If you’re wondering where to go on your next trip, don’t skip this exciting UK city, that has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub
Not every poor reputation is deserved – and this UK city, once considered a rough spot, has now been named as one of TimeOut’s top places to visit this year. Even better, it’s only a train ride away.
With its rich culture, history and festivities, Bradford has become one of Britain’s most unlikely treasures. In fact, it has even been named the UK’s City of Culture 2025. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The northern town is home to nineteenth century architecture, a thriving arts centre and a sensual delight of mouth-watering Asian cuisines.
TimeOut writes: “Bradford has been a slow burner when it comes to the UK’s best cities, but 2025 is its time to shine. Just three hours by train from London, it’s an accessible weekend getaway brimming with industrial-era architecture, a thriving performing arts scene and revered Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine.”
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They also highlight that, as this year’s City of Culture, Bradford is bustling to the brim with exciting activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy a music-filled Bollywood blockbuster at one of their drive-in cinemas.
Alternatively, attend one of its many contemporary music or arts shows, some of which are held in the glamourous Alhambra theatre. If you’re feeling creative, you can even take part in a drawing campaign initiated by the famous Bradford-born artist David Hockney.
Foodies rest-assured: the city has become a paradise for those craving layered, spicy flavours and halal cooking. Everywhere you turn, you can find family-run eateries offering delicious sit-down meals. As one of the city’s top-rated restaurants, MyLahore Bradford Flagship offers sensational Pakistani cuisine paired with sumptuous cocktails. They serve up delights like chicken grilled in Tikka and Seekh kebabs.
While the city was once known for its high crime rates, locals claim this is highly exaggerated. On a Quora forum, one user asked: “Is Bradford in UK really as bad as it is made out to be or do people exaggerate the level of criminality in Bradford?”
A commenter was quick to dispel this notion. They wrote: “Having travelled and lived across almost every corner of the UK I have seen the same if not more negatives exist in other towns and cities but they do not get as much bad press [as Bradford].”
If you’re interested in exploring more of Bradford’s history, you can always stop by one of its many museums. This includes the ever-popular Bradford Industrial Museum.
Once inside, it takes visitors on a journey through 1870s mill life. It also allows you to appreciate the city’s pivotal role in Britain’s industrial revolution.
One reviewer wrote: “Very good museum it covers a lot of Bradford’s past industries, my favourite was the cars. It has the biggest collection of the Jowett cars in th world. It lets you see how the workers were housed, showing examples of the styles throughout the ages.”