Did you know that Bradford has played a major role in the UK film industry since its inception? In 1897, Richard Appleton filmed the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee parade in London, developed the film on the train back to his home town of Bradford and showing it that night on his patented Cieroscope projector.
It’s a city full of surprises. Bradford has been a recurring location for the dramas of the 1950s and 60s and the most memorable scenes from ‘The Railway Children’ were filmed on the nearby Worth Valley line. Take a walk around the city to see what other film locations you can spot.
The world’s first UNESCO City of FILM, Bradford is the home of the National Media Museum where this rich history is brought to life. Its nine floors house a huge and impressive collection which tells the story of British moving pictures and the people involved in them. Children will love the displays featuring the world of feature films, animation and video games. You can easily spend a day here and take in a film at one of the three cinemas including a massive IMAX screen.
But Bradford is not just about the film. Immerse yourself in the packed multicultural events calendar and listings of the many museums, theatres and galleries. Don’t miss the Bollywood-flavoured Bradford Festival held every June as well as a bit of retail therapy shopping in Bradford.
Of course, no visit to Bradford is complete without dipping into the city’s extraordinary industrial heritage. The city is packed with iconic architecture and including the area known as Little Germany and the Wool Exchange, the beautiful 100 year old Alhambra Theatre and the many 19th century civic buildings and textile mills. At Moorside Mills visit the Bradford Industrial Museum which brings the city’s story to life.
As for food and drink, you can’t leave Bradford before you’ve tasted a curry - Bradford was Britain’s Curry Capital 2013 and has held the title for three years running. Don’t forget to have a sip of the local real ale too. To discover more than 1400 spot-on ideas for short breaks, just go to www.visitengland.com/morecities and be inspired. See you soon.
Leonardo Hotel Bradford is ideally situated in the heart of the city, giving you a great location to start exploring all that Bradford has to offer. Check out our Bradford City Guide to explore everything that the city has to offer.
