Wainhouse Tower Ascent Monday 25th August 2025 - 1:00 pm

A fantastic opportunity to ascend Calderdale’s unique Wainhouse Tower, the world’s tallest folly, and enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views of the Calder Valley and beyond!

You will have a 1-hour time slot, which allows plenty of time to get up and back down the Tower again, and also to spend time at the top to admire the views and take photos. There are also plenty of 'landing areas' on the stairs for you to take a rest on the way up and back down. Please note that you should arrive in time to begin your ascent promptly.

The 369 steps to the top are inside the Tower, and are circular, so please wear suitable footwear for this – and please note that even on a warm day it can be chilly (and windy) at the top, so dress appropriately. Please also be aware of the physical requirements of climbing the steps to the top of Wainhouse Tower (and back down again – 738 stairs in total), and particularly if you have any health conditions that may make such an challenge difficult.

Please note that:

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.

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.

Please note that should the wind at the top of the Tower be too high for a safe ascent then tickets will be refunded. You will be informed of this on the day, should this happen.

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.

For group enquiries/any other difficulties please email: wainhouse.tower@calderdale.gov.uk