Bustling, brilliant Bradford by bus!

It’s been named as UK City of Culture 2025 and the wonderfully diverse, eclectic, invigorating and barnstorming Bradford is set to deliver an eye-watering 1,000 new performances and events, 265 artist commissions and no shortage of high-octane festivals during this fun-packed year. It’s also served by the brilliant, multi-award winning The Keighley Bus Company from Keighley, Saltaire and Bingley. Other fab bus services also connect Bradford with many parts of Yorkshire and beyond! What’s more, the single, adult fare on buses in Yorkshire currently is only £3 (£1.20 for children) until the end of March and then rising to only £3 (and £1.50 for under 19’s thereafter), so it’s a bargain all the way to Bradford! The Shuttle 662 bus is a cracker of as service and runs every 15 minutes between Keighley, Bingley and Bradford with the journey taking just under an hour. To plan your journey, check out

https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/the-keighley-bus-company/services/the-shuttle-662/

Bradford really is a city of contradictions in the best possible way. It is where grand Victorian architecture meets modern regeneration, where the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire countryside collides with the vibrant hum of city life, and where a rich industrial past fuels an exciting, ever-evolving future. Often underestimated, Bradford is a place bursting with culture, history, and an undeniable sense of identity. Whether you’re drawn in by its famous curry houses, its cinematic heritage, or the striking landscapes that inspired the Brontës, there is always something to see, do, and experience in this proud Yorkshire city. It’s a city like no other!

Bradford’s Victorian grandeur is only part of the story. It is also a place of reinvention, and perhaps nothing encapsulates that better than Salts Mill in the nearby village of Saltaire. Once a vast textile mill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has transformed into a cultural hub, home to the work of the celebrated artist David Hockney, independent galleries, stylish cafes, and bookshops. Saltaire itself is a marvel—built as a model village for mill workers by the visionary industrialist Sir Titus Salt, it is a perfectly preserved slice of history, yet it still feels alive with creativity and community spirit.

For those who love the arts, Bradford has plenty to offer. It is the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, an accolade that pays tribute to its deep cinematic heritage. The National Science and Media Museum is a must-visit, chronicling the evolution of photography, film, and television, and offering a fascinating insight into how Bradford has played its part in the magic of the screen. The city has provided the backdrop for many a famous film and television production, from the gritty realism of Rita, Sue and Bob Too to the stunning period settings of The Railway Children.

Every year, Widescreen Weekend at Pictureville at the National Science and Media Museum attracts movie buffs from across the globe. This event celebrates “big bold cinema, with glorious celluloid screenings”, including spectacular Cinerama presentations, offering a unique experience that brings together the past, the present, and future of film”. To find out more, go to www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

Beyond its cultural credentials, Bradford is a city that lives and breathes sport. Rugby league fans will know the Bradford Bulls as one of the game’s historic clubs, while Bradford City Football Club (known as ‘The Bantams’) has a proud and devoted following, with their legendary 2013 League Cup final run still a cherished memory for many. Under the stewardship of their experienced manager, Graham Alexander, the team are handily placed in the League 2 play off spots currently and with promotion very much in their grasp as the season comes to a tantalising denouement! Sport in Bradford is not just about the professional teams, though—it’s also about the hills, valleys, and moors that surround the city, drawing walkers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the untamed beauty of the Yorkshire landscape.

For those looking to venture slightly out of Bradford to supplement your experience of this great city, then there’s a fab journey on the Keighley Bus Company Shuttle 662 bus takes folk from Bradford to the delightful town of Keighley, a lovely market town and also home to the beautifully restored Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. This fascinating town is also home to the Cliffe Castle Museum and East Riddlesden Hall, which is an historic house with a blissful, becalming garden. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/east-riddlesden-hall

Keighley is renowned for being a great gateway to delightful countryside and walking trails beyond too.

Of course, no trip to Bradford is complete without sampling its food. The city is famous—rightly so—for its South Asian cuisine, and its title as the Curry Capital of Britain has been well-earned. The legendary Mumtaz, which started as a small takeaway and grew into one of the country’s most respected restaurants, is a firm favourite, while Karachi, a no-frills institution, is beloved for its authentic and affordable dishes. Sweet Centre, a local icon since the 1960s, serves some of the best samosas and kebabs you’ll find anywhere, while My Lahore combines traditional flavours with a modern twist in a setting that is lively, welcoming, and unmistakably Bradford.

But it’s not all about curry. Bradford’s food scene has diversified in recent years, with independent cafes, trendy bistros, and artisanal bakeries popping up alongside the city’s established culinary institutions. North Parade has become the go-to spot for cool bars and eateries, where craft beer and cocktails flow freely in places like The Boar and Fable and The Record Café. If you’re after something more old-school, the Victorian drinking dens of The City Vaults or The Fighting Cock will give you a taste of traditional Yorkshire hospitality, complete with proper ale and plenty of character.

As the sun sets, Bradford’s nightlife comes alive. Alhambra Theatre is the city’s cultural jewel, hosting everything from West End productions to stand-up comedy, while The Underground and Nightrain cater to lovers of live music, offering everything from indie gigs to rock and metal nights. Loading Bay is one of our favourite venues – it’s a brand new pop-up arts venue with fantastic performances for 2025, with a pulsating atmosphere  https://bradford2025.co.uk/programme/loading-bay/

Bradford is a city of surprises. It is not always polished, nor does it pretend to be—but that is part of its charm. There’s so many quirky places, such as Little Germany (above) and the Wool Exchange (below), known for filming locations like Virdee and along the Heritage Trail.

It is a place where history is tangible, culture is vibrant, and the people are warm and fiercely proud of their city. There’s wonderful authenticity in abundance. It is a city that has faced challenges and embraced change, where heritage and modernity coexist in a way that feels real and unforced.

So, whether you come for the food, the film history, the Victorian architecture, sporting fun or the stunning landscapes on its doorstep, Bradford is a city worth exploring. It is a place that tells a story—a story of industry, resilience, diversity, and reinvention. And, most importantly, it is a city that welcomes you in, sits you down with a steaming plate of food, and makes you feel right at home. It’s a really amazing place and once again, to find out how to get there by the brilliant Keighley Bus Company, check out…