Things to do in Idle

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
Photo "Idle" by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Idle" by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
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Top places to visit

1. Peak District National Park

Regardless of whether its summer or winter, The Peak District and its surrounding area is a fantastic place to visit for a family day out, short break or holiday. The choice of accommodation available is extensive. If you are looking for a holiday cottage in the countryside, bed and breakfast or a luxurious spa hotel you will be sure to fine something to suit all needs.
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The Peak District is often described as an area of contrasting natural beauty, with moors and dales, rivers and springs. At its heart lies the Peak District National Park, which became the first national park in the UK in 1951. The cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derbyshire are located nearby and are easily accessible by road and rail network.

2. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
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Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

3. Harrogate Convention Centre

Harrogate Convention Centre is a multipurpose complex containing several entertainment venues. With around 2,000 seats, the main auditorium is famous for hosting the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest. Check out the varied program and choose from the many shows across the center’s eight halls.
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You’re spoilt for choice for majestic auditoriums in this eclectic complex, where you can see comedy gigs, musical recitals and plays.

4. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
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Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

5. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.
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Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

6. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.
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If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.

What to do in Idle

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 fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene 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
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 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
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
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 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
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
Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford

Corn Exchange featuring heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Leeds

Photo "Apperley Bridge" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)

Apperley Bridge

Photo "Calverley" by David Spencer (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by David Spencer (CC BY-SA)

Calverley

Photo by Ilyes Aroun

Rawdon

Frequently asked questions

Is Idle worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Idle.
How do I spend a day in Idle?
Hollywood Bowl and Bradford Police Museum are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Idle while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Idle?
Alhambra Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Idle and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Idle?
You can easily tick off top sights like Alhambra Theatre, St George's Hall and Hollywood Bowl with a three-day trip to Idle. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to York.
What are some activities to do in Idle with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Idle with kids.

What to do in Idle for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Idle, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Bradford City Hall or Bolling Hall Museum.
Are there free things to do in Idle?
In Idle, Bradford City Park is a popular spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Idle.