Want to explore the most historic and culturally significant places in Bradford? You can do it for free during the Heritage Open Days festival.
The festival takes place between 11-20 September and encourages you to explore historic and culturally significant places in your local area.
If admission to these venues isn’t already free, it will be during the festival and some places even have guided tours in place.
Some of the events and locations can be visited in person, while others are virtual events that take place online.
Annie Reilly, Head of Producing for the festival, said: “Heritage Open Days is about connecting people so we can share in the amazing stories of the places, spaces, nature, heritage and history around us.
“The last few months have shown us how online events can bring us together even when we have to remain apart.
“We’re excited by the potential for HODs, not least of all because so many more people will be able to experience the festival regardless of where they are in the country.”
Here are all of the events taking place in Bradford during the festival.
St Mary’s Church, Wyke
When: 19th September (10am-4pm)
(Facebook/@StMarysChurchWykeBradford)
Have you ever walked by this church and been curious about its history?
This grade II listed building opened in 1847- and you can explore it freely for Heritage Open Days.
There is also an optional guided tour, where visitors can ask questions and even try playing the organ.
Children are welcome and there are activity sheets for them to use.
Refreshments are free.
If you want to book the tour, contact Sylvia Percival on: 07852930380.
Manningham Walk, online
When: Available anytime
Lister Mills in Manningham, (Credit: Google Maps)
You can learn about the history of Bradford without ever needing to leave your sofa.
The ‘self-guided walk’ can be downloaded online and you can read the interesting facts on the sheet, or embark on the walk yourself.
It takes you on a virtual adventure around fascinating buildings- it also teaches you about some interesting locals from the past and present.
Check the Heritage Open Days website on the 11th September to download the PDF file.
Online tour of Bradford Cathedral, Stott Hill
When: 11-20 September.
(Photo: Geograph/ Stephen McKay)
Every day during Heritage Open Days, a video will be posted which explores the ‘hidden nature’ of Bradford Cathedral.
These videos will show you the nearby animal trail and the Cathedral’s bee hotel.
Here are some of the videos you can look forward to:
Fri 11/9
Dawn Chorus in Cathedral Close
Hidden Nature Close-Up 1
Sun 13/9
William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement in Bradford Cathedral
Tue 15/9
Family and children activity “Animal Trail”: Find the hidden animals and nature in Bradford Cathedral
Thurs 17/9
William Scoresby, Arctic explorer and later Vicar of Bradford Parish Church (now Bradford Cathedral)
Sat 19/9
Louisa Pesel designs
Sun 20/9
Twilight in Cathedral Close
You can find these videos on the Bradford Cathedral Facebook page and website.
Self-guided walk around Bradford city centre
When: 11-20 September, anytime.
(Photo: Geograph/ John Illingworth)
Take a walk along Bradford’s heritage trail and learn more about the history of the city.
It’s recommend you start the self-guided walk at city hall and it is predicted to take around two hours.
It’s wheelchair and pushchair friendly- but there are some hilly sections on the route.
You can download the trail map on the Visit Bradford website.
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