Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and bordering Leeds, two thirds of the district is classified as rural making Bradford one of the UK's residential hotspots. Towns such as Haworth, Shipley and Bingley in Airedale and Ilkley in Wharfedale are attractive towns, set in rural surroundings, offering the best in relaxed living and outdoor activities.
As well as the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the city has a rich cultural heritage with two renowned theatres, the Alhambra and St George's Hall. Both theatres have full programmes including touring West End productions, comedies and musical events. The National Media Museum is also based in Bradford. It is one of the most popular museums outside London, and it offers exciting interactive exhibits and hosts a number of international film festivals.
It's not just the commercial and cultural sectors that are prospering in Bradford. The new Westfield Bradford shopping centre will help to transform the retail offering in the city. With Leeds only 15 minutes away by train and Manchester less than an hour, Bradford is ideally situated for both commercial and leisure activities.
The district is also an attractive tourist destination, containing Saltaire (a World Heritage Site) and Haworth (home of the Bronte Sisters). The city centre contains a large number of original Victorian buildings particularly in Little Germany. In fact Bradford has more listed buildings per square mile than any other UK city outside London. The city was historically a centre for wool merchants, but has had a diverse history which has seen many different types of business operating successfully from within the district over the years.
