On our doorstep
Bradford is right at the heart of northern England.
It's surrounded by beautiful countryside and historic towns and villages. Some of the UK's most exciting cities are just a short trip away.
Bradford city boasts two train stations and a bus station, with regular links to some amazing places for a grand day out, great night out, or a weekend away. We've pulled together a few of our students' favourite places - there's something for everyone.
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is renowned for its creative and freespirited locals. The town is just a 25-minute train journey from Bradford. For a small place there’s a lot going on, from gorgeous green walks at Hardcastle Crags, to a spot of afternoon tea in one of the quirky coffee shops.
The quaint town is a haven of independent shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants – its high street is famously devoid of chains. If arts and crafts are your passion, there are lots of craft markets on throughout the year, as well as classes that you can join.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for the town’s events calendar – throughout the year you'll find everything from a folk music festival to a steampunk weekend, and the annual 7-day Happy Valley Pride party.
Manchester
Manchester is one of the UK’s biggest cities and is less than an hour train journey from Bradford Interchange. It’s known for its nightlife; from trendy modern bars to its live music venues.
The Warehouse Project is an iconic venue for dance music and in the past has included headliners such as Chic, Disclosure and The Prodigy.
The Printworks has a variety of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and a cinema, all within walking distance of Manchester Victoria train station.
The Northern Quarter is where you can find independent bars and microbreweries. At the other side of the city, Deansgate locks offers a more sophisticated and glamorous charm.
Manchester's Canal Street is home to the city's Gay Village. It is a vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly area with its many restaurants, bars and clubs.
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large town that’s easily accessible from Bradford by train or bus.
There’s a rich mix of big-name brands and hidden gems around the town centre. Visit the Kingsgate Shopping Centre to browse the high-street retailers before finding a bite to eat.
Foodies will enjoy the many independent cafes and restaurants that cater different tastes and budgets. There’s also a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs across the town.
Fans of rugby league or football can visit the John Smith’s stadium to watch a Huddersfield Giants game or Huddersfield Town match.
Castle Hill is a local beauty spot, perfect for a picnic and taking in the panoramic views. It’s also a popular place on Bonfire Night to gaze at all the fireworks in the sky.
Saltaire
Saltaire is a world heritage site, founded by Titus Salt in the 1800s. The model village sits on the river Aire and its cobbled streets are lined with Victorian terrace houses.
You can reach Saltaire by a 15-minute train ride from Bradford Forster Square train station.
Salts Mill is home to the David Hockney Gallery. His work is a part of the British pop artist movement of the 1960s. The building is also home to Salt’s Diner. Sit down and enjoy a burger and a milkshake.
On the village’s main street, there are independent retailers and cafes. Near to the train station, you can take a walk along the Leeds Liverpool canal or through Roberts Park.
On a summer’s day, you can watch the cricket and enjoy an ice cream in the park. In the autumn, Saltaire boasts an annual music and arts festival.
Haworth
Haworth is a scenic village located to the west of Bradford. Formerly the home of the Bronte sisters in the 1800s, the village has become a pilgrimage for literary enthusiasts. Between them, the sisters wrote Jayne Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
To get there, catch the train to Keighley and ride the steam train along the Worth Valley Railway.
The main street is a steep climb, it's dotted with cafes and gift shops either side.
Reach the top of the hill and take in the views. The Bronte parsonage museum tells the story of West Yorkshire’s best-known literary trio.
Visitors may also visit the Haworth Withens. The moors are thought to be inspiration behind the Earnshaw’s house in Wuthering Heights.
Leeds
The city of Leeds is great for a night out. There’s a huge choice of bars, night-time activities, and a lively club scene.
Close to the train station there’s Call Lane that has been the cornerstone of Leeds nightlife for decades.
On the Leeds waterfront sits Granary Wharf, a regenerated development of bars and restaurants. More towards the city centre, there’s plenty of bars and restaurants around Greek Street.
At the top of Leeds city centre, there’s The O2 Academy and the First Direct Arena where you can watch some of the most famous music acts in the UK and beyond.
