Things to do in Bradford

Activities, attractions and tours

Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple
Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple
Bradford featuring heritage architecture
Wool Exchange which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Alhambra Theatre showing heritage elements
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Top places to visit

1. National Science and Media Museum

A feast for the senses, the National Science and Media Museum celebrates the audiovisual with its optical illusions, live experiments and IMAX theater.
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National Science and Media Museum featuring signage

2. Lister Park

Surrounding the majestic centerpiece of Cartwright Hall is Lister Park, a green sprawl featuring a boating lake and an adventure playground. Its water gardens, sports courts and woodland areas provide relaxing locations on the northern side of Bradford. Capture photos of the Baroque Cartwright Hall dominating the park’s skyline.
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Lister Park showing heritage architecture, a fountain and a park

3. Bradford Cathedral

Bradford Cathedral is both an architectural masterpiece and the lifeblood of the city’s religious activity. This Gothic-style landmark stands proud in the heart of Bradford city center. Its interior is home to elaborate embroidery, work by one of England’s most famous window designers and pieces by renowned sculptors. Marvel at the artistic flair of Bradford Cathedral, experience its spiritual serenity and attend organ recitals.
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Bradford Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views

4. Bradford City Park

Bradford City Park blends history with entertainment in the heart of Bradford city center. Completed as part of a city regeneration program, Bradford City Park was awarded The Great Place Award 2013 by The Academy of Urbanism. Relax on grassy lawns, visit an architectural wonder, have fun in a splash pad and be part of varied cultural events. Mingle with the young and old, tourists, students and office workers that frequent the park on a daily basis.
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Bradford City Park featuring a fountain, a sunset and heritage elements

5. Bradford City Hall

Bradford is a city blessed with architectural masterpieces and Bradford City Hall stands out as one of its finest examples. It is both a tourist attraction and the headquarters of Bradford’s city council. Spend time inspecting the richly decorated façade and peek inside the halls and meeting rooms. Marvel at the reflection of the building in a mirror pool, attend dazzling light shows and visit a police museum.
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Bradford City Hall featuring heritage elements

6. Bradford Industrial Museum

Located in Moorside Mills, Bradford Industrial Museum has a collection of working machinery from the manufacturing era that built this city. The terraced houses of the workers and the mill manager’s majestic manor offer insight into daily life in the textile workshop. Watch demonstrations showing the inner workings, context and effects of the old-world motors, steam engines and machines.
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Bradford Industrial Museum which includes railway items, heritage elements and interior views

7. Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

In the heart of leafy grounds, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery showcases exquisite collections of art, with a focus on works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its strength lies in its homage to the life and work of Bradford-born pop-art master David Hockney.
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Cartwright Hall Art Gallery which includes heritage architecture

What to do in Bradford

Popular places to visit

Alhambra Theatre showing heritage elements

Alhambra Theatre

You can make plans for a show at Alhambra Theatre on your trip to Bradford. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.

Alhambra Theatre
National Science and Media Museum featuring signage

National Science and Media Museum

Kids love the distortions and tricks of the Wonderlab and the Games Lounge, while adults get a sense of nostalgia through the displays of old televisions and cameras.

National Science and Media Museum
Lister Park showing a pond and a garden

Lister Park

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David Hockney’s pop-art works and modernist prints feature in the gallery at the core of a vast park with water features, botanical gardens and a pretty lake.

Lister Park
Bradford Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a garden

Bradford Cathedral

Bradford’s oldest place of worship is a celebration of the art history, religious past and wars that have shaped the city and its people.

Bradford Cathedral
Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford City Park

Hang out at this central urban park, home to green spaces, a spray pool, family-friendly festivals and a Venetian Gothic masterpiece.

Bradford City Park
Bradford City Hall featuring a fountain, heritage architecture and night scenes

Bradford City Hall

Spectacular light shows illuminate this imposing Venetian Gothic building, which is adorned with sculptures of British royalty and a Venetian-inspired clock tower.

Bradford City Hall
Bradford Industrial Museum which includes interior views and heritage elements

Bradford Industrial Museum

Learn about horse power and steam engines amid the vintage cars and machinery in this former textile factory, where the old workers’ rooms are on display.

Bradford Industrial Museum
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery featuring art and interior views

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Colorful prints, British paintings and South Asian crafts complement a David Hockney collection in this Baroque mansion. Bring your kids to the playground and lake.

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
Bradford Cathedral showing wild flowers and heritage elements

Little Germany

Learn about the local history of Bradford when you take a trip to Little Germany. Experience the theatre scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Little Germany

Frequently asked questions

Is Bradford worth visiting?
Providing a blend of walking trails and views, there are plenty of things to do in Bradford. While you're here, check out Alhambra Theatre, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Bradford?
Start your day with a visit to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and Hollywood Bowl. Then, explore different areas of Bradford for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bradford?
Alhambra Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Bradford and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bradford?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Alhambra Theatre, St George's Hall and Hollywood Bowl with a three-day stay in Bradford. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Greater Manchester.
What are some activities to do in Bradford with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Bradford with kids.

What to do in Bradford for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Bradford, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Bradford City Hall or Bolling Hall Museum.
Are there free things to do in Bradford?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Bradford is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Bingley Five Rise Locks is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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