One of my assignments for my Magazine Journalism Module was to create three feature articles for a made up magazine and to come up with a rationale for a magazine. I created one called Gothically which I decided would be a magazine based around Gothic Culture - something which I find really interesting. Here is my travel writing piece for it.
Disclaimer - As far as I'm aware there isn't a British Goth Hotspot Tour I invented it for the purpose of this article. Also I got my grades back for this task (for the three feature pieces and rationale and I got a First, yay!)
As part of the British Gothic Hotspot Tour, we’ve been travelling around Britain hunting down the hottest places for Goths across Britain. This month we stopped off in Huddersfield, from Gothic attire to the creepiest of listed buildings we’ve compiled a short list of the top places to visit in Huddersfield. [See Picture A]
In West Yorkshire close to Bradford, Huddersfield is often overlooked when discussing the most fascinating places in Britain to visit, yet enriched in history, filled with beautiful historical buildings and home to famous poet Simon Armitage (writer of I am Very Bothered) and popular 40’s actor James Mason, Huddersfield is one of the most underrated towns to visit.
Usually when people arrive at a new destination the first thing on their mind is getting a bite to eat and for Goths one of the most enticing places to eat is the Rock Café on Ramsden Street.
Renowned for its large portions of food at unbeatable prices, the Rock Café also holds weekly band nights every Sunday where local rock bands can come and play their music. The Rock Café has also started hosting “Goth gatherings” and was described by The Huddersfield Examiner as “Emulating Whitby with its own Goth Gathering.” Organised by alternative clothing shop “Witchcraft and Wiseman” Goths from across Huddersfield all flocked to the café for a night filled with music (featuring band Bad Pollyanna), shopping and chatter.
Witchcraft and Wiseman is a shop in Huddersfield’s famous “Queensgate Market” and sells Gothic attire, jewellery and incense amongst other things such as ornaments and gifts. Owned by mother and daughter Sue and Peggy Mullen, this stall is a haven for all fans of alternative culture and lifestyle.
Another stall in Queensgate Market which will appeal to fan of Gothic Culture, is Joker666 a piercing and tattoo studio run by Sean McNamara and Rob Dakin. Customers can get tattoos and can decide between a variety of piercings. Joker666 also sells Gothic jewellery including a range of studs, hoops and stretchers alongside necklaces and rings to appeal to a broader audience.
Sean McNamara the owner of Joker 666 said: “Chris Cotton of Kirkless Market asked us to move to Queensgate market, we get fantastic business, we’re not here to rip people off we’re here to provide a professional service at a good price. In Huddersfield there’s a great culture and a mix of people.”
In Kirkburton approximately twenty minutes away is Castle Hill and Victoria Tower. For those interested in history or with an eye for beauty, Castle Hill and Victoria Tower is lovely to walk around and offers breathtaking views and scenery particularly at sunset.
The Storthes Hall Asylum, is incredibly creepy. Derelict and rumoured to be haunted this listed building dates back to 1904. There are tours every Halloween in which visitors can view the remaining buildings and learn about the history of those who were imprisoned inside. [See Picture B]
For those who enjoy and loud and fun night out, Parish is the place to be. Located on Parish Street, the pub hosts several music events alongside its own eating challenge and is always full on a Friday night.
Carol Amitrano, 50, who works for Huddersfield Tourist Information said: “The best features of Huddersfield are the countryside and the historic buildings. There are a lot of excellent concerts in the town hall particularly classical composers and the wide culture means that there is something for everyone.”
Huddersfield may not be a sprawling city or a coastal town but it is definitely worth a visit and we will definitely be returning.
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