10 things to do in Bradford

If you’re thinking of coming to study here at the University of Bradford, it is a great idea to check out the city before you arrive, to get a feel for what it would be like to live here.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of some recommendations for things to do…

Grab a curry

Bradford has been crowned Curry Capital of the UK six times and has a reputation for being home to some of the very best curry houses in the country. There is a wide variety of restaurants close to The Green and our campus, including Lahore’s, The International, Omar Khan’s, The Kashmir and The Karachi.

Check out Sunbridge Wells

Sunbridge Wells is an underground retail complex in the heart of Bradford’s trading quarter. The tunnels contain a variety of bars and restaurants, offering a wide range of choice.

Visit the Broadway

If you’re here before 7pm, then why not head down to the Broadway Shopping Centre? The centre has a range of high-street stores for all your shopping needs, as well as a food court with a variety of different options.

Go and see City Park

City Park is just a ten-minute walk away from campus and is a multi-award winning public space. It is centred around City Hall and has a major water fountain. There are also a variety of different restaurants in the area.

Visit the Leisure Exchange

The Leisure Exchange is situated just near Bradford Interchange and has a range of different things to do, including a Cineworld, Hollywood Bowl and a range of chain restaurants. Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum is home to three cinemas, including an IMAX.

Check out North Parade

North Parade is a vibrant area of Bradford, with a wide range of independent venues. Why not go and check out some of the bars and get a taste for the local area?

Give Ice Skating a go

Why not head to Bradford Ice Arena and give ice skating a go? The arena is open until 10pm and is open to everyone, from beginners to experts. The arena is also home to the Bradford Sabres, a joint team between the University of Bradford and the University of Huddersfield. The Sabres are open to all staff and students here at Bradford and welcome members regardless of ability.

Watch a show at The Alhambra

The Alhambra Theatre is just five minutes down the hill from the University of Bradford. The theatre holds a wide range of entertainment, including dance shows, musicals and drama. It is popular with major touring companies and regularly hosts major West End shows. Over the Christmas period, it also hosts Yorkshire’s biggest panto.

Visit the National Science and Media Museum

The National Science and Media Museum has a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions, exploring photography, television, animation, videogames, the internet and the scientific principles behind light and colour. The exhibitions are spread over seven floors of galleries and museum is also home to three cinemas, including an IMAX.

Check out the surrounding area

Bradford has strong transport links to the local area, making it easy to get out and explore. This includes places such as Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Haworth, famous for it’s links with the Brontë sisters.

This blog was originally published on 16 August 2019.