Bradford Forster Square is the station you’ll reach when boarding our line from Bradford City Centre to Ilkley. From here you’re only a short walk from the city’s leading retail and leisure destination – Forster Square Shopping Park – with major businesses and high street names.
The area also boasts a strong independent business scene as well as incredible places of interest like Saltaire and Ilkley moor. Take a stroll along these routes and discover something new for yourself!
1. Visit Salts Mill
The main station in Bradford, Bradford Forster Square is a busy hub of activity and is served by buses that are frequent with services to destinations across the UK. The area surrounding the station is the centre of business for Bradford and features two major shopping centres including Kirkgate and Forster Square.
Located in Saltaire, a model village built by Victorian industrialist Sir Titus Salt, is the Grade II listed massive Victorian warehouse mill complex of Salts Mill. This reformed mill houses large galleries featuring work by local artist David Hockney along with shops to buy books, kitchenware and beautifully designed furniture.
The huge expanses of the building are impressive and despite the fact that it is now full of people, furniture and every kitchen utensil you never knew you needed, the space feels open and welcoming. Dogs are allowed (but not in the gallery), although they must be carried at all times. This is a great place to spend a day out taking in the culture, shopping and eating!
2. Visit Lister Park
Bradford is a thriving cultural hub with an abundance of attractions. Whether you enjoy exploring heritage landmarks, shopping in the city centre or sampling its many international restaurants, Bradford is a place to be explored.
Explore the beauty of Lister Park with a visit to the botanical gardens. The gardens feature various flower beds and a Mughal-style garden, designed to reflect Bradford’s diverse heritage and provide visitors with a relaxing experience.
There are also several playgrounds in the park, including an adventure play area for children. The play equipment is sited on a soft rubberised surface and is suitable for all abilities.
3. Visit Saltaire
Bradford’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire, is home to many activities and attractions. Here you can wander gentle tow paths, see famous works of art and ride along a heritage tramway. There are also plenty of restaurants and independent shops to discover here.
The town was built by Sir Titus Salt in the 19th century and has since become a popular tourist destination. Many of the village streets feature beautiful Victorian houses. The homes were designed to be comfortable and luxurious for the workers who lived there.
After a walk around the village, you can stop by the Saltaire United Reformed Church, which is a gorgeous example of Victorian architecture. You can also take a stroll in Robert’s Park or visit the impressive Victoria Hall. You can even take a tour of the village, which is a great way to learn more about its history. Afterwards, you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in Bradford. The city’s food scene is diverse and includes everything from Chinese to Indian.
4. Visit Ilkley
Whether you’re an active adventure seeker or simply looking for a family day out in the great outdoors, Ilkley has something for everyone. Discover a range of unique things to do, from hiking in the mountains and camping by the rivers to cycling with the motorcycle club and even hang-gliding over the cliffs.
Ilkley is a pretty town with a rich cultural heritage that stretches back to Roman times, including the original spa plunge pool at White Wells and a Grade II listed outdoor swimming pool surrounded by beautiful terraces. Ilkley Moor provides a stunning backdrop for walkers and picnickers, and visitors can explore neolithic cup-and-ring marked rocks and clamber up the distinctive Cow and Calf Rocks.
The town is also home to a branch of the popular Betty’s Tea Rooms and a Michelin starred restaurant, The Box Tree. The modern commuter town has a number of shopping centres and is the base for rugby league side Bradford Bulls.
