Bradford Travel Guide

Bradford Tourism | Bradford Guide

You're Going to Love Bradford

Bradford is a city of 300,000 in West Yorkshire, close to Leeds and set in the foothills of the Pennines.

The city's population grew rapidly in the 19th century, based on success of its textile mills, which saw Bradford become the wool capital of the world. That heritage can still be seen today, with almost 6,000 listed buildings dating from the period.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bradford

1. Curry!

Bradford has been named as Curry Capital of Britain for five consecutive years; check out the restaurants around the West End, Great Horton, and Leeds Road.

2. Music

The city has a thriving live music scene encompassing everything from indie to opera. Check out the New Beehive Inn and St. Georges' Hall.

3. The Architecture

Bradford's industrial heritage has created a wealth of stunning buildings. Head to Little Germany.

4. The Countryside

The Peak District, Pennines, and Yorkshire Dales are all within easy reach.

5. The National Media Museum

This free museum is a gem, celebrating film, TV, and photography.

1. Curry!

Bradford has been named as Curry Capital of Britain for five consecutive years; check out the restaurants around the West End, Great Horton, and Leeds Road.

2. Music

The city has a thriving live music scene encompassing everything from indie to opera. Check out the New Beehive Inn and St. Georges' Hall.

3. The Architecture

Bradford's industrial heritage has created a wealth of stunning buildings. Head to Little Germany.

4. The Countryside

The Peak District, Pennines, and Yorkshire Dales are all within easy reach.

5. The National Media Museum

This free museum is a gem, celebrating film, TV, and photography.

1. Stroll Amidst The Classics

One of the most famous literary families to emerge from the Yorkshire countryside is that of the Bronte sisters, who lived just outside of Bradford city. Emily, Anne, and Charlotte are the poets and authors who penned such well-beloved English classics as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. You can visit the formal Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth, or simply take a stroll through the surrounding countryside to see for yourself the landscape that inspired the Brontes' imaginations.

2. Marvel At England's Industry

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire, a well-preserved mid 19th-century village which has deep roots in the Industrial Revolution. A peaceful canal snakes its way through this impressive open air museum, where visitors can step back in time and learn about the significant role of factories and commerce in Northern England. Here you will also find several restaurants and shops, as well as a large museum dedicated to David Hockney. Admission to Saltaire or "Salt Mills" is free of charge.

3. Focus Your Lens

Noted travel writer Bill Bryson really put this museum on the map in his captivating account of his journey through many small rural English towns. The National Media Museum is part of the larger Science Museum Group, popular throughout the region for showcasing the history of photography, film, and television. With an emphasis on demonstrating the influence of light and color in art, with a scientific focus which has made this attraction one of the most visited in all of Northern England, the museum also boasts three cinemas and a large IMAX movie theater with regular showings for visitors wishing to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

4. Re-Imagining The English Park

This unique park located northwest of downtown Bradford features both an Islamic Mughal Water Park and the popular Cartwright Hall and Art Gallery within it's leafy environs. Take advantage of the park's many recreational attractions, including basketball and tennis courts, a bowling green, and even a children's playground. You can also take a boat out onto the lake for a different perspective on Lister Park. This green space has won several national awards for it's beauty and creative planning over the years and it continues to be one of the most visited parks in Bradford.

5. Coming Together

The concept of this unique public museum is to give space to the history, stories, and movements by peacebuilders within the United Kingdom. Bradford is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country, where immigrants and long-standing citizens live side by side in creating a new and stronger nation. The nearby Bradford University is home to the longest running Peace Studies program, which helps to foster dialogue, collaboration, and creative problem solving to tackle some of the region's biggest issues. Here you can learn more about how to be a "peacebuilder" in your hometown through communication, compassion, and education.

1. Stroll Amidst The Classics

2. Marvel At England's Industry

3. Focus Your Lens

4. Re-Imagining The English Park

5. Coming Together

1. Stroll Amidst The Classics

2. Marvel At England's Industry

3. Focus Your Lens

4. Re-Imagining The English Park

5. Coming Together

When in Bradford, you really must try the curry houses. Karachi Restaurant is a great budget eatery with mains around £4.50, while Kashmir is the oldest and one of the best curry restaurants in Bradford, with mains around £6.

Bradford in January

Estimated hotel price

AED 236

1 night at 3-star hotel

AED 236

1 night at 3-star hotel

Bradford's summers and warm and winters are mild. Rainfall is pretty even throughout the year, so visit anytime!

Temperatures

Data provided by

Plane

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is just 8 miles to the northeast. The 737 and 747 buses take you to the city for £3.80.

Train

Bradford Forster Square and Bradford Interchange railway stations have extensive connections to the rest of the UK.

Car

Bradford is easily reached from north or south via the M1 to the east and the M6 to the west.

Bus

Megabus and National Express both run services to Bradford from many major British cities.

Plane

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is just 8 miles to the northeast. The 737 and 747 buses take you to the city for £3.80.

Train

Bradford Forster Square and Bradford Interchange railway stations have extensive connections to the rest of the UK.

Car

Bradford is easily reached from north or south via the M1 to the east and the M6 to the west.

Bus

Megabus and National Express both run services to Bradford from many major British cities.

Airports near Bradford

LPLLiverpool J. Lennon

LBALeeds/Bradford

MANManchester

Airlines serving Bradford

Good (7,030 reviews)

Good (1,333 reviews)

Good (6,815 reviews)

Good (1,582 reviews)

Excellent (7,920 reviews)

Good (3,776 reviews)

Good (2,686 reviews)

Good (1,444 reviews)

Good (780 reviews)

Good (8,685 reviews)

Excellent (3,206 reviews)

Qatar Airways

Good (3,562 reviews)

Brussels Airlines

Good (345 reviews)

Air Canada

Good (9,206 reviews)

Scandinavian Airlines

Good (1,345 reviews)

Good (1,066 reviews)

Good (1,272 reviews)

Good (1,846 reviews)

Good (1,203 reviews)

Good (967 reviews)

Where to stay in Bradford

The West End - is convenient for the city center and is home to many of the city's leisure attractions, such as the the National Media Museum. There are some good bars here, including Stein Bier Keller and Tiki-O.

Popular Neighborhoods in Bradford

Great Horton - is a great place to experience some of the city's best curry restaurants. Expect bustling streets with some good examples of Victorian architecture.

Saltaire - is a well-preserved former industrial town now within Bradford. Its architecture has placed it on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The former Salts Mill building now contains a splendid gallery dedicated to the works of local artist David Hockney.

Great Horton - is a great place to experience some of the city's best curry restaurants. Expect bustling streets with some good examples of Victorian architecture.