Bradford factfile

How to get to Bradford
Bradford is an expansive industrial city in West Yorkshire. You can reach it by its own motorway, the M606, which links with the M1, A1 and M6 via the M62.

Bradford through the ages
"Broad Ford", later known as Bradford, was first settled in Saxon times, but it wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that it really grew. It gained importance as a major producer of textiles and became known as the woollen centre of the world.

As the textile industry declined, so the local economy diversified. The area now boasts impressive engineering, printing, chemical, financial and export industries.

Bradford was granted city status in 1897 and, reflecting its ethnic richness, won the EthniCity award in 2006.

Eating and drinking in Bradford
Bradford has some of the best curry and balti houses in the country. It was no accident that it was crowned Curry Capital of the UK in 2004.

Other tastes are catered for as well, of course, from modern British cuisine to Chinese, Mexican and Thai.

Yorkshire pubs are famous for their warmth, friendliness and fine ales. While there are plenty in Bradford city centre, possibly the most famous locally is the Black Bull in Haworth. This is where Charlotte and Emily Bront?'s alcoholic brother Branwell used to drink, often after buying his opium from the chemist a few doors up. Branwell's chair remains there to this day.

Famous people from Bradford
The Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily and Anne) all grew up and wrote their classic novels in the nearby village of Haworth. Such is their lasting legacy that this part of West Yorkshire is often dubbed Brontë Country.

Iconic artist David Hockney was born in Bradford as was the runner-up in the first Pop Idol in 2002, Gareth Gates. The city was also home to the late and much-loved presenter of Channel 4's Countdown quiz show, Richard Whiteley.

Things to see and do around Bradford
Watch your favourite TV programmes, learn about the history of film and see the work of influential photographers at the National Media Museum. This free museum has five floors of hands-on exhibitions, the Bradford IMAX and hosts three annual film festivals. Small wonder it's the most visited museum in the UK outside London.

Famous landmarks in Bradford
Bradford Cathedral, built in 1458, is the city's oldest building. It was a parish church until 1919 when Bradford became a diocese and is often known as "the hidden cathedral".

Sports and leisure in Bradford
Bradford has a long and proud sporting history, especially in rugby league with the Bradford Bulls and in football with Bradford City. Both are backed by armies of passionate fans.

The Richard Dunn Sports Centre has a large gym, swimming pool and sauna. The sports facilities at Bradford University are also open to the public.

Natural beauty spots around Bradford
Beautiful countryside, rolling hills and open moorland are characteristic of Bradford district. Ilkley Moor has the most breathtaking views and Top Withens is said to have inspired Emily Brontë's classic Wuthering Heights.