Cliffe Castle Park (c) Philip Jackson

Discover fun and affordable things to do in the Bradford district that will keep you entertained all summer long.  Whether it's a bike ride with the family, checking out awesome artefacts at Bradford Museums, joining a summer reading challenge, going for a run in the park, or exploring nature.  There's lots of holiday fun to be had.

Visit a Museum

Go sightseeing and visit the FREE museums in Bradford.  Children will find the Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley fascinating if they're interested in fossils, and the Bradford Industrial Museum offers a glimpse into Victorian life.  Make the most of summer by joining the free Summer Fun events at Bradford Museums, where you can enjoy picnics, shows, sports, and tinkering with toys.

Experience a Ride on a Cable Tram

You can ride on the Shipley Glen Cable Tramway on weekends.  It was built in 1895 and takes you through beautiful woodlands to Shipley Glen near Saltaire. A return adult ticket is a budget friendly £2.50 and £1 for children.  At the top station, there is a small shop selling sweets.  The bottom station provides access to Roberts Park, the River Aire, and the attractions of Saltaire, including Salt's Mill and the Hockney Gallery.

Go on a Bike Ride 

Enjoy a traffic-free cycling route with your family on the Great Northern Railway Trail from Thornton, through beautiful Brontë Country, passing over impressive viaducts.  This route is an exciting ride that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced cyclists.

Explore Local Parks

Check out the awesome Green Flag parks in Bradford, such as Lister Park, Roberts Park in Saltaire, Haworth's Central Park, Undercliffe's Peel Park, and Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley.  These parks have great play areas for children, which are particularly enjoyable in the summertime.

Discover Bradford with the Love Exploring App

If you enjoy exploring parks in Bradford, you should download the Love Exploring app.  It offers various discovery games and guided tours that are both enjoyable and free to use.

Join the Junior Parkrun

During the summer holidays, families can participate in the junior parkrun at Roberts Park, Saltaire and Ilkley Riverside Gardens.  This event, specifically designed for young runners, is completely free and covers a distance of 2km.  Regardless of their skill level, all junior runners are welcome to join in the fun at 9am every Sunday.

Enjoy a Delightful Picnic

A picnic with family or friends is a wonderful summer activity.  When it comes to finding the perfect picnic spot in the Bradford district, you'll be spoiled for choice. Among these gems is the renowned City Park with its large fountains and relaxed atmosphere.  Remember to bring your preferred snacks, but don't forget to tidy up afterwards.

Go for a Walk

Put on your hiking boots and enjoy nature on a hike with your family.  You can have an exciting adventure at the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, observe local wildlife by the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and admire the beautiful Brontë Country scenery.

Follow a Sculpture Trail

The Aire Valley Sculpture Trail is a family-friendly walking trail that begins at the bridge on Victoria Road in Saltaire.  It follows the footpath along the River Aire, taking about 40 minutes round trip.  Along the way, there are 15 artworks to admire.  The trail is suitable for all ages and is an enjoyable and effortless walk.

Try the Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge at Bradford Libraries this year is the exciting theme of Sports – Ready, Set, Read!  Enjoy thrilling reading games and explore the world of sports through a diverse range of literature. This challenge also provides an excellent opportunity to discover new authors and books.  So, get ready to dive into the world of sports-themed literature and embark on a remarkable reading journey like never before. 

Take the Bus

Summer is a great time to go on an adventure and one way to do that is by taking the Bronte Bus, which offers amazing views.  To make your experience even better, you can purchase a DaySaver ticket for just £4.50, which allows you unlimited access to all buses operating in West Yorkshire.  This gives you the freedom to explore different places and make the most of your travels.  So, hop on the bus and let the adventures begin!

Discover even more Summer Adventures in the Bradford district with lots of inspiration and exciting opportunities for fun at www.visitbradford.com/summer


Image: Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley by Phillip Jackson.

Related

Summer Fun at Bradford Museums
Family Event
Summer Events at Bradford Museums

Are you almost ready for summer? Make sure you don't miss out on all the fun FREE activities at Bradford Museums & Galleries.

Summer Reading Challenge
Family Event
Ready, Set, Read!

Ready, set, read with Bradford Libraries this summer to kick start The Summer Reading Challenge, with its theme of Sport & Games.

Cliffe Castle Museum and Park
Museum
Cliffe Castle Exterior © Phil Jackson

A former mansion built 1875 - 1882, now the local museum in a park.

Bradford Industrial Museum
Museum
Exterior of an old mill building

Bradford's Industrial Museum has permanent displays of textile machinery, steam power, engineering and motor vehicles, along with an exciting exhibitions programme.

Shipley Glen Cable Tramway
Museum - Transport
Shipley Glenn Tramway

Britain's oldest working cable hauled tramway opened in 1895 run entirely by volunteers.

The Great Northern Railway Trail
Walking Route
View of Hewenden Viaduct at sunset.

This route intersects with National Route 69 and gives you the opportunity to cross the Grade II listed Hewenden viaduct, with spectacular views across this wooded valley.

Lister Park
Park
Lister park down by the boating pavilion.

Lister Park was crowned Britain's Best Park in 2006 and is also home to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. You will also find the Mughal Gardens, a botanical garden, boating and a childrens' play area.

Roberts Park
Park
Roberts Park Bandstand

Roberts Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award- a benchmark for the best parks and green spaces in the country.

Central Park, Haworth
Park
On a sunny summer day in Haworth Central Park, there is a clear sky and lovely flowerbeds.

Haworth's Central Park is the perfect place to relax or go for a stroll. It's pretty flower garden, play area and bowls are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Peel Park
Park
Peel Park

Peel Park has lots of offer including tennis, bowls and a skate park. There is also a flower garden and lake; the perfect location for a picnic or to relax with the family.

City Park
Park
City Park Fountains

City Park is a six-acre park in the heart of Bradford which contains the largest man-made water feature in any UK city, plus more that 100 fountains, laser lighting and mist effects.

Leeds - Liverpool Canal
Canal
View from the towpath with trees and barge on the canal

The Leeds - Liverpool Canal is one of the longest canals in England and passes through Bradford district. It is a lovely place for a stroll or cycle.

0 Comments

Comments

Comments are disabled for this post.