The five best things to do in Bradford this summer

By:: Immar
Published: 22 August 2024
Tagged under:: City; Discover Bradford; On our doorstep; Student Life

Holidays are a big part of student life. Immar shares his top five activities to pass the time in Bradford over your big summer break before the next academic year begins.

Two students playing a large game of chess on the ground, surrounded by other students.

I'm Immar, a third year LLB (Hons) Law student.

Summer can be a fun yet weird time for us university students. I finished my second year studies five months ago, which feels like a long time. It's easy to get bored, so here are my suggestions for fun trips and activities to try this summer in Bradford and Yorkshire.

The cinema

Going to the cinema is one of my all time favourite activities to indulge in. Bradford has multiple cinemas such as Cineworld and the IMAX. You can buy tickets for as little as £7 and watch your favourite movie. Going to the cinema is a classic day out, whether you go alone or with your friends.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, lit up at night

If cinemas are not your thing and you prefer something more lively and interactive then the Alhambra is the place to go. With pantomimes and circus events always going on it’s a delightful time out. Why not check out a classic pantomime show like The Wizard of Oz or Aladdin?

Parks

One of my favourite parks is Lister Park on Keighley Road. If you want to take in art, nature and even waterfalls then I would recommend checking it out. It’s a great spot to go for a walk due to how big the park is.

I also love Robert’s Park in Saltaire. If you want to see more rivers and plants then it's the right park for you. There is also a canal next to it, so you can go on a long calming walk and view the beautiful waterfall from a green bridge. Fun fact: if you keep walking along the canal, you will end up in Liverpool!

Sunday market at Cannon Mills

If you want to find some bargains and immerse yourself in a hectic environment then you should definitely check out Cannon Mills on a Sunday. With multiple food and clothing stalls, it's like a mini 1850s market that you might expect to imagine in a Victorian novel.

It's never a boring day at Cannon Mills. Your bank account might hate you after, though!

Swimming

If you're looking to burn off some energy during the summer then swimming is a really fun activity to try. There are swimming pools in Shipley and Eccleshill — you don't need a membership for either, but will need to book in advance. Perfect if you're looking to cool off on a hot summer's day. As well as being fun, swimming is also healthy as you’re also getting your daily dose of exercise.

Here are some more of my favourite things to do in summer: