Where you can meet friends in around Bradford this Easter

LOCKDOWN restrictions eased earlier this week (29 March), giving people across England more freedom to take part in outdoor activities and even meet friends and family members.

The Government’s message ‘stay at home’ message has been downgraded to ‘stay local’.

Last Easter, the country had only just been plunged into lockdown meaning meet ups and non-essential trips were off the cards.

This Easter we have a lot more freedom to get out of the house and make the most of the extended weekend.  

As of Monday 29th March, people were allowed to meet outside and organised outdoor sports facilities and areas can also reopen.

Here’s everything you need to know about meeting up this Easter- including who you can meet and the best places to visit in Bradford:

Who can we meet at Easter?

As of Monday 29th March, groups of up to six people, or alternatively two households, can meet outdoors.

This means you can meet some friends or loved ones anywhere outside, including private gardens or public spaces.

Earlier this week (21 March), shielding restrictions were also eased for the elderly and vulnerable,

Where can we meet?

People can meet at the following outdoor areas:

• parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
• public and botanical gardens
• the grounds of a heritage site
• outdoor sculpture parks
• allotments
• public playgrounds
• outdoor sports venues and facilities

If you need to enter through a house to get to a garden or other outside space and there is no alternative access, you should wear a face covering, wash or sanitise your hands when entering, and then go straight to the outside space.

If you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly and go back outside immediately. You should maintain social distancing from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.

How far can I travel to meet friends?

The guidance about what it means to ‘stay local’ hasn’t been made clear by the government.

West Yorkshire police said: “The simple answer to this is that stay local is Government guidance- It is not a rule.”

The official Government lockdown guidelines state that you "should minimise travel where possible"

This means you should "avoid making unnecessary trips" and "combine trips where possible".

However, the rules on travel abroad and overnight stays are clear- they are still banned by law.

What have the government said?  

The UK Government has urged the public to exercise caution while enjoying their new found freedom.

At a Downing Street press conference the Prime Minister acknowledged it had been a “big day” for many people as they were able to see friends and family outdoors for the first time since the latest controls were imposed.

However, he said it was still not clear how “robust” the defences provided by the vaccination programme would prove if the rise in infections on the continent was repeated in the UK.

He said: “We have seen what is happening with our European friends. Historically, at least there has been a time lag and then we have had a wave ourselves.

“That’s why I stress the importance of everybody maintaining the discipline people have shown for so long.”

Where to meet your friends in and around Bradford

Luckily for those living in and around Bradford, there are some beautiful outdoor areas right on our doorstep.

Here are just some popular outdoor areas where you can meet family and friends this Easter Weekend:

Lister Park’s botanical gardens

(Botanic garden, Lister Park
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/5794388)

Lister Park has proven to be popular among our readers, with many commenters saying it is one of their favourites in the Bradford district.

It was bought for the city of Bradford in 1870 but the park we know and love wasn’t fully complete until the erection of Cartwright Hall in 1904.

As well as the main part of the park which is open for public use, there is also a botanical garden to visit.

The garden was opened in 1903, with the aim of showing was to show every family of plants in British flora, later extended to encompass plants from other countries.

There is a geological trail which winds down through the various flower beds.

The  Mughal Water Gardens is the first of its kind in Northern England and a synthesis between Islamic and Indian architectural styles, combining terraces and paths, grassed areas and avenues of trees divided by water channels, cascades and pools in a traditional rectangular design.

Walk through Northcliffe Woods, Shipley

(Bird-feeding station, Northcliffe Woods
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Johnstone - geograph.org.uk/p/5210867)

The Easter break is the perfect time to go on a woodland walk with family.

It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, such as birds and bats.

After you have wandered through the woods, spend some time in Northcliffe Park where you can play a game of football or just relax on the grass.

A Trip Advisor user said: “We had a lovely walk through the wood.

“Plenty of car parking- take the dogs or picnic.

“It’s Lovely and quiet, ideal if you want to listen to birds singing smell nature.” 

Enjoy a picnic at Roberts Park, Saltaire

(River Aire by Roberts Park, Saltaire
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Des Blenkinsopp - geograph.org.uk/p/5640773)

This is described as a “wonderful” park that has been well-maintained, with plenty of things for the kids to do nearby.

There is a play area on site, as well as a skate park for the kids to enjoy.

After lockdown when the world can get back on its feet, there is a bandstand at the park where concerts are staged in the summer.

According to the Visit Bradford website, there is often a cricket match on for sport-lovers to watch as they tuck into their picnic.

One Trip Advisor reviewer said: “It’s a lovely place to have a picnic overlooking the river Aire.”

Another wrote: “Grab fish and chips or coffee and cake in nearby cafes and have a picnic.”

A golf course

(Facebook/ @TheManorLeeds)

According to Trip Advisor,  The Manor in Drighlington this is the number one ranked golf course for Bradfordians to play at.

It’s in between Bradford and Leeds and is around a 20 minute drive from Bradford city centre.

According to the company website, you don’t need any previous experience or equipment to give golf a go.

They wrote: “Simply turn up and our experienced team will get you started with clubs and balls then point you in the right direction.

“You could loosen up by hitting 40 balls on the driving range or have a crack at our par 3 course.”

Visitors can make their booking on the company website.

What are your plans for the Easter holidays?