Eight things I have learnt after writing about Bradford

Being from the West Midlands, my knowledge of Bradford and the wider county stemmed anything my local friends could tell me about the area.

Writing feature stories for The Telegraph and Argus has allowed be to dig deep into the city’s history, speak with locals and really feel like I am part of the local community.

Here are just ten things I have learned about Bradford after writing about the city for six months:

1. It’s home to some very affordable properties

I have written many property stories for The Telegraph and Argus in my short career; one thing that has stood out about Bradford is how affordable the house are.

While some properties are in need of some TLC, they would be an investor’s dream.

However, the city is also home to some beautiful houses; one that stands out to me is was in Apperley Bridge for £850,000.

The best part about the property, in my opinion, are the grounds as I would love to have woodland right on my doorstep… literally.

1. There is a lot to do- once lockdown restrictions end
    

If you are heading for a day out in Bradford, you won’t run out of activities. For an educational outing, there are plenty of museums nearby including the Bradford Industrial Museum.

It might be a hot spot for school trips, but I would still love to take a trip to the National Science and Media Museum.

The Funzy Inflatable Theme Park also looks like it would be great fun for the kids, along with indoor Go Karting at Team Sport on Beckside Road.

1. It’s the place to go if you want a delicious curry

Birmingham is just down the road for me and the city is renowned for its curries.

However, I have heard that Bradford might be even better as they won Britain’s Curry Capital award six times in a row.

Personally, I would love to try The International on Morley Street, as they are rated the number one local curry house on Trip Advisor.

Where are your favourite places?

1. Zayn Malik isn’t the only celebrity to come from here
   Zayn Malik

(Doug Peters/PA)

We all know that Zayn Malik comes from Bradford; some may argue that he is the most famous person to hail from the city.

However, he isn’t the only local celebrity.

I was surprised to learn that Gareth Gates, Kimberley Walsh and Dynamo also come from here.

1. The city is rich in culture
    

I was to surprised to see just how much history and culture there is in Bradford.

Coming from an industry city myself, I was aware of Bradford’s role in the industrial revolution which is proudly displayed in the Salts Mills and Industrial Museum.

However, I was delighted to discover so much more about the city in the last six months.

Bolling Hall and Bradford cathedral and just two other places of historical significance in the city.

Bradford Cathedral

(Photo: Geograph/Betty Longbottom)

The Bronte Cottage is also just around the corner in Keighley and is one place I would make sure to visit when in the area.

Where possible, I try to shine a light on independent businesses in my work.

Pink Pineapple Home and Gifts sold some really unique gifts and items, all of which can be personalised.

Bingley-based Yorkshire Wax Melt Company also stood out to me and they sold some beautiful scented candles and wax melts.

While much smaller, plenty of small businesses and local businesses exist on Etsy.

One Bradford seller sold adorable handmade jewellery.

Eleanor Hollindrake truly made the most out of her creative talent, creating, drawing and selling her very own comic books.

1. That Bradford is actually home to a lot of beauty spots
    

When you know where to look, you can escape into some beautiful, natural landscapes in Bradford.

A few months back, I spoke to the Rambler’s Bradford Group who shared their favourite walking routes with me.

They said: “Everyone thinks Bradford is such a built up area without any greenery.

“Once you get out your car, you can walk for miles and visit some beautiful places.”

Judy Woods

(Photo: Geograph/Christine Johnstone)

Judy Woods is one of the rambler’s favourite locations as they describe it as ”serene and tranquil”.

1. Bradford has a haunted history
    

I love all things spooky and paranormal.

While I may not necessary believe in spirits and ghosts, I still enjoy hearing ghostly stories.

Last year, I spoke to a paranormal investigator from West Yorkshire, who described himself as the region’s real life ghost buster.

According to Jason, one of the most haunted places in Bradford is Bolling Hall; while here, Jason said a cot inexplicably moved on its own and they received some very unusual EMF readings too.