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Museums #6 in Bradford

Bradford Industrial Museum

4.7 · 1,597 reviews
Nostalgic and educational
Bradford Industrial Museum, 235 Moorside Rd, Bradford BD2 3HP, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The museum building, Moorside Mill, was constructed in 1875 specifically for worsted spinning.

2

Bradford was once known as the 'Wool Capital of the World' due to its massive output of worsted cloth.

3

The collection includes rare examples of Jowett cars, which were manufactured in Bradford between 1906 and 1954.

4

Many of the spinning mules and looms in the museum remain in working order and are periodically demonstrated.

5

The site features three Victorian terraced houses furnished to reflect different eras: the 1875s, 1940s, and 1950s.

6

The museum serves as a repository for the local history of the printing industry in Bradford.

7

The engine house features a working steam engine that was once used to power the machinery of the mill.

8

The museum houses a significant collection of Bradford-made trolleybuses, reflecting the city's historical public transport infrastructure.

Overview

Bradford Industrial Museum is housed in a former worsted spinning mill, Moorside Mill, which operated from 1875 to 1970. The museum showcases the region's industrial heritage through a collection of working textile machinery, including steam power engines and looms. Visitors can explore reconstructed Victorian terraced houses that illustrate the living conditions of local mill workers. The site features a permanent display of transport exhibits, ranging from Jowett cars to Bradford-built trolleybuses. It provides an immersive look at the textile industry that once made Bradford the wool capital of the world. Outdoor areas include a small area displaying restored vintage machinery and industrial artifacts.

Photo spot

The engine room, where the massive historic steam-powered flywheels provide a dramatic industrial backdrop.

Insider tips

Check the museum's schedule for live demonstrations of the steam engines and textile machinery before visiting.

Wear comfortable, flat footwear as the site includes stone-paved areas and multiple levels of industrial exhibits.

Allow extra time for the outdoor transport gallery if you are interested in vintage automotive engineering.

What to avoid

Assuming all textile machinery is constantly running; check the schedule for specific demonstration days.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays except for bank holidays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-week mornings to avoid peak school group visits and see machinery demonstrations without crowds.
Address
Bradford Industrial Museum, 235 Moorside Rd, Bradford BD2 3HP, United Kingdom
53.811, -1.722
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWorking textile machinery, vintage Jowett cars, and Victorian-era terrace homes.
Collection focusTextile manufacturing, local social history, and industrial transport.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-week mornings to avoid peak school group visits and see machinery demonstrations without crowds..

The engine room, where the massive historic steam-powered flywheels provide a dramatic industrial backdrop.

Close by you'll find Peel Park, Bradford, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, National Science and Media Museum.