Things to Do in Idle in 2025

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

Photo "Idle" by Betty Longbottom (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

Photo "Idle" by Linden Milner (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

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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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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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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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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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Idle

Alhambra Theatre

You can get tickets for a performance at Alhambra Theatre during your stay in Bradford. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich area.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.