Things to do in Idle

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Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
Photo "Idle" by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Idle" by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Idle" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)
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Idle must see attractions

1. Peak District National Park

Visit England’s Peak District National Park for a relaxing vacation or energizing thrills in lovely outdoor scenery far from the bustle of England’s big cities. The park’s outdoor activities vary widely. Choose from hiking, cycling, abseiling, rock climbing, paragliding, alpaca trekking, spelunking, horseback riding, camping or simply walking along gently sloping trails.
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Peak District showing a sunset and tranquil scenes

2. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
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University of Leeds

3. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
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First Direct Arena

4. Harrogate Convention Centre

Harrogate Convention Centre is a multipurpose complex containing several entertainment venues. With around 2,000 seats, the main auditorium is famous for hosting the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest. Check out the varied program and choose from the many shows across the center’s eight halls.
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Harrogate Convention Centre

5. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.
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Royal Armouries featuring interior views as well as a small group of people

What to do in Idle

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Idle? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Idle

Alhambra Theatre featuring heritage elements

Alhambra Theatre

You can get tickets for a performance at Alhambra Theatre during your stay in Bradford. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this family-friendly area.

Alhambra Theatre
National Media Museum which includes signage

National Science and Media Museum

Kids love the distortions and tricks of the Wonderlab and the Games Lounge, while adults get a sense of nostalgia through the displays of old televisions and cameras.

National Science and Media Museum
Bradford City Hall featuring a fountain, night scenes and a pond

Bradford City Hall

Spectacular light shows illuminate this imposing Venetian Gothic building, which is adorned with sculptures of British royalty and a Venetian-inspired clock tower.

Bradford City Hall
Bradford Cathedral which includes a park and heritage architecture

Bradford Cathedral

Bradford’s oldest place of worship is a celebration of the art history, religious past and wars that have shaped the city and its people.

Bradford Cathedral
Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford City Park

Hang out at this central urban park, home to green spaces, a spray pool, family-friendly festivals and a Venetian Gothic masterpiece.

Bradford City Park
Bradford Industrial Museum featuring heritage elements and interior views

Bradford Industrial Museum

Learn about horse power and steam engines amid the vintage cars and machinery in this former textile factory, where the old workers’ rooms are on display.

Bradford Industrial Museum
Lister Park featuring a pond and a garden

Lister Park

David Hockney’s pop-art works and modernist prints feature in the gallery at the core of a vast park with water features, botanical gardens and a pretty lake.

Lister Park
Bradford Cathedral featuring wildflowers and heritage elements

Little Germany

Learn about the local history of Bradford when you spend time at Little Germany. Experience the theater scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Little Germany
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery showing interior views and art

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Colorful prints, British paintings and South Asian crafts complement a David Hockney collection in this Baroque mansion. Bring your kids to the playground and lake.

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Idle

Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford

Salts Mill which includes cuddly or friendly animals, cycling and a river or creek

Shipley

Photo "Pudsey" by David Spencer (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by David Spencer (CC BY-SA)

Pudsey

Corn Exchange featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Leeds

Photo by Sam Sanders

Baildon

Photo "Apperley Bridge" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)

Apperley Bridge

Photo "Calverley" by David Spencer (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by David Spencer (CC BY-SA)

Calverley

Photo by Ilyes Aroun

Rawdon

Frequently asked questions

Is Idle worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Idle. Don't forget to enjoy the area's blend of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Idle?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Hollywood Bowl and Bradford Police Museum. Then, explore other areas of Idle for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Idle?
The top tourist attraction in Idle is Alhambra Theatre, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Idle?
Three days in Idle is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Alhambra Theatre, St George's Hall and Hollywood Bowl are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as York.
What are some activities to do in Idle with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Idle with kids.

What to do in Idle for adults?
Bradford City Hall and Bradford Industrial Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Idle. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Idle?
In Idle, Lister Park is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Idle.