Living in Bradford

My name is Jessika and I live in Bradford, West Yorkshire.  I moved here in 2005 to attend the University of Bradford for their MSc. Human Osteology and Palaeopathology Course.  In 2007, I got married to a British man from Buckinghamshire that I met at the University and got stuck in Bradford.  I have temporary leave to remain until April 2009.
I am an out of work Archaeologist, the job market is quite iffy at times, but I will make it through since I love it.

We haven't decided whether or not to stay in the UK.  At the moment he is the one with the stable job, however, if I happen to get a full time archaeology job in the States, we will move back.

I am originally from Washington State (Gig Harbor).  I really miss it.  I miss driving and the mountains the most.  I miss being able to get into my car and drive where ever, mountains, desert etc, without needing a passport.

I haven't really been too many places since I arrived.  If anyone could suggest some good places to visit in Yorkshire, I would be happy.  I have been up to the waterfalls in the Lake District which is beautiful, I really like to hike.  But I am in desperate need to get out of the city.

Ah, Bradford!  Home of the best curries in Britain! 

Welcome to the forum!

Hi Jessika,

I was at Bratford university way back in 92 for a few years and was reminiscing last night with some other friends of mine who also went while we were drinking! I can't mention the stuff we did - I do not wish to incriminate myself!

Good thing with Bradford area is that within a short few miles you can be in the countryside and the moors. I do remember somewhere North East of Bradford (I think) where there was a quite a largish Dam and some other places which I can't remember the names of now - we used to go to these places when we'd had enough of some of the students etc and wanted to just get away every now and again!

I'm sure some of the people here on UKY who live in the area can give you other places to visit, museums, hitstoric sites and places etc etc and be a bit more help!

Genau - only 'some' of the places get you the 'best curries' ! other's I wouldn't go to even if you paid me! - I still remember getting a Chicken curry 2 naans and a can of coke for £2.29 at one regular place we used to go!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I live not too far from Bradford (originally from CA and went to Uni in the Pacific NW) and really enjoy Yorkshire. There are lots of great places to hike. The 3 Peaks in the Dales, Malham, Bronte Country (i.e. around Haworth). You also aren't too far from the Peak District (where I used to live) where you will find plenty of great walks, biking, rock-climbing etc.

Have you been to Salt's Mill in Saltaire? That is great for eating up several hours (and a lot of money if you like books). The National Media Museum is great with both exhibits and cinema. Hebden Bridge is a quirky little town with a nice cafe culture/alternative vibe. York is a great day trip for cultural/historic sites, while Harrogate id good for upscale shopping/dining. It really all depends on what your interests are.

I would encourage you to explore Yorkshire, as there is a lot to see and it will help you to enjoy the time you are here.

Genau - only 'some' of the places get you the 'best curries' ! other's I wouldn't go to even if you paid me! -

i guess i should have said 'as rumour has it'!
I know people who drive from Glasgow for a Bradford curry.

Hello and welcome!   

I have been to Malham cove, it was beautiful, York, and Bolton Abby.  My husband actually works at Salt's Mill for a company named Pace, but I honestly haven't toured the Mill.
Not having a car at the moment really makes it hard for me get out of the city, more because I am lazy, but I need to nip it in the bud and get out.

Thanks for the ideas

welcome from a Bradford born and bred lad,  good places to go, hmmm well as Bronte as already said there's Haworth, or you could go to Halifax, the piece hall there is good for off the wall shopping. Have you been to the national media,industrial or colour museums in Bradford yet, or you could get yourself off to the park voted best in 2007, Lister park, where there is carthwright hall, which has some magnificent 18th and 19th century paintings, including turner and the brown boy by gainsborough.

Good lord, woman - for liking to hike...you're at the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales:

http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/

And slightly farther, the North York Moors:

http://www.visitnorthyorkshiremoors.co.uk/

There is hiking all around!

Also some of the prettiest coastline in Britain - approx 2 hours(?) away:

http://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/

I've lived in Leeds since 2004.  Welcome to UKY!

York

and Whitby - I can recommend a nice pub for your fella to propose in! 

Good lord, woman - for liking to hike...you're at the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales:

I know, I know.  At first I used my uni work as an excuse not to get out, and now that I have graduated, I use the lack of money to get out of getting out of the city (And I don't know why, because I hate the city  ).  Very embarrassed about it.

Thanks for the ideas.  I promise to push myself out.  Grab my friend from Doncaster who has a car, she is so nice to do that.

I promise to push myself out.  Grab my friend from Doncaster who has a car, she is so nice to do that.

I also find this website helpful:

http://www.wymetro.com/

(There's a Journey Planner in the upper right hand corner!)

I don't drive yet myself - it's next on my 'to do' list though (driving lessons) as soon as my new glasses (on order) come in.

welcome!  I'm not far away, in Sheffield.

Welcome to UKY

Hi & welcome I'm in Sheffield as well!

I have a friend that's got similar credentials to you (long list really), but primarily bio-arch, forensic anth & 3-D forensic craniofacial reconstruction artist. Last I heard from her she was working for the Army Corps of Egnineers and helped to collect evidence to convict Saddam...

I know its cheesy, but have you thought about Time Team?     There's also Jorvik in York - its a living Arch project...

There's the moor on the other side of Sheffield & the Fox House Inn is quite nice for a meal & pint!  I believe they do Real Ale as well, but Mrs R might be able to tell ya.