Explore Bradford

Heritage, Culture, Festivals, Events, Food and Drink - what more would you want from your holiday destination? Bradford is lucky enough to have all this and something for everyone and we want you to come and see for yourself what you have been missing.

So whether you want to enjoy the outdoors, be inspired by great artists, peruse the independent shops or sample the scrumptious local produce, Bradford is full of surprises so try somewhere new and come and visit. We can guarantee you will receive a warm Yorkshire welcome.

What to do

• National Media Museum

  The National Media Museum is a must see when visiting Bradford. It is a mixture of historical collections and interactive galleries alongside an IMAX theatre and two cinemas. You can explore every aspect of the media world!

• City Park

  City Park is Bradford’s multi-award winning high tech water feature! Definitely not to be missed when the sun shines. City Park is also a fantastic event space, where a number of high quality events take place throughout the year.

• Eat some curry!

  Bradford is the first city ever, to have been voted Curry Capital of Britain for six years in a row. The city has a well deserved reputation for Asian cuisine so a Bradford curry is a must when visiting.

• Admire World Class Artists

  Bradford is home to amazing pieces of art by renowned artists. From David Hockney in the 1853 Gallery at Salts Mill, to L.S Lowry and Andy Warhol at Cartwright Hall. Alternatively, Impressions Gallery is one of the leading independent venues for photography in the country.

• Shop for all things vintage

  Saltaire has lots of interesting independent shops, including the popular House of Rose & Brown full of vintage clothing, jewellery and collectables. Look out for the regular vintage fairs held in nearby Victoria Hall. Haworth’s Main Street is also a shopper’s paradise with its many independent shops gifts and clothes.

• Learn about the Brontës

  The world of Wuthering Heights is in the village of Haworth. The sisters home is now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, which is full of their original possessions. You can also visit the ruins of the farmhouse Top Withens on Haworth Moor which are thought to have been the inspiration for Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights.

• See the real Saltaire

  Learn more about Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage Site’s history on a highly entertaining and informative guided walk of the village lead by Maria Glot.

• Cheers to Real Ale!

  Enjoy a day exploring the real ale pubs using the Keighley and Worth Valley Ale Trail. Explore the area and sample a wide selection of locally brewed ales.

• Visit the UK’s largest Asian Dept Store

  Bombay Stores is the UK’s largest Asian department store. Luxurious fabrics, Asian fashions, shoes, jewellery, large haberdashery makes this a day out in itself.

• Jump on board a steam train

  The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is an excellent way to travel through Brontë Country. Not only is it one of Yorkshire’s few remaining steam railways it’s a great day out. Look out for the many events that are held at the railway including the popular Beer and Music Festival and the Santa Trains.

• Spend a night at the theatre

  Considered to be the jewel in Bradford crown the magnificent Alhambra Theatre offers the best in West End shows, ballet, musicals, dramas and an annual pantomime. Bradford is also home to St George’s Hall, the oldest concert hall in Britain, which attracts all the top comedians.

• Fantastic Festivals

  The annual Ilkley Literature Festival attracts some of the best from the world of literature and entertainment. Alternatively, how about Bingley Music Live, set in the picturesque grounds of Myrtle Park, which has firmly established itself on the festival circuit and is probably one of the most affordable festivals in the UK.

• On Ilkley Moor Baht 'at

  Impressive views of Wharfedale and beyond can be admired from Ilkley Moor. The Moor is home to pre-historic rocks and is rich in wildlife and has a number of walking routes.

• Become a film buff

  Take part in the UK's longest-running animation festival; Bradford Animation Festival (November). Host to screen talks and special events by some of the industry's top names.

• Have a Michelin starred experience

  The Michelin starred Box Tree in Ilkley is one of Yorkshire’s finest restaurants, and is situated in one of Ilkley’s oldest buildings. Go and treat yourself in these unique surroundings.

• Feeling brave?

  Then jump into the icy cold plunge pool at White Wells, Ilkley Moor. White Wells is home to 18th century plunge baths as well as a café. It’s open when the flags are flying!

• Have a Brontë Experience

  Branwell Brontë the brother of Anne, Emily and Charlotte was well known in the Black Bull, Haworth, a pub he would regularly frequent. Enjoy a drink and see Branwell’s chair.

• Admire breathtaking architecture

  Bradford’s Victorian past is evident in the impressive buildings in Little Germany. German merchants built the imposing buildings to house their goods; many are now listed buildings.

• Explore Undercliffe Cemetery

  Undercliffe Cemetery is one of the finest Victorian Gothic cemeteries in the UK, full of obelisks, grand columns and statues of angels. Here you will find many of the notable inhabitants of Bradford along with veterans of famous conflicts such as Waterloo and the Crimea.

• View Roman remains

  The Manor House Museum in Ilkley stands on the remains of the Roman fort of Olicana. Only a short section of defensive wall remains exposed at the back of the building, but Roman artefacts from the fort and surrounding area are on permanent display inside.

• Watch the barges descend

  Bingley Five-rise lock staircase is the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This unique 5-rise staircase has a total fall of 60 feet and is the steepest lock staircase in Britain and a masterpiece of 18th century engineering.