20 places to visit in Bradford with free Heritage Open Days

There are a total of 20 events over the next two weekends, with this year's festival running from today until September 22.

Heritage Open Days can be a great chance for people to explore buildings that are not always easily accessible to the public, and find out more about their history.

Events are taking place at locations such as St George's Hall, Bradford Cathedral and The Bradford Mechanics Institute Library, all in Bradford city centre.

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Elsewhere across the district, tours are available at Undercliffe Cemetery, Shipley College's Salt Building is open to the public, and people can look round Ingrow Railway Station in Keighley and around the Manor House Art Gallery and Museum in Ilkley.

At St George's Hall, the event will highlight the venue’s links with the Suffragette movement, including protests led by Emmeline and Adela Pankhurst.

The guided tours, which must be booked in advance, are taking place on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Local historian Helen Broadhead will lead the first 90-minute tour at 11am, taking in backstage areas not usually accessible to the public, and Pioneering Bradford Lasses is the subject of a tour at 1pm, led by Penny Green, looking at women such as school meals campaigner Margaret McMillan and trade unionist and suffragette Julia Varley.

Bradford Cathedral will be opening its doors on Sunday afternoon during the annual event. From noon to 3pm visitors will be able to explore the history of the cathedral through tours, talks and activities.

Maggie Myers, the director of education and visitors, who is leading the tours, said: “Heritage Open Day is the perfect opportunity to come and see the oldest and most beautiful building in the heart of Bradford and to learn something about the people and the stories that make up its history."

Photographs of Punjabi migration to Bradford from the 1950s are part of an exhibition called 4,000 Miles to Home, which opens at Bradford Mechanics Institute today as part of the Heritage Open Days festival.

It is curated by Gurj Kang of Pudsey, whose father Akbal Singh Kang, a keen photographer, documented life in post-war Bradford.

The exhibition is open today from 9.30am to 4pm, and from Tuesday to Friday next week.

Full details of the 20 events across the Bradford district and the dozens of events in the wider area, are below:

The Suffragettes of St George’s Hall

St. Georges Concert Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JT

An open day exploring the rich history of suffragette activity at St George’s Hall

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1000 - 1500

4000 Miles to Home - A journey to West Yorkshire

The Bradford Mechanics Institute Library, 76 Kirkgate, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1SZ

A joint event between Leeds Civic Trust and Bradford Civic Society. A.S Kang arrived in West Yorkshire with his family, moving 4,000 miles from the Punjab. A keen early photographer Kang captures the unique images of life in a mill town.

Opening Times

● Friday 13 September: 0930-1600

● Tuesday 17 September: 0930-1600

● Wednesday 18 September: 0930-1600

● Thursday 19 September: 0930-1600

● Friday 20 September: 0930-1600

Bradford Cathedral National Heritage Open Afternoon

Bradford Cathedral, 1 Stott Hill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4EH

Visit us for guided tours of Bradford Cathedral alongside interesting talks about the building's little-known role in the English Civil War and the fascinating life story of local character Joe Hardcastle, a bell-ringer here for sixty years.

Opening Times

● Sunday 15 September: 1200-1500, Tour 1230 and 1400

The Peace Museum

The Peace Museum, 10 Piece Hall Yard, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1PJ

The Peace Museum is opening specially on Saturday 21st September from 11am-3pm, as part of Heritage Open Days. Visitors can expect free family activities and guided tours, alongside the museum’s current exhibitions.

Opening Times

● Wednesday 18 September: 1000-1600

● Thursday 19 September: 1000-1600

● Friday 20 September: 1000-1600

● Saturday 21 September: 1100-1500

Undercliffe Cemetery Tour - The Bradford Worthies

127 Undercliffe Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 0QD

A tour of the Cemetery looking at the history of some of Bradford's Worthies, the leading industrialists and civic leaders, but we will also include a few special people such as Julia Varley and Charlotte Bronte's nurse Nancy De Garrs.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 11 am and 1 pm

Bierley People - powerful memories

Bierley Lane, Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 6AB

Designed by Sir John Carr of York, this church was built in the Grecian style and completed in 1766. Our timeline and exhibition show how the church has not only been a place of worship but the focal point of social action for over 250 years.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1000 - 1600

● Sunday 15 September: 10 00 - 11 30 (Parish Mass)

Lower Wyke Moravian Church

Chapel Fold, Lower Wyke Lane, Wyke, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD12 9AE

Visitors can learn about the history of the Moravian Church in particular the church and its activities in Lower Wyke and in the local community. The other buildings in the settlement - the former Sisters' House and Girls School can be seen.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1000-1600 Saturday 7th September

● Sunday 15 September: 1300-1600 Sunday 8th. September

Manningham Walk

Manningham Mills, Lilycroft Road, Manningham, at junction with Patent Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD9 5BD

A guided walk around the Manningham area of Bradford

Opening Times

● Sunday 15 September: Walk 1400-1600

People Power - Daring to Dream

Bierley Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 6AB

Bring the past into the present through Craftivism. Follow the tradition of Parson Bull, Minister to Bierley from 1826 - 1839 as pupils from St John's CE School open the challenge to 'Dare to Dream' and make a difference through people power.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000 - 1300

Saltaire’s Hidden Heroes and Heroines

Shipley College, Salt Building, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD18 3LQ

Find out about Saltaire's Hidden Heroes and Heroines with activities for all the family and seize the chance to see some of the Saltaire Collection.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000 - 1600 Children’s Activity - 1100 - 1200 & 1400 - 1500

● Sunday 22 September: 1000 - 1600 Children’s Activity - 1100 - 1200 & 1400 - 1500

Baildon Masonic Hall (Hoyle Court)

Baildon Masonic Hall Co Ltd, Hoyle Court, Otley Road, Charlestown, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 6JS

Hoyle Court is set in beautifully maintained gardens. The Hall contains a number of Lodge rooms, including an Egyptian room. The Hall also contains a listed feature staircase, all of which will be open to the public.

Opening Times

● Sunday 15 September: 1030 - 1600

East Riddlesden Hall

National Trust, East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL

Hundreds of years ago this West Yorkshire manor was a thriving farming estate. Today East Riddlesden Hall makes a great day out for the whole family.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1030-1600

● Sunday 22 September: 1030-1600

Keighley Shared Church

Church Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 5HT

Open day for the church, dating from 1848. Parish Registers and other items of furniture will be on display.

Opening Times

● Friday 20 September: 11.00 - 15.00 This is after our weekly Shoppers service at 10.30

● Saturday 21 September: 10.00 -16.00

Rail Story, Ingrow, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Ingrow Loco, Ingrow Bridge, South Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 5AX

Visitors will be able to gain free access to both the Engine shed and the Carriages Trust Museums as well as being able to visit the learning coach in the dock of Ingrow Station and can also look around the Ingrow Railway Station.

Opening Times

● Friday 13 September: 1000-1600

● Saturday 14 September: 1000-1600 (Keighley HODs launch)

● Sunday 15 September: 1000-1600

● Friday 20 September: 1000-1600

● Saturday 21 September: 1000-1600

● Sunday 22 September: 1000-1600

St Gabriel’s Church, Stanbury, near Haworth

St Gabriel's Church, Main Street, Stanbury, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 0HB

The nineteenth century schoolroom built by the Reverend Patrick Bronte and now used as the small church for the village, containing the eighteenth century pulpit from Haworth Parish Church used by the Rev William Grimshaw and the Rev Patrick Bronte.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 10.00-16.30

St. Andrews Kildwick - The Lang Kirk of Craven

St. Andrews Close, Kildwick, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 9BB

A chance to visit this fascinating medieval church

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1200-1600

● Sunday 15 September: 1200-1600

● Saturday 21 September: 1200-1600

● Sunday 22 September: 1200-1600

All Saints Ilkley, Church Open Day

All Saints Church Office, 4 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DS

Come and explore the new interactive heritage interpretations of All Saints Church, Ilkley; built on the site of the former Roman Fort of Olicana, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, founded in 80AD.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 10.00 - 16.00

Ben Rhydding Methodist church

89 Wheatley Lane, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8PP

Arts and Crafts Church containing a notable stained-glass window and newly commissioned embroidery.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 10.00 ---1700

High Royds Memorial Chapel and Garden

3 Buckle Lane, Menston, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 6DG

High Royds Memorial Garden & Chapel is the last resting place for 2861 former pauper patients of the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum (latterly called High Royds Hospital). It has been lovingly and carefully restored to provide

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1200 - 1600

● Sunday 15 September: 1200 - 1600 - Thanksgiving service

Round the Manor House

Manor House Art Gallery & Museum, Castle Yard, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DT

This is an opportunity to hear Gavin Edwards, former curator of the Ilkley Manor House, sharing his unique and extensive knowledge of the building and its history.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1330

Calverley Methodist Church

Calverley Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Calverley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5PS

Calverley Methodist Church opened in 1872 and is a Grade II listed building with an award-winning Leeds in Bloom garden. Very much a community church, visit and discover why this church is special and still very relevant today.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 12-1600

● Sunday 22 September: 12-1600

Calverley Old Hall

12A Woodhall Road, Calverley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5NL

The Landmark Trust has owned Calverley Old Hall since 1981, when it was for sale in three separate lots. It had long been divided into cottages, but under a single landlord, the Thornhill Estate.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000-1600

● Sunday 22 September: 1000-1600

Calverley Parish Church

The Parish Church of St Wilfrid, Towngate, Calverley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5NF

The historic church of St Wilfrid, founded in 1154, is Grade II* listed with medieval stained glass and parts dating from the 12th Century. Surrounded by an equally interesting churchyard, visit and discover the gems of this ancient church.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000-1600

● Sunday 22 September: 1600-1800

Calverley Village - A walking heritage quest

Calverley Arms, Calverley Lane, Calverley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5QQ

A self-guided circular walk around the historic village of Calverley, organised by the Rotary Club of Calverley in association with the Calverley Local History Centre.

Opening Times

● Sunday 22 September: 10.30-11.30 am

Friends of St John’s Heritage Day

St John's Church, New Street, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5DJ

Illustrated history of Farsley and its people, including its development as a textile and wool centre and the churches roll in the village. Organ recitals.

Heritage Walk Guides.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1000 – 1600

Sunny Bank Mills & Archive

Sunny Bank Mills Archive and Gallery, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ

A great opportunity to get up close and personal to a unique collection and discover our fascinating textile heritage.

Opening Times

● Friday 13 September: Archive 1000-1600 & Tours 1100, 1200 and 1400

● Saturday 14 September: Archive 1000-1600 & Tours 1100,1200,1300,1400 & 1500

● Sunday 15 September: Archive 1000-1600 & Tours 1100,1200,1300,1400 & 1500

Farsley Rehoboth Baptist Burial Ground Open Day and Tour

Junction of Coal Hill Lane and Bagley Lane, Farsley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5NA

The Farsley Rehoboth is a historic burial ground in west Leeds and has just been purchased by our Charity after 11 years of no legal public access, our "People Power" is to return it to community access.

Opening Times

● Sunday 22 September: Open 1100 to 400 with Tours at least hourly

“Inspirational Women”

Fulneck, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 8NT

Step back in time and experience the stunning views, tranquil beauty and peaceful ambience of Fulneck village settlement. Fulneck invites you to our usual enjoyable activities and welcomes you to a new exhibition featuring inspirational women.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: Opening 10.00 to 16.00h. Tours begin in church 10.45., 11.45,.12.45, 13.45, 14.45.

● Sunday 22 September: Opening 13.00 to 16.00 hours. Tour at 14.00 hours. Drama to be arranged.

Pudsey Masonic Hall Open Day

Masonic Hall, Church Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7RF

Guided tours of Pudsey Masonic Hall. Learn about its history and the part Masons have played in the life of Pudsey.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 10.30 – 16.00

Pudsey Parish Church

Pudsey Parish Church, Church Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 8BE

Pudsey Parish Church is officially St Lawrence and St Paul's, a beautiful Grade II listed building which opened in 1824. Set in treelined grounds, on the edge of Pudsey Park, come along and explore this inviting and impressive church.

Opening Times

● Sunday 15 September: 1300-1800

Pudsey’s Textile & Musical Heritage & Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings

Pudsey Town Hall, Robin Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BN

There will be a display of photos and artifacts on Pudsey's Textile Heritage. A display of information regarding the huge Musical Heritage of Pudsey..

A Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1030-1600

Around Aireborough - A Photographic Exhibition

Guiseley Theatre, The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS20 9BT

Come and browse a collection of images taken by members of Aireborough Camera Club. Notice the beauty of our landscape, the architecture you pass by every day and speak to members of the club about their passion for photographing the area.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000-1600

Guiseley Cemetery

Guiseley Cemetery, Chevin End Road, Guiseley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS20 9DL

The Friends of Guiseley Cemetery warmly invite you to their second Heritage Open Day on Sunday 22nd September, with timed tours taking place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Opening Times

● Sunday 22 September: Guided tours at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Guiseley Theatre - A People Powered History

Guiseley Theatre, The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS20 9BT

In this lively exhibition learn all about the people who have cemented Guiseley Theatre as a community hub for Guiseley since its establishment over 150 years ago!

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000-1600

Guiseley Theatre Guided Tours

Guiseley Theatre, The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS20 9BT

Join Chairman of Guiseley Theatre, Christopher Ingram for a guided tour of Guiseley Theatre, re-living the buildings past, hearing its tales and learning of exciting things to come!

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: Tours 1030 & 1330

Booking Details: Pre-booking: Required

High Royds (now Chevin Park): the Lost World of a Victorian Asylum

High Royds Memorial Chapel and Garden, Buckle Lane, Menston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS29 6DG

A guided walk around the grounds of the former High Royds Hospital.

Opening Times

● Sunday 15 September: 10.30

Booking Details: Pre-booking: Required

Miss Lily’s Victorian Circus Game and Exhibition

Horsforth Ballroom, Horsforth Library, Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5BL

Welcome to our spectacular circus ring. Step in and play Miss Lily’s Victorian Circus Game; discover the captivating characters who created British circus history.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 12.30-17.00

● Sunday 22 September: 11.00-15.00

St Peter’s Church, Rawdon

Rawdon St. Peters Church, Town Street, Rawdon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 6QL

In the main body of the church is a multi-screen DVD presentation about the history of Rawdon from the bronze age to present time. In addition a Audio presentation describing the artifacts donated to the church from local families.

Opening Times

● Friday 13 September: 1000-1600

● Saturday 14 September: 1000-1600

● Friday 20 September: 1000-1600

● Saturday 21 September: 1000-1600

All Saints’ Parish Church, Otley

Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HW

Grade I listed medieval church. On display: Saxon Cross sections, historical documents, and rolling presentations. Guided tours and refreshments available.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1000-1630

Otley Courthouse

Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AN

A fascinating glimpse of police, criminal and court life in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. New from 2018! Walk the police beats of Otley as they were before and after radios were introduced.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1000-1600

A Ramble Around Yeadon

Yeadon Tarn Bandstand, Cemetery Road, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7UR

Discover the rich history and heritage of Yeadon with a walk.

Opening Times

● Thursday 19 September: 10.30 - approx 13.30

Drighlington and the Battle of Adwalton Moor 1643

The Spotted Cow, 122 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, West Yorkshire, BD11 1LJ

Leeds Historian and Walk Guide Ken Goor will lead a walk round Drighlington which will include the site of the Civil War Battle of Adwalton Moor

Opening Times

● Wednesday 18 September: 14.00

Celebration of 900 years of St Peter’s Church

Kirkgate, Birstall, West Yorkshire, WF17 9PB

Visits to the tower and ringing chamber.

Display of historical registers documents and artefacts Demonstration of stone carving

Opening Times

● Friday 20 September: 12 noon -4pm

● Saturday 21 September: 10 am - 4pm

● Sunday 22 September: 12 noon -4pm

Oakwell Hall Craft Afternoon

Oakwell Hall, Nova Lane, Birstall, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LG

Come and see traditional crafts being demonstrated in the Hall this Heritage Open Days week.

Opening Times

● Wednesday 18 September: 12pm -4pm

Oakwell Hall Heritage Open Weekend

Oakwell Hall, Nova Lane, Birstall, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LG

Over the Heritage Open Day's Weekend, the usual entry fee to see inside Oakwell Hall is waived!

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 12pm - 4pm

● Sunday 15 September: 12pm - 4pm

Gomersal Moravian Church

Gomersal Moravian Church, Quarry Road, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4JB

Grade II listed Church, built in 1751 and altered in the 1860s. Displays about the church history, Bronte links and Moravian traditions. Gomersal and the Great War display. Refreshments and children's activities.

Opening Times

● Sunday 15 September: 1300-1600

Luddites at Cleckheaton Library

Kirklees Council, Cleckheaton Library, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 3DX

Why did working men called croppers swear an oath of secrecy and take the law into their own hands in 1812? See our display, hear a short, illustrated talk from Georgina Hutchison and meet a Luddite!

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 10.30am to 12.30pm

Spen Valley Luddite Walk

D & M Middleton Ltd, Cartwright Street, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 5LY

A 5-mile walk following the Luddites on the night of 11th April 1812, when they attacked a mill to try & smash machinery that was destroying their livelihoods as croppers. We'll point out Luddite-connected sites & local heritage features en-route.

Opening Times

● Sunday 22 September: 13.00 start

St John the Evangelist Church, Cleckheaton

Church Street, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 3RN

St John’s Church, Cleckheaton has been a place of worship since 1832 and is celebrating our 186th Anniversary. We are a town centre parish, endeavouring to meet the needs of the town’s people.

Opening Times

● Friday 20 September: 1000 - 1500

● Saturday 21 September: 0900 - 1700

● Sunday 22 September: Church Service 1100 - 1230

Whitechapel Church, Cleckheaton

Whitechapel Church, Whitechapel Road, Cleckheaton, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 6HR

Whitechapel Church has a Norman font, an Ellacombe system of bells, a Hatchment, the only Bronte grave in Kirklees, three WW1 graves including one for two brothers and stained glass window memorials.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm

● Sunday 15 September: 1400 pm to 1630 pm

● Wednesday 18 September: 14.00 pm to 16.30 pm

● Saturday 21 September: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm

● Sunday 22 September: 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm

Pepper Hill Unitarian Chapel

Pepper Hill Unitarian Chapel, Cross Lane, Pepper Hill, Shelf, West Yorkshire, HX3 7TH

An attractive non-conformist chapel, which had served the community as a place of worship, venue for weddings, Christenings and funerals, a Sunday school and community centre since the mid-19th century.

Opening Times

● Saturday 21 September: 1000 to 1600

● Sunday 22 September: 1200 to 1600

Brighouse Heritage Town Walk

Thornton Square, Bethel Street, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1EF

A guided walk through the town centre which takes in early transport links and Brighouse's hidden 'civic gem'. Finishing at the town's historical purpose-built Art Gallery.

Opening Times

● Friday 20 September: 10.30

Ann Walker & Lightcliffe

Old St Matthew's, Wakefield Road, Lightcliffe, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 8TH

The tower at Lightcliffe is all that remains of the church of 1775, which was demolished in the 1970s. The church is the final resting place of Ann Walker – companion of Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack). Ann's memorial was rescued and saved in the tower.

Opening Times

● Saturday 14 September: 1200-1600