Bradford is a city located in the northern English county of West Yorkshire. This place is where the fresh air and natural beauty will invigorate you, whilst the heritage and culture will fascinate you. Where else can you enjoy two UNESCO sites, an amazing countryside, combined with the former home of literary greats, alongside a city full of cultures?

There is no place like Bradford whose 4 unique areas offer distinctive experiences whether you are a new visitor or returning to explore further: Walking down the footsteps of the Brontës in Haworth, taking an invigorating walk on Ilkley Moor 'Baht at', spending a lazy Sunday with Hockney in Saltaire or attending a West End show at the Alhambra theatre.

1. What makes Bradford unique?
2. Bradford's popular attractions
3. Nightlife in Bradford
4. Sports in Bradford
5. Food in Bradford
6. Shopping in Bradford
7. Bradford living costs
8. Travel in and around Bradford
9. Explore the UK from Bradford

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1. What makes Bradford unique?

Today, Bradford remains a magnificent city for culture, history, and a unique taste of Yorkshire life. Its beautiful location makes it perfect for exploring the countryside and getting to grips with nature. Bradford truly is one of Yorkshire's most diverse districts.

If you are looking for outdoor activities, the unusual 'Cow and Calf rocks' near Ilkley are the perfect place for rock climbing (for experienced climbers!) or simply for scrambling and hiking in beautiful surroundings. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more relaxed outing, spend an indulgent afternoon in the award-winning Betty's Tearoom, browsing in Keighley's large shopping centre or visiting historic Haworth to discover the charming railway station made famous in The Railway Children movie!

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2. Bradford's popular attractions

Bradford is full of fun things to do and unique places to visit. Despite being just a town, within this wonderful place are numerous spots you can not miss, including:

• Bradford Industrial Museum. This museum specialises in the local industrial history, exploring Bradford’s importance in the Industrial Revolution.
• National Media Museum. This is a heaven for pop culture lovers that features galleries highlighting television, animation, photography, video games, film, radio and the Internet.
• Lister Park. One of Bradford’s largest and most popular public parks.
• Bronte Parsonage Museum. A must-visit for literature lovers, the museum is run by the Bronte Society in honour of the three famous Bronte Sisters: Charlotte, Emily and Anne.
• Bradford Alhambra. Built in 1913, this is one of the city’s largest theatres.
• Bolling Hall. One of Bradford’s oldest buildings, dating from the 14th century.
• Bradford Cathedral. The city’s oldest place of worship, and is one of Bradford’s hidden gems.
• Bradford City Park. A public space in the heart of the city that surrounds the historic Bradford City Hall, featuring manicured gardens as well as a large event space that is regularly used for community events.
• Cartwright Hall. In the centre of Bradford’s popular Lister Park is one of the city’s best art galleries.
• Peace Museum. The only museum in the country that specialises in the history and significance of peace, peace activists and movements.
• St. George’s Hall. This listed concert hall is the oldest still in use in Britain, and the third oldest in Europe.
• East Riddlesden Hall. A 17th century manor house that once belonged to a cloth merchant.
• Salts Mill. The building is a stunning icon of industrial Bradford and an impressive example of the evolution of trade in northern England.
• Cliffe Castle Museum. An impressive neo-Gothic structure originally built in the early 19th century. The castle houses glorious and imposing Victorian architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

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3. Nightlife in Bradford

The Lock Inn is a picturesque pub on the canalside in Wolverley. If the sun’s shining and you fancy some fresh air, take a walk down the canal and stop off for a pit stop pint at The Lock. It is a traditional pub with a great selection of ales, friendly service, and decent pub grub with vegan options, too.

Another canalside watering hole worth a mention is the Watermill in Kidderminster. It is a large Marston’s pub, so you can expect extremely affordable food and a solid selection of cheap drinks. The waterside setting is quite exceptional, with a sun trap of a beer garden that’s perfect for sipping away an afternoon.

If you are looking for a proper ale house then make your way to The Weavers on Comberton Hill. The walls are covered in pump clips, which go some way to giving you an idea of how regularly they rotate their ales, sourcing Britain's best breweries. Don’t expect to find any lagers on tap, nor alcopops in the fridge.

If you have decided you want some dancing and dastardly drinks deals, there are actually a handful of clubs for you to choose from in Kidderminster. A couple favourite places are Nubu on Dixon Street and The Vault on Oxford Street. Open until the birds start to sing, with an array of floor filling music, both these venues will satisfy your clubbing cravings.

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4. Sports in Bradford

Fans of football can see the local Kidderminster Harriers F.C. play at Aggborough Stadium. Other state-of-the-art facilities open to the public include:

• Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre
• Manningham Sports Centre
• Bradford Sports Centre Ltd
• Richard Dunn Sports Centre
• Queensgate Leisure Centre
• Five Leisure Snooker & Amusement Centre

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5. Food in Bradford

Feast your eyes on the roundup of Kidderminster's best restaurants and cafes. With at least three French restaurants and competition from exotic India and the Orient, you really are spoilt for choice.

When it comes to an evening’s meal, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Bistrot Pierre, the chain of stylish French restaurants that has grown from the Midlands to 25 locations across the UK. If you are craving for a curry then make your way to George Street and Sher-E-Punjab. The food is fresh, authentic and absolutely packed full of flavour. The service is always excellent, and the prices will properly put a smile on your face. There is a reason why a lot of people in Kidderminster pick Sher-E-Punjab as their local Indian restaurant.

Alternatively, if you’d rather a taste of the Orient then you will want to try China Lodge on Bewdley Road. It is a lovely airy restaurant that’s always busy, and when you try the food you will understand why. It is not the most authentic Chinese food you will find but the portions will keep you full and the taste will bring you back again and again.

La Brasserie may look a little dated on the outside but don’t judge a book by its cover. Inside you will be treated to some seriously pukka French cuisine and service that goes the extra mile. It is refreshing to dine out at a traditional restaurant that hasn’t been caught up in the whirlwind of fads and food trends. The menu is made up of classics cooked to perfection, and you really can’t beat the beef bourguignon or the dauphinoise potatoes.

The Bodenham Arboretum is one of Bradford’s favourite activities in Kidderminster. When you have finished exploring the stunning valley of trees and ponds, make your way to the Bodenham Arboretum Restaurant for a carvery lunch with a view across the lake - simply unbeatable.

If you want high-quality bistro eats then make your way to La Petite Gare. It is a lovely little neighbourhood restaurant opposite Kidderminster Station with the best chateaubriand in the business. Everything on the menu is delicious and the prices are reasonable considering the exceptional eating and first-rate service.

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6. Shopping in Bradford

A shopping spree is a sure fire way to kill some time. In Bradford, there are a handful of great retail options for you to choose from. By far and away the most popular is The Broadway Bradford. It is a new addition to the city offering over 80 stores including the likes of H&M, Kurt Geiger, M&S, and Topshop. Your other options include the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, home of the Market Hall, Primark, New Look and Sports Direct.

Nearby, one of Bradford’s most impressive buildings – The Wool Exchange – has been transformed into a huge Waterstone’s. While, beneath Bradford, in the subterranean Victorian tunnels accessible from City Park and Sunbridge Road, Sunbridge Wells is well worth throwing into your city shopping spree, particularly if you are hungry for a snack or something to drink.

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7. Bradford living costs

Budget guide:

• One-way Ticket (Local transport): £2.50
• Meal out: £10.00
• Fast Food (McDonalds): £6.00
• Gasoline (1 litre): £1.21
• Cinema ticket: £10.00
• Taxi (normal tariff): £2.80

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8. Travel in and around Bradford

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.

By train

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

By car

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

By bus & coach

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

There is a fast bus service from Leeds by the X6. The 72 bus is a frequent bus link between the town and Leeds. The fast X6 bus runs to Huddersfield in the opposite direction.

Megabus serves the city with daily links to London, Burnley and Birmingham.

National Express serves the city with links to Manchester, Birmingham and London and other cities. Local passengers can alternatively travel on the National Express between Bradford and Leeds in only 25mins, instead of the 72 or X6 buses, including late night / early morning journeys.

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9. Explore the UK from Bradford

Bradford is an ideal base for you to start exploring neighbouring cities, towns, and the rest of the UK.

Manchester

Widely known to the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history in politics, science, sport, and arts. In this place, you will find numerous museums, art galleries, sport stadiums, that will fulfill your every desire.

It is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the UK. Popular for its youthful, diverse, bustling, and energetic vibes, everyone is warmly welcomed to experience all that it has to offer. Whether it is from shopping at the Trafford Centre or watching an intense football match at Old Trafford, this city offers something for everyone.

Bolton

This former mill town is home to over 260,000 ‘Boltonians’, a community famed for their friendliness and sense of humour, and epitomised by residents such as Peter Kay and Sara Cox. In one of the biggest towns in the country, you will find award-winning food and drink establishments, a wide range of activities and attractions, and an entertainment scene featuring some brilliant live theatres and Bolton Wanderers football club. All ensure that you will never be left wondering what to do in Bolton.

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Ilkley

Ilkley is one of the oldest areas surrounding Bradford. The moor here is believed to be one of the earliest settlements in the area, with carvings and archaeological finds dating from around 1800 BC. Across Ilkley, you will find ancient stones, the purposes of which are still unknown.

Learn about the Roman history of the area in the Manor House, which documents the existence of a nearby Roman fort, as well as housing art and items of natural history. In Victorian England, Ilkley was a spa town, famed for its fresh air and local food. For the literary-minded, attend one of Britain’s oldest literature festivals and best arts events, Ilkley Literature Festival. Ilkley is also an excellent place to learn more about West Yorkshire history and the influence of Bradford on English culture. Its fantastic rural location also makes it an ideal place to start walking, hiking or biking into the Yorkshire countryside.

Haworth

Haworth is a village near Bradford that makes for an excellent day trip. The village is filled with local history, most notably as the home of the Bronte sisters. The three writers spent their entire lives in Haworth and drew much of their inspiration from the surrounding moors. Visit local ruin Top Withens, which is believed to be the real life Wuthering Heights, and visit the Bronte Memorial Chapel to pay respects to these talented sisters.

Haworth is also known for its steam railway, which still runs today for tourists. The village is particularly beautiful in the summer, and offers dramatic vistas during the colder months. Haworth is a must for fans of classic literature, local history, and gorgeous landscapes. This is a great location for photography or for setting off on hikes through the surrounding moorland.