Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Bradford has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Bradford.
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Sights in Bradford
Bradford is a city located in the metropolitan borough of the City of Bradford, in West Yorkshire, England. It is situated in the foothills of the Pennines, 8.6 miles (13.9 km) west of Leeds, and 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Wakefield. Bradford became a municipal borough in 1847, and received its charter as a city in 1897. Following local government reform in 1974, city status was bestowed upon the wider metropolitan borough.
The City of Bradford had a population of 522,452 in 2011, making it the thirteenthlargest city in the United Kingdom and the sixthlargest in Yorkshire and the Humber. Bradford forms part of the West Yorkshire Urban Area, which in 2001 had a population of 1.5 million and is the country’s fourthmost populous urban area.
The city Lies at the confluence of the rivers Aire and Bradford. The name “Bradford” is derived from the Old English brad and ford, meaning “broad ford” – referring to the shallow ford across the Aire at Westgate. By the late Middle Ages, Bradford had become a prosperous centre for the woollen trade, particularly in worsted. The town was centred on Kirkgate, Westgate and Ivegate. In the years following the 1916 Bradford Textile Strike, many of the city’s wool mills closed.
Today, Bradford city centre has been largely redeveloped. The city has a metropolitan feel, and is home to the National Media Museum, Bradford City Park, the Alhambra Theatre and Cartwright Hall. Bradford has an extensive bus network, served by both private companies and Bradford Metropolitan District Council. The city is also served by Bradford Interchange, located just outside the city centre, which provides connections to the Yorkshire Dales, cities in the north of England, and London by rail.
Bradford has a temperate oceanic climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cold winters and warm summers. The nearestMet Office weather station is Gargrave, about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the city centre. Wind speeds are often higher in Bradford than in the surrounding areas, and gales occur on average about once every two weeks, often from the west or southwest.
The highest temperature recorded at Bradford was 31.0 °C (87.8 °F) on 26 June 1976. The lowest temperature was −16.1 °C (3.0 °F), on 11 January 1985. Temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F) occur on average 9.2 days a year, and reach 30 °C (86 °F) or more on 1.4 days. Despite its inland position, Bradford can experience coastal weather systems, particularly when strong easterly winds affect parts of the UK.
History of Bradford
Bradford’s history is a long and rich one, dating back to the Roman times when it was known as ‘Bradingford’. The name Bradford is thought to come from the Old English for ‘broad ford’, referring to a crossing point on the River Aire.
The Romans built a fort at what is now Bowling Park, and it is thought that a Roman road ran through the centre of the town, following the course of the Aire. Bradford grew into a prosperous market town during the Middle Ages thanks to its wool trade, and became a borough in 1248.
During the Industrial Revolution, Bradford became one of the world’s leading centres for the production of worsted cloth. The town’s population grew rapidly, reaching over 200,000 by the end of the 19th century.
Bradford was hit hard by the depression of the 1930s, but regained its economic prosperity during the postwar years. Today, the city is a thriving cultural melting pot, home to people from all over the world.
Vacation in Bradford
Situated in the north of England, in the county of Yorkshire, Bradford is a large city with a rich history. Once an important industrial town during the textile and wool industry boom, Bradford has since reinvented itself and is now a thriving cultural hub with plenty to see and do. For visitors, Bradford has a lot to offer, from historic buildings and museums to art galleries and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Bradford is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Located within the stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside, Bradford is surrounded by picturesque scenery and is the ideal base for exploring the great outdoors. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes to take advantage of, as well as several golf courses if you fancy a round or two.
If you’re more of a culture vulture, then Bradford won’t disappoint. The city is home to several museums and art galleries, as well as a theatre and live music venues. There’s also a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants to choose from. For shoppers, Bradford’s Broadway Shopping Centre is the perfect place to pick up some bargains, or you can head to the independent boutiques in the city centre.
So, whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Bradford has something for everyone. Come and enjoy all that this historic Yorkshire city has to offer.
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