Have you ever been to Bradford? If the answer is no, what are you waiting for?
With rich heritage and culture, beautiful countryside and tons of historic landmarks, there’s so much to see and do in Bradford.
In this post, join us as we uncover 8 fun things to do in Bradford as a student.
1. Watch a show at Alhambra Theatre
Originally opened in 1914, Alhambra Theatre is now widely regarded as the North’s premier receiving venue.
From ballet and opera to concerts and comedy, the Alhambra Theatre is known to host the best touring entertainment.
With new events announced regularly and multiple shows each week, there’s always something to watch at the Alhambra Theatre. Are you and your housemates looking to do something different? Maybe it’s a friend’s birthday? Whatever the occasion watching a show at Alhambra Theatre is guaranteed to be good evening out.
If you are going to a show and fancy making an evening of it, why not try Alhambra Theatre’s on-site restaurant. Named after the year the theatre opened its doors, Restaurant 1914 is well-loved by visitors. In addition to offering exceptional service and a seasonal menu, Restaurant 1914 boasts incredible views of Bradford’s everchanging skyline.
You can find Alhambra Theatre in the centre of Bradford on Morley Street, just a short walk away from Bradford’s Interchange Station.
Visit Alhambra Theatre’s website to see what’s coming up.
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2. Go to Lister Park
Lister Park is a Grade II Listed historic park just a 15-minute bus ride or 35-minute walk outside of central Bradford.
With so much to do and look at in Lister Park, it’s no surprise that it was voted Britain’s Best Park in 2006 and has won numerous awards.
At Lister Park you can find Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, a boating lake, café, and the North’s first Mughal water garden which was constructed in an old car park and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Whether you’re looking to try a new activity or simply spend more time outside be sure to take advantage of Lister Park’s free tennis courts, outdoor gym, or community Parkrun which takes place at 9am every Saturday.
Find out more about Lister Park.
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3. Wander through Saltaire Village
Saltaire is a well-preserved industrial village near Bradford, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001.
The village and local textile mill, Salts Mill, were constructed in the late 19th century by Sir Titus Salt to offer his workers better living conditions than the slums of Bradford.
If you wish to visit Saltaire, there’s no need to book. It’s a village where people still live and is free to wander around.
When you visit Saltaire, there’s lots to do besides explore. You could visit the former textile mill, Salts Mill, take a boat ride on the River Aire or browse the local cafes and shops.
Saltaire is one to add to your list of things to do in Bradford.
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4. Take a trip to Salts Mill
If you’re in or around Bradford, you must visit Salts Mill.
The former textile mill now incorporates an art gallery, a book and art shop, and several restaurants to have a relaxed drink or bite to eat.
If you’re a fan of art, you must go inside the art gallery which is home to a large collection of work by English painter David Hockney who was an important contributor to the infamous 1960s pop art movement.
Salts Mill is open Wednesday through Sunday and a short train ride from central Bradford. It’s the perfect place for a day out with friends or visiting family to see the beautiful building alone.
Plan your visit to Salts Mill.
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5. Ride Shipley Glen Tramway
Located in Shipley Glen, an area of woodland near Saltaire, the Shipley Glen Tramway is the oldest tramway in Great Britain.
The tramway is a quarter of a mile long and was purpose built to showcase the beauty of the sloped woodland making it more accessible for visitors. It was restored and is operated by a passionate team of volunteers who rely on local and visitor support to keep the tramway up and running.
At the bottom of a tramway there’s even a museum for visitors to find out more about Shipley Glen, the tramway, and its history.
Learn more about Shipley Glen Tramway.
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7. Visit Little Germany
Little Germany is a unique area in central Bradford that attracts thousands of on-lookers each year.
It’s made up of several commercial buildings that were constructed by European merchants in the late 19th century for the storage and sale of their export goods. Many of the merchants came to Bradford from Germany, hence the name Little Germany.
Today the buildings are predominantly used as apartments and office spaces but are a must see for visitors to Bradford.
If you’re a TV fan, then you have to see Little Germany as it’s been used as a filming location for shows like Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders, and Gentleman Jack.
Find out more about Little Germany and it’s history.
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8. Add the National Science and Media Museum to your list
Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum is a part of the national Science Museum Group in the UK.
It’s devoted to the science and culture of light, image, and sound technologies and explores the impact these have on our lives. The museum is free to enter, it has 8 floors for visitors to explore and houses 3 cinema screens (including an IMAX theatre) so it can display the magic of moving images from all around the world.
The museum aims to inspire scientists and engineers of the future and spark their imagination. It’s a great, budget friendly day out for all ages!
Discover more about the National Science and Media Museum.
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With so much to see and do, and as one of the cheapest cities to live in the UK, Bradford is a wonderful place to live and study. Even if you aren’t looking to move to Bradford in the near future, it’s definitely one to add to your list for your next UK staycation!