Welcome to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture! Whether you're here for the RISE launch or staying longer, there’s so much to explore. From exciting attractions and world-famous curries to vibrant local culture, let the city’s magic lead you to new adventures.
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.
MORNING: Magical Beginnings
• Broadway Bradford: Start your day with a stroll through this bustling shopping centre, packed with high street brands, unique boutiques, and eateries. Catch a blockbuster at The Light Cinema afterwards.
• Bradford Cathedral: Step into this magnificent Gothic cathedral, featuring stunning Morris & Co. Stained glass windows. Entry is free, and you might even catch a community event or exhibition.
• Little Germany: Wander through this historic area, with its Victorian warehouses and quirky sculptures like Granddad’s Clock. BD:Walls mural The Portal by NeSpoon celebrates Bradford’s lace-making heritage, located on Church Bank House near the Cathedral.
AFTERNOON: Embrace Bradford’s Vibrant Culture
• National Science & Media Museum: Celebrate its reopening with animation-themed workshops and screenings, in partnership with Aardman Studios.
• Impressions Gallery: Explore the Nationhood: Memory and Hope exhibition, a powerful collection of photography about the UK’s four nations.
• Bradford Industrial Museum (a short bus ride away): Step into the city’s industrial past, with vintage machinery and textile exhibits.
Refuel at one of Bradford’s charming cafés:
• Cake'ole: Enjoy a sweet treat with views of City Hall.
• Tiffin: Savour delicious cakes and coffee in a lively setting.
• Café W: Nestled inside the beautiful Wool Exchange, serving fresh, locally-sourced food.
• Lefteris: A cosy café known for its freshly baked bread and aromatic coffee.
Quick bite options: Pizza Pieces, Nando’s, German Doner Kebab, or grab a meal in The Broadway, including Wingstop, Frankie’s, Yangtze, and Pret A Manger.
EVENING: After the RISE, let Bradford’s spirit continue to inspire you ...
Choice: Indoor Adventure Fun
Still full of energy? Enjoy some indoor fun:
• Flip Out Bradford: Soft play and laser tag for all ages.
• Bradford Ice Arena: Glide into the night with ice skating.
• VR City: Dive into immersive virtual reality games.
• Time Trapped Escape Room: Solve puzzles with friends.
• Loony Golf: Indoor mini golf with quirky obstacles.
Choice: Magical Dining Experiences
Indulge in Bradford’s famous curry scene:
• MyLahore: A local gem blending traditional British Asian dishes with a modern twist.
• The International: Known for its authentic, flavour-packed curries, loved by locals and visitors alike.
• Mumtaz: Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, perfect for a full curry feast.
• Sweet Centre: A must-visit for authentic Indian and Pakistani sweets and curries.
• Jinnah: Located on Leeds Road, offering a superb selection of bold and spicy Pakistani and Indian dishes.
If you’re exploring Leeds Road, a bustling multicultural area, you’ll also find Bab Tooma Grande, Heavenly Desserts, and the renowned Akbars.
Choice: Dining Options
A taste for every occasion:
• Zizzi: Cosy Italian pizza and pasta.
• Mamma Mia: Family-friendly, home-cooked Italian.
• La Caverna: Mediterranean and Italian in a cave-like setting.
• Restaurant 1914: Modern British cuisine with a stylish vibe.
• Napoleon’s Casino: Dine and play at Bradford’s iconic casino.
• Sakkusamba: Japanese-Brazilian fusion in a vibrant setting.
• City Vaults: Traditional pub grub in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Cona: Sophisticated seasonal British cuisine.
Choice: Magical Entertainment
• North Parade: Bradford’s indie quarter, full of quirky bars and cafés, perfect for a night out. Start at RISE, then enjoy a cosy drink at The Boar and Fable, a rum cocktail at RumShackalak, or curry and beer at Peacocks. Finish with tunes and charcuterie at The Record Café.
• Sunbridge Wells: Discover an atmospheric underground space with bars, hidden gems, and live music at Wallers Brewery or a classic pub experience at The Rose & Crown.
• Cinemagic: Catch a film at IMAX or Pictureville Cinema for a cinematic experience.
Choice: Pub Stops for a Magical Twist
Looking for a more laid-back evening? Bradford has plenty of inviting pubs and bars:
• The Corn Dolly: A relaxed pub with a great selection of drinks.
• City Vaults: A historic pub with a cosy atmosphere, perfect for a pint.
• The Exchange Ale House: Craft beer lovers will adore this hidden gem.
• Jacobs Well: A classic pub with a rich history.
As the day ends, let Bradford’s unique blend of culture, history, and creativity leave you inspired and eager to return.
Bradford
With everything from department stores to fashion brands and all your favourite high street names, you can shop until you drop at The Broadway.
Bradford
Bradford has a long and intriguing history dating from Saxon times. The city developed from a small market town to a prosperous city with the development of manufacturing in the 18th century and the growth in the wool trade.
By the middle of the 19th century there were 38 worsted mills in…
Bradford
City Centre's hidden jewel set in attractive gardens. Visitors experience a warm welcome, exploring its pace, beauty, varied worship schedule, exciting events, reflecting civic and national life.
Bradford
Impressions Gallery is a charity that helps people to understand the world through photography and acts as an agent for change
Bradford
Portraits of our local heroes form the backbone of Aïda Muluneh’s major exhibition at Impressions Gallery.
Bradford
Please note that the museum will temporarily be closed until 2025 to allow for some exciting new exhibitions.
The National Science and Media Museum, in the heart of Bradford, explores the science and culture of light and sound technologies and their impact on our lives.
Bradford
Bradford's Industrial Museum has permanent displays of textile machinery, steam power, engineering and motor vehicles, along with an exciting exhibitions programme.
Bradford
Kirsty Housley & Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo) #Bradford2025 Opening event. Believe your eyes – there’ll be magic in the Bradford air…
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
The Broadway Bradford (53.79444,-1.75008) | Little Germany (53.794,-1.74673) | 0.2 |
Little Germany (53.794,-1.74673) | Bradford Cathedral (53.7954,-1.7477) | 0.15 |
Bradford Cathedral (53.7954,-1.7477) | Impressions Gallery (53.79272,-1.75528) | 0.52 |
Impressions Gallery (53.79272,-1.75528) | Nationhood: Memory and Hope | Aïda Muluneh (53.79272,-1.75521) | 0 |
Nationhood: Memory and Hope | Aïda Muluneh (53.79272,-1.75521) | National Science and Media Museum (Reopening 8th January) (53.79106,-1.75594) | 0.17 |
National Science and Media Museum (Reopening 8th January) (53.79106,-1.75594) | Sunbridgewells (53.79295,-1.75534) | 0.19 |
Sunbridgewells (53.79295,-1.75534) | Bradford Industrial Museum (53.8108,-1.72249) | 2.64 |
Bradford Industrial Museum (53.8108,-1.72249) | RISE (53.79227,-1.75466) | 2.66 |
Total Distance * | 6.55 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 13 minutes |
* Approximate distance by road