Situated in the foothills of the Pennines, Bradford is a vibrant, diverse city with plenty to offer weekend visitors, and as a base to explore the iconic countryside of the West Yorkshire Moors. In the heart of the city, buildings old and new give way to plenty of green spaces, canals and waterways creating a pleasant, laid back atmosphere and offering some of the best in Yorkshire shopping, dining and culture. The centre of Bradford is only a short distance from the Peak District, the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales including the model village of Saltaire and Haworth, the family home of the Bronte sisters.
Bradford is an ideal destination for a short break with family or friends. There is plenty to keep the kids amused on a short break. Children of all ages will have fun discovering all about Bradford’s colourful past at the Industrial Museum, or experience TV heaven and the Magic Factory at the amazing National Media Museum. To work off a little energy set up a friends and family challenge at Laserzone or one of several indoor giant play zones.
No trip to Bradford would be complete without visiting the lights and fountains of City Park, a new urban space in the centre of the city, designed to rival anything in the UK. Near the Park, there are many opportunities for retail therapy with well known high street names at the Broadway and Kirkgate Centres, as well as many local independent shops and regular indoor and outdoor markets.
After a hard day’s shopping it’s time to relax and sample some of the award winning cuisine that the city is famous for. Bradford is the official Curry Capital of Britain, and visitors can choose from high end fine dining to relaxed cafe style eateries. or sample the exciting tastes of authentic street food. There is, of course, no shortage of traditional local fare and for a real hearty taste of Yorkshire, tuck into pork pies and real ale at the Sparrow, or award winning fish and chips at the Towngate Fisheries.
There are several contemporary art galleries and exhibitions which support Bradford’s growing reputation as a centre of culture. The city has been awarded the world’s first UNESCO city of film award, and supports a rich programme of film and literary festivals throughout the year. The 1853 gallery at the historic Salts Mill houses the inspirational David Hockney exhibition, as well as regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Bradford has an enviable location in the heart of the Yorkshire moors and is the ideal location to set out and explore the big skies and rolling countryside of the North and West Yorks moors. Just a few miles to the west of Bradford, the hustle and bustle of the modern city gives way to the tranquility of Bronte country at Haworth. The narrow cobbled streets of this beautiful Georgian town are an ideal place to wander and relax among cosy tea rooms and local shops before heading out for a ramble on the romantic, windswept moors. The nearby Victorian village of Saltaire, set on the banks of the River Aire has a fascinating history and is a designated UNESCO world heritage site.
The choice of accommodation in and around Bradford is as diverse and exciting as the area itself. As well as friendly bed and breakfasts, great deals can be found with the big name hotels situated in the city centre, making this an ideal choice for a quick shopping or relaxing weekend. For something a bit more luxurious, enjoy the Victorian splendour of the MIdland Hotel in Bradford or the gothic Bankfield Hotel at Bingley A little further out, sample the atmosphere of the Seventeenth Century Black Horse Inn at Brighouse, or the Jacobean Holdsworth House Hotel at Halifax, all ideal locations for exploring the city or heading off into the surrounding villages and countryside.
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