Bradford, West Yorkshire travel information
Bradford West Yorkshire England
Just a few miles to the west of Leeds in West Yorkshire, lies Bradford. In the 1800s Bradford earned itself the title of the wool capital of the world, and was responsible for around two thirds of the country’s wool. The city’s magnificent Wool Exchange is the best example of the wealth this industry brought to the area. There are also lots old textile mills still visible, many of which are now listed buildings.
Further evidence of this important industrial heritage can be seen in an area known as Little Germany, where you can wander past the historic Victorian wool warehouses. In fact this area has seen a large part of the ongoing local regeneration scheme since the demise of the wool trade, and is now where you’ll find new businesses taking over these old buildings.
Today Bradford is most famous for its fantastic curry houses. Throughout the 1960s there was a huge influx of Indian and Pakistani families that led in turn to the rise of many curry houses. With so much competition around they all had to prove their worth so you’ll find plenty of top-notch Indian restaurants, as well as the more down to earth curry cafés that first started this area’s culinary trend.
A must for all visitors is a trip to the nearby World Heritage village of Saltaire, an old mill workers village built by the wealthy wool baron Sir Titus Salt. The mill was constructed at the centre of the village to act as a reminder that it should be at the centre of all the workers’ lives. Today the mill is home to several beautiful art shops and a craft centre, there is also a gallery with many a piece of artwork by famous local artist David Hockney.
In addition, Bradford has much in the way of scenic surrounding countryside to explore that is ideal rambling, mountain biking and rock climbing. For example, to the north lies the famous Ilkley Moor and to the west is Haworth, otherwise known as Bronte Country.
