance Dogs.

A bag search may be in operation. Please don’t bring large bags with you as you will not be able to take these inside the Tower. These will have to be left at the bottom of the Tower for health & safety reasons, and left at your own risk.

Wainhouse Tower Essential Companion Policy

Calderdale Council is committed to providing access wherever possible to individuals who require support from an essential companion or carer.

Wainhouse Tower is a grade II listed building comprising of 369 stairs to an elevated viewing platform. There is no handrail, and no modifications can easily be made to site to improve physical access for those with additional requirements.

Visits to the Tower are ticketed and chargeable – there is no charge for an essential companion or carer who is accompanying an individual who requires additional support. Essential companions must book complimentary tickets online to ensure the site’s capacity is not exceeded. Proof of eligibility is required to be shown on the door prior to the ascent.

Wainhouse Tower’s 150th Birthday!

Tuesday 9th September 2025 marked Wainhouse Tower’s 150th anniversary> Discover more about this occasion and the history of the Tower with:

• A series of special blog posts celebrating the Tower.
• A ‘History Out Loud’ podcast by the Council’s library service, discussing the facts and fiction surrounding Wainhouse Tower. Listen to the episode on Spotify (also available on other podcast platforms).