Eck of a time in Bradford

Fiona Whitty finds there's a lot more to this UK City of Culture than its cracking curries

- Fiona Whitty

People only have bad words for Bradford," said our Uber driver with palpable frustration. “But it’s a really great place - lots of history, lovely buildings, amazing scenery.”

After spending time in the West Yorkshire city on a short break, I couldn't agree more.

Bradford made its name during the Industrial Revolution when its easy access to coal, iron ore and soft water helped make it the global centre for wool in the 19th century. By 1850, two thirds of all England’s wool was made there and its population had ballooned from 13,000 to more than 100,000 in just 40 years.

But when textile production declined last century so too did Bradford's fortunes.

Today, however, it's turning a corner. Impressive Victorian buildings built on wool’s success have been reimagined, the city centre reinvented and a thriving arts scene nurtured. Spend some time there and it doesn't take long to see why it was named this year's UK City Of Culture. Bradford 2025 offers a whole series of events and showcases right through to the end of December and even into early 2026. Many are free.

It's also easier than ever to get there because LNER has just tripled its services between London and Bradford with seven direct trains each way a day. You can also change at Leeds.

I took a short break there with my friend Catherine and as Bradford is so compact and walkable we started with a city centre stroll to take in the sights.

The stunning Venetian-inspired City Hall, built during the wool boom and now Grade I listed, .features Bradford’s very own Big Ben – a 220ft tall clock tower inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Italy’s Florence.

Alongside, the modern Centenary Square is a symbol of the city’s regeneration, featuring more than 100 fountains, laser lights, mist and music for daily shows.