The unlikely UK city perfect for a winter getaway

While may have long dominated discussions around urban regeneration in northern England, an unexpected contender is stealing the spotlight as an ideal winter destination.

Bradford has been named the UK 2025, the young, vibrant city is making a compelling case as the North's hidden gem for a seasonal escape.

Despite being the fifth-largest metropolitan authority in England, with a thriving population of 542,100, Bradford has often flown under the radar.

With 26.3% of residents under 18-the highest proportion in the UK-the city pulses with youthful energy, creativity, and ambition. Bradford's diverse nightlife, cultural institutions, and rich history offer visitors a mix of old-world charm and modern energy.

Much of allure is credited to its thriving arts scene.

The , one of the city's cultural icons, hosts cutting-edge performances that rival London's West End, while hidden venues like Sunbridge Wells add a unique underground vibe to the city's entertainment landscape.

For craft beer enthusiasts, the bustling North Parade offers a range of independent pubs and microbreweries, proving that Bradford knows how to keep things lively even in the depths of winter.

Notably, Bradford's rich ethnic tapestry shines through its acclaimed culinary offerings.

New mosques have popped up around town and the city has held the title of multiple times, and the Bradford Curry Awards annually celebrate the region's incredible South Asian cuisine.

With roughly 200 curry houses, from authentic institutions like Karachi on Neal Street to lesser-known family-owned gems, Bradford is a haven for food lovers seeking warmth and spice in the colder months.

For architecture aficionados, Bradford offers a feast of 19th-century structures and Victorian grandeur.

The city's town hall, a Venetian Gothic masterpiece, and the Italianate beauty of the Little Germany quarter have made Bradford a popular filming location for period dramas.

Step into the Waterstones bookstore housed in the Wool Exchange, and you'll find yourself in one of the most enchanting bookshops in the country, where Gothic arches and stunning stonework evoke an era of literary grandeur.

Bradford's past as an industrial titan is vividly displayed across its urban landscape.

From Northcliffe Park's quarry remnants to the grand wool merchants' mansions in Manningham, the city bears witness to the North's Industrial Revolution.

Today, visitors can wander the preserved Victorian streets and learn about Bradford's impact on the global wool trade, making it an ideal destination for history buffs.

Bradford is also home to Lister Park, one of England's finest Victorian parks.

Here, visitors can explore Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, which includes works by Bradford-born artist David Hockney.

From Cartwright Hall, an urban stroll will lead you to Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and model village that blends Bradford's industrial past with modern community values. Saltaire's charming stone cottages and historic Salts Mill-now an arts and shopping hub-make it a picturesque winter outing.