Bradford City – Valley Parade
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
🟡 ABOUT VALLEY PARADE
Valley Parade, officially known as the University of Bradford Stadium, is a historic football ground in the heart of Bradford, West Yorkshire. Home to Bradford City since 1903, this 25,136-capacity stadium has witnessed over 120 years of footballing history, including one of English football’s darkest days and most triumphant European adventures. The ground sits in a natural valley – hence the name – surrounded by Victorian terraced housing that gives it genuine traditional football character.
Valley Parade features four stands: the Midland Road Stand (main stand with executive facilities), the TL Dallas Stand (opposite side), the Kop (home end), and the Bradford End (away section). The Stadium was extensively rebuilt following the tragic 1985 fire disaster, creating the modern all-seater ground whilst retaining its intimate, old-school atmosphere. Valley Parade represents resilient Yorkshire football heritage.
Bradford City – The Bantams – were founded in 1903 and have a proud history, including winning the FA Cup in 1911 (still celebrating!) and reaching the League Cup final in 2013. The club enjoyed a memorable 1999-2001 spell in the Premier League, including a famous 1-0 win over Liverpool at Valley Parade. More recently, Bradford created one of English football’s greatest FA Cup giant-killing runs in 2015, beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge and knocking out Premier League opposition in four consecutive rounds before falling to Reading in the quarter-finals.
The famous claret-and-amber stripes have been worn since 1908. Bradford’s passionate support – averaging over 15,000 in League Two – is remarkable and creates a brilliant atmosphere. Valley Parade may not be glamorous, but it’s proper football with proper supporters in a proper Yorkshire city.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 25,136 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1903 (121+ years of history!) |
| Away Section | Bradford End (behind goal) |
| Away Allocation | Typically 1,800-2,000 seats (lower tier), up to 4,000 for larger followings |
| Record Attendance | 39,146 vs Burnley (FA Cup, 1911) |
🚗 GETTING TO VALLEY PARADE
Valley Parade is located approximately 1 mile south-west of Bradford city centre in the Manningham area. Bradford Interchange (combined train and bus station) provides excellent public transport connections from across Yorkshire and beyond. The ground is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or a 15-20 minute walk from the city centre through residential streets.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Valley Parade Address: Valley Parade, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7DY
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Bradford Interchange has excellent connections from across Yorkshire and the UK. The Interchange is a combined train and bus station, making onward connections very convenient. From the Interchange, Valley Parade is approximately 1.5 miles – either a straightforward 20-minute walk through the city centre, a quick 8-10 minute bus ride (frequent services), or a 5-7 minute taxi journey. The walk takes you through Bradford’s Victorian city centre with stunning architecture!
Journey Times to Bradford Interchange:
🔵 Leeds: 20 minutes (direct, frequent services every 15-30 mins)
🟡 Manchester Piccadilly: 55 minutes (direct, frequent services)
🔴 London Kings Cross: 3 hours 20 minutes (change at Leeds)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: 2 hours 45 minutes (change at Leeds)
🟢 Sheffield: 1 hour 15 minutes (change at Leeds)
🟣 York: 55 minutes (change at Leeds)
🟢 Halifax: 15 minutes (direct, frequent services)
Getting from Bradford Interchange to Valley Parade
🚶 Walking (20 minutes) – Recommended!
Exit Interchange, walk west through the city centre on Cheapside, continue onto Westgate, then Queens Road into Manningham Lane. Turn left onto Valley Parade. Straightforward route through Bradford’s Victorian city centre. Excellent opportunity to see City Hall, explore the city, and build up to the match!
🚌 Bus (8-10 minutes, £2)
Frequent services from Interchange to Manningham (routes 622, 623, 626, 640, 641, 650, 662). Get off at Great Horton Road/Valley Parade stop (2-3 minute walk to ground). Buses every 5-15 minutes. Very convenient – the bus station is integrated into the Interchange.
🚕 Taxi (5-7 minutes, £6-8)
Taxis available at Interchange rank. Quick journey to Valley Parade. Convenient if carrying bags or running late, but the walk through the city centre is genuinely worthwhile!
💡 Top Tip: Arrive at Bradford Interchange 3-4 hours before kick-off. Bradford is genuinely worth exploring – visit the National Science & Media Museum (FREE!), see City Hall’s magnificent architecture, grab lunch at one of Bradford’s world-class curry houses, have drinks in city centre pubs, then walk or bus to Valley Parade around 90 minutes before kick-off. The city has far more to offer than most people realise!
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🔗 First Bus West Yorkshire: firstbus.co.uk/west-yorkshire
🔗 Bradford City Official Site: bradfordcityfc.co.uk
🚙 BY CAR
Valley Parade is accessible from the M62 and M606 motorways. However, street parking around the ground is residents-only and heavily restricted on matchdays.
🛣️ Driving Directions:
- From M606: Exit M606 at junction 2, follow signs for Bradford city centre onto Queens Road, continue onto Manningham Lane, Valley Parade is on the left.
- From M62: Exit M62 at junction 26 onto M606 southbound towards Bradford, then follow directions above.
🅿️ Parking Options:
- Midland Road Car Park: Official matchday parking at the ground. Limited spaces, advance booking recommended. Approximately £10. Exit can be slow after matches.
- Bradford Interchange Car Park: Large multi-storey car park (500+ spaces). 1.5 miles from the ground. Approximately £4 for 4 hours. Walk or bus to the stadium. Recommended option for stress-free parking.
- Private Driveways: YourParkingSpace.co.uk and JustPark offer residents’ driveways near Valley Parade (book in advance). Approximately £5-8.
- Street Parking: Very limited and residents-only zones throughout the Manningham area. Not recommended for matchdays.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The Manningham area has extensive residents-only parking zones. Street parking is very difficult on matchdays. We strongly recommend public transport or pre-booked parking at Interchange.
🚌 BY BUS
Bradford has excellent bus services operated by First Bus and other providers. Frequent services run from Bradford Interchange to Manningham (Valley Parade area).
- Routes 622, 623, 626, 640, 641, 650, 662: All run from Bradford Interchange to Manningham. Get off at Great Horton Road/Valley Parade stop (2-3 minute walk to ground).
- Journey time: 8-10 minutes from Interchange
- Frequency: Services every 5-15 minutes throughout the day
- Fares: Approximately £2 single, £4 day ticket
🚌 Bus Information: First Bus West Yorkshire | West Yorkshire Metro
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN BRADFORD
Bradford offers good value accommodation with options from budget chains to boutique hotels. Staying in Bradford city centre provides easy access to Valley Parade, nightlife, and local attractions. Leeds (20 mins by train) offers more upmarket options if preferred.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (Under £60)
Premier Inn Bradford City Centre
Canal Road, Bradford, BD1 4SJ
Distance to Valley Parade: 1.3 miles (25 min walk / 8 min bus)
Typical Price: £45-65 per night
Why Stay: Reliable budget chain near the city centre. Clean, comfortable, good breakfast. Walking distance to Bradford Interchange. No-frills but dependable.
Travelodge Bradford
Westgate, Bradford, BD1 2TZ
Distance to Valley Parade: 1 mile (20 min walk / 7 min bus)
Typical Price: £35-55 per night
Why Stay: Budget accommodation in the city centre. Basic but clean. Excellent value. Perfect location for exploring Bradford and easy access to Valley Parade.
Midland Hotel Bradford
Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 4HU
Distance to Valley Parade: 1.2 miles (22 min walk / 8 min bus)
Typical Price: £50-70 per night
Why Stay: Historic Victorian railway hotel opposite Bradford Forster Square station. Traditional building with character. Restaurant and bar on-site. Good budget option with personality.
💷💷 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£60-100)
Great Victoria Hotel Bradford
Bridge Street, Bradford, BD1 1JX
Distance to Valley Parade: 1.4 miles (27 min walk / 9 min bus)
Typical Price: £65-85 per night
Why Stay: Elegant hotel in a Victorian building opposite City Hall. Beautiful period features, comfortable rooms, good restaurant. Central location perfect for exploring Bradford. Character hotel at fair prices.
Cedar Court Hotel Bradford
Mayo Avenue, Bradford, BD5 8HW
Distance to Valley Parade: 2.5 miles (taxi/bus recommended)
Typical Price: £70-95 per night
Why Stay: Modern hotel with leisure facilities including pool and gym. Restaurant, bar, free parking. Slightly out of centre but good value. Ideal if driving to the match.
Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre
Vicar Lane, Bradford, BD1 5LD
Distance to Valley Parade: 1.2 miles (23 min walk / 8 min bus)
Typical Price: £65-90 per night
Why Stay: Modern hotel in city centre location. Breakfast included, comfortable rooms, and reliable service. Walking distance to Bradford Interchange and city attractions. Solid mid-range choice.
💷💷💷 PREMIUM OPTIONS (£100+)
The Bradford Hotel (Mercure)
Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 5SH
Distance to Valley Parade: 1.4 miles (28 min walk / 9 min bus)
Typical Price: £85-125 per night
Why Stay: Bradford’s premier hotel in stunning Art Deco building (former Midland Bank HQ). Gorgeous period features, stylish rooms, excellent restaurant. Right in the city centre. Bradford’s best hotel experience.
Dubrovnik Hotel Bradford
2 Oak Avenue, Bradford, BD8 7AQ
Distance to Valley Parade: 0.4 miles (8 min walk!)
Typical Price: £75-110 per night
Why Stay: Boutique hotel closest to Valley Parade! Converted Victorian building with character rooms, restaurant, and bar. Brilliant location for the match – you can walk there in 10 minutes. Perfect for away supporters.
💡 LEEDS ALTERNATIVE: Consider staying in Leeds (20 mins by train) for more upmarket hotels, better nightlife, and more dining options. The Calls Serviced Apartments (£100-150) or Dakota Leeds (£120-180) offer excellent quality. Easy train connection to Bradford Interchange.
🍺 FOOD & DRINK IN BRADFORD
Bradford is famous for being the “Curry Capital of Britain” with incredible South Asian restaurants. The city centre also has good pubs, though options immediately around Valley Parade are limited. Most away fans drink in the city centre before walking or busing to the ground.
🍺 PUBS NEAR VALLEY PARADE
The Corn Dolly
110 Bolton Road, Bradford, BD1 4DE
Distance: 10 min walk from Valley Parade
Why Visit: Traditional pub closest to the ground that generally welcomes away fans. Good selection of beers, friendly atmosphere, proper local pub. Gets busy on matchdays. No food but decent for pre-match pints.
The Record Café
38-40 North Parade, Bradford, BD1 3HZ
Distance: 15 min walk / Bradford city centre
Why Visit: Quirky independent bar and café with vinyl record shop. Great craft beers, coffee, relaxed vibe. Popular with younger crowd. Food available. Perfect pre-match spot in the city centre.
Wetherspoon – The Turls Green
14-16 Westgate, Bradford, BD1 2TW
Distance: 18 min walk / Bradford city centre
Why Visit: Reliable Wetherspoons in the city centre. Cheap food and drink, family-friendly, always busy on matchdays. Good starting point before heading to Valley Parade. All the usual Spoons benefits.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The area immediately around Valley Parade has very limited pub options. Most supporters drink in Bradford city centre (15-20 min walk) before heading to the ground. The Corn Dolly is the closest proper pub option.
🍽️ RESTAURANTS IN BRADFORD
Kashmir Restaurant
27 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AG
Cuisine: Indian/Pakistani curry house
Why Visit: Bradford curry legend! Multi-award-winning restaurant serving incredible curries since 1971. Authentic Pakistani dishes, generous portions, amazing flavours. Absolutely essential Bradford experience. Book ahead for weekend evenings. This is what Bradford Curry is famous for!
MyLahore
1 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD1 2AE
Cuisine: Pakistani/Indian street food
Why Visit: Modern Pakistani restaurant with incredible reputation. Famous for grilled meats, karahi dishes, amazing naan breads. Busy, buzzing atmosphere. Bradford institution. Don’t miss the chapli kebabs. Outstanding quality.
Akbars
1276 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 8LF
Cuisine: Indian/Pakistani cuisine
Why Visit: Another Bradford curry institution with massive portions and brilliant flavours. Famous for their karahi dishes and grilled meats. Slightly out of city centre but worth the trip. Phenomenal value. Prepare to be seriously full!
Prashad
137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, BD11 1AT
Cuisine: Gujarati vegetarian (Best Vegetarian Restaurant in UK!)
Why Visit: Award-winning vegetarian restaurant on Bradford outskirts. Incredible Gujarati dishes, creative flavours, beautiful presentation. Even meat-eaters rave about this place. Worth the taxi journey. Book well ahead!
Fanny’s Ale & Cider House
58 North Parade, Bradford, BD1 3HU
Cuisine: British pub grub
Why Visit: Proper Yorkshire pub with excellent ales and hearty food. Pies, burgers, Sunday roasts. Local ingredients, proper pub atmosphere. Good craft beer selection. Popular with football fans. Solid pre-match meal option.
💡 CURRY CAPITAL: Bradford is genuinely one of Britain’s best cities for curry! The concentration of outstanding Pakistani and Indian restaurants is incredible. Kashmir, MyLahore, and Akbars are must-visits. The curries here are seriously good – don’t miss the opportunity!
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN BRADFORD
Bradford is a fascinating city with UNESCO City of Film status, excellent museums, stunning Victorian architecture, and multicultural character. Often overlooked, Bradford rewards visitors with genuine substance beyond the football.
🏛️ TOP ATTRACTIONS
National Science & Media Museum
FREE admission! Fantastic museum covering photography, film, TV, and science. Seven floors of interactive exhibitions, IMAX cinema, brilliant collections. One of the UK’s best free museums. Perfect rainy day activity. Bradford’s UNESCO City of Film status celebrated here.
Saltaire Village (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Stunning Victorian model village built by mill owner Titus Salt in the 1850s. Beautifully preserved streets, Salts Mill (now David Hockney gallery), canal walks. UNESCO World Heritage Site! Just 4 miles from Bradford. Train or bus connections. Absolutely gorgeous – genuinely world-class heritage.
Bradford City Hall
Magnificent Victorian Gothic building dominating City Park. Tower tours available (book ahead). The 220-foot tower offers stunning views across Bradford. Beautiful architecture, dramatic bells. City Park around it has fountains, events, food stalls. Bradford’s architectural jewel.
Bradford Industrial Museum
FREE admission! Set in a former textile mill, this museum tells Bradford’s industrial heritage story. Working machinery, tram rides, Victorian workers’ cottages, vintage cars. Fascinating insight into the city that powered the Industrial Revolution. Brilliant for history enthusiasts.
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
FREE admission! Baroque-style gallery in beautiful Lister Park. Permanent collection including David Hockney works (Bradford’s most famous son!), Victorian art, contemporary exhibitions. The park itself is gorgeous with botanical gardens and boating lake. Lovely setting.
St George’s Hall
Stunning concert hall with brilliant acoustics. Regular classical music, comedy, and live events. Check what’s on during your visit. The building itself is architecturally magnificent. Bradford has serious cultural credentials – UNESCO City of Film isn’t just marketing!
🚂 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
🏙️ Leeds (20 mins by train): Major city with excellent shopping (Victoria Quarter, Trinity Leeds), world-class museums (Royal Armouries FREE!), brilliant nightlife, and food scene. Easy day trip or alternative base.
🏛️ Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth (30 mins): Literary pilgrimage to the Brontë sisters’ home. Atmospheric village, moorland walks, period interiors. Essential for literature fans.
🌲 Yorkshire Dales National Park (40 mins): Stunning landscapes, traditional villages, walking trails. Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, Bolton Abbey. Gorgeous Yorkshire scenery.
🏰 Skipton (30 mins): Market town with intact medieval castle, canal basin, market days. Lovely Yorkshire character and gateway to the Dales.
🎭 THE BRADFORD EXPERIENCE
🍛 Curry Capital: Bradford’s Pakistani and Indian restaurants are genuinely world-class. Kashmir, MyLahore, and Akbars are must-visits!
🏛️ UNESCO Heritage: Two UNESCO designations – City of Film AND Saltaire World Heritage Site. Bradford has serious cultural credentials!
🎨 David Hockney: Bradford’s most famous son! See his work at Cartwright Hall and Salts Mill in Saltaire.
⚽ THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏆 FA Cup Winners 1911: Bradford beat Newcastle United 1-0 in the replay – still celebrated 113 years later!
🔥 Giant Killers 2015: Legendary FA Cup run beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge – one of modern football’s greatest shocks!
👏 Passionate Support: Bradford averages 15,000+ in League Two – remarkable loyalty creating brilliant atmosphere!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Valley Parade means experiencing one of English football’s most resilient clubs in a proper working-class football city. Bradford City have survived tragedy, enjoyed Premier League football, created FA Cup magic, and maintained passionate support through everything. The 1985 fire disaster claimed 56 lives and remains one of football’s darkest days – but Bradford rebuilt, both the stadium and the club, showing remarkable Yorkshire resilience.
Valley Parade may not be glamorous, but it represents proper football heritage. The 1911 FA Cup triumph over Newcastle, the 1999-2001 Premier League adventure, and particularly the incredible 2015 FA Cup run (beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge!) show Bradford can produce genuine magic. The claret and amber stripes mean something – this is a club with proud history and brilliant supporters.
But Bradford itself is genuinely worth exploring beyond the football. This is Britain’s first UNESCO City of Film with the excellent National Science & Media Museum (FREE!) celebrating that heritage. Saltaire, just 4 miles away, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a stunning Victorian model village that’s absolutely gorgeous. Bradford’s multicultural character shines through its incredible food scene – this is genuinely the Curry Capital of Britain with world-class Pakistani and Indian restaurants like Kashmir, MyLahore, and Akbars serving phenomenal curries that rival anywhere in the UK.
The Victorian architecture throughout the city is magnificent (City Hall is stunning!), there are excellent free museums, and David Hockney’s hometown celebrates his artistic legacy. Bradford combines industrial heritage, cultural credentials, and genuine Yorkshire character.
The logistics work brilliantly – Bradford Interchange provides excellent train connections from across Yorkshire and beyond (Leeds 20 mins, Manchester 55 mins). From Interchange, walk 20 minutes through the city centre to Valley Parade or take a quick bus (8-10 mins).
Our advice? Arrive mid-morning, explore Saltaire’s UNESCO World Heritage village (stunning!), return to Bradford for lunch at one of the legendary curry houses (Kashmir is incredible!), visit the Science & Media Museum (fascinating and FREE!), have pre-match drinks in city centre pubs, then walk or bus to Valley Parade. After the match, explore Bradford’s nightlife or catch the train back to Leeds for more options. The Dubrovnik Hotel is just 8 minutes walk from the ground if staying overnight!
Take the train to Bradford Interchange, explore this fascinating city’s UNESCO heritage and world-class curries, and experience Valley Parade where resilient Yorkshire football thrives!
🟡🟥 City! ⚽
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🟡 Bradford City: 01274 773355 | bradfordcityfc.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 01274 770012 | bradfordcityfc.co.uk/tickets
🚌 First Bus West Yorkshire: 0345 646 0707 | firstbus.co.uk/west-yorkshire
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Bradford: visitbradford.com
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📍 Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
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John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.