Take a Closer Look at Bradford

Bradford is buzzing this summe, fresh from the success of being named UK City of Culture 2025 the city is already excited to show visitors how much there is to see and do across the district. First stop has got to be the glorious countryside around Haworth which will have a starring role in The Railway Children Return, the long awaited sequel to the 1970 classic The Railway Children, which will be steaming onto our cinema screens in July. Like the original the new film includes the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, and there will be lots of opportunities to spot familiar landmarks across Brontë Country.

If art is more your thing, immerse yourself in Hockney with A Year in Normandie, this magnificent work that spans over 90 metres, is on display at Salts Mill, Saltaire. The mill also features an extensive collection of Hockney works, plus independent shops and dining. Step outside the mill and you can take a gentle summer stroll by the Leeds Liverpool Canal or relax in Roberts Park to the sounds of the bandstand.

You can follow the trail of Hockney into Bradford, with a collection of his works in Cartwright Hall, the city art gallery, elegantly located in Lister Park on the edge of the city. Once you’ve finished touring the gallery, make a day of it and explore the serene Mughal Water Gardens and elegant promenades, with plenty of space for a picnic.

There’s lots of events coming over summer, look out for Summer Unlocked events happening across the district. In Bradford city centre, Unboxed – Story Trails (22-23 July) is a unique storytelling experience allowing you to experience the city in a completely new way using the magic of VR and AR technology to travel back in time and experience untold stories from the local community. The Curry Mela takes centre stage in City Park, Bradford (23-24 July) promising a fabulous weekend of live cooking demonstrations, fashion, kids entertainment, and an array of delicious food stalls serving the best of South Asian cuisine.

Over at the National Science and Media Museum discover Switched On (from 23 July), as part of the Broadcast 100 celebrations. The exhibition will take you on a journey from the first radio programmes in 1922, through to the present day and beyond.

While you’re in the city, make time to visit the Impressions Gallery a contemporary photography gallery situated beside City Park. Stop off and enjoy the beautiful fountains; if you’ve got children with you, bring a towel as they’re sure to be enticed in for a paddle.

For seriously sunny days, Ilkley Lido is the place to be, take the plunge in the (unheated) outdoor pool while taking in the fantastic views over Ilkley Moor. While the sun is shining enjoy a spot of alfresco dining, with pavement cafes and roof top dining choices surrounded by the lush tree-lined streets of Ilkley, it’s a summer experience not to be missed. Summer is the perfect time to take a closer look at Bradford and district find out more visitbradford.com

 

TOP 5 SUMMER STROLLS

Bradford Heritage Trail
Begin at City Hall for a fascinating walk around the city centre and its remarkable architecture

Around St Ives Estate, Bingley
A circular route from Myrtle Park and through the scenic St Ives Estate.

Riverside Gardens, Ilkley
A gentle stroll perfect for all the family, with level paths, beside the River Wharfe.

Brontë Connections, Haworth
A full day hike to Top Withens, inspiration for Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.

A Walk from the Towpath, Saltaire

Explore the Leeds Liverpool canal, Shipley Glen and Roberts Park

Details of all these self-guided walks can be found on visitbradford.com/walks

 

NorthernLife July/August 2022