Bradford in West Yorkshire is a vibrant city with a rich heritage and thriving modern culture. It is one of the tenth biggest cities of Britain, and yet it is compact enough that you should soon start to pick out familiar faces as you get out and meet people. Many people move to Bradford to work or to study at the university in the city, and if you have done that, you may be struggling to meet people to potentially make friends with them and develop a full social life in the city.

Relax! Bradford is a friendly place of many cultures all living together amicably. As a university town, its students live at the heart of the community and long-standing residents welcome newcomers. You may just need a few suggestions of how to get out and meet people in Bradford so that you can get started on building friendships.

Here we give you some ideas of things to do in and around Bradford so that you can get out and meet people just like you.

1. Take a walk

There is more to Bradford than just the city itself. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life, why don’t you suggest to workmates or classmates that a group of you could go for a weekend walk? In and around the city of Bradford you will find the wild and rugged moors made famous in the works of the Bronte family’s nineteenth century writings. It is some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see in Britain, so it is a good opportunity to meet people you may not have talked to before. All you need to do is ask a few people and invite them to bring other people along. You will have fun, get some fresh air and meet people. You could even form a regular walking club or join one that already exists in Bradford.

2. Organize a cinema trip

Opportunities to meet people in Bradford need not be complex. If you enjoy cinema, you will no doubt find something you want to see at one of the city’s cinemas, including the sixteen screen multiplex that most cities cannot boast! Bradford is also home to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, which has the 52ft-deep and 64ft-wide IMAX screen. This is now the most visited museum outside London, ask around for other people interested in seeing the film with you, arrange a time to meet people to get tickets and take it from there.

3. Visit a leisure center

Bradford city center is home to £40 million leisure complex, which includes not only the multiplex but fitness clubs and bars. Visiting a leisure center or signing up for a sports class is another good opportunity to meet people.

4. Be a culture vulture

If history, culture or even photography are what interest you, Bradford affords you great opportunities to indulge your interests and meet people at the same time. The history of Bradford’s prosperity can be traced through the wool and textile trades. It was once the wool capital of the world. That has left its mark on Bradford’s architecture from the grand Italianate City Hall and Wool Exchange to the city's historic merchant quarter. You could organize a guided tour of part of the city or a photography trip. Advertise it on the office or college notice-board and see who signs up. If you meet people you like through such a trip, you can arrange further get-togethers. They could organize a trip to another part of the city and eventually you can develop friendships this way, though, for instance, meeting at the pub or over coffee to share photos.

If art is your thing, you have good opportunities to organize a fun trip in Bradford and meet people who love art. Close to Bradford, the 1853 Gallery in Salts Mill in Saltire houses Europe's largest collection of David Hockney art works and is well worth organizing a trip to.

These are just four different ways to be pro-active and meet people in Bradford by organizing a trip to some of the city’s cultural and social high spots. Once you have got started and organized a trip, you will start making friends and find it easier to extend your social life. Bradford and the surrounding area offer many places where you can do that.