VIVO Serviced Apartments are situated at the award winning Victoria Mills complex overlooking the River Aire and the Shipley Glen near to the world heritage centre.

 

VIVO is only a 5 minute drive from Bradford, a 10 minute drive from Leeds and also close to the M62 and Leeds/Bradford airport making it perfectly situated for business accommodation or leisure breaks in West Yorkshire.

 

Adjacent to VIVO runs a picturesque canal which can be reached easily and is ideally placed for outdoor lifestyle including walking, cycling and jogging. There is even an area to lock your bikes up within the secure on-site car park.

Saltaire is a stunning Victorian village, originally founded in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the base of the Aire Valley.

 

The quaint name was formed partially using its founders name and incorporating the title of the River that runs through the middle of this picturesque place, the River Aire.

 

The main focus of  the village is Salts Mill. Located in the heart of the village on the main street, this building acts as a haven for art, music, literature and culture and includes the  gallery of world famous local artist David Hockney.

 

One major aspect of Saltaire life never to be forgotten, is the social scene and well known belief that you can’t get better than a Yorkshire pub!

 

There are numerous local haunts within walking distance of the train station, and Salts Mill. If you find some wizened Yorkshire-man, sitting in the corner near the fire, with a good old pint of ale, wishing to regale you with an anecdote or two… why not listen, you may learn a lesson of olde.

 

The National Media Museum
The National Media Museum is part of the NMSI Museums Group and covers seven floors of a city centre building in Bradford.

 

It exists to “Engage, inspire and educate by promoting an understanding and appreciation of photography, film, television, radio and the web; using our collection and knowledge to deliver a cultural programme accessibly and authoritatively.”

 

It offers:
•  Permanent interactive galleries about photography, television and animation.
•  Three cinemas including an IMAX showing the latest 3D films, and two other auditoria showing less mainstream programming.
•  Two special exhibition galleries – staging a rolling programme of exhibitions.
•  A number of areas where learning activities – tours and talks – take place.
•  A research and collections centre where much of their extensive collection is held
•  Other facilities include a café, bar and shop.

 

The Alhambra Theatre
The Alhambra Theatre is the jewel in the crown of the city. Built in 1914 and refurbished in 1986 with stunning results, it is a testimony to the splendour of the Edwardian music hall era.

 

Today, the Alhambra is regarded as the North’s premier touring venue and hosts the best in large scale entertainment from ballet and opera to variety and comedy, musicals, drama and, of course, the annual pantomime.

Regular visits are made from prestigious companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre and the Royal National Theatre to compliment spectacular West End musicals such as Grease, Whistle Down the Wind and The Phantom of the Opera. The facilities of the building and high quality of the programme ensure that the Alhambra Theatre is popular with patrons throughout the region as well as being a source of pride in Bradford.

 

St. George’s Concert Hall
The Victorian built St. George’s Concert Hall is home to a wide range of entertainment bringing the cream of touring music, comedy and variety shows to the region. The beneficiary of a multi-million pound refurbishment which was completed in 1984, St. George’s has become a first choice for major international artists.

 

The venue hosts Bradford’s orchestral concert season, now in its 143th year with the Hallé in their third season as resident orchestra and offers plenty of choice for other musical tastes from bhangra to brass bands to rock and pop. A favourite venue of the national stand-up comedy circuit, the hall attracts big names in variety entertainment and also receives regular children’s shows and amateur productions. St George’s Hall is available for hire for conferences, exhibitions, meetings and shows. There are also a number of rooms available for smaller meetings and other events.

 

Henry Moore Institute
The HMI in Leeds is known internationally for its wide-ranging programme. Its exhibitions vary from historic to contemporary sculpture, as does its active research programme.

 

As well as managing a specialist library, the Institute curates the British sculpture and archive collections of Leeds Museums & Galleries.

Bradford Bulls

Based at Odsal Stadium in the city, Bradford Bulls play in the Super League, the top-level professional rugby league club competition in Europe.

 

They have won the Challenge Cup five times, been league champions six times and World Club Challenge winners three times.

 

 

Bradford City

Based at Valley Parade in the city, Bradford City AFC (also known as The Bantams) English association football club currently playing in League One, the third tier of English football, in the 2013–14 season.

 

In January 2013, City became the first club from the fourth tier of English football since Rochdale in 1962 to reach the Football League Cup final, and the first fourth tier club ever to reach a major Wembley Cup Final. They defeated three Premier League sides en route to the final.

Leeds Nights Out
Recently Leeds has received accolades in the field of tourism; including being voted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine Readers’ Awards as the “UK’s favourite city. Leeds has many fine hotels, both modern and traditional. Restaurants, Brasseries and café-bars, to enjoy international cuisine, or sample traditional English fare at the original ‘Harry Ramsdens’ just a few miles out of town. There are a variety of clubs and pubs, many with live music from a variety of cultures. The Grand Theatre is home to Opera North, where you can see ballet, west-end musicals and all that is best in the performing arts. Other theatres include The Civic Theatre, the famous City Varieties Theatre, and West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Music
Leeds plays host to many live music venues, currently including Leeds University refectory where The Who recorded their 1970 live album Live at Leeds and Motörhead recorded the majority of No Sleep ’til Hammersmith. Occasional gigs are held in Millennium Square in the city centre, including the Kaiser Chiefs and Fall Out Boy in 2006. Roundhay Park was home to Love Parade in 2000 and has also hosted gigs by the likes of Robbie Williams, U2, Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones. Harewood House has hosted gigs by the likes of James Blunt and The Who. Recently the First Direct Arena has opened in the city with Sir Elton John playing the official opening night.

 

Clubs
Leeds has gained a reputation as one of the UK’s favourite clubbing destinations and is often described as the UK’s ‘clubbing capital’, being a popular ‘Stag’ and ‘Hen Weekend’ destination and also the original home of the pioneering club nights Back to Basics and Speedqueen. Also, until a few years ago, nearby Morley, was home to the legendary Orbit, which for 13 years was known internationally as one of the original and best techno clubs in the country. Leeds is home to a number of large ‘super-clubs’ including Mission, Majestyk, Creation, Oceana and Evolution. Recently opened clubs include The Velvet Underground and the refurbished Warehouse, which is now home of the Saturday club night Electrocute.

 

Food and Drink
Towards Millennium Square and the Civic or Northern Quarter, is a newly developing entertainment district thriving on both students and weekend visitors. Recently, The Hard Rock Café, Jongleurs and Tiger Tiger have opened in the area, alongside various upmarket restaurants. Leeds is also home to some Bohemian bars that are not aimed at the ‘usual’ weekend crowd – especially the bars in and around Briggate and North Street. Millennium Square bursts into life during the night with its many bars and large outdoor screen mounted on the side of the Civic Theatre. Millennium Square also plays host to many large seasonal events, Gigs and Concerts, citywide parties and the Rhythms of the City Festival.
Bradford nights out
Bradford has always been a capital of culture andmulticulturalism and continues to lead the way with a cornucopia of events, restaurants and entertainment.

 

Theatre
With the Alhambra Theatre bringing a packed programme of musical entertainment an St Georges Hall offering more musical and comedy events Bradford really is the place to be if your idea of a good night out is immersing yourself in the arts.
Bradford

 


Food and Drink
Bradford isn’t renowned as the ‘Curry Captial’ for nothing. With a bewildering array of cuisine from the East as well as a host of other traditional and internationally based restaurants you really are spoilt for choice.

Bradford Top 50

1. Enjoy the Bradford Imax
   Bradford IMAX at the National Media Museum was the first IMAX cinema in Europe and offers the ultimate cinema experience. Choose from Hollywood Blockbusters to 3D Imax films; whatever you choose, you’ll be impressed.
2. Visit the working horses at the Bradford Industrial Museum
   Moorside Mills built in 1875 is home to the Bradford Industrial Museum, which illustrates Bradford’s industrial history. The museum also has a team of working horses and weather permitting you can enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn vehicle.
3. Eat some of the best Curry in the UK.
   Bradford has a well-earned reputation for some of the best Asian restaurants in the country. There are many award winning restaurants to choose from including the Aagrah, Omar Khans. Mumtaz and Aakbars.
4. Admire World Class Art
   Discover one of the world’s most famous artists – David Hockney. The 1853 Gallery in Salts Mill, Saltaire, houses one of his largest collections. Saltaire is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Take a guided walk in Saltaire
   Learn more about Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage Site’s history on a highly entertaining and informative guided walk of the village lead by Maria Glot.
6. Jump on board a steam train
   The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is an excellent way to travel through Brontë Country. Not only is it one of Yorkshire’s only steam railways it’s a great day out. Look out for the many events that are held at the railway including the popular Beer and Music Festival and the Santa Trains.
7. Walk on Ilkley Moor
   Impressive views of Wharfedale and beyond can be admired from Ilkley Moor. The Moor is home to pre-historic rocks and is rich in wildlife. Visit www.visitbradford.com/countryside-outdoors and download walking routes, which include the moor.
8. Feeling brave?
   Then jump into the icy cold plunge pool at White Wells, Ilkley Moor. White Wells houses two 18th century plunge baths as well as a café. It’s open when the flags are flying!
9. Read the News
   Read the news with Hugh Edwards, BBC presenter, be the star of your own show or get behind the camera. The whole family will enjoy the TV Making experience at one of the National Media Museum’s hands-on exhibitions.
10. Shop for all things vintage in Saltaire
    Saltaire has lots of interesting independent shops, including the popular House of Rose & Brown full of vintage clothing, jewellery, accessories, furniture and collectables. Look out for the regular vintage fairs held in nearby Victoria Hall.
11. Spend a night at the theatre
    Considered to be the jewel in Bradford crown the magnificent Alhambra Theatre offers the best in West End shows, ballet, musicals, dramas and the annual pantomime. Book your ticket online today www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
12. Relax at the Love Apple
    One of the city’s most popular venues the Love Apple Café is a restaurant, bar and club with some of the best gigs in the city.
13. Discover Connect at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
    Cartwright Hall’s latest permanent exhibition is Connect a rich and diverse collection that includes paintings, prints, drawings, textiles, sculpture, stained glass and ceramics and features key works by artists such as David Hockey, L.S Lowry, Joshua Reynolds, Andy Warhol and Bridget Riley.
14. Have fun at the Bradford Mela
    Take the family to the Bradford Mela, a celebration of different cultures, which each year offers a fantastic family friendly mix of quality outdoor entertainment, street theatre, market stalls, children’s activities and funfair rides.
15. Become a film buff
    Watch the best in world cinema at the Bradford Film Festival (March), one of the city’s three film festivals, which include Bite the Mango (September) and the Bradford Animation Festival (November).
16. Learn more about the Brontës
    The world of Wuthering Heights is brought to life in the famous village of Haworth, as this picturesque village was once home to the literary greats the Brontës. Their home is now the Bronte Parsonage Museum, which is full of their original possessions as well as a fascinating exhibition about their lives.
17. Shop at the UK’s largest Asian department store
    Bombay Stores is the UK’s largest Asian department store. Luxurious fabrics, Asian fashions, shoes, jewellery, large haberdashery and restaurant make this a day out in itself.
18. Wander through Undercliffe Cemetery
    Undercliffe Cemetery is one of the finest Victorian Gothic cemeteries in the UK, full of obelisks, grand columns and statues of angels. Here you will find many of the notable inhabitants of Bradford along with veterans of famous conflicts such as Waterloo and the Crimea.
19. Dine at the Michelin starred Box Tree
    The Michelin starred Box Tree in Ilkley is one of Yorkshire’s finest restaurants. Go on treat yourself!
20. Learn more about Roman remains in Ilkley
    The Manor House Museum in Ilkley stands on the remains of the Roman fort of Olicana. Only a short section of defensive wall remains exposed at the back of the building, but Roman artefacts from the fort and surrounding area are on permanent display inside.
21. Celeb spot at the Ilkley literature Festival
    The Ilkley Literature Festival attracts some of the best from the world of literature and entertainment. Choose from author’s events, discussions, poetry, readings, literary walks and children’s events.
22. Admire Little Germany
    Bradford’s Victorian past is evident in the impressive buildings in the city’s Little Germany. German merchants built these imposing buildings to house their goods and many are now listed.
23. Have fun at the Alhambra’s Comedy Club 
    Bag of Quips is Bradford’s monthly comedy night and attracts some of the best acts currently on the circuit.
24. Discover the inspiration for Wuthering Heights
    The ruins of the farmhouse Top Withens on Haworth Moor are thought to have been the inspiration for Emily Bronte’s classic novel Wuthering Heights. There are many connections to the Brontës in Haworth and the surrounding area. Visit the Bronte Parsonage or Haworth Tourist Information Centre for more information.
25. Get dressed up for 1940s Weekend
    1940s Weekend is a spectacular celebration of the 1940s. Get dressed up in 40’s attire, dance the night away at one of the dances and enjoy live music at one of Haworth’s most popular events.
26. Visit East Riddlesden Hall
    East Riddlesden Hall is a beautiful 17th century manor house and is an ideal place for a family day out with its impressive gardens, play area and children’s events.
27. Discover Bradford Cathedral
    Bradford Cathedral is the city’s oldest place of worship and has a fascinating history. The Cathedral is a beautiful building and has many interesting features including twelve stained glass windows designed by William Morris. A varied programme of cultural events, performances and exhibitions are also available.
28. Shop in Main Street, Haworth
    Haworth’s Main Street is a shopper’s paradise with its many independent shops selling fresh local produce, gifts and clothes. There are plenty of pubs and cafes nearby to rest weary feet.
29. Rock climb on Ilkley Moor
    Ilkley has some of the best grit stone bouldering territory in the country and the Cow and Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor are just one of the places to try.
30. Watch TV classics in TV Heaven
    Watch any of the classic television programmes from the TV Heaven collection completely free of charge at the National Media Museum. With over 900 programmes, encompassing the last 60 years of television broadcasting history there’s plenty to choose from.
31. Take a stroll through Middleton Woods
    It’s best to visit Middleton Woods in May when the forest floor is awash with pretty bluebells. Ilkley Tourist Information Centre has walking routes, which cover this beautiful part of Ilkley.
32. Spend an afternoon in Salts Mill
    Salts Mill has lots to offer: One of the largest collections of David Hockney’s works, lots of independent shops and several cafes and restaurants, all in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire.
33. Admire Saltaire United Reformed Church
    Saltaire United Reformed Church is a spectacular Grade 1 listed building and is a unique example of Italianate religious architecture. Built by Sir Titus Salt it is a focal point of the village, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
34. Enjoy a Victorian Christmas
    The village of Haworth is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Every weekend from mid November the village celebrates Christmas with 6 weekends of Victorian festivities. Join the torchlight parade or watch the tradition of scroggling the holly.
35. Shop for delicious Yorkshire produce
    Delicious Yorkshire produce can be purchased at one of Bradford or Saltaire’s local produce markets held once a month. Alternatively visit the Kirkgate Market in Bradford City Centre for clothes, jewellery and cafes.
36. Enjoy a night out in Bradford’s West End
    Bars, restaurants, clubs and the Alhambra Theatre can all be found in Bradford’s West End, the city’s liveliest quarter.
37. Visit Keighley’s transport museums
    The town of Keighley has an array of transport museums, which include the popular Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, the Keighley Bus Museum, the Museum of Rail Travel and the Ingrow Loco.
38. Choose to eat in Shipley
    Whatever your taste you’ll find it in Shipley a town full of fantastic restaurants. Try the award winning Aagrah or enjoy Thai cuisine at Thai Fever.
39. Visit the Museum of Reed Organs and Harmoniums
    Discover a large collection of organs along with advertising materials of the period. Original catalogues, posters, trade cards and plate negatives create a vivid impression of the extent of the industry in its heyday.
40. Enjoy a drink in Branwell Brontë’s local
    Branwell Brontë the brother of Anne, Emily and Charlotte was well known in the Black Bull a pub he would regularly frequent. Enjoy a drink in the pub and see Branwell’s chair. There are lots of other pubs nearby if you fancy making a night of it!
41. Step back in time to an old apothecary shop
    The Old Apothecary in Haworth is a fascinating place full of old-world remedies, antique chemist bottles and all kinds of aromatic bath mixtures.
42. Join a guided walk
    Bradford Council’s countryside runs a programme of guided walks throughout the year covering walks for all abilities. The walk leaders are very knowledgeable and the walks are a great way to meet new people and learn more about Bradford’s countryside. www.visitbradford.com/countryside-outdoors
43. Eat a Fat Rascal at Bettys Café and Tearooms
    Bettys Café and Tearooms is a Yorkshire institution with its impressive selection of teas, coffees and cakes. Try a Fat Rascal a large bun which is a Bettys speciality.
44. Watch Bradford Bulls in action
    If you enjoy rugby watch Bradford Bulls, Bradford’s rugby league team at home at the Grattan Stadium. It’s sure to be a good match if they are against their rivals the Leeds Rhinos.
45. Swim and sunbathe at the Ilkley Lido
    The Ilkley Lido was built in 1935 and is one of the only remaining Lidos in Yorkshire. It’s the perfect place to spend a hot summer’s day.
46. Visit Haworth Parish Church and graveyard
    The famous literary family, the Brontës once lived in Haworth and they are buried in Haworth Parish Church, with the exception of Anne. The graveyard is a fascinating place full of atmosphere and history.
47. Explore the countryside 
    Bradford is surrounded by beautiful countryside and there are many different walks to be discovered for all abilities. Visit one of the Tourist Information Centres for more routes or download from www.visitbradford.com/countryside-outdoors/
48. Follow the heritage trail
    Bradford has an impressive history and the city centre is full of striking Victorian architecture. Follow the heritage trail available from Bradford Tourist Information Centre to learn more about Bradford’s past.
49. Visit Impressions Gallery
    Impressions Gallery is one of the leading independent venues for photography. With an exciting programme of talks and events, a specialist bookshop and frequently changing exhibitions, there’s always something new to do.
50. Be impressed by Bingley Five Rise Locks 
    Bingley Five-rise lock staircase is the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This unique 5-rise staircase has a total fall of 60 feet.