Itinerary Planner

Family Weekend in Bradford

Museums galore, exciting experiences and unique events, Bradford has everything you need for a great family break. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, tweens or teens follow our suggestions for a fun family trip to Bradford.

STAY & EXPLORE

There’s lots of family friendly accommodation choices, look out for larger hotels with adjoining family rooms, for self-catering options, you’ll find a great selection in the countryside around Haworth, camping and glamping and even a Youth Hostel.

---

FAMILY INSPIRATION

Day One

Start the day with something educational (and fun too!) at Bradford Industrial Museum. This free museum allows you to explore the history of Bradford with its displays of textile machinery, steam power, printing machinery and motor vehicles, plus you can explore the splendid surroundings of the Mill Owners house and the rather more humble mill-workers terraces.

When you’ve finished exploring, continue to Saltaire for the afternoon.

Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but Salts Mill is very much up to date, incorporating shopping and dining and world-class art by David Hockney, all under one roof and all for free. Why not download a free art app and let your kids be inspired by Hockney and create their own masterpieces. A walk through the Art Shop on the ground floor and the Bookshop upstairs will have kids of all ages tempted to dip into their spending money for a creative souvenir of their visit.

After all that art and culture your kids will be ready to play and where better than Roberts Park, just a step away from Salts Mill you’ll find a great kids playground, and lots of space for everything from ball games to cycling and scooting. If you need refreshments there’s the Half Moon Café in the park, or The Boathouse pub by the side of the river.

In the evening enjoy a meal in Bradford city centre, we’ve got all your family favourites – Nando’s, Pizza Express and Zizzi, but there’s some great independents which are really family friendly too, look out for MyLahore with a menu as diverse as the city it calls home, and Mamma Mia a true Bradford institution.

Day Two

What kid doesn’t love a ride on a steam train, travel over to Keighley and hop on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway to enjoy a trip through the Worth Valley, choose a day rover ticket and you can spend the day travelling up and down the line. 

Stop off at Ingrow to explore Rail Story and its interactive exhibits, don’t miss the picnic area and playground, great for younger kids at Oxenhope.

Break your journey in Haworth and take a walk up the hill into Haworth village. You’ll find cafes, bakery and deli to pick up refreshments. For older kids a visit to the Brontë Parsonage will help bring to life the classic works by Charlotte, Emily and Anne inspired by their life in this remote Pennine village on the edge of the moors.

If your kids are still full of energy continue over to Ilkley for the rest of the day. This elegant former spa town is located on the edge of Ilkley Moor which is criss-crossed with routes whether you’re wanting a short stroll or a longer hike. The fabulous views from the Cow and Calf Rocks are worth the trip and with a café and pub alongside there’s a reward for even the most unenthusiastic family hikers! Down in the town there’s still lots more to keep the family entertained, to continue with the outdoor fun discover the playground in the Riverside Gardens, or take a dip at the Lido!

If the weather isn’t being kind and you’re looking for indoor activities, Clip n Climb in the town centre is lots of fun for everyone, alternatively Ilkley Cinema is cut above your regular cinema experience with luxurious sofa seating and delicious sweet and savoury snacks, sure to be a hit with the whole family.

In the evening travel back into Bradford for a night at the theatre. We’d recommend checking the programme for the Alhambra Theatre before booking your trip, so you can combine your visit with a fabulous night at the theatre. From West End Musicals, to family shows and the brilliant Pantomime, there’s family entertainment all year round.