Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

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.

Article

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.

What to do in Bradford

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

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

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.

Where to Eat in Bradford

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.

When to visit Bradford

Bradford in January
Estimated hotel price
S$ 83
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bradford in January
Estimated hotel price
S$ 83
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!

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Bradford

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

Lufthansa
Good (7,198 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,372 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,113 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,655 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,951 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,896 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,828 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (811 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,845 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,285 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,596 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,419 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,696 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,096 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (351 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,222 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,312 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,915 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,324 reviews)
Show more

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.
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.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bradford

Most booked hotels in Bradford

See all
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa - Skipton
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 422+
View
Travelodge Bradford Central
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 64+
View
Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 78+
View
Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 132+
View
Herriots Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 202+
View
Leonardo Hotel Bradford
4 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 86+
View

How to Get Around Bradford

Public Transportation

West Yorkshire Metro runs an extensive bus network around the city.

Taxi

Taxis cost £3.25 for the starting fare and then around £2 per mile.

Car

Car rental is widely available from as little as £19 per day; Europcar and Enterprise can be found in town.

Public Transportation

West Yorkshire Metro runs an extensive bus network around the city.

Taxi

Taxis cost £3.25 for the starting fare and then around £2 per mile.

Car

Car rental is widely available from as little as £19 per day; Europcar and Enterprise can be found in town.

The Cost of Living in Bradford

Shopping Streets

The new Broadway shopping mall is good for mainstream shopping, while North Parade is the place to go for smaller, independent shops.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk will cost around £0.84 and a dozen eggs is £1.73.

Cheap meal
S$ 16.22
A pair of jeans
S$ 81.06
Single public transport ticket
S$ 4.55
Cappuccino
S$ 3.97

Everything you need to know for your stay in Bradford

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Bradford Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Bradford city guide for the best Bradford travel tips. To help you organise your Bradford trip ideas, this Bradford visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.