Spectacular School Summer Holiday Fun In The Bradford District

Fill the school holidays with fantastic family fun in the Bradford district this summer. There’s lots here to keep kids of all ages entertained for the entire break, giving them plenty of adventures to tell their friends about once they head back to school. Here are just a few ideas for things you can get up to in Bradford over the next six weeks.

Discover fantastical creations throughout the centre of Bradford from 22^nd July-6^th August for the Bricklive Fantasy Kingdom trail. Download the LoyalFree app and look out for extraordinary figures, from unicorns to knights in shining armour, constructed from toy bricks hidden around the city for you to discover – you never know what might be around the next corner.

Escape the summer heat by heading inside Bradford’s fascinating museums and galleries. There’s always something new to discover as you explore everything from powerful Victorian machinery and historical décor to fresh modern artwork and beautiful grounds, and this summer there will be loads of special events to join in with where little ones can create their own toys, play giant board games and more.

Explore NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley with its beautiful grounds and take part in the Summer of Play: Dance events every Wednesday between 26^th July and 30^th August. Kids can try out different dance styles, discover their own rhythm and enjoy all the hall’s usual fantastic offerings.

Take a ride on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway this summer and immerse yourself in the history of the railways. A ride through the beautiful countryside on one of the lines gleaming engines is the perfect start to any adventure in the Bradford district. 

On 28^th-29^th July BD:Festival will fill the city with an incredible array of imaginative cultural events, performances and experiences. Encounter friendly dancing hippos, see a game of cricket play out on stage, attend a fantastic music festival and more – it’s a great way to start the school holidays!

Summer is a great time to venture out along one of the fantastic walking routes to be found across the Bradford district. There are routes to suit all abilities for the perfect family day out in the great outdoors. A wander along the canal bank through Saltaire perhaps, or a long walk through beautiful Brontë Country around Haworth, or maybe even a city centre stroll to see all of Bradford’s famed architecture? The only hard part is choosing which route to take next! 

Book your family a place at Bradford Cathedral’s ever-popular Family Activities Day on Tuesday, 29^th August. There will be loads of summer-themed quizzes, arts and crafts for kids to join in with whilst parents admire the wonderful cathedral and join a guided tour to discover more about the historic building.

Take advantage of the stunning summer weather and enjoy a meal or two out in the sun. Plenty of restaurants in the district offer great alfresco dining options, from Cobbles and Clay with seating right on the iconic Main Street in Haworth to the Five Rise Locks Café in Bingley where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, bun or even an ice cream in the open air.

Take little ones to experience a Discovery Day at Nell Bank in Ilkley. Every Thursday and Friday between 3rd-11th August they can have a blast in the adventure playground and water play areas or even follow the new safari trail.

We all know how rarely it rains during a British summer, but for those ‘occasional’ days when it does, why not try some of these suggestions of things to do in the district on a rainy day including everything from bowling in Bradford to bouldering in Ilkley. A little rain never stops the fun here!

Listen to a weekend of music from phenomenal artists at the Bingley Weekender from 3rd-6th August. With a line-up that includes Kate Nash, Travis and Ian Brown as well as many other great bands. There will be tunes to match all tastes at this amazing festival at the Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club.

See one of this year’s exciting summer shows including Bad Dad at NT East Riddlesden Hall and a variety of Shakespeare classics which are being performed outdoors across the district. They’re a great excuse to sit back and relax for a while as the whole family is captivated by the performance.

Join the Baildon Walkers are Welcome 10th Anniversary Walking Festival from 26^th August-2^nd September. A festival for all ages, it celebrates the natural world, history and stories of Baildon with lots of walks, strolls, art and events to get involved in.

Enjoy a day on the water with the huge range of activities available at Doe Water Park Activities Centre. From canoeing to paddleboarding to rafting there's always something new and fun to get involved in.