Bradford Industrial Museum image

Bradford Industrial Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Bradford


Address

235 Moorside Rd, Eccleshill, Bradford BD2 3HP, United Kingdom

Website

www.bradfordmuseums.org

Contact

+44 1274 435900

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (27) visit (19) machinery (17) free (17) Bradford (14) history (13) kids (11) good (10) interesting (10) machines (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 DeeDah 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible. We went to the national science and media museum before this. It pales in comparison. This place has working mill machinery and more to look at than you can imagine. I've never been to a museum as good as this outside of London.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 karl w. 1 year ago on Google
    Hidden gem. Well worth a visit if you've not been before.working industrial machinery is really interesting (maybe loud for smaller kids). Enjoyed the rebuilt terraced houses
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 malcolm w. 3 months ago on Google • 219 reviews New
    Another free place to visit in Bradford. Great for all ages, they even run some of the equipment so fascinating to watch and hear. Makes you respect more the workers that operated/ran the machines. Staff were excellent, a place to return to.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vivien H. 2 years ago on Google
    What a fantastic place.. free parking & no entrance fee.. I've been many times before . Today, I went with my Son & twin 9yr old Grandson's. They were given a goody bag containing a drawing pad , pencil , pencil sharpener & 2 crayons . They were fascinated by the huge machinery. I explained the smell of the wool etc & the interesting different processes it went through to make yarn/cloth . They drew pictures & it was fun finding the rat 🐀😅 The collection of cars ( Bradford Jowetts) , bikes & trains are a must see... Brilliant. 👍
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K. P. 2 years ago on Google
    It was an incredible experience visiting this museum, a rather vintage-styled one that gives off relaxed vibes! The exhibitions were truly intriguing across the museum's large area, delving into the history of clocks, sewing, working laws and more. Navigating around was easy, with strong stairs and clear signs for going from floor to floor. There is a shop in museum, where I bought a smooth tram pin badge for just £2.50 and also sat down to have a warming drink of White Coffee!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mario de F. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent exhibition. I learned so much about Bradford and the surrounding area's history. Upon leaving there the whole area made more sense as I was driving through and coming across historic buildings, family names and landmarks. The machines run at certain times as well. The blacksmith is very entertaining and a favourite of visitors. He made an iron nail while we were there. Try the fudge at the shop! Staff are very helpful. Toilets available.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie B. 1 year ago on Google
    Good day out. Really interesting to look around. Staff helpful and explained how the machinery worked. Free entrance and parking
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel 8 months ago on Google
    Visited here on a rainy Saturday. It's a really good museum, so much to see and explore. Particularity loved the old back to back houses rebuilt brick by brick on the museum site and furnished through the decades. Great place for kids. There were crafts, various trails and toys/books/colouring in most areas on the museum. Really surprised that this is free of charge to visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynne J. 5 months ago on Google • 130 reviews
    What an absolute gem of a museum! There was some many interesting things to see: the cars, trams, houses, looms, steam engines, and a lot more. Plus a lot of the machines and steam engines were run giving a sense of how it would have been in days gone by. We really enjoyed our time here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Johnny N. 3 months ago on Google • 258 reviews New
    Free museum spread over 2 floors with some outbuildings (The period terrace houses are great!) Personally very interested in most history but I couldn't care less about textiles, shuttles or weaving machines - which is unfortunate as the entirety of the upper floor (that the public can enter) is this haha. Quite a decent collection of locally manufactured vehicles which is lovely to see in the flesh. The double decker bus and tram are great shame they can't be boarded. Gets school visits frequently and that can seem quite chaotic but glad the kids still visit museums these days. Very hard to knock as it is free... Not much is these days after all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sandy 5 months ago on Google • 375 reviews
    Self guided tour, its nice going at your own pace. Free entry, but you can make a donation. Had an amazing couple of hours experience of how things were back then. Lots of machinery which have certain running times. A few area to keep the children from getting bored also stop the rat! The blacksmith work shop is worth a visit, he was hammering away when we stopped by.

  • 5/5 Selina M. 7 months ago on Google • 216 reviews
    Amazing day with the family, both fun and educational..nice activities for kids, really enjoyed the experience full of history and making..was surprised how big it is.. It was nice to see the machinery in working order and the transports was a classic.. We even played a little hide and seek in the olden days houses. Great for kids and family!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Carol N. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum retains an interesting collection which gives a clear visual insight into Bradford's past. There is something for everyone. The information is well presented. I particularly liked the saved and reconstructed street. The privys were a revelation. Upstairs the process from sheep to suit is described in detail. You can imagine the bustle and noise of the machinery. I liked the description of the different types of millwheels. Great collection of cars in the garage, made by Jowetts. It's the sort of museum you would return to.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter F. 8 months ago on Google
    This museum deserves much more publicity, a hidden gem! We spent a good 3hrs looking at the exhibitions - steam engines, looms and the lives of the workers in the time. Some of the machines were working and the staff were excellent. Take some change with you for for £1 drinks from the machine.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela H. 1 year ago on Google
    An Amazing Place And A Totally Immersive Experience. This Most Excellent Musemn Is Free To Visit Although Donations Are Most Welcome. Everything Is Almost On One Level,But There Is A Lift Available. I Must Give A BIG Shout Out To The Volunteers Especially Those In The Printing Department. V Knowledgeable And Friendly And In This Section There Is An Area To Print Out Your Own Picture(For Kids And Adults) I Just LOVE Things Like That. I LOVE To Be Hands On You See. Toilets Available. This Musemn Is Very Well Laid Out With Easy Access To All Departments We Also Liked The Invaluable Contribution That The Asian Community Has Made To Bradford Is Well Represented At This Musemn. Cracking Shop Too. Although They Are Missing A Trick With The Lack Of Named Sweets Available. Although They Did Have Bradford Industrial Musemn Fudge😁
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristine S. 1 year ago on Google
    We loved it. Very interesting. Full of history and heritage. Must pay another visit. Not enough with one time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kingston C G. 4 months ago on Google • 201 reviews
    What a brilliantly interesting venue with all sorts of historical machinery that shows you what all the old mill buildings were used for back in the day. Something for kids and adults and lots of out buildings to check out with old home decor through the decades. Can do this venue in any weather. The staff are really friendly and informative. There is a little gift shop for a keep sake also. I was too busy enjoying myself to take decent pics

  • 5/5 Alana H. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing day out today at #bradfordindustrialmuseum . FREE entry ( donations welcome). It is very child and SEN friendly. Machines run at intervals throughout the day with ear defenders provided if needed. Relaxation room with picnic tables, sofas, book's and children's toys. Plus a tea and coffee machine at only £1 a drink ( take cash) . They had several children's trails to take part in, one for Yorkshire day, a sunflower trails, find the kids tv characters, and of course, the 11 stuffed rats hidden throughout the galleries in the Mill. Jackson absolutely LOVED hunting for them. They had at least one interactive station for the kids in each room, including a printing press, a train set, a wooden bus to drive, plus much more. It was a very chill.amd steady day, not busy at all, even Tee-Jay enjoyed it as he didn't have the anxiety of other guests. We almost had the place to ourselves! It was so lovely to see the Tee take Jackson under his wing, play with him , show him around, and help him look for all the items on the trails. On top of all that, obviously there were all the galleries to look around. A great insight into history. A fave of mine was the back to back houses. The gift shop was also reasonably priced , I got the kids a little something each. Also want to mention the staff and volunteers who were so friendly and helpful. They definitely added to the experience. A little hidden gem, and we will definitely be going back! #bradford #insustrialmuseum #museum #freeentry #hiddengem #history #kidfriendly #autism #autismfriendly #sen #senfriendly #daysout #dayoutwiththekids #dayoutwithfamily❤️ #rainydaysout #rainydayfun #freedaysout #daysoutyorkshire #yorkshiredaysout #relaxed #chilled #happymum #mumofboys #toddlermum #tweenmum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jonathan m. 2 years ago on Google
    Oh this is brilliant.! Go there , free admission and a wonderful day for everyone... Parking was also free, the staff great... kids can look, whilst dad and mum remember the old stories told by their grandparents.. If you like free,,, please don't be a miserable sod,,,, support the cafe,,, don't bring your own sandwiches,,, that is just being ungracious!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 andrew s. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place. Go see the blacksmith!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank W. 1 year ago on Google
    A fab little museum. I only had half an hour, but I had a good look round at the exhibits I'd come to see. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dave M. 2 years ago on Google
    Car park at rear, picnic area to front. Textile industry displays with transport exhibits.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hou C. 8 months ago on Google
    Hello l have oooold lathe machine made in england and america mark (SELSON) yers in 1871
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rich A. 1 year ago on Google
    Completely free, you can leave a donation if you like. Took my twins here for an hour and a half. It was quiet and they really enjoyed exploring and lookingat the various machines. Make sure you visit Ian the Blacksmith who will create something for you there and then - A real character and an absolute gentleman
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muhammad Salman B. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry, Very good, informative and alot of things to see. I loved transportion center.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Munch M. 11 months ago on Google
    Was in Bradford for a few hours and thought I'd check outbthis place ot was very quiet as it was early in the week however really enjoyed seeing some historic machinery and really enjoyed the Moorside house tour by the gentleman who have me a full comprehensive tour of each room and learnt so much about how people use to live ,what they did, the items and garments and sewing they did back then so much pride and effort this gentlemen had in giving me a tour i forgot to take picture i was caught up in the moment , big respect elder
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen B. 11 months ago on Google
    Great local place to visit, first time I have been and I will definitely go again. Kids enjoyed it, big blast from the past, great if you are into metal working machinery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brian G. 6 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    The mill is open everyday except Monday and entry is free, it also has a large free carpark. The mill was built around 1875 as a small spinning mill. In 1970, Bradford Council bought the Mill to create a museum. The museum has permanent displays of textile machinery, steam power, engineering, printing machinery and motor vehicles and a Blacksmiths, you can visit the Mill Manager house and visit the Mill-worker’s houses. Unfortunately, there isn’t a café on site.

  • 5/5 Tom D. 2 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    We loved our visit and found lots to do. Mark, who was looking after the many wool machines, was very knowledgeable and helped us out - providing ear defenders for our little boy. It's not as busy as it deserves to be! One suggestion is that there could be more info on some of the exhibits such as the signs and steam loco. But overall it was good.

  • 4/5 Barry S. 2 months ago on Google • 50 reviews New
    It was a lovely museum, the group I took found it really fascinating and said it brought back memories, even have demonstrations on different machinery through the day Free entry and well worth a visit

  • 5/5 Gem T. 1 year ago on Google
    A real gem of a place, free but donations welcome. There's a large selection of things to do and look at for kids and adult alike.

  • 5/5 Richard S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing free museum, lots to see from trams and cars to spinning and weaving machinery

  • 5/5 Abdul W. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    The tour was amazing. How everything was preserved in original shape. We get to see the printing demonstration. The whole process of textile on the first floor. Recommend everyone visiting Bradford to go there.

  • 5/5 Julia K. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful museum, filled with real industrial machinery. Very interesting to explore how it once was. Like submerging yourself in real history.

  • 5/5 Andrew B. 2 years ago on Google
    Bradford Industrial Museum is a brilliant collection of artefacts representing the industrial and social history of the city. With a strong 'use it' ethos, it's starting to return to life after the pandemic.

  • 4/5 James D. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely museum containing lots of interesting industrial machinery from printing to textiles to old vehicles and trains that mostly all still work! We had a very in depth demonstration of some of the various printing presses and the volunteers were happy to answer any and all questions. Different machines are run at different times of the week depending on whether there is a person with the Knowledge to run them in that day so it can be different every time you visit. They have a working blacksmiths outside as well as some restored back to back housing that you can go inside and have a look at how they would have been used throughout the years. Overall a little overlooked gem in Bradford that could perhaps do with a little work here and there, but I would definitely recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 A Huddleston (. 1 year ago on Google
    It was awesome!!!! My son who is 10 yrs old and myself had a wonderful time, we spent over 4 hours there. Our favourite part of the entire visit was the printing presentation, they showed how some of the first printers operated. It's a must see. Next time we go to Bradford we will go again...and again...and again!

  • 5/5 Graham R. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent museum containing loads of belt driven lathes and drills...many being motor driven. Steam engines as well. The printing gallery was s great find...with old platen printers and Wharfadale printer. Also Hot Metal type settings machines. Hot drinks from a machine in a eat/drink area.

  • 5/5 Abhishek S. 11 months ago on Google
    Such an amazing museum to see Victorian era technology which paved the way to make Britain the industrial capital of the world. The visit itself is free, no need of tickets however if you'd like to donate there are many places within the museum for you to donate cash. Must visit 10/10 .

  • 5/5 Pete L. 2 years ago on Google
    Decent place for a walk around lots of interesting things from days gone by. All staff were very friendly and the Blacksmith deserves a special mention for his work and knowledge and also skill shown. Free entry and plenty of parking. My boy loved it here we will be back again

  • 5/5 Karnik B. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing amazing place of history! Absolutely loved the experience and the history I was exposed to. We got to take home copies from the printing press as well. There is a gift shop on site, as well as a café area with £1 hot drinks available and easily accessible washrooms. Free wifi is also available here!

  • 4/5 Michelle S. 1 year ago on Google
    It's great when there are so many skilled and knowledgeable volunteers but it was challenging to keep the children all engaged. The printing area was good for that. It's worth noting that there is no cafe or tea room so take your own packed lunch to eat in the space provided. There is a hot drinks machine. The children were most fascinated by Gaythorne Row and the Foreman's cottage.

  • 5/5 Ross B. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place enabling people to get close to the history of the local area and industry. So good to see belt driven tools , press and mill machinery operating, and friendly volunteers with loads of good information. Lovely recreated back-to-back housing and authentically decorated and furnished managers house. Hours and hours of things to see and do. Thank you for making this a great place.

  • 5/5 Feed the L. 1 year ago on Google
    If it's free and this good, then it's a must visit. Bradford history in the local street of Bradford is a amazing experience. Many halal shops after a 5 minn drive.

  • 5/5 ぶ千恵子 1 year ago on Google
    A huge museum that has something for everyone. The location isn't great but it's close to frequent bus routes. We went quite latest we were there at closing time, the main gates were locked and it wasn't easy finding the alternative exit. There was a "bouncer" who was very intimidating and when asked if we needed to leave didn't give a verbal answer, just a menacing look

  • 5/5 jacky s. 1 year ago on Google
    Took grandchildren to visit. Lots to see, plenty of machines and looms, and some were working for a short period. Also a small transport museum, printing room and cottages furnished in different period styles from Victorian onwards, and fully furnished mill owners house. Could spend a few hours there to see everything. Small, well stocked shop, where I treated myself to a whip and top for old times sake. Admission and parking free and not too busy even though school holidays. Staff helpful and small range of light refreshments available.

  • 5/5 Helen J. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely free museum in Bradford. Had a long chat with the "mill owner's wife" who imparted pearls of wisdom and offered me a job as a spinner. 10 hours a day for 18 shillings a week!

  • 5/5 Ellie 1 year ago on Google
    Such an excellent museum! Plenty to see and learn. The entry is free of charge. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and it was super quiet! You'd need at least 2 hours to get around everywhere. Highly recommended!


Call +44 1274 435900 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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