Bradford has been revealed among the best places to visit next year, according to VisitEngland, can you guess why?

The West Yorkshire city was included in the tourism expert's “hotlist” due to being named the UK’s City of Culture for 2025.

Introducing its “hotlist”, VisitEngland explained: “2025 promises to be a landmark year for England with milestone celebrations and exciting new launches across the country. 

“The new year will mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway with nationwide festivities, celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with immersive events and crown Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025.

“From the Women’s Rugby World Cup to the launch of new hotels, food halls, tours, events and attractions, Brits can expect 2025 to be action-packed.”

Why Bradford's been named in VisitEngland’s 'hotlist'

VisitEngland explained: “Next year Bradford will be crowned UK City of Culture 2025.

“Championing the city’s diversity and its people, the celebration has been endorsed by leading homegrown creatives such as artist David Hockney, magician Dynamo and singer Zayn Malik.

“Kicking off in January, Bradford will host more than 1,000 new performances by local, national and international creatives including 365 artworks, as well as festivals and live music shows – many of which will be free.

@bradford2025 There’s just 100 days till 2025 and our year of culture starts - make sure you’re signed up to be first to get the latest event announcements and book tickets! #bradford #culture #bradford2025 ♬ original sound - Bradford2025

“To celebrate 80 years since the first Moomin story was published, Bradford will be one of four English destinations to host brand-new Moomin80 public artworks.”

The tourism experts continued: “In the autumn, the annual Turner Prize will head to Bradford’s Cartwright Hall Art Gallery to showcase the most exciting new developments in British art, in the year the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner’s birth.

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“And during the Railway 200 anniversary year, The Railway Children theatre show heads to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (16 July – 7 September) – the location where the iconic movie was filmed – with audiences traversing this historic railway on a steam train before watching the new performance at a purpose-built auditorium.

“Also, keep an eye out for the new biopic TV series Gandhi, which was filmed in Bradford.

“Other city developments for 2025, include new dining hub Darley Street Market opening its doors (spring) and music venue Bradford Live and the Bradford National Science and Media Museum unveiling fresh renovations including improved accessibility.”