Many parts of Bradford are photogenic icons of the 19th century and Victorian era. Brownstone villages stand picture perfect, historic industrial buildings have preserved their sooty facades, while rows of terraces line up above the old Leeds to Liverpool canal. Among the attractions are the World Heritage Saltaire Village and the National Media Museum, which celebrates Bradford being designated the first ever UNESCO City of Film. Bradford is located in the heart of northern England, to the west of Leeds and east of the Pennines.

Bradford has somewhat of an unfortunate modern reputation, and the city has struggled economically in the post-industrial era. However, the history is exquisite, and Bradford remains one of England’s most appealing destinations. Bradford was the wool capital of the world and was home to some of the world’s largest industrial buildings. These Victorian marvels still stand, some of them converted into community spaces and others into museums. World Heritage Saltaire is a Victorian model village, with neat rows of brownstone houses originally built for the Salts Mill workforce. Understanding Bradford’s wealth during the industrial era is best done at Bradford Industrial Museum. Other outstanding Victorian buildings include City Hall, the old Wool Exchange, St George’s Hall and the Bradford Alhambra theatre. The latter two link with the National Media Museum, one of northern England’s most visited museums.

From Bradford Interchange there are a couple of daily direct trains to London. However, for most destinations, it’s usually quicker to change trains in nearby Leeds. The media and film attractions are found in Bradford City Centre and can be accessed on foot. Industrial buildings are on the outskirts of the city and public transport or a hire car is required. Saltaire was built with its own train station, with regular services arriving here from Bradford Forster Square.

Bradford’s history lives on through its residents, as it was the birthplace of the Bronte sisters, and the landscapes north of Bradford reflect their bucolic writing. Artist David Hockney has his work displayed in a gallery in Salts Mill.