Set among rolling hills with ageing mills perched on its peaks and in its valleys, Braford is a historic city in the North of England. Alongside its impressive heritage, the Bradford of today is a bustling cultural hub with plenty of draws if you love performing arts, fascinating museums and international cuisine. But while there’s plenty to keep you busy in and around town, it’s Bradford’s location at the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales that might just be its biggest selling point of all.
In less than half an hour by road from Bradford city centre, you could find yourself immersed in one of the UK’s best known and most loved National Parks. With its lush green landscapes and postcard-perfect scenery, there are few better places to escape it all for a few days while using Bradford as your base.
If all that sounds just the ticket, here are just a handful of experiences in the Yorkshire Dales that are well within reach of central Bradford.
Near Skipton, North Yorkshire
One hours’ drive from Bradford city centre
One of the most impressive natural formations in all of England, Malham Cove is a vast limestone cliff that rises tall above the green fields of the Yorkshire Dales. Thought to have been forged by a larger river during the Ice-Age, it would once have been a monstrous waterfall but nowadays runs dry (unless you visit during very heavy rain!).
Visitors to the Cove are able to take a steep footpath to its left hand side and follow it to reach the cliff’s summit. Once up there, you can expect stunning views out over the Dales as you hop over the cracks of the flat limestone ‘pavement’ that forms its surface. And if you’re happy to stretch your legs further, follow the signposted walking routes which take you back down to the village via a loop which incorporates beautiful Gordale Scar and its two waterfalls.
Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
50 minutes’ drive from Bradford city centre
Set beautifully by the River Wharf in immaculate Yorkshire countryside, Bolton Abbey is the remains of a 12th century Augustinian monastery and its surrounding structures. Closed in 1539 at the order of King Henry VIII, the building and its grounds naturally fell into decline, but thankfully just enough of the abbey remains that it’s easy to imagine how it might have looked in its heyday.
The building’s epic nave and Gothic-style arched windows are a sight to behold. If you get chance, head out across the Wharfe by using its stepping stones and climb your way up the surrounding hills for truly beautiful views back down over the Bolton Abbey Estate.
Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
One hours’ drive from Bradford city centre
A little further up the valley from Bolton Abbey, Grassington is a charming and quintessentially English market town with plenty to offer its visitors. With quaint cobbled streets lined by independent boutiques, quirky cafes and rustic pubs, there are few (if any) better places in the Dales to while away an afternoon.
Things to keep an eye out for in and around town include Dales Ice Cream shop for a sweet treat, as well as the Stepping Stones set on the river just to the south of Grassington. What’s more, there’s even a packed calendar of events that take place throughout the year, including a Dickensian Festival and 1940’s Weekend.
Washburn Valley, North Yorkshire
50 minutes’ drive from Bradford city centre
The Yorkshire Dales offer up no end of incredible walking routes aimed at all ages and abilities, but a stroll around Swinsty, Fewston and Thuscross is one of the more family-friendly options. These three reservoirs form a chain along the Washburn Valley and between them store hundreds of millions of gallons of water which is used to feed neighbouring towns and cities like Bradford, Leeds and Harrogate.
Arriving in the dedicated car park at Swinsty Reservoir, the walk around both this body of water and Fewston should last no more than three hours, taking in beautiful views over the water as you go. For a bigger challenge, include Thuscross in your loop and you’ll find the walk takes the best part of a morning and afternoon. You’ll be rewarded though, as the dam spillway at the latter reservoir is a truly epic sight.
Near Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire
One hours’ drive from Bradford city centre
A National Trust property that’s adored by visitors and locals alike, Brimham Rocks is a spectacular series of rock formations perched high above the sweeping fields of Nidderdale. A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the sandstone crags were thought to have been formed 325 million years ago and – through erosion processes caused by wind, water and ice – appear in some truly mindboggling and surreal shapes today. So legendary are some of the rocky outcrops that they have affectionate nicknames including the Smartie Tube, Baboon’s Head and Druid’s Idol.
The site is really easy to explore on foot following well-marked paths, and many of the smaller rocks are safe and fun for all members of the family to have a little climb on. On site you’ll find a small café selling refreshments and delish ice creams, but if you’d prefer, the Rocks also make for the perfect picnic spot.
Additionally, you can check out our Bradford City Guide for further inspiration on activities and sights to explore in this exciting city.
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