A Complete Guide to Easter Fun and April Days Out in the Bradford District

Thinking about what to do with the family over the Easter holidays? It’s that time of year when spring is finally showing its face, and everyone’s itching to get out and about. If a great day out is on the cards, then a visit to the Bradford district is a brilliant idea. This April, the entire area is buzzing with all sorts of events, activities, and attractions. From brilliant festivals and unique local traditions to fascinating museum exhibitions, there’s a lot to explore. Whether it’s for a day trip or a longer stay, Bradford has plenty to keep everyone entertained this spring.

April adventures across the district

As the weather gets a bit brighter, the Bradford district really comes into its own. The month of April is packed with a lively mix of cultural celebrations and family favourites. For the grown-ups, Haworth is hosting its popular Haworth Beer Festival, a fantastic chance to sample some local brews. Meanwhile, over in Ilkley, things get a bit silly with the Great Ilkley Duck Race. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a race with thousands of little yellow rubber ducks – and it's a quacking tradition that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile. It’s one of those wonderfully quirky local events that make a visit so memorable.

For those who love a bit of history, the village of Saltaire is celebrating World Heritage Day on the 18th of April. Saltaire is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it’s recognised as being incredibly special on a global scale. The events will celebrate its amazing industrial past. And speaking of celebrations, Bradford’s own Cherry Blossom Festival is back at the beautiful Bolling Hall Museum. This is a perfect spring event, full of stunning colour and live performances. It's a lovely, relaxed day out for the whole family to enjoy some beautiful scenery and culture. The entire district really does have a lot to offer.

A step back in time at City Hall

For anyone after an experience that’s a bit different from the usual museum trip, a visit to the Bradford Police Museum is a must. It’s found right inside the magnificent City Hall, and it offers a pretty amazing glimpse into Bradford’s past. This isn't about dusty displays in glass cases. Here, visitors can actually walk through the original Victorian police cells and imagine the stories those walls could tell. The museum tour also leads into the historic courtroom where justice was handed down years ago. It’s a proper look into the history of policing in the city.

The museum's gallery has a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions that bring the history to life. It’s a great activity for a family with older kids who are interested in history. And for those planning an Easter trip, the museum will be open on Easter Saturday from 10:00 to 15:30. There are guided tours running every 45 minutes, which are fantastic for getting all the interesting stories, but there’s also a gallery-only ticket for people who prefer to explore at their own pace. It’s a unique attraction that’s well worth a visit.

Easter treats and spring flavours

Let’s be honest, one of the best parts of any holiday is the food. And this Easter, there’s no need to spend the weekend stressing over a hot stove. Across the Bradford district, pubs, cafes, and restaurants are rolling out fresh spring menus perfect for a family meal. Whether it’s a comforting Sunday roast in a cosy countryside pub, a laid-back brunch with all the trimmings, or even one of Bradford’s world-famous curries, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

Making the weekend feel special is easy when someone else is doing the cooking. It’s the perfect opportunity to book a table, get the family together, and just enjoy some great food and even better company. It’s a chance to relax and stay for a while, making the most of the long Easter weekend without any of the usual hassle. A good meal is the perfect way to round off a day of exploring the district's attractions.

Fun for the little ones with Peppa Pig

For anyone with young children, the arrival of Peppa Pig is a very big deal. The brilliant Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is coming to St George’s Hall in Bradford for a special live experience that the little ones will absolutely love. The show promises to be packed with songs, giggles, and all the Peppa magic that makes the TV programme so popular. It’s a chance to see the colourful world of Peppa brought to life right on stage, which is a really special treat for the whole family.

Performances are scheduled for the 11th and 12th of April, making it a perfect Easter holiday activity. There’s a giveaway to win a family ticket for four, but time is running out. The competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 1st April, so anyone wanting to be in with a chance needs to get their entry in straight away. It's an oinktastic adventure that would make for a truly memorable family day out at the hall.

Your April diary sorted

With so many fantastic things happening, it can be tricky to plan your visit. To make things a little easier, here is a quick guide to some of the key events and activities taking place across the Bradford district this April. There is a whole host of attractions to see, so why not stay for a bit and explore everything on offer?

• 17th–19th April – Haworth Beer Festival – The Old School Room, Haworth

• 18th April – Ukrainian Day – Darley Street Market, Bradford

• 18th April – World Heritage Day – Roberts Park, Saltaire

• 19th April – Cinerama & Projection Room Tour – Pictureville Cinema, Bradford

• 22nd April–2nd May – Calendar Girls The Musical – Ilkley Playhouse