► About Bradford

Bradford is located in West Yorkshire. Known as the ‘Wool capital of the world’ after its boom as a textile manufacturer in the 19th Century, Bradford has a great mix of architecture from many eras.

After the decline of the textile industry Bradford has seen itself re-invented as a tourist location with its popular museums and attractions such as the National Media Museum, Cartwright Hall, Alhambra Theatre and museums dedicated to industry and colour, and close proximity to some historic villages and the Pennines. The National Media Museum hosts several annual events such as the Bradford Animation Festival and the Alhambra Theatre hosts many productions of drama and musicals.

As well as being close to the Pennines and World Heritage Site Saltaire, Bradford has many great parks including Lister Park, which was voted Britain’s Best Park in 2006.

Music and theatre is a big part of Bradford. With many local bands and drama groups, plus some great local venues such as The Priestley, Delius, St. George’s Hall and the Love Apple, there’s lots of culture on show.
Bradford also boasts a large multi-cultural population, bringing with it a fantastic mix of world art, culture and food. The city is also going through a regeneration process to create some impressive 21st Century structures to compliment the historic and cultural buildings around.

And for fans of sport, the famous rugby league team the Bradford Bulls obviously hail from the city, and in the world of football there is Bradford City.

Famous people from Bradford include author J B Priestley (prolific writer, including of the famous play ‘An Inspector Calls’); David Hockney (artist); Kimberley Walsh (Singer, Girls Aloud); Richard Whiteley (ex-Countdown host) and the Bronte sisters (Authors), plus bands such as Smokie and Terrorvision.

Click here for a list of things to do.