Weekends in Bradford: Things to do in and around Bradford

Whether you're visiting friends and family or simply want to admire the UK's next City of Culture, Bradford offers plenty of activities for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy.

With so many fun things to do in Bradford, we've listed our top recommendations to help you experience this West Yorkshire gem to its fullest.

Check into The Midland Hotel

Kick-start your Bradford weekend stay in style by checking into The Midland Hotel. Located in the heart of the city centre and just a short walk away from the main attractions, this is the perfect central base where you can prepare for your weekend activities.

The beautiful building has a rich history and breathtaking architecture, featuring grand high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and comfortable furnishings that will make you never want to leave!

Head to The Impressions Gallery

Bradford certainly isn't short of museums and galleries. Located in Centenary Square, The Impressions Gallery is an independent contemporary photography gallery that was originally opened in 1972. It was one of the first specialist photography galleries in the UK and has played a pivotal role in how people see and think about the art of photography.

The gallery supports and encourages up-and-coming artists who are paving the way in contemporary photography. You'll find world-class exhibitions which explore various issues such as identity, politics, race, and gender. Each of their exhibitions and the majority of the events held here are free admission to the public.

Watch a show at The Alhambra Theatre

Known as the North's premier receiving venue, The Alhambra Theatre hosts large-scale entertainment under one roof, from international dances and musicals to dramas and pantomimes.

The theatre is a popular destination for a whole host of performing arts touring companies, including Disney, Northern Ballet, and the Royal Shakespeare Company to name a few. It has also staged a number of iconic West End shows, such as The Lion King, Wicked and Billy Elliot. You'll be guaranteed a five-star performance at this renowned theatre in the centre of Bradford.

Try the Bradford Curry Trail

Bradford is famous for being the Curry Capital of the UK. If you love Indian cuisine, take a trip to one of the city's many Indian restaurants to experience the best food in Bradford.

Renowned for its reputable and authentic curry dishes, Great Horton Road has a wide selection of highly recommended restaurants offering a sophisticated and traditional dining experience. These include Mumtaz, Ambala, Bharat Restaurant and Omar's Balti House.

Leeds Road also has numerous curry houses. You'll be truly spoilt for choice. Jinnah Restaurant serves delicious Kashmiri cuisine and Akbar's Restaurant serves the very best in South Asian food. We hope you're feeling hungry!

Explore the tunnels of Sunbridge Wells

Beneath the streets of the city lies Bradford's underground quarter of independent food and drink. Enter via Ivegate or Sunbridge Road to experience this quirky leisure hotspot, which features a selection of bars, restaurants and shops that are full of character.

You'll find a number of cells within the historic city tunnels, which are the remnants of a demolished courthouse and jail. Plus, the cellar bar has a giant chemistry set within one of the arches, with tentacles sticking out of the walls and jail cells.

There's nothing quite like it in the whole of the UK. Enjoy this labyrinth maze of market stalls, coffee shops and real ale pubs.

Rock out at The Record Café

Ideal for music enthusiasts, The Record Café is an independent vinyl record shop, beer café and charcuterie located on North Parade. Combining the very best of local beer with new vinyl releases, the café has been named Bradford's CAMRA Pub of the Year four times.

The latest records are released every Friday, which you can browse either in-store or online. The bar hosts new and traditional breweries, alongside a specially curated selection of wine, whiskey, and gin. You can also tuck into delicious Spanish ham, cheese, olives and paté, rounding off the 'Vinyl, Ale, Ham' trilogy on offer here.

Hop onboard a Grand Central service 

Ready to plan your weekend trip to Bradford? If so, choose a Grand Central service to get you there comfortably and with ease. You'll feel relaxed and ready to go on arrival.

If you're flexible with your travel arrangements, consider purchasing one of our Off-Peak tickets via the Grand Central app to help cut those travel costs. You'll also avoid the busy commuter crowds and can enjoy quieter carriages – what's not to love?