Bradford is a city rich in culture, architecture and attractions. As well as the home of the National Media Museum, the city boasts an innovative Industrial Museum, many well-regarded art galleries, colourful parks and some great theatres and cinemas.
Once the major centre of the world woollen trade, Bradford’s proud industrial past has left a legacy of notable mill buildings (many seeing a renaissance as exciting retail and cultural spaces) as well as impressive houses and public buildings built on its wealth.
At the National Media Museum you can explore the history of photography, film and TV, visit IMAX – the world’s largest screen experience, discover the past, present and future of television in Experience TV and watch your favourite TV moments in TV Heaven. Play with light, lenses and colour or explore the world of animation and watch an animator at work in the Animation Gallery. The museum also houses two world-class ‘art-house’ cinemas.
From the recorded arts to the performing arts: opposite stands the terrific Alhambra Theatre, the region’s premier venue for major shows. New art galleries such as Bradford 1 and the Impressions Photographic Gallery also bring great art to the city centre.
No visit would be complete without dining at one of Bradford’s restaurants. Recently crowned Curry Capital , the city still maintains this award-winning standard of Asian cuisine. The diversity of cultures within the city is further celebrated by the lively Bradford Mela every July.
Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire is a perfect example of a Victorian planned village with much architectural and historical interest. Salts Mill is set in a picturesque village built for the workers in 1853. Today, the mill is home to one of the largest collections of Bradford-born artist David Hockney’s work, as well as many boutique shops and a Hockney-inspired diner.
A short walk - or waterbus trip - from Saltaire, is Britain’s oldest working inland cable tramway. Opened in 1895, it now provides wonderful leisure trips up scenic Shipley Glen. Two trams, enclosed by canopies, run up and down a steep wooded hill every 3 minutes. Recently restored, the tramway is popular all-year round, with Santa specials in December and a small museum at the bottom station. Nearby Bingley shows off further engineering feats with its Five Rise Locks providing a fascinating focal point to a stroll along the towpath.
