BRADFORD BID has launched a series of safe walking tours to help people rediscover their city centre and keep active during lockdown.

The BID has teamed up with the award-winning high street app LoyalFree to develop the walking trails.

BID manager Jonny Noble said: “We wanted to support both residents and businesses by helping people to exercise within Government guidelines while reminding them just how much the city centre has to offer.

“We hope some people will be able to discover things they never knew about the history of Bradford, its buildings and architecture as well as some of the city’s important sons and daughters they may never have even heard of.”

Walking trails have already proved to be a popular feature of the app, with more than 3,000 trail interactions since the BID partnered with LoyalFree last year. The Halloween Pumpkin Trail, showcasing themed carved pumpkin displays around the city, was a hit with the public with more than 300 people starting the trail in just four days.

There are currently four outdoor trails live on the app which locals can enjoy while following the Government safety guidelines. The Bradford Sculpture Trail is a self-guided walk around 33 of the city centre’s most impressive sculptures.

App users are also encouraged to try out the City Centre Heritage Trail, a walking tour of Bradford’s historic and fascinating city centre, highlighting some of its fabulous architecture and other features of interest from medieval to modern. 

The app has also digitised Bradford in Blue Plaque Trails, allowing residents to discover some remarkable – and, sometimes, surprising – sites of international significance. Do you know, for instance, where Bradford’s original Old Manor House stood? Or where the Bronte sisters’ brother used to live and work? You may have heard of Halifax’s famous Piece Hall but do you know where Bradford’s own Piece Hall once stood?

The plaque trails are split into one covering the city centre and University plus a shorter one around Little Germany. 

Anyone who starts one of these socially distanced trails on the LoyalFree app can easily see where the next location is with the handy map and directions features.

To take part, residents just need to log in on the completely free LoyalFree app and head to the Trails section. To download the app, visit: www.loyalfree.co.uk/download or search for ‘LoyalFree’ on smartphone app stores.

BID chairman Ian Ward said: “We are delighted to be able to help ensure that Bradford residents can still enjoy the city in a safe way during the current restrictions and beyond; there’s so much history in this city we’re certain many people will discover something new and it might just open some people’s eyes to – or at least, remind them – how much we have to celebrate and be proud of here.

"And, as businesses begin to re-open when we’re told it’s safe to do so, the app will also promote events, offers and digital loyalty schemes around the city.” 

Sophie Hainsworth, Co-Founder of LoyalFree, said: “In such a testing time for the high streets it is crucial for us to adapt and utilise technology to allow the public to support and enjoy their high street in a safe way. Digital trails are a fun and socially distanced activity for the whole family.”