Travel Guide
Move Over London! Experts Crown Lesser-Known Destination As Top U.K. City For 2025
Jan
Last Updated
As iconic as London may be, it might be a bit of a stretch to say step aside, but every giant has its downfall at one point or another.
For 2025, in a David vs. Goliath-type duel, the former is coming out on top, at least according to the UK’s longstanding go-to news source, BBC.
Compiling an insightful list of the 25 best places to travel this year, the nation of Wales took the crown as England’s top destination, but as far as individual cities go, there was an even bigger surprise.
In fact, London didn’t crack the top 25. Perhaps, like me, they were tired of dishing out $12 for a pint of local brew and $25 for so-so fish and chips.
Bradford, on the other hand, is much more affordable and declared the UK’s next big thing, backed not only by BBC but highlighted as a top 5 destination by TimeOut as well.
So, what’s all the hype for this relatively unknown city? Let’s dive in.
Bradford: The UK’s New Capital Of Culture
London may be the U.K.’s global household name and a melting pot of cultures in its own right. I mean, is there anywhere else in Europe to get better Indian food?
I think not.
That being said, Bradford is being given the chance to take center stage in 2025 to showcase its newfound cultural explosion and step out from the shadows of other major British cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and neighboring Leeds.
Bradford has been nominated for the title of the 2025 UK City of Culture, and honestly, there’s no better time to visit.
Holding hundreds of spectacular events throughout 2025, there’s no bad time to visit. But, if you do squeeze in a last-minute winter getaway, definitely pack a raincoat.
Here are 10 exciting Bradford events to keep an eye on throughout 2025:
- A City of Film (the world’s first UNESCO City of Film)
- Nationhood: Memory and Hope
- Ramadan Festival 2025
- Marshmallow Laser Feast
- Ice Age Now
- Meet Our Mothers
- Dragons
- Dialled In
- BBC Introducing at the Underground
- Time for Tea (free; and what’s more British than this?!)
One cool experience to check out is the newly reopened Science + Media Museum.
Explore Bradford’s Timeless Streets, Including “Little Germany”
In typical U.K. fashion, you will captivated by timeless marvels and historic attractions dotted throughout the rather small city of 560,000 residents.
If you’re visiting to partake in the aforementioned events, then surely you’ll pass through the city center, where you can’t miss the staggering Bradford Cathedral, one of the city’s most photo-worthy sites.
An absolute must-visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire. Here, you’ll discover one of the most unique architectural villages in all of Europe, now lined with delightful shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Better yet, while thousands of tourists simultaneously gawk at Big Ben and the London Eye, you can stay in one of the most well-preserved picturesque villages in Europe by kicking back, grabbing a beer at Salt Beer Factory, where one recent patron boasted, “Don’t leave Saltaire without stopping here. In fact, make a special journey to go.”
Last but not least, “Little Germany” is small yet mighty. This pint-sized district is a window into the past with rows of Victorian structures and imposing facades.
It’s a true delight for those who like to arrive with an empty camera roll.
How Affordable Is Bradford? Very!
Whether it’s the Cotswolds, London, or numerous hidden gems, the big question mark for travelers visiting the notoriously pricey U.K. is always their budget.
While certain restaurants and pubs can still getchya with tourist prices, especially in a year with possibly more tourists than ever visiting, Bradford is still surprisingly affordable to visit compared to its counterparts.
For example, you can score a 4-star hotel such as Cedar Court Hotel Bradford under $60! Yeah… try that in London.
Getting around is fairly inexpensive too. Single bus tickets start at just $250. Check out a full list of MCard prices here for bus, train, and tram travel.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
