Itinerary Planner

Fun Things to do on a Rainy Day for Families

The Bradford district is a fantastic destination to explore, and even if rain tries to put a dampen your plans, do not worry, as there are many amazing indoor activities and attractions to keep you and your family entertained, guaranteeing a memorable experience. Whether you're interested in art and culture, love good food or just want to shop, make the most of your rainy day in Bradford.

STAY & EXPLORE

There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from when planning your visit to Bradford. If you prefer a more traditional experience, you can opt for hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs. However, if you prefer more independence, holiday lodges and serviced apartments are a good choice.

---

RAINY DAY INSPIRATION

MORNING:
To start off, you can explore the district's rich history and arts scene by visiting Bradford's many museums and galleries. Get a glimpse into the city's industrial heritage at the Bradford Industrial Museum, which displays interesting machinery and artefacts. The Ilkley Toy Museum is another interesting place to learn about the history of toys and the children who played with them. For a scenic experience, take a steam train ride along the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway to enjoy the beautiful Brontë countryside.  If you don't mind a little rain, put on your brightest rain gear and visit Lister Park, a great location for families with nature trails and fascinating sculptures. And if you need shelter from the rain, drop by Cartwright Hall, where a lovely café awaits you.
LUNCH:
When it's raining, you can take cover in one of the district's many restaurants and cafés.  They have all kinds of cuisines to satisfy any taste.  You can dig into tasty Indian curries, mouthwatering Italian pasta dishes in the city, and even indulge in a scrumptious afternoon tea in Ilkley and Saltaire.  And of course, don't forget to try some traditional Yorkshire dishes like Yorkshire pudding or a good traditional plate of fish and chips in Haworth.

AFTERNOON:

There are several options for doing something fun with the family on a rainy afternoon.  You can head to the independent cinema in Keighley for a cosy movie experience or clamber indoors in Ilkley for some thrills. There are also virtual reality centres in the city where the whole family can play. If you're feeling creative, you can visit the Salt Pots Ceramic Studio in Saltaire and paint your own Hockney-inspired pottery.

For a more relaxed activity, visit Broadway Bradford where there are lots of family-friendly stores to explore indoors and avoid getting wet in the rain. Alternatively, you can grab an umbrella and explore the Main Street of Haworth, Salts Mill, the nearby streets of Saltaire, and the Grove area in Ilkley to find family crafts and delicious desserts to enjoy.

EVENING: 
Experience the joy of watching a theatrical performance on a rainy night that will entertain young and old alike. The Alhambra Theatre offers fantastic musicals, while the Bradford Playhouse and King's Hall in Ilkley have various family shows. You can even catch some amateur dramatics and dance performances at Bingley Arts Centre. It's a great way to escape the gloomy weather outside and be transported to another world by talented actors.

MORE:
If you're looking for more things to do on a rainy day, you can explore some of the indoor activities in the Bradford district or, you could also make the most of the rainy weather by taking a stroll or bike ride along one of Bradford's beautiful trails.