5 Accessible Things to Do in Bradford

From museums to galleries, to country parks and outdoor pools, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bradford. But what if you have accessibility needs? How can you be confident that you’ll find things to do in Bradford that are accessible to you?

Maybe you need step-free access, level paths and smooth terrain. Or you could be searching for venues that have a hearing loop and staff trained in sign language. If you have a visual impairment, you might be interested in attractions that have information in Braille or large print. Even something as simple as knowing the distance from the car park to the attraction can make a positive difference.

Our list of 5 accessible things to do in Bradford is here to help you prepare for your visit, so you can enjoy a stress-free day out. All the information is from the AccessAble website, where Detailed Access Guides tell you all about a place’s access. Trained AccessAble surveyors check out every single place in person to verify the information and take helpful photographs, so each listing is made up of 100% facts and figures.

For each place in Bradford, we have added links to the Detailed Access Guide, so you can find all the accessibility information you need.

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Ilkley Pool and Lido

Ilkley Pool and Lido is a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and one of only a few remaining outdoor pools in the country. It’s located in the charming town of Ilkley, Bradford, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.

If you want to swim, to access the indoor pool there is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool. There is also a wet side chair available and a hydraulic hoist to access the water. There is a Changing Places facility on-site, which also contains an accessible shower with an adjustable shower head, handrails, and a flip-down seat.

To access the outdoor pool, there is ramp access from the changing area and a ramped entrance to the swimming pool. There is some bench seating around the pool and also a large grassed area.

On-site there is also a café that serves food and drinks, and spectator seating is available. There is level access and ample space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre both inside the building and throughout the outdoor spaces, and staff have received disability equality training to ensure everybody feels welcome.

With its modern facilities and unique setting, Ilkley Pool and Lido is the perfect destination to escape the city and unwind as you indulge in a refreshing swim and bask in the beauty of nature.

Check out our Access Guide for Ilkley Pool and Lido.

Further information about Ilkley Pool and Lido – https://www.bradford.gov.uk/lido

Find out more about Ilkley Pool and Lido on Visit Bradford’s website.

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Impressions Gallery

Impressions Gallery is an independent, not-for-profit space for contemporary photography. It is home to creative works and exhibitions that challenge people’s views and encourage visitors to explore their own creativity and have the confidence to voice their unique ideas.

The venue is situated in the heart of the city centre, with a lift to the main gallery area on the first floor, then with level access throughout. There are also accessible toilet facilities available. There is a fixed loop hearing system available on request, and documents are available in Braille and in large print. Staff have received disability equality training, and do their best to support and accommodate individual access needs too.

The gallery contains the work of many established and up-and-coming artists, and the charitable side of the venture aims to help people better understand the world through photography. The gallery positions itself as an agent of change and promotes pioneering photographers who push the boundaries of the medium through topics including politics, race, gender, and identity. A must-visit destination for creative thinkers!

Check out our Access Guide for Impressions Gallery.

Further information about Impressions Gallery - https://www.impressions-gallery.com/

Find out more about Impressions Gallery on Visit Bradford’s website.

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Bradford Industrial Museum

Bradford's Industrial Museum was originally the site of Moorside Mills, a small working spinning mill built around 1875. The venue is now home to an interactive museum, where visitors can learn more about textile machinery, the use of steam power for engineering, how printing machinery was used, and much more – including an insight into the lives of the Mill workers and the homes they lived in.

The museum is made up of many standalone buildings, with ramps, slopes and lifts throughout to ensure the majority of exhibitions are accessible for people using mobility aids. There is also a wheelchair available to borrow from reception. You can also pop into the on-site café, where you can purchase drinks or consume food you have brought with you. Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed, and a bowl of water and toilet area for them can be made available.

As well as the standalone displays, the museum hosts a range of exhibitions to give people a better insight into the early textile industry, the lives of those who worked there, and how the past influences the way we live and think today. There’s a lot that can be learned from just one visit, and plenty to explore and enjoy too.

Check out our Access Guide for Bradford Industrial Museum.

Further information about Bradford Industrial Museum – https://bradfordmuseums.org/bradford-industrial-museum/

Find out more about Bradford Industrial Museum on Visit Bradford’s website.

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Cliffe Castle Museum

Cliffe Castle Museum was previously the decadent home of Victorian textile manufacturer and millionaire Henry Isaac Butterfield. His family’s industrial empire was made up of wool textile mills and a shipping company that transported British commodities around the world, and it was this that provided the funding to build the unique structure that was finished in the 1880s.

Wheelchair users can gain access to the historic museum by ringing the bell at the front of the building. There are permanent ramps and slopes throughout, a lowered desk at the reception, and a portable loop hearing system available on request. Exhibits throughout the museum can be audio described and documents are available in Braille and large print.

The grand house became a showpiece of international art and French decoration and hosted many exclusive social events for people of importance. Now, visitors can explore sparkling displays modelled on the original rooms and furniture, as well as special exhibitions that share insight into the natural and social history of the time. There is also a beautiful expanse of gardens to wander through, making the museum a fun trip out for all the family.

Check out our Access Guide for Cliffe Castle Museum.

Further information about Cliffe Castle Museum –  https://bradfordmuseums.org/cliffe-castle/

Find out more about Cliffe Castle Museum on Visit Bradford’s website.

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St Ives Estate Country Park

The St Ives Estate is a stunning Country Park where visitors can feel at one with nature and immerse themselves in woodlands, open moors and wildflower meadows. The estate is a great place for families to enjoy a picnic in the summer months, and children can enjoy the on-site Adventure Playground before feeding the friendly ducks at Coppice Pond.

The Country Park has a real emphasis on being accessible and welcoming for all. There are various walking routes of different lengths for different abilities, with plenty to see along the way – sculptures and wood carvings, secret caves, and even horse riders who are welcome in the area. Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue, and there are disability parking spaces and accessible toilets located at different points of the grounds.

There’s plenty for families to do and enjoy, whether that’s a more active day exploring the environment and joining in with activities or simply taking some time out and relaxing in the beautiful green spaces.

Check out our Access Guide for St Ives Estate Country Park.

Further information about St Ives Estate Country Park - https://bradforddistrictparks.org/park/st-ives-estate-country-park/

Find out more about St Ives Estate Country Park on Visit Bradford’s website.

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If you’re visiting any of these attractions, you can download the AccessAble App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, and have Access Guides in your pocket during your visit. For more information about accessible places to visit, stay, eat and drink in Bradford, visit the AccessAble Bradford Accessibility Guide!