Lister Park Bradford
A vibrant green oasis in Bradford, featuring a boating lake, stunning gardens, a free art gallery, and a fantastic playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Lister Park Bradford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant green oasis in Bradford, featuring a boating lake, stunning gardens, a free art gallery, and a fantastic playground.
"One of the best parks I have visited in the UK, with something for everyone!"
🎯 Explore Cartwright Hall
Don't miss the free art exhibitions, including Hockney! :art:
🛶 Boating Lake Fun
Enjoy a peaceful walk or rent a boat on the lake. :rowboat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
Within Lister Park
Explore impressive art collections, including works by Hockney, Lowry, and Turner, all for free!
Boating Lake & Gardens
Central Lister Park
Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the lake, admire the fountain, and soak in the well-maintained botanical gardens.
Children's Playground
Lister Park
One of the largest playgrounds around, featuring a sandpit and separate areas for younger and older kids.
Seasonal Funfair
Lister Park
Experience thrilling rides and carnival games when the funfair visits, offering a lively atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fun
Park Amenities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Cartwright Hall
Don't miss the free art exhibitions, including Hockney! :art:
🛶 Boating Lake Fun
Enjoy a peaceful walk or rent a boat on the lake. :rowboat:
🧸 Fantastic Playground
Spacious and well-equipped for all ages. :child:
🎡 Seasonal Funfair
Check dates for rides and carnival games! :roller_coaster:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Cartwright Hall
Don't miss the free art exhibitions, including Hockney! :art:
🛶 Boating Lake Fun
Enjoy a peaceful walk or rent a boat on the lake. :rowboat:
🧸 Fantastic Playground
Spacious and well-equipped for all ages. :child:
🎡 Seasonal Funfair
Check dates for rides and carnival games! :roller_coaster:
🍂 Autumn Beauty
The park is gorgeous with fall colors. :maple_leaf:
🅿️ Parking Availability
Free street parking nearby, but can get busy. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lister Park is widely praised as a beautiful, well-maintained, and safe public space. Visitors highlight its excellent children's playground, relaxing boating lake, and the cultural offerings of Cartwright Hall. While some facilities like tearooms may have seasonal closures, the park's free entry and ample amenities make it a top choice for families and a pleasant spot for a leisurely day out.
"A lovely, well-maintained park. We’re not from the area, but during our visit we didn’t see any of the unsavoury behaviour that you sadly come across in some parks these days.
It felt safe to walk around, has a beautiful lake, well-kept gardens, and a fountain area. The children’s playground in Lister Park is one of the largest we’ve ever come across - really impressive!"
J
"It is a lovely park with a lot of history, such as the entrance gate, statue of Titus Salt, Cartwright Hall, and I'm sure other points of interest I may not have noticed. I used to go to the playground when I was younger, and it seems to have had a nice upgrade. A walk along the boating lake is very relaxing, although unfortunately the tearooms and boating pavilion are currently closed. Overall, it is a nice place in which to spend time during the day, and the bus links to and from are excellent."
Alex Wild
"Beautiful, clean, and very well looked after. Lister Park is perfect for a picnic, with plenty of scenic spots and space for kids to enjoy riding their scooters. The playground is great, featuring a sandpit, a younger children’s area, and a separate section for older kids. A lovely place for families to spend the day"
M R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lister Park is easily accessible by public transport. Excellent bus links serve the park from Bradford city center. If driving, there is free parking available on nearby streets, though it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
Yes, Lister Park is a prominent landmark in Bradford, located in the Manningham area. It's well-signposted and easily discoverable using GPS or mapping apps.
Bradford Forster Square and Bradford Interchange are the main train stations, both a short bus or taxi ride away from Lister Park.
Absolutely! Lister Park is a great destination for cyclists, with plenty of space to ride around and enjoy the scenery.
The park is generally accessible with paved paths, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Specific accessibility details for Cartwright Hall can be found on their website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lister Park is a public park and entry is completely free for all visitors.
Lister Park is open daily from dawn until dusk. Specific opening times for Cartwright Hall Art Gallery may vary, so it's best to check their official website.
No, admission to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
The funfair is seasonal and its dates vary each year. It's best to check local listings or social media for announcements regarding the funfair's presence. +1
The children's playground at Lister Park is free to use for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy boating on the lake, explore the botanical gardens, visit Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, let kids play in the large playground, or simply relax with a picnic. Seasonal funfairs also offer rides and games. +1
There is a cafe within the park, and while the boating pavilion tearooms may have seasonal closures, the main cafe usually offers refreshments.
Cartwright Hall features a diverse art collection, including works by David Hockney, L.S. Lowry, and J.M.W. Turner, as well as temporary exhibitions.
Absolutely! The park boasts one of the largest playgrounds, ample space for picnics and running around, and the boating lake adds to the fun.
Dogs are welcome in Lister Park, but they must be kept on a lead in most areas, especially around the boating lake and playgrounds, to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the boating lake, the ornate Cartwright Hall, the vibrant botanical gardens, and the picturesque fountain. The autumn foliage also provides beautiful backdrops.
Photography is generally permitted in Cartwright Hall for personal use, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas or during special exhibitions. It's advisable to check signage within the gallery.
The Islamic Water Gardens offer a unique architectural and serene setting for photography. The seasonal funfair also provides dynamic and colorful photo opportunities. +1
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for landscape and portrait photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant colors of the gardens.
Drone usage in public parks is often restricted due to privacy and safety concerns. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over Lister Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Lister Park's History
Key historical landmarks within the park include Cartwright Hall, an impressive Edwardian art gallery and museum, and the Titus Salt statue, commemorating another influential figure in Bradford's industrial past. The park's design reflects Victorian sensibilities, with formal gardens, a boating lake, and recreational areas. The Lister Park history is intertwined with the development of Bradford itself, showcasing the city's industrial heritage and its commitment to providing public amenities.
Visitors can feel the layers of history as they wander through the park. From the grand architecture of Cartwright Hall to the mature trees that have witnessed generations of visitors, Lister Park offers a journey through time. It's a place where the past and present coexist, offering a tranquil escape and a connection to Bradford's heritage.
Family Fun and Play at Lister Park
Beyond the playground, the park offers numerous family-friendly activities. The boating lake provides an opportunity for gentle recreation, and the open green spaces are perfect for picnics, kite-flying, or simply letting children run free. During seasonal visits, the funfair adds an extra layer of excitement with its array of rides and games, creating a lively atmosphere that families adore.
With its free entry, ample space, and diverse attractions, Lister Park is an ideal destination for a family day out. The combination of a top-notch playground, natural beauty, and occasional entertainment ensures that there's something to keep every member of the family entertained and engaged.
Exploring the Artistic and Cultural Side of Lister Park
What makes Cartwright Hall particularly appealing is its free admission policy, democratizing access to art and culture for all visitors. This allows families and individuals to immerse themselves in artistic expression without financial barriers. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions, ensuring there's always something new to discover with each visit.
Beyond the gallery, the park itself can be seen as a canvas. The well-maintained botanical gardens and the ornate fountain area offer visually pleasing landscapes that are a delight to explore and photograph. The park's overall ambiance, combined with the cultural offerings of Cartwright Hall, makes Lister Park a multifaceted destination that caters to both leisure and intellectual pursuits.
+1
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