A world heritage site; the first UNESCO City of Film; Curry Capital of Britain...
...the birthplace of a family of world-renowned authors; the home of a national museum and a range of fantastic art and theatre venues—the list goes on. There’s so much more to Bradford than first meets the eye. Read on to find out what else there is to do and see in our historic city.
Gallery
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Ilkley—perfect for a country walk
Little Germany boasts some of Bradford's finest buildings
Saltaire, the home of Salts Mill, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
After dark, the colourful lighting in City Park produces eye-catching effects
Lifelong home of the Brontë sisters, the Brontë Parsonage is now a museum
Walk the Brontë Way and see some of Yorkshire's most spectacular countryside
Top Withens is said to be the inspiration for Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights
You'll find art galleries, restaurants and unique shops at Salts Mill
Around the museum
City Park
The National Science and Media Museum overlooks this six-acre urban park in the heart of Bradford. City Park’s Mirror Pool consists of 100 fountains—one of which can shoot water 100ft into the air—and is the largest water feature of any UK city. It can also be drained to create a beautifully lit event space with a capacity of 10,000.
Visit the City Park Bradford website
City of Film
Following a successful bid by a consortium of local organisations, including this museum, Bradford was announced as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film in June 2009. The city was recognised for its rich film heritage, inspirational movie locations, and festivals, events and learning celebrating the moving image.
Visit the Bradford City of Film website
Impressions Gallery
Just off City Park, this free photography gallery aims to show contemporary photography that gets you looking, thinking and talking. There’s also a diverse education and events programme.
Visit the Impressions Gallery website
Alhambra Theatre
Opposite the museum is the beautiful Alhambra Theatre. Regarded as the North’s premier touring venue, the Alhambra hosts the best in large-scale entertainment, from ballet and opera to variety and comedy, musicals, drama and panto—there’s something for everyone.
Visit the Bradford Theatres website
The Broadway Bradford
A few minutes’ walk away from the museum is Bradford’s newest shopping centre, with 70 shops and eateries under one roof.
Visit the Broadway Bradford website
Explore further
Visit Bradford
If you’re coming to the city, you need to check out Visit Bradford—the official tourist information website for Bradford and the surrounding area. Find out what you should see and do, including local attractions, events and festivals. You can also download free guides and find accommodation.
Visit the Visit Bradford website
Welcome to Yorkshire
Whether you’re looking for new things to do locally or visiting from further afield, Welcome to Yorkshire is the perfect place to start planning your trip. Their online hub covers everything there is to enjoy across Yorkshire—have a look at what ‘God’s own county’ has to offer and book your next adventure here!
Visit the Welcome to Yorkshire website
Bradford Museums and Galleries
Discover some of the most exciting museums and galleries in Yorkshire, from the Baroque splendour of Cartwright Hall Art Gallery—which also houses the recently opened David Hockney Gallery—to the spectacular Cliffe Castle Museum.
Visit the Bradford Museums and Galleries website
Saltaire and Salts Mill
Saltaire village is just a 10-minute train journey away from Bradford city centre. Built by Victorian philanthropist Sir Titus Salt, Saltaire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 as ‘an outstanding example of a 19th century industrial town’. Salts Mill now houses several art galleries, including a large collection of David Hockney’s works, alongside shops and restaurants.
Brontë Parsonage Museum and Brontë Society
The original home of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë is now a museum dedicated to their lives, work and literary legacy, and is home to the Brontë Society. There’s also a contemporary arts programme and educational workshops throughout the year. The museum is located in the picturesque village of Haworth, a 35-minute drive from Bradford city centre.
