48 hours at Bradford 2025 for families
This two-day itinerary is packed with easy wins for family days out in Bradford District during UK City of Culture: free museums, big green spaces, and proper good food.
Published: June 26, 2025
Planning a family trip can feel like a full-time job. So we’ve done it for you!
There’s plenty to keep kids curious and active in this 48 hour guide to Bradford District - with enough culture, character and coffee stops to keep adults happy too.
Day 1: Fun, Food and Free Adventures in Bradford
Morning
Start your trip with a visit to the National Science and Media Museum – entry is free, and there’s loads to explore for all ages.
- Discover YOU:MATTER, created especially for Bradford’s year of culture, this is a playful and powerful experience exploring how we’re all connected.
- Don’t miss Wonderlab, packed with hands-on exhibits.
- And explore the incredible Sound and Vision Galleries too.
- While you’re in the city centre check out the Tower of Now sculpture, celebrating Bradford’s diversity.
Events for families
10-14 Sep 2025
On Yer Bike
Discover the unexpected meanings of cycling... with no lycra in sight!
14 Sep 2025
Drawn Together
The Big Draw Festival 2025 Launch
A spectacular celebration of creativity and community!
20 & 21 Sep 2025
National Literacy Trust Stories Bus
Once an American school bus, the Bradford Stories Bus has been transformed into an inspiring space for storytelling, reading, writing, and relaxing for children and families in Bradford.
20 Sep 2025
Wild Uplands End of Summer Party
A day of walks, talks, exhibitions and more.
26 & 27 Sep 2025
Bloom
Upswing
A magical open-air circus spectacle celebrating community, connection and the people of Shipley.
20 & 27 Sep 2025
Play Bradford’s Mobile Adventure Playground
We’re teaming up with Play Bradford to bring mobile play to The Beacon at Lister Park.
Various dates
Turner Prize Art & Play for under 5s
Museums for Play and Growth
Join these free, family-friendly sessions at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery inspired by the Turner Prize.
27 Sep 2025
The Beacon DRAW!
Part of Our Patch
Join us for a colourful celebration of creativity inspired by David Hockney.
14 Oct - 30 Nov 2025
REPLAY
The Herd
Enter an endless world of play in this interactive experience.
Lunch
Grab a bite in the city centre – there’s something for every taste and budget.
Cafe J’Adore – cosy and welcoming.
Pizza Pieces – great for a quick slice.
Chaat Chaska – Pakistani street food within The Broadway shopping centre.
Can’t all agree on one place to go for lunch? No problem! Darley Street Market has you covered with 13 different food vendors on it’s top floor. Serving up everything from Turkish coffee and sushi to burgers, pizza and much more – there’s something for everyone.
Afternoon
- A walk to the peaceful and pretty Lister Park will take you 20 – 30 minutes from central Bradford, or you can catch the 662 Shuttle from Bradford Interchange or Forster Square.
- Let the kids run free in the adventure playground.
Evening
End the day with a family dinner. You’ll be spoilt for choice:
MyLahore – Fun, modern British-Asian fusion with plenty the kids will love.
Sweet Centre Restaurant for authentic Kashmiri cuisine, a favourite with locals, and the original Sweet Centre serving traditional Asian sweets and snacks since the 60s.
La Caverna – woodfired pizza in atmospheric Sunbridgewells (Tue–Sat).
Mamma Mia Pizza, Jinnah, or Sapphire Bradford – all great options for a relaxed meal.
Day 2: Steam Trains, Story Trails and Brontë Country
Morning
- All aboard! Ride the historic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway from Keighley to Haworth – steam trains the whole family will love.
- Coming this September? Check out Drawn Together, The Big Draw Festival 2025 Launch in Keighley on 14 September 2025
Lunch
Settle in for a laid-back lunch in Haworth:
Picnic in the beautiful Central Park.
Pavé – for cheese, charcuterie and Italian-French tapas.
The Treehouse – hearty roasts and pizzas and a menu to keep everyone happy.
Afternoon
- Up on the moors above Haworth you can discover the Wild Uplands sculpture trail, brand new for Bradford 2025. Download family activity maps and find directions.
- Explore the Brontë Parsonage Museum – full of fascinating stories, with discounts for kids.
- Then go undercover with a Secret Spy Mission from Treasure Trails – a fun way to see the village.
Where to eat later on
Stay in Haworth for an early evening meal or head back to Keighley for something to eat.
Old Post Office – cosy vibes and Brontë history.
The Fleece Inn – traditional pub on Haworth main street.
Stefanos – a much loved Italian restaurant in Silsden.
The Curry House, Shimla Spice, Taylors on the Green and Amici are all close to Keighley Station, offer a warm welcome and excellent dinner menus.
Why not catch a family screening or storytelling evening at Keighley Picture House?
Make it a weekend to remember!
Plan your overnight stay and discover more family-friendly events across the district.
