One Day in Bradford: How to Spend a Day in the UK’s City of Culture 2025
- teamthomastravels
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Bradford might not always top the list of tourist hotspots, but that’s all set to change. As the official UK City of Culture 2025, this vibrant Yorkshire city is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and for good reason. With a rich industrial heritage, a thriving arts scene, and stunning Victorian architecture, Bradford is a city full of surprises.
If you’ve only got a day to explore, here’s how to make the most of your time in Bradford:
Morning:
Start at Bradford Cathedral, a parish church for centuries, which achieved cathedral status in 1919 and is well worth a visit to see the William Morris & Co. stained glass windows and altar cloth, the beautiful Medieval interior and Tudor font. There has been a church on this site since the 7th century and the oldest parts of the current building date from 14th century. John Wesley preached here in 1788, and the noticeably more modern east end was rebuilt throughout the 1950s and 60s.
Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Free entry
1 Stott Hill, BD1 4EH
Next, head over to Centenary Square, Bradford’s grandest public space. Dominated by the Bradford City Hall, this area is the civic heart of the city. Built in the 19th century, City Hall is a Grade I listed building with a lofty clock tower inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The façade is adorned with statues of previous monarchs and Oliver Cromwell. Coronation Street fans might be interested to know that the inside doubled as Manchester Crown Court during Tracy Barlow’s 2007 trial storyline! In spring, the trees surrounding the square are a riot of pink blossom, and in warmer weather, families gather to play in the fountains.
Lunch:
Time for a pitstop. All that exploring calls for something indulgent, and you won’t find a lovelier spot than The Cake’ole. Delightfully colourful inside with mismatched china, a wall full of bird boxes and a cloud painted ceiling, The Cake’ole has a substantial menu of naughty treats alongside savoury options like hearty paninis nd freshly made sandwiches. Expect huge slabs of homemade cakes, ice cream floats, Yorkshire puddings served with ice cream and a pouring jug of warm chocolate “gravy” and whimsical twisted milkshakes. Children (and big kids) will love the Candy Floss milkshake, as pink and fluffy as you’d hope!
Open Monday – Friday 9:30-17:00, Saturday 9:00 – 17:00, Sunday 0:30 – 16:00
Centenary Square, BD1 1HY
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Afternoon:
Bradford isn’t just the UK’s City of Culture 2025 — it was also the first UNESCO City of Film, recognised for its long-standing contributions to the world of cinema and storytelling.
Spend the second half of your day at the National Science and Media Museum, just a short stroll from Centenary Square. This engaging, family-friendly museum explores the science and culture behind photography, television and of course, film.
At the moment, the galleries on levels 3 and 5 are closed while a new permanent Sound and Vision gallery is being built (due to open in the summer), but there is still lots to see. The Kodak Gallery is entirely dedicated to the history of photography, and young and old alike will enjoy WonderLab, an immersive interactive gallery of 20 mind bending experimental exhibits. Power Up, the new incarnation of the museum’s beloved Games Lounge, is due to open on May 21st. This is the ultimate gaming experience, where you can try your hand at retro arcade games and iconic consoles, while learning about the history of arcades.
Film buffs should check out the IMAX cinema on-site, which offers both documentaries and blockbusters on one of the biggest screens in the UK.
The National Science and Media Museum is free to enter.
Open daily from 10:00 – 17:00, the museum recommends that you book a free timed ticket online. While walk-up entry is an option, in busier times, non ticket holders might have to ait to gain entry.
Pictureville, BD1 1NQ
Alternatively, art lovers should take a taxi or short bus ride to Lister Park, home to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. This impressive collection is housed in a Baroque-style building and showcases a mix of 19th-century and contemporary works including Lowry, Warhol and Anish Kapoor (he of Chicago’s Cloud Gate, AKA the Bean). The David Hockney Gallery, dedicated to the Bradford-born artist, is a particular highlight.
NB Cartwright is currently closed for a couple of weeks until the 23rd May in order to install Journeys with Mai and the Jameel Prize.
Free entry with no booking required
Open Tuesday - Friday 10:00 – 16:00, Saturday/Sunday 11:00 – 16:00 (Closed Monday)
Lister Park, BD9 4NS
Lister park itself is also lovely for a late afternoon stroll, with formal gardens, a boating lake, and views across the city.
Evening:
Head back into the city for dinner: Bradford is often hailed as the Curry Capital of the UK - a title it’s won six times in a row - and for good reason. Try legendary institutions like Kashmir Restaurant (one of Bradford’s oldest curry houses) serving up mouth-watering biryanis and old spicy karahis in a no frills, bring your own alcohol restaurant and MyLahore, a more contemporary spot blending Indian, British and global flavours (“from samosa to shepherd’s pie”) , Bradford’s South Asian cuisine is second to none. But it’s not just about curry! You’ll find everything from Caribbean fusion tapas to charcuterie served in a record shop and classic Yorkshire fish and chips.
For a pint of two of something local, head to Bradford’s oldest beer house, Jacob’s Well. They always have a good range of locally brewed ales on tap, and if you want a traditionally northern dinner, order one of their homemade pies accompanied by peas!
After dinner:
If you’re still hungry (for culture that is), Bradford lives up to its newest title with an amazing range of venues to be entertained at. Victorian St George’s Hall, dating from 1853, is one of the UK’s oldest concert halls and has hosted David Bowie, Queen, Metallica and Take That! The hall hosts a classical music season each year, alongside comedy and musical tribute shows.
Across the square, the Alhambra Theatre hosts the big touring musicals and shows. Matthew Bourne’s ballet company has just been there, with Mary Poppins in residence from May 21st until June 29th.
Joining St George's Hall and the Alhambra in Centenary Square is Bradford's newest entertainment hub, Bradford Live: a 3000+ seated/3,500+ standing capacity world class venue that opened just in time for the city's year as 2025 City of Culture. Originally The Victoria, a 1930s art deco cinema/theatre with ballroom and restaurant, after several reincarnations and a perilous period of dereliction, this beautiful historic building is back entertaining the masses again. Previous acts include the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly and Tom Jones.
What else to do around Bradford: Extend your visit!
If you have more time in the area, these three fantastic side trips are just a short hop from Bradford:
Saltaire (10 minutes by train) is a beautifully preserved Victorian model village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by textile magnate Sir Titus Salt for his mill workers. Wander through the impressive Salts Mill — now home to galleries, shops and a David Hockney exhibition — and enjoy a riverside stroll in Roberts Park.
Haworth, around 30 minutes by car or bus, is a must for literature lovers. This charming village in the Pennines was home to the Brontë sisters, and the Brontë Parsonage Museum offers an intimate glimpse into their lives and works. The cobbled Main Street, historic pubs, and moody moorland scenery all add to the timeless atmosphere.
Ilkley, just 30 minutes by train from Bradford, offers a relaxing blend of nature and refinement. Hike Ilkley Moor for sweeping views and visit the famous Cow and Calf rocks, then reward yourself with afternoon tea at the much-loved Betty's Café. With its independent shops, galleries, and riverside walks, Ilkley is ideal for a peaceful escape.
How to get to Bradford
Bradford is in Yorkshire, in the north of England, close to Leeds and Huddersfield.
By car: Bradford is just off the M62, with easy access to the M1 and A1. Be aware that the city has recently introduced a clean air zone - most passenger cars won't be affected but if you're a vanlifer or have an older car, you can double check your vehicle here to see if you need to pay to drive in the city. Depending on traffic, it's around a 30 minute drive to Leeds and an hour+ to Manchester, York and Sheffield.
By train: Bradford has two main train stations, Bradford Interchange has intercity services to London Kings Cross (2 hours 45 minutes, changing at Leeds) and Manchester Victoria (53 minutes direct). Bradford Forster Square station runs services to Skipton, Ilkley and Leeds.
By air: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is 7 miles from Bradford.
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