Bradford
A thriving wool and textile city over many centuries, Bradford has retained much of its heritage in some of the great buildings built by the wealthy merchants and mill owners. None are better known than Sir Titus Salt who started an evolution in worker welfare with the creation of Saltaire, now a World Heritage Site. Other buildings include Manningham Mills and the area called Little Germany, the Town Hall, the Alhambra Theatre and St George's Hall.
There are museums in and around the area which allow visitors to explore Bradford's heritage and diversity including Bolling Hall Museum, the National Media Museum, Bradford Industrial Museum and the Peace Museum.
There are the usual brands in the central shopping area with parking close by. Entertainment is limited to a few clubs, cinemas and the famous Alhambra Theatre which often includes top West End productions. For those that wish to escape from city life over sixty percent of the Bradford district is rural and guided walks are available. The Leeds Liverpool Canal passes through local Airedale and Saltaire Village is within a few miles. The Salts Mill, based in Saltaire, houses a fine collection of art including some by David Hockney. Bradford has a large Asian community which brings a different theme to shops selling foodstuffs and clothing; there are some excellent Indian restaurants some of which have won national awards.
The city has some first class hotels and the outskirts offer a choice of bed and breakfasts; self catering holiday cottages can be found in the more rural areas.
The Bronte family home is on Bradford’s doorstep in Haworth, only fourteen miles to the north east. The Main Street and Bronte parsonage attract visitors from around the world and during the summer they can take a trip on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Hebden Bridge is an interesting town with friendly local shops and cafes with canal cruises available in the centre. The Yorkshire Dales aren't that far away and certainly worth a visit.
Located 11 miles east of Leeds on the A647 and close to the M62, Bradford is also accessible by train and is less than three hours from London's Kings Cross station. it also has an international airport which it shares with Leeds.
