Bradford

Bradford is a metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England, extending over several valleys and hills and incorporating settlements such as Shipley, Bingley, Keighley and Ilkley within its administrative boundaries. The built environment shifts between terraced houses of sandstone, older factory buildings, modern commercial areas and open green spaces reaching toward the Pennines.

A small market town for wool trade grew during the nineteenth century into a major industrial area through access to coal, iron ore and water power. Multiple waves of migration shaped the population from the postwar period onward, as new workers arrived for the expanding textile sector.

Communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Eastern Europe shape the streets, with shops, restaurants and places of worship reflecting their origins. In neighborhoods like Manningham and Girlington, you hear several languages at once, while markets sell spices, fabrics and food from different continents.

Trains from Leeds and Manchester arrive regularly, while local buses connect the individual settlements. Those planning to explore surrounding villages and moorland will find a car helpful, or should expect longer waiting times on public transport.

Saltaire is a complete Victorian industrial village on the outskirts, built to strict plans and now part of a World Heritage designation. Its founder created not only housing and factory halls, but also schools, libraries and public parks for the workers.

Location: Bradford

Elevation above the sea: 214 m

Shares border with: Yorkshire Dales

Website: https://bradford.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.79442,-1.75192

Latest update: December 15, 2025 10:47