Bradford and the Surrounding Area

The City of Bradford is a surprising place. If you take a minute, you'll see a city that is vibrant, historic, forward facing, cultural and green - yes green! A 10 minute drive or train journey will take you into the beautiful countryside and into popular tourist places such as Saltaire and Haworth.

Tourism is big in Bradford with over 8 million visitors per year sampling the many attractions, countryside, international cuisine and booming social scene. Major attractions include the acclaimed National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, the most visited national museum outside of London.

If theatre is your thing you'll be spoiled for choice in Bradford. The Alhambra theatre is a number one touring venue and offers top West End shows such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera as well as plays, musicals and pantomimes, all in a magnificent historic setting.

The Alhambra Studio next door plays host to smaller scale touring theatre and a variety of other events such as the monthly Comedy Club - A Bag of Quips - and Club nights featuring DJs from around the country. St Georges Hall is home to a wide range of entertainment bringing the cream of touring music, comedy and variety shows to the region. The venue hosts Bradford's orchestral concert season, now in its 139th year with the Halle in their second season as resident orchestra and offers plenty of choice for other musical tastes from bhangra to brass bands to rock and pop.

The social scene in Bradford has taken off in a big way over the past year or two. There has never been a shortage of pubs and clubs for the beer thirsty student but there are now more reasons than ever to venture down the hill and into the City Centre.

But don't take our word for it - take our Student Trail and find out about Bradford's hidden gems!

14 December 2004