'Secret' shopping centre without a chain in sight that's one hour from Manchester

A little-known shopping location one hour from Manchester has been hailed as the 'perfect' spot for Christmas shopping - and there's not a chain store in sight.

Halifax's Piece Hall, a Grade I listed former cloth house, boasts more than 30 independent shops along with several bars and cafes for a well-deserved rest after a shopping spree.

While the products on offer lean towards the high-end, they are not particularly pricey, according to Leeds Live writer David Himelfield. He recently decided to do all of his Christmas shopping there, and came away with a very impressive haul.

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Those who might have heard of the Piece Hall before its refurbishment will remember it as slightly grungy with a rather low-end retail selection - but that has all changed.

You'll find a diverse mix of shoppers from across the UK and overseas at the Piece Hall, alongside locals.

Spoiler warning for Dave's family

Dave said: "The challenge was to buy all my Christmas presents in one place but I'd already ordered Mrs Dave's present and we'd already ordered the main gifts for our two children.

However, Mrs Dave and I like to buy a 'side' gift each for Mary and Barry (not their real names). The former loves The Nightmare Before Christmas, the latter Star Wars."

Mystical and Magical, a store specialising in sci-fi, cult and occult models, was more than willing to assist. Two Pop models, one Sally from The Nightmare and a Boba Fett, fit the bill perfectly.

The Handmade Gift Shop, as the name suggests, offers handmade gifts crafted by local artists. It served a dual purpose: a Liverpool FC cushion for Dave's Scouse uncle and a pamper set for his