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A large industrial city in west Yorkshire. It has a population of around 400,000, comprising of mainly of diverse immigrant communities. It starting out as a major wool textile producer in the 13th century and later diversified into engineering and manufacturing during the industrial revolution. During its heyday, in the mid 19th-c, Bradford was the worlds largest producer of worsted cloth, however its prosperity has been in steady decline since the 1970s.

Bradford City Hall © TAB

The city centre has a small core of historic buildings set around an open square, including the fine Gothic-style city hall constructed in 1873, with its impressive clock tower that provides carillon chimes. The nearby Victorian St Georges Hall, built in 1853 (originally Bradford's assembly rooms), provides a splendid concert venue hosting a wide range of entertainment from comedy to rock, pop and classical concerts. Bradford's main theatre venue, named after the Alhambra palace in Granada, hosts a wide range of top entertainment, from international dance to musicals, ballet, drama and national theatre.

Alhambra Theatre © TAB

The historic quarter of Bradford, nicknamed Little Germany, includes many 19th-c neoclassical warehouses; a legacy of the rich merchants of mainland Europe. The area is now one of Bradford's busiest commercial sectors and many of the warehouses have now been converted into modern apartments.

Places of interest to visit in Bradford

Bolling Hall

Classic West Yorkshire manor house dating from the 17/18th-c. It has beautiful ceilings, paneled rooms, period plasterwork, heraldic glass and a rare Chippendale furniture. Once home to the Bolling family, the house now contains a local history museum and education centre.

Opening times: all year, Wed-Fri 11-4, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 (closed Xmas & G.F.) Free Entry
Location: Bowling Hall Road, Bradford, BD4 7LP - Tel: 01274 431826
Website: bradfordmuseums.org
Facilities: Parking, shop

Bradford Industrial Museum (Moorside Mills)

Historic woollen mill, where raw wool was once processed into cloth. As well as experiencing and hearing the mill machinery you can take a ride on an authentic horse drawn tram from the period. Regular demonstrations and exhibitions held.

Opening times: all year, Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. (closed Xmas & G.F.) Free Entry
Location: Moorside Mills, Moorside Road, Eccleshill, BD2 3HP - Tel: 01274 435900
Website: bradfordmuseums.org
Facilities: Parking, café, shop

Cartwright Memorial Hall

Early 20th-c Baroque style museum and gallery, displaying collections of 19th and 20th-c works, plus contemporary and older works by both British and European artists.

Opening times: all year, Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. (closed Xmas & G.F.) Free Entry
Location: Lister Park, Bradford, BD9 4NS - Tel: 01274 431212
Website: bradfordmuseums.org
Facilities: Parking, shop.

National Media Museum

Discover the history of photography and film and visit the IMAX giant screen experience. Learn about the development of television over time. Watch classic TV and interact with light and colour in the Magic Factory and also explore the world of animation and stop motion. Regular changing exhibitions and special events.

Opening times: all year, Tue-Sun 10-6 & BH Mon. Closed Xmas Free Entry (Charge for IMAX Cinema)
Location: Pictureville, Bradford, BD1 1NQ - Tel: 01274 202030
Website: nationalmediamuseum.org.uk
Facilities: Parking (nearby), café, shop.

Cliffe Castle Museum

A fine Victorian mill-owner's house set in extensive gardens, with a small aviary. Displays include local history and geology, as well as art and period furniture.

Opening times: open daily, except Mondays - Free Entry
Location: Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley BD20 6LH - 01535 618231
Website: bradfordmuseums.org

Map of Bradford

North East England

Towns and Villages in Yorkshire

Attractions in Yorkshire