Things to do in Idle

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

At its heart lies the Peak District National Park, which became the first national park in the UK in 1951. The cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derbyshire are located nearby and are easily accessible by road and rail network.
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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

6. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.
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Roundhay Park showing a fountain, a river or creek and a park

What to do in Idle

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 fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich 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
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
Wool Exchange featuring a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture

Wool Exchange

This Gothic masterpiece once played an important part in the world of wool and was a hangout for socialites. Today, it features a bookshop and café.

Wool Exchange
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
Bolling Hall Museum showing heritage elements and a castle

Bolling Hall Museum

Discover the art and architectural heritage of Bradford while exploring the well-appointed rooms of one of the city’s oldest-surviving buildings.

Bolling Hall Museum

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 "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?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Idle.
How do I spend a day in Idle?
Hollywood Bowl and Bradford Police Museum are two great places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Idle while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Idle?
Alhambra Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Idle and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Idle?
You can easily tick off top sights like Alhambra Theatre, St George's Hall and Hollywood Bowl with a three-day trip to Idle. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to York.
What are some activities to do in Idle with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Idle with kids.

What to do in Idle for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Idle, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Bradford City Hall or Bolling Hall Museum.
Are there free things to do in Idle?
In Idle, Bradford City Park is a popular spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Idle.