Viera’s Perfect Day Out in Bradford

Viera's (2)There’s a lot of great things to do in Bradford & district, but with such a huge array of incredibly good things on offer Viera our work experience at Visit Bradford from Bradford College describes her perfect day out in Bradford, full of history, shopping and great food with friends.

I like to start the day immersed in history and culture, I love Cartwright Hall, art gallery. The collections consist mainly of 19th and 20th century British art, with strong collections of international contemporary prints and contemporary South Asian art and crafts. Cartwright Hall is set in the magnificent, Green Flag-awarded grounds of Lister Park.  On a fine day I enjoy time at the boating lake and Mughal Gardens. (Row & paddle boat – £5 per half hour for 2 people, an additional £1 per extra person, open from April to September.)  There is a privately run cafe in the Lister Park boat house which opens seasonally.

For an afternoon of gossip, and retail therapy with the girls, The Broadway Shopping Centre is a great place to visit.  At the Broadway you can find all your favourite shops under one roof such as Topshop, H&M, Next, Debenhams and many more… so keep up with the latest trends and have a wander around the mall.  For a leisurely lunch the food court caters perfectly (Yangtze Express, Taco Bell, Wrapchic the Indian Burrito co…. )

Next take a trip to the top of town scouring the rails at the Kirkgate Centre, and shop till you drop!  Foodies should visit the Oastler Shopping Centre, stalls are packed with specialist foods from all over the world. There are cured meats and cheeses from Italy, Polish delicacies, and plenty of freshly ground spices.

Having well and truly worked up a thirst, head to City Park which is located right in the heart of the city, overlooking City Hall, one of Bradford’s most iconic buildings.  City Park is my favourite place to drink, unwind and be entertained.  I enjoy coffee and ice cream alfresco at the Pavilion near to the Mirror pool fountains, the ideal environment to relax in the sunshine.

After long day, Sunbridgewells tunnels offers a host of different experiences for a relaxing time or fun night out with friends.  You can have a bite to eat at the Sunbridge Lounge, or find a place to drink there’s lots of choice, a specialist gin bar, cocktails at the Alibi, a traditional pub at the Rose & Crown or Wallers Brewery for craft beers.

Top 5 tips for a Day Out in Bradford:

1.  Be wowed by Sunbridge Wells, a maze of fully restored tunnels with bars and shops.

2.  Explore North Parade, a characterful area of the city centre, which is crammed with places to drink and hangout.

3.  City Park is a great place to relax, eat, drink, unwind and be entertained – enjoy the best of Bradford.

4.  From 3D blockbusters to the finest arthouse cinema, there’s something for every film-lover at the National Science and Media Museum, Picturehouse & IMAX

5.  Book tickets for a show at the Alhambra Theatre, the jewel in Bradford’s crown.

Make the most of your days off, discover the best events in Bradford this weekend. Find your perfect day out in Bradford & District with our selection of inspirational itineraries.