Bradford

The centre of Bradford is 9 miles west of Leeds city centre with frequent daily Metro train services linking the cities. It has a population of around 300,000 and is a colourful and multicultural northern town of England. Although the outer edges of the cities merge, they are far from united when it comes to football, or much else.

Bradford was world capital of the wool trade for centuries, in the 1950s the industry collapsed leaving the city struggling to find a new role. A large population of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis settled in the city throughout the last century helping to revive and energise the city, despite occasional racial tensions. The Bradford festival is held each June and includes a colourful celebration of Asian music and dance called the Mela.

The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television is a top sight for any visit to Bradford and includes 5 floors packed with exhibits ranging from 19th-century cameras to the latest in digital technology. The massive IMAX screen housed within the museum offer a mix of mainstream and offbeat films for your viewing pleasure.

The Bradford Colour Museum located 10 minutes on foot from the centre tells the story of the cities wool-dying trade and has a captivating section on how our eyes perceive colour.

Just 3 miles from the centre, the Bradford Industrial Museum shows how Yorkshire textile spinning mills were like at the peak of the Industrial Revolution. Various steam engines are exhibited along with transportation used over the last 100 years.

Don't miss trying one of Bradford's restaurants, there are over a hundred and the city is famous for its delectable curries, The Koh-l-Noor, north-west of the centre is a smart spot with radical decor, efficient staff and outstanding food. The pubs around the Alhambra theatre are a good start to any evening before finishing off with a delightful dish.

www.visitbradford.com