Bradford, England HyperLocal City Guide featuring Neighborhoods, Zip Codes

Modern Bradford’s diversity is reflected in its four top attractions: the UNESCO world heritage site of Saltaire; the National Museum of Photography, Film and TV (NMPFT); the nearby village of Haworth where the Brontë sisters lived; and its Asian Cuisine which has made the city Curry Capital of Britain.

The Asian connection is the result of immigrants arriving to find work in Bradford’s numerous textile mills during the early 20th century. As that industry went into decline, many of second and third generation Asians opened restaurants specialising in curry. Among the best of Bradford’s 300+ curry houses are Omar’s Balti, Mumtaz Paan, K2, Nawaab, Bharat, Akbar’s Balti and the huge Anam’s.

Such a large Asian community adds a colourful dimension to the local shopping scene. Supermarkets sells a huge range of exotic herbs, fruits and spices while the department store Bombay Stores is especially well known for its vibrant fabrics and saris, its gold jewellery and hand-embroidered shoes.

Reflecting Bradford’s historic connections with wool production, there are also many mill shops, including one at Saltaire. This complete village was purpose-built by the mill owner Sir Titus Salts for his workers in the 1850s and lends a fascinating glimpse into Victorian life.

Other attractions outside central Bradford are the Industrial Museum; East Riddlesden Hall; the extraordinary canal engineering feat of Five Rise Locks at Bingley; Brontë Parsonage Museum where the literary sisters lived; and Ilkley Toy Museum with toys dating back to 350BC. Transport heritage enthusiasts head for Keighley’s with its bus and railway museums and the restored Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Within the city boundary, NMPFT is easily the greatest draw (it is the most visited museum outside London) but two smaller museums dedicated to Colour and Peace are also popular.

Visitors find Bradford an easily accessible city. The M606 motorway comes within two miles of the centre while Leeds-Bradford International Airport and Manchester Airport are seven miles northeast and 40 miles west respectively. Central hotels include Cedar Court, Midland, Victoria and Hilton while the Marriott Hall, Novotel and Guide Post are located on the outskirts.

Written by: Claire Santry

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