Bradford is a modern city but proudly retains its Victorian landmarks and remnants of the Industrial Revolution. It is an immigrant-based city with a diverse population, from German settlers in the 1850s to new arrivals from Bangladesh and Pakistan in the 20th century. Once the world’s most important wool trading center, Bradford is now the capital of England’s Calais and the first city to achieve UNESCO Film City status.
In the heart of the city, Bradford City Park is a contemporary urban space surrounded by the gorgeous Venetian Gothic Bradford Town Hall. In the summer, cool off in the park’s Mirror Pool fountain, which features a nightly light show. The Alhambra Theater, a venue for live music, musicals, and pantomimes, is just a short walk away. The National Museum of Science and Media showcases the city’s film, radio, and television industries.
Secrets of Bradford
Explore the town of Little Germany, the center of the town’s wool trade and named after the German merchants who settled here in the 1850s. Chapel and Field streets are lined with magnificent Victorian buildings and former mills. Enjoy other famous attractions such as Bradford Cathedral and the Wool Exchange.
The city’s outskirts are dotted with other historic sites and lush parks. Visit the Bowling Hall Museum next door to Bowling Park and Cartwright Hall in Lister Park. Ride the centuries-old Shipley Glen Tramway through the woods on the outskirts of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its Victorian buildings. Summer festivals bring life to the city.
Join the free Bradford Festival in July and see the talent of local dance groups, musicians, and street theater actors. Infest UK in August and his Bingley Music Live in September draw huge crowds of music fans. While in Bradford, don’t miss the chance to sample delicious food at authentic Asian restaurants inspired by the flavors of Bangladesh, India, Kashmir, and Pakistan. Trains run directly. Leeds, London, Manchester, York to Bradford.
Continue your adventure through the breathtaking scenery of West Yorkshire. Bowland Forest and the Yorkshire Dales National Park are within a 90-minute drive northwest.
Top 5 Motives to Travel to Bradford
- Curry!
For five years running, Bradford has been dubbed the “Curry Capital of Britain.” Check out the eateries near the West End, Great Horton, and Leeds Road. - Music The live music culture in the city is growing and includes anything from indie to opera. Check out St. Georges’ Hall and the New Beehive Inn.
- The Buildings
Bradford’s industrial past has resulted in a plethora of beautiful structures. To Little Germany, go. - The Outdoors
The Yorkshire Dales, Pennines, and Peak District are all easily accessible. - The National Museum of Media
This free museum is a treasure that honors photography, television, and film.
Things to do
A visit to the Bradford region will fill your days with a variety of experiences. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’ll find something that piques your interest and makes you want to stay a little longer. Bradford has a thriving arts scene, with contemporary exhibitions at Cartwright Hall and David Hockney at Salts Mill. Bradford’s rich heritage comes alive in many museums, including the Bradford Industrial Museum, Haworth’s Bront Parsonage, Keithley’s NT East, and Riddlesden Hall. Don’t miss the spectacular architecture of Little Germany and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. Bradford is a place for the whole family.
The National Museum of Science and Media has interactive and educational exhibits that let children explore the science and culture of light and sound. Want some fresh air? St. Ives Estate in Bingley is a beautifully landscaped park with a woodland and adventure playground. Take the family on a day trip to Ilkley or make a splash in the outdoor pool at Ilkley Lido.
Fun Outdoors Activities
For those who enjoy fun activities and the great outdoors, we are known for our rolling hills and rugged moors, just a short drive from Bradford. A walker’s and cyclist’s paradise, there are great walks and trails to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views.
City of Culture 2025 Bradford offers an eclectic mix of arts, entertainment, and cultural venues. For over 100 years, Bradford’s Alhambra Theater has been home to Britain’s finest shows. The town is also home to numerous community theaters, including King’s Hall in Ilkley, which hosts regional theater companies and amateur shows.
From high-street brands to quirky independent brands, the entire Bradford region offers a great shopping experience. Downtown visitors can shop until they stop at the stunning Broadway Shopping Center or for bargains at the Oastler Center. Looking for a unique gift? Stop by Saltaire, Ilkley, or Haworth for quality independent shops in beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s your first or your next time in Bradford & District, there’s so much to see and do.
What is on?
Bradford Borough has no shortage of events and festivals. No matter when you visit, there is something to inspire, entertain, and excite you. As soon as you set foot in the Bradford District, you’ll find exciting things to see and do. A thriving art scene, fascinating exhibitions, energetic theater, fascinating events, and plenty of live music to keep you entertained
Haworth Place hosts various themed events throughout the season, from Haworth 1940s to the quirky Steampunk Weekend to the magical Haworth Christmas. If you love literature, follow in the footsteps of the Bront family at the historic Bront Parsonage Museum. Book lovers are spoiled for choice at the Bradford and Ilkley Literary Festivals. The Saltair Festival, held each September, is a celebration of music, theater, comedy, heritage, art, sculpture, food and drink, and more. The Saltaire Inspired Makers Fair and the Saltaire Living Advent Calendar host numerous art events throughout the year.
Browse our many galleries to find the hottest creative talent in the world. National Science + Media Museum: Don’t miss festival favorites at the Yorkshire Games Festival, Bradford Science Festival, and Widescreen Weekend.
Restaurants in Bradford
You absolutely must sample the curry restaurants while visiting Bradford. Mains at the excellent bargain restaurant Karachi Restaurant cost roughly £4.50, whereas those at Kashmir, Bradford’s oldest and greatest curry restaurant, cost around $6.
Popular Bradford Neighborhoods
Great Horton – is a terrific location to sample some of the top curry eateries in the city. Expect busy streets and some impressive examples of Victorian construction. Bradford now includes the well-preserved former industrial town of Saltaire. It has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its architecture. There is now a beautiful exhibition featuring the creations of local artist David Hockney inside the historic Salts Mill structure.
Accommodation
There are so many accommodations to choose from in and around Bradford, giving you the opportunity to fully experience everything the area has to offer. You may get away from the crowds and unwind in the tranquil countryside of Ilkley and Bronte Country, explore Bradford’s rich history, or have the unforgettable experience of staying in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From opulent serviced residences and five-star log cabins to cozy cottages and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Homestay possibilities are another choice not offered on our website; for more information, look for service providers like Airbnb. Why don’t you plan your next vacation to Bradford?
How to Navigate Bradford
- Public transport – Commuter Services West Yorkshire An extensive bus network serving the city is operated by Metro.
- Taxi – The initial charge for a taxi is £3.25, and each additional mile costs about £2.
- Car – The rental is widely accessible and costs as little as £19 per day; the city is home to Europcar and Enterprise.
Economy
- Living Standards in Bradford Shopping Streets
For more conventional shopping, head to the new Broadway retail center; for smaller, local stores, head to North Parade.
- Food and Other
A dozen eggs will run you about £1.73 and a quart of milk about £0.84.