Bradford has, historically, been a manufacturing centre within the region for centuries. Although it no longer makes as much as it used to back in its day, the city is quickly finding new life as a cultural hub, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year and with plenty of room for more. Because it’s still relatively undiscovered, it makes it an ideal place for an engaging yet not-too-hectic outing for you, your older parents and their caregivers.
If you only know but where to go.
Bradford has much to offer for those with a discerning eye for entertainment, and here in this guide we’ll help you and your parents plan a perfect day out.
Although not as famous as another certain Broadway found across the sea, that’s no reason for you not to drop buy and visit this newest part of Bradford’s tourist scene. Opened just a few years ago, The Broadway is a massive shopping and leisure district encompassing some 570,000 sq ft of retail space. It has its own cinema, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and numerous events throughout the year.
As one would expect from a modern shopping centre, it’s fully accessible, so older parents need not fear while shopping at this centre. Wheelchairs are available for hire at the customer service desk for a £10 refundable deposit, and there are numerous lifts and access points. The car park likewise has 63 disabled parking bays.
Roberts Park has been in existence in some shape or form since 1871, after it was designed by renowned landscape owner William Gay for Sir Titus Salt. It was made open for public use, and since then it has formed a focal point for the local community.
The park is a quiet retreat from the city proper, offering many relaxing pathways shaded by large trees and bordered by sweet scented flowers. It has a pond, numerous statues, a cricket ground, childrens’ play area, and numerous statues and flower gardens. There’s also a cafe with free Wi-Fi.
The park is completely accessible, with level paths throughout.
As was mentioned further up in this article, Bradford was once one of the major centres of Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Even before that, the city was a hub for England’s and then Britain’s textile industry, providing the international market with fabrics, clothing, wool, and spun thread every year. While Bradford’s industrial days are being left fast in the past, it has not forgotten its foundations as a city of innovation, enterprise, and production.
The Bradford Industrial Museum is found on Moorside Road, and contains within its walls hundreds of artefacts, exhibits, collections and records all detailing Bradford’s history as a manufacturing centre. If you’re not careful, you could lose many daylight hours pouring through the rich collections on offer, as well as live demonstrations of how the people of Bradford used to make their living.
The Museum is free to enter, and while housed within an historic building, every effort has been made to make it accessible to all guests. Be sure to ask the friendly staff should you need any help.
Built in 1895 as a means of providing easier access to a number of other attractions in the area, the Shipley Glen Tramway has continued operation ever since and has become something of an historical landmark. The track runs for about 400m (440 yards) across a gentle track, allowing passengers a relaxing ride through some truly beautiful and scenic surroundings. It now provides access from the Saltaire Railway Station to the shops and restaurants at the historic Salts Mill.
The tram runs continuously, and is accessible to prams, wheelchairs and well-behaved dogs. The tickets are only a couple of pounds for day-long access, and concessionary rates are also offered.
Constructed to showcase cinema, photography, media, and the scientific principles that led to them, the National Science and Media Museum has a wide range of events, exhibits, interactive displays and galleries that can keep everyone occupied for a whole day. Seven of the exhibits are permanent and run all year round, whereas others are cycled on a more seasonal basis.
With prior booking, guests can also access Insight, which allows them enjoy exhibits not usually open to the general public.
As well showing how technology and science in media have evolved over the past two centuries, the museum also has three cinemas – including the region’s biggest IMAX – which show everything from international blockbusters to independent movies to live broadcasts.
The Museum is fully accessible, with wheelchair access to all sections of the building. Wheelchairs can also be hired if arranged in advance. Accessibility is also offered to visual and hearing impaired guests, with induction loops and large-print maps available. Entry to the museum is free of charge, with the exception of the cinema.
We hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones in Bradford!
If you need someone to help you look after your elderly loved ones at home, Home Instead can help you find local Care Professionals in Bradford who specialise in an array of home care services.