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Top Summer Walks & Ice Cream Stops in the Bradford District

Enjoy long, sunny days exploring Bradford District's best walking routes, complete with refreshing ice cream stops along the way. Whether you're up for family adventures, scenic strolls, or leisurely escapes, there’s a path to match your perfect day—so pick your route and make it your own!

STAY & EXPLORE

Bradford district offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, holiday lodges, and serviced apartments.

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City Strolls with a Sweet Reward ☀️ (Easy)

Take a relaxed city walk where historic landmarks and hidden gems make every step a little more special.

Start in City Park, where fountains shimmer in the sunlight and City Hall’s grandeur sets the scene. Pause at Norfolk Gardens, where the striking Tower of Now sculpture stands tall.

Trace the hidden waterways of Bradford Beck Plaque Walk, following plaques that reveal the city’s history as you stroll.

Treat Stop: Cake'ole Bradford serves up indulgent desserts with a generous scoop of ice cream or cool off with a sweet fix from iCreams near City Park. On Leeds Road, Icestone Desserts and Heavenly Desserts offer gelato, sundaes, waffles, and milkshakes for the ultimate indulgence.

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Legends, Literature & Landscapes 📖

Historic landscapes and literary heritage blend in these sun-soaked walks, where every path holds a story waiting to be explored.

Step into Haworth (Moderate/Challenging) and wander moorland paths straight out of a Brontë novel. Meander through cobbled streets before treating yourself. Treat Stop: Villette Coffee House, Cobbles & Clay, and more options on Main Street, or the ice cream van at Central Park for a convenient refreshment.

Climb Ilkley Moor & Cow & Calf Rocks (Moderate/Challenging), where prehistoric carvings mark ancient history. Take in panoramic views before rewarding yourself. Treat Stop: Ilkley Town Centre has plenty of places serving up indulgent milkshakes, artisan gelato, and classic Yorkshire-made ice cream—including Betty’s Café & Tearooms, The Little Teahouse, and an ice cream van that often stops by the riverside gardens—perfect for cooling off after your walk.

Stroll Bingley Five Rise Locks & Leeds-Liverpool Canal (Easy/Moderate), where boats glide through historic locks. Unwind by the waterside. Treat Stop: Five Rise Locks Café or explore local ice cream spots in Bingley town centre.

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Green Flag Escapes & Riverside Bliss 🌳🍦(Easy)

Bradford’s parks are bursting with summer colour, offering scenic walking routes perfect for a sunny day—and an ice cream break along the way.

Wander through Lister Park & Mughal Gardens, taking in the vibrant floral displays and the elegance of the fountain centrepiece. Spot Cartwright Hall along the way—a cultural landmark at the heart of the park, rich in Bradford’s artistic heritage. Pass by the park’s public sculptures, including the striking Peter Pan statue at the boating lake and other artistic installations that add character to the landscape. Treat Stop: Pavilion Café, serving classic ice cream for a relaxing finish.

Discover Peel Park, one of Bradford’s oldest green spaces, ideal for a summer stroll. Follow the Love Exploring App’s Mindfulness Trail for a peaceful walking route, then head up to the grand viewing platform for panoramic city views. Treat Stop: Peelers kiosk, offering refreshing treats to enjoy before you continue your day.

Explore Cliffe Castle Park, where green spaces frame the grand architecture of Cliffe Castle Museum, a site rich in heritage. As part of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025, the park continues to celebrate arts and history with exciting exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the British Museum Ice Age Art Now exhibition, running 21 June – 14 September 2025, showcasing ancient creativity and cultural evolution. Treat Stop: Cliffe Castle Pavilion, for ice cream and cool refreshments after your stroll.

Step into Roberts Park and trace the winding riverside paths in UNESCO-listed Saltaire. Pause by the river, admire the historic bandstand, and listen out for bandstand concerts most weekends in the summer, bringing a lively atmosphere to the park. Spot the alpaca sculptures, a quirky nod to the area's heritage. Treat Stop: Half Moon Café for a relaxing snack or Are Jay Bargie, the floating canal diner serving cool summer treats.

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Into the Woods & Across the Valleys 🌿

Embrace summer’s warmth with walks through Bradford’s wooded trails and rolling landscapes, where peaceful streams meet sweeping valley views.

Drift through Shipley Glen (Easy/Moderate), where trails weave past rocky outcrops and offer sweeping valley views. Ride the historic funicular tramway on weekends. Treat Stop: The Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Van, waiting at the top with a refreshing cone.

Roam through St. Ives Estate Country Park (Moderate), where wildflower meadows burst with colour and woodland trails lead to Lady Blantyre’s Rock. Treat Stop: The Ivy Kitchen, a dog-friendly café serving up well-earned ice cream treats.

Escape into Pudsey Beck & Cockersdale (Moderate), where woodland paths wind past historic mill remains and Union Bridge at Roker Lane Bottom. Treat Stop: Goodalls of Tong, a local treasure serving up creamy Yorkshire-made delights—the perfect way to end your walk.

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Cool off with delicious ice cream, explore the outdoors, and make the most of summer in the Bradford District! #RespectProtectEnjoy

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is bringing culture and creativity to life this June with City Centre Guided Walks, exploring the district’s rich history, Wild Uplands, an open-air art exhibition at Penistone Hill Country Park, and Earth & Sky, an immersive sound experience by Opera North on the moorland above Haworth. Plus, Bradford on Foot offers themed walks and tours, showcasing hidden streets, scenic countryside, and cultural landmarks. A perfect mix of heritage, art, and adventure!