Itinerary Planner

Winter Wonders in Bradford UK City of Culture 2025

Looking for a winter getaway? Bradford, UK City of Culture 2025, offers rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a mix of history, art, food, and adventure. Explore Victorian villages, enjoy top exhibitions, and discover all Bradford has to offer this winter!

STAY & EXPLORE

There are many accommodation options in Bradford, from traditional hotels and B&Bs to independent lodges and serviced apartments.

Friday:

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Kick off your Bradford adventure with a visit to the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. Showcasing the Bradford 2025 exhibition, Fighting to Be Heard (on until 27 April), this unique display links boxing and calligraphy, bringing together rare items from the British Library’s Arabic and Urdu collections. It’s a fascinating exploration of culture, history, and the art of combat and words.

Catch a Show at Alhambra Theatre

End your day with a night at one of Bradford’s iconic cultural landmarks, the Alhambra Theatre. Whether you’re in the mood for a musical, comedy, or drama, there’s always something happening. Grab tickets for Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical. It’s coming to Bradford for the first time from 28 January to 15 March, 2025—a must-see!

Saturday:

Bradford Cathedral

Start your Saturday with a visit to the majestic Bradford Cathedral, an architectural gem dating back to the 14th century. Marvel at its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings. Whether you choose to attend a service or take a peaceful self-guided tour, the cathedral is a serene and beautiful space.

Stroll Through Bradford City Centre

Next, take a leisurely stroll through Bradford’s car-free city centre. The blend of modern architecture, public art, and historic buildings creates an inspiring atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo in front of the iconic Bradford City Hall, and enjoy the reflective beauty of the Mirror Pool. Keep an eye out for NeSpoon, a Polish artist whose work is part of the BD: Walls project in Little Germany, bringing vibrant new art to Bradford throughout 2025.

National Media Museum

For the afternoon, head to the National Media Museum, a treasure trove of film, photography, television, and digital culture. With interactive exhibits, an extensive film archive, and fascinating displays about the history of media, this is the perfect spot to spark your creativity. It’s an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, so make sure to dive into this immersive world!

Sunday:

Saltaire Village

Just a short train ride from Bradford is the charming village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking Victorian architecture. Stroll along the picturesque Leeds-Liverpool Canal, explore the quaint boutiques, and stop at one of the many cosy cafés for a warm drink. The Salts Mill, an impressive industrial building, is home to art galleries and the renowned David Hockney collection—perfect for any art lover.

Haworth & the Brontë Sisters

No trip to Bradford is complete without visiting Haworth, the quaint village that inspired the Brontë sisters. Wander the cobbled streets, visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, and immerse yourself in the literary history of authors like Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. Step into the world of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre as you explore the very landscape that sparked these timeless classics.

Visit Ilkley

Finish your weekend with a trip to Ilkley, a charming town famous for its stunning moorland and spa heritage. Take a scenic walk across Ilkley Moor, enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the local eateries, or explore the independent shops lining the town’s streets. If you're a fan of the arts, don't miss a screening at Ilkley Cinema, where you can catch The Royal Opera: The Tales of Hoffman on 15 & 19 January, 2025.

**Helpful Tips for Your Visit:**

Explore Bradford 2025: Make the most of Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture by checking out the variety of events and performances taking place across the city. Be sure to visit the booking office or check online for tickets to the best shows, exhibitions, and experiences.

Use public transport: The Bradford District has a comprehensive bus network, and many of the towns and villages are within easy reach of each other.

If you're interested in exploring more of the district, consider taking a scenic Brontë Bus through the rolling hills and picturesque villages surrounding Bradford.

Opening celebrations: Don’t miss the spectacular opening ceremony of Bradford 2025 in January, RISE on 10 & 11 January 2025, will kick off a year of artistic and cultural festivities.

Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 status means there's plenty to see and do, with a perfect mix of culture and nature to make your winter weekend unforgettable.