Bradford (9mi/14km west of Leeds; pop. 269,000) is the principal center of the British woolen industry. It has a 15th century cathedral and the National Media Museum (formerly the Museum of Photography, Film and Television) where visitors can try their skill at newsreading.
The oldest building in Bradford is the Cathedral and Bolling Hall is one of the older buildings, now serving as a museum.
Bradford hosts several festivals throughout the year such as the Bradford Festival in June and Ilkley Literature Festival in September/October.
This three-week festival runs from mid-June to early July. Events include various ethnic acts from throughout the world, as well as traditional dance, theatrical and musical performances.
Address: Bradford Festival, Wool Exchange, Hustlergate, Bradford BD1 1RE, England
Transit: Train journey from London is two hours and thirty minutes.
At the Bradford Industrial and Horses at Work Museum discover life in a Victorian working mill complex. Historic textile machinery is operated daily and the stables house Shire horses that demonstrate horse bus/tram rides twice daily. There is also the millowner's house to explore and back-to-back worker's cottages.
Address: Bradford Industrial and Horses at Work Museum, Moorside Road Eccleshill, Bradford BD2 3HP, England
Hours:
January 1 to December 31: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Tips: Steam operated machines run each Wednesday afternoon.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford is a Baroque style gallery built in 1904. The collections include 19th and 20th century British art and contemporary prints by European and British masters.
Address: Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park, Bradford BD9 4NS, England
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Good Friday - Christian
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Hardcastle Crags is a wooded valley with trails that connect with the Pennine Way. It is characterized by its deep rocky ravines, streams and rich natural history. Hardcastle Crags is also home to the hairy wood ant whose huge anthills are scattered all over the landscape.
Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags.
Address: Hardcastle Crags, Estate Office Holin Hall, Crimsworth Dean Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AP, England
Tips: Open all year.
Please arrange for disabled access prior to your arrival.
Parking: Pay
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television features over three million items of historical, social and cultural value. IMAX films and movies can be found in one of the three cinemas.
Address: National Media Museum, Pictureville, Bradford BD1 1NQ, England
Hours:
May 1 to December 31: 10am-6pm; Closed: Mon
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Tips: Admission for cinema presentations.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.