Out & About in Bradford

In the foothills of the Pennines, the city of Bradford is one of West Yorkshire's most visited destinations and with its rich history, cultural diversity and varied entertainment options it is not hard to see why. Rising to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, the city's textile industry became world famous and drove a rapid expansion in Bradford's population. Home to the University of Bradford, Bradford Cathedral and St George's Hall, the city manages to effortlessly combine all the modern conveniences you would expect from an international city with striking urban landscapes, making it an ideal location for a short break.

Shopping

Bradford offers an incredible diversity of shopping options that will captivate even the most reluctant shopper. Strongly influenced by the city's Asian population, the small independent stores displaying reams of colourful fabrics, saris and jewellery are a must see. Or for the ultimate Asian shopping experience, take a trip to Bombay Stores, the largest Asian department store in the UK. For a more local flavour, the Bradford Local Produce Market in the city centre is hard to beat. Creamy local cheeses, fresh tasty meats and delicious home baking can be found, either to take home or, for those that simply can't wait, to tuck into on the spot. The hog roast sandwiches are particularly recommended to fuel your afternoon's sightseeing.

For those that prefer designer names, Bradford will certainly not disappoint in that department, with all the big names represented in the city as well as many designer boutiques for a more upmarket shopping experience. The Victoria Quarter is a lovely spot to indulge in a few hours' retail therapy in a stunning listed building. The centre is home to some of the best known brands, including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, and Harvey Nichols, making it the ideal place for pure shopping luxury.

Food and Drink

Officially Curry Capital of 2004, Bradford's restaurants have a deserved reputation for first rate Asian cuisine and no visit to the city is complete without sampling at least one curry. Particularly esteemed are Mumtaz and Aagrah, both well worth a visit. However, if spice is not your thing, Bradford also offers a wide range of excellent eating options is almost every style imaginable from all corners of the globe.

The new Centenary Square development is a great place to start with a wide range of options for all tastes and budgets, from Thai noodles to delicious pizzas. Fusia is a fantastic option for those looking for a delicious meal in a hurry. With an all-you-can-eat buffet, sushi and a noodle bar, Fusia combines Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine in sleek, modern surroundings.

Arts and Entertainment

Of course there is much more to keep visitors occupied in Bradford than shopping and exploring the city's many museums, galleries and theatres is highly recommended to really make the most of your visit. For literature fans, no visit to the Bradford region is complete without a trip to the home of the famous Bronte sisters in the picturesque village of Haworth. The home itself is now a museum and offers a fascinating insight into the land that inspired such classics as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

Or for more modern entertainment, the National Media Museum should not be missed. Free to enter, you can watch television programmes and learn about the history of British film. Art enthusiasts will love the Hockney collection housed at nearby Salts Mill in Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hotel and Travel

Getting to Bradford is easy as the UK's vast motorway network can transport you here by car from any corner of the country. Or for those travelling by public transport, the city has two train stations and a large bus station in the centre of the city.

When visiting Bradford, there is a wide and varied range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from small family bed and breakfasts to upscale boutique hotels. To get the best deals it is worth shopping around online before you travel but it will usually be possible to find a good quality room on arrival too.

For those with young children, self-catering is often a good choice as this allows you the freedom to prepare your own meals whenever suits you. If you have your own transport, there are some wonderful self-catering cottages in Bradford's countryside that provide cosy and friendly accommodation close to the city but with easy access to the great outdoors. Or for a more central location, try one of Bradford's many excellent hotels, such as the Bradford Hilton. With 120 rooms and stunning views of the city, the Hilton is a great choice for business or leisure travellers alike due to its prime location in the heart of the city.

Whatever your budget and however long you have to spend in beautiful Bradford, there is sure to be an accommodation option to suit you. Booking ahead will allow you to save your precious time for exploring this gem of Yorkshire and finding out why Bradford remains such a popular city among locals and visitors alike