By Andy, founder
A drink in the pub is fine. But Bradford has a big Victorian park, a world heritage village on the river, galleries and museums that are free to wander round, curry houses it's famous for and the moors on the doorstep, and a first date with something to do takes the pressure off: you're side by side, there's always something to talk about, and it's easy to end early or stretch out if it's going well. Here are twelve ideas in and around Bradford.
Green space and water
1. Lister Park
A grand Victorian park north of the city centre, with a boating lake, formal gardens and Cartwright Hall art gallery at its heart. It's an easy, relaxed walk that's simple to shorten or stretch out. Check opening times if you'd like to visit the gallery.
2. Roberts Park and the river at Saltaire
A park beside the River Aire at the edge of Saltaire village, with wide paths and benches. It's a gentle place for an unhurried chat, and the village is right there for a coffee afterwards.
3. Shipley Glen
Woodland paths and rocky outcrops above Saltaire, with views over the valley. The Shipley Glen Tramway is run by volunteers on selected days, so check when it's running before you go.
4. Baildon Moor
Open moorland above Baildon with big views over Airedale. Wear proper shoes, check the weather and stick to the paths.
History and culture
5. Salts Mill and Saltaire
A huge former wool mill that's now home to galleries, shops and cafés, with a whole Victorian model village around it. There's plenty to look at and talk about, and it's a good choice if the weather turns. Check opening times before you go.
6. The National Science and Media Museum
A museum of photography, film and television in the city centre. It's the kind of place where you end up swapping stories about the first film you saw. Check opening times and what's on before you go.
7. Bradford Industrial Museum
A former mill that tells the story of the city's wool trade, with machinery, cottages and a chance to see how people lived and worked. Check opening times and any charges before you visit.
8. Little Germany
A district of grand Victorian warehouses built by wool merchants, close to the city centre. A wander round the streets, followed by a coffee, makes an easy first date.
A little further out
9. Haworth and the Brontë Parsonage Museum
A steep cobbled main street, independent shops and tea rooms, and the moors the Brontë sisters wrote about. A lovely, atmospheric afternoon. Check opening times and tickets before you travel.
10. Ilkley Moor and the Cow and Calf rocks
A famous moor above the town of Ilkley, with a walk up to the Cow and Calf rocks and tea rooms in town afterwards. Check the weather and wear good footwear.
Keep it simple
11. A curry in the city
Bradford is well known for its curry houses, and a table for two is an easy, friendly way to spend an evening. Pick somewhere busy and well reviewed, and ask the other person what they like before you book.
12. A show
The Alhambra Theatre, St George's Hall and Bradford Playhouse mean there's usually something on, from drama to comedy to live music. It gives you something to talk about on the way home. Check what's on and book ahead.
A few tips before you go
- Choose somewhere public for the first meeting, and make your own way there.
- Let a friend know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check the weather and opening times before you set off.
- Keep the first date short. If it goes well, you'll have a reason for a second.
For more on meeting safely, read our guide to dating safely. And if you haven't met anyone to take on these dates yet, see who's near you.
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