Free Family Activities at Bradford Cathedral this October Half-Term

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are turning, there’s a definite chill in the air, and the October half-term is just around the corner. For many parents, grandparents, and carers, this brings the yearly puzzle: how to keep the children entertained without spending a fortune, especially when the British weather can’t be trusted. It’s a real head-scratcher finding something that appeals to a mix of ages. What works for a six-year-old is often met with an eye-roll from a twelve-year-old. But there’s good news for anyone looking for fun, free, and engaging family activities in West Yorkshire. Bradford Cathedral is throwing open its doors for a day of creative fun.

On Tuesday 28th October, the historic Bradford Cathedral is bringing back its popular free family activities. These sessions are designed to give families a fantastic day out, packed with things to do for children of all ages. To make sure everyone has a great time and enough space, there are two distinct free sessions available. Families can choose between a morning slot from 10am to 12 noon or an afternoon one from 1pm to 3pm. It's a brilliant way to spend a few hours soaking up some history and getting creative, and it’s completely free.

Creative fun for all ages

One of the biggest challenges for any family event is catering to different age groups. Bradford Cathedral seems to have this sorted. For the younger children, the focus is on hands-on, seasonal creativity. They can get stuck into a range of autumnal crafts, perfect for little hands. Think colourful leaf rubbing, crafty hedgehogs, and lots of themed colouring to get them in the spirit of the season. These kinds of activities are brilliant for letting their imaginations run wild, and they get to take something home at the end of it. These craft tables are a great hub of activity and fun. But what about the older ones? They haven’t been forgotten. For them, there are more challenging activities designed to get them thinking. There are quizzes to test their knowledge, perhaps about the cathedral’s fascinating history or its stunning architecture. For the artistic types, there’s the chance for some sketching. A cathedral is a pretty amazing place to draw, with its intricate stained-glass windows, ancient stone carvings, and soaring arches. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to practise their skills. These specially designed crafts and quizzes ensure that older children have just as much fun as the little ones, making it a genuinely family-friendly day out.

More than just crafts and quizzes

While the crafts and colouring are a big draw, the day offers much more. For those who want to discover the stories hidden within the cathedral’s walls, there are family-friendly guided tours. These aren’t stuffy, boring lectures. They are special tours designed to capture the imagination of both children and adults. The guides are brilliant at pointing out the quirky details and sharing the amazing history of the place in a way that everyone can enjoy. These guided tours run at 11am and 2pm, fitting perfectly within the main activity sessions. If a formal tour isn’t the family’s style, that’s no problem either. The cathedral encourages visitors to explore at their own pace. There are self-guided trails available, which are a fantastic way to turn a walk around the building into a treasure hunt. These trails and quizzes keep the children engaged, sending them on a mission to find specific details or answer questions as they wander through the magnificent space. It’s a perfect blend of learning and fun, and a great way to ensure the whole family gets to see the highlights of this incredible building. The education team has put a lot of thought into these activities.

A warm welcome for everyone

The team at the cathedral is keen to make sure everyone feels welcome. It’s not just about the planned activities; it’s about creating a friendly and open atmosphere for all visitors. Maggie Myers, Bradford Cathedral’s Director of Education and Visitors, shared her enthusiasm for the event.

“We're looking forward to welcoming children and their carers to our next free family activities.”

“As well as the craft activities on offer, there are family-friendly guided tours at 11am and 2pm. There is so much to see and do at Bradford Cathedral and everyone is welcome! The Cathedral will also be open on that day for families to look around in their own time and there are always Cathedral quizzes and trails to keep the children busy! Refreshments are also available.”

It’s lovely to know that after all that exploring and creating, families can grab some refreshments, making the visit even more comfortable. The availability of these refreshments means parents and grandparents can relax with a cuppa while the children are busy.

The practical bits you need to know

So, how can families get in on this action? The most important thing to know is that while these family activities are free, booking is highly recommended. These events are popular, and securing a spot beforehand means no disappointment on the day. The booking system helps the organisers manage numbers and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

It's also a key rule that all children must be accompanied by an adult—whether that be parents, grandparents, or carers—at all times during the activities. Here are the key details in one place:

• What: Free Family Activities
• Where: Bradford Cathedral
• When: Tuesday 28th October
• Time Slots: 10am – 12 noon OR 1pm – 3pm
• Cost: Completely free!

It’s a day of fun that promises to make this October half-term a memorable one.