A pretty Yorkshire city that was used as a film location for Peaky Blinders and has its own ‘Little Germany’, is the ‘UK’s cheapest day out’.

Yorkshire is home to eight cities, with York, Leeds, and Sheffield among the most popular to visit, attracting thousands of visitors every year. However, one affordable Yorkshire city that has often been underrated certainly packs a punch.

Research from Sum Up found that Bradford in West Yorkshire is the cheapest UK city for a day out, rivalling neighbouring cities such as Leeds and Manchester. The financial technology company found that a one-way ticket on local transport would cost just £2, while a meal could set visitors back £16, a cocktail just £8 and an overnight stay £88 – making it the most affordable option.

As a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and the foothills of the Pennines, Bradford is famous in its own right. The city is characterised by its well-preserved Victorian architecture, with the City Hall and the Wool Exchange among its more than 4,000 listed buildings.

Steeped in history, Bradford was once known as the ‘Wool Capital of the World’ in the 19th century, as it specialised in worsted-cloth production. It’s also the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, a title it was awarded in 2009, thanks to its remarkable filmmaking heritage and the wealth of productions filmed there.

Among its most celebrated big-screen credits are The King’s Speech, Downton Abbey, Narnia, God’s Own Country and Official Secrets, to name just a few. The city has also served as a stunning backdrop for a string of major TV productions, including The Crown, Victoria, All Creatures Great and Small, The Couple Next Door, Happy Valley and Bodies.

It was also used as a filming location for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders, thanks to the grand period architecture of its own ‘Little Germany’. This conservation area in Bradford is incredibly unique, with ‘Little Germany’ made up of listed buildings dating back to the 19th century, known for their Neoclassical and Italianate styles.

Sharing an insight, one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is a fascinating area from Bradford’s industrial past. Stunning stone buildings and discovered the warehouse Delius’ father owned.”

Another commented: “As a group, we were surprised with the beautiful faded grandeur that we found during this short walk around this area. Bradford does not sell itself nearly enough.”

Bradford also boasts a celebrated artistic connection, as renowned painter David Hockney was born and raised in the city. His vibrant and captivating works are proudly displayed at Salts Mill on the city’s outskirts.

Elsewhere, Bradford is packed with independent retailers, bustling eateries, historic landmarks, and attractions. There’s the National Science and Media Museum and Bradford Industrial Museum, alongside St George’s Hall, a Victorian concert venue and Bradford Live, an Odeon cinema-turned-music venue.

Cartwright Hall is another spot to marvel at some artwork, while visitors can also stroll through Lister Park, take in Bradford Cathedral or venture to the nearby Saltaire Village. The city really does have it all.

Adding to its impressive credentials, the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve was named one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the world’ by Condé Nast Traveller this year. The magazine said: “These are landscapes of unhurried drama: undulating moors, wind-polished gritstone tors and views that collapse into long, moody distances broken only by the slow, stately flap of a marsh harrier.”

Not only is Bradford a gateway to exploring the stunning Yorkshire Dales, but it’s also conveniently located around 20 minutes from Leeds and an hour from Sheffield. The city also benefits from direct train links to London and Manchester, proving incredibly well-connected despite its often-overlooked status.