What to do in Idle

Activities, attractions and tours

by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Apperley Bridge
Photo by Tim Green (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Apperley Bridge
Photo by Tim Green (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
Apperley Bridge, Bradford
Photo by Tim Green (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
from Idle Hill
Photo by Tim Green (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
Holy Trinity, Idle 1
Photo by Tim Green (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Places to Visit in Idle

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Idle, Bradford while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Idle attractions from NZ$15, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Idle tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 19 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Idle. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

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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Elephant armour.

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 which includes a fountain, a park and a river or creek

7. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.
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O2 Academy Leeds

What to do in Idle

Discover the most popular places to visit in Idle

Alhambra Theatre featuring heritage elements

Alhambra Theatre

You can make plans for a show at Alhambra Theatre on your trip to Bradford. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.

Alhambra Theatre
National Media Museum featuring 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
Lister Park which includes 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 City Park showing a fountain and heritage architecture 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 Cathedral showing a garden 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 Hall which includes a pond, night scenes and a fountain

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 Industrial Museum showing interior views and heritage elements

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
Bolling Hall Museum featuring 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
Bradford Cathedral which includes heritage elements and wild flowers

Little Germany

Learn about the local history of Bradford when you take a trip to Little Germany. Experience the theatre scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Little Germany

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Idle

Bradford City Park showing a fountain and heritage architecture as well as a couple

Bradford

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

Shipley

Church Stanningley St Thomas
Photo by Mark Stevenson (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Pudsey

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

Leeds

Beautiful country side with long walks

Baildon

Beck Bottom
Photo by Chris Heaton (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Apperley Bridge

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 holiday 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 travellers 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 travelling 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 neighbourhoods, 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.