The Leeds Bradford area may not immediately spring to mind when choosing holiday destinations. However, terrific shopping, top restaurants, a plethora of annual events, historical landmarks and friendly locals make it an excellent choice for all age groups.
Once considered one of the country's busiest industrial regions, Leeds Bradford has undergone a transformation over the past few decades. Today, Leeds is known as a leading university town with the shopping, fine dining and nightlife to match, while neighbouring Bradford is a gateway to the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The cities are close to some of the most spectacular countryside in England and within easy reach of the magnificent Yorkshire coast. The Leeds Bradford region is ideal for family holidays and it's popular with outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the area to ride, cycle, windsurf or climb or to see the local football and rugby teams in action. Music fans are equally well-catered for with annual events like Bradford Festival, while art lovers should be sure to visit the new David Hockney gallery at the city's Cartwright Hall.
Add historical sites like Saltaire, a beautifully preserved 19th-century industrial district and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bradford or make the most of the impressive open spaces like Roundhay Park in Leeds. Delve into the film world in Bradford, the first UNESCO City of Film, or visit Leeds Bradford for the Saltaire music festival.
With history, shopping, green spaces and warm and friendly local people, Leeds Bradford makes for an ideal family holiday destination.
Travel to Bradford's Saltaire district for a glimpse of the region's industrial past or stroll past Leeds Town Hall; it's the city's symbol and one of the finest Victorian buildings in the world. See St John's Church before taking a ride on the oldest working railway in the world, the Middleton Railway in South Leeds, or, if it's raining, spend the day at Bradford's Industrial Museum.
Shopaholics will be in heaven with over 1,000 shops to choose from in the Victoria Quarter and Corn Exchange areas of Leeds. Meanwhile, foodies can dine in Michelin-starred restaurants or head to Bradford, which is considered the best place for curry in the UK. After dark, try the trendy bars in the Chapel Allerton Area, Gay Village or Holbeck districts of Leeds. Alternatively, see a live band or the latest film in Bradford.
Roundhay Park is the ideal choice for family outings and kids will love the hundreds of birds and animals at nearby Tropical World. Feed the ducks on Coppice Pond before hitting the adventure playground at the beautiful St Ives Estate over in Bradford, or take advantage of the city's great location to plan day trips to Bronte Country in the Yorkshire Dales National Park or the seaside resorts of Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.
Food, film and music events make Leeds Bradford a cutural hub.
Bradford Mela. Head to the multi-award winning City Park in July for a colourful multicultural programme of music, dance, art, theatre and entertainment.
Leeds International Film Festival. The UK's biggest (outside London) film event at various venues throughout the city in November.
Saltaire Festival. A week of music, drama, comedy and food with a sculpture trail, kid's activities and Continental Market in Bradford's Roberts Park each September.
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