Things to do in Idle

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
Photo "Idle" by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Idle" by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

What to do in Idle

Popular places to visit

Alhambra Theatre showing heritage elements

Alhambra Theatre

You can make plans for a show at Alhambra Theatre on your trip to Bradford. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this culturally rich area.

Alhambra Theatre
National Science and Media Museum featuring signage

National Science and Media Museum

Kids love the distortions and tricks of the Wonderlab and the Games Lounge, while adults get a sense of nostalgia through the displays of old televisions and cameras.

National Science and Media Museum
Bradford City Hall which includes night scenes, a fountain and heritage architecture

Bradford City Hall

Spectacular light shows illuminate this imposing Venetian Gothic building, which is adorned with sculptures of British royalty and a Venetian-inspired clock tower.

Bradford City Hall
Bradford Cathedral featuring heritage architecture and a park

Bradford Cathedral

Bradford’s oldest place of worship is a celebration of the art history, religious past and wars that have shaped the city and its people.

Bradford Cathedral
Bradford City Park showing heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford City Park

Hang out at this central urban park, home to green spaces, a spray pool, family-friendly festivals and a Venetian Gothic masterpiece.

Bradford City Park
Lister Park featuring a park and a pond

Lister Park

4/5(1 review)

David Hockney’s pop-art works and modernist prints feature in the gallery at the core of a vast park with water features, botanical gardens and a pretty lake.

Lister Park
Wool Exchange featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and street scenes

Wool Exchange

This Gothic masterpiece once played an important part in the world of wool and was a hangout for socialites. Today, it features a bookshop and café.

Wool Exchange
Bradford Cathedral showing heritage elements and wild flowers

Little Germany

Learn about the local history of Bradford when you take a trip to Little Germany. Experience the theatre scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Little Germany
Bolling Hall Museum which includes heritage elements and château or palace

Bolling Hall Museum

Discover the art and architectural heritage of Bradford while exploring the well-appointed rooms of one of the city’s oldest-surviving buildings.

Bolling Hall Museum
Bradford City Park showing heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford

Corn Exchange showing street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Leeds

Frequently asked questions

Is Idle worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Idle.
How do I spend a day in Idle?
Hollywood Bowl and Bradford Police Museum are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Idle while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Idle?
Alhambra Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Idle and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Idle?
You can easily tick off top sights like Alhambra Theatre, St George's Hall and Hollywood Bowl with a three-day trip to Idle. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to York.
What are some activities to do in Idle with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Idle with kids.

What to do in Idle for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Idle, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Bradford City Hall or Bolling Hall Museum.
Are there free things to do in Idle?
In Idle, Bradford City Park is a popular spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Idle.