Bolling Hall — Attraction in Bradford

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Bradford, Bolling Hall is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable glimpse into over 600 years of history. As one of the oldest buildings in the city, the hall beautifully showcases a blend of medieval, Tudor, and Jacobean architecture that immediately transports you back in time. The museum inside is thoughtfully curated, with period rooms that vividly recreate the lives of the Bolling and Tempest families. Each room feels like a time capsule, complete with authentic 17th-century furnishings, rich tapestries, and fascinating artefacts that bring Bradford’s past to life. History buffs will especially appreciate Bolling Hall’s connection to the English Civil War. The tale of the ghostly lady who allegedly saved Bradford from destruction adds a compelling touch of legend to the already rich historical narrative. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the hall’s eerie atmosphere—especially in the older sections—makes it easy to see why it's considered one of the most haunted places in Yorkshire. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the museum is well-signposted, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Entry is free, which makes this an even more worthwhile visit for families, students, or anyone looking for a meaningful and affordable day out. Bolling Hall is a must-visit for anyone interested in local history, architecture, or ghost stories. It’s a place where the past lingers in every room, and where each visit feels like discovering a new secret from centuries...

We visited on Sunday afternoon and we're enthralled. The Brown Visitor Signage was a bit confusing but we found the entrance after a while. The Hall was amazing with enough written information to keep us satisfied ( buying a guidebook might have been better though). lots of activities for younger visitors and the Guides were very enthusiastic and passionate about their workplace. This is a very large house with rooms, corridors and staircases going off in all directions. A very informative video depicting the history of Bradford was showing but at 70 mins duration we only watched part of it. Afterwards we crossed the road accessing the beautiful large parkland for our dogs to have a run and found a brilliant kids play park if your youngsters needed to let off steam or maybe take a picnic too. These facilities ( Bolling Hall and the park) are AMAZINGLY FREE !! A great day out for the...

Bolling Hall looks like it is in serious need of a funding injection from a cash strapped Bradford Council. So we know that's not going to happen, which is a great shame as it has such an interesting history, particularly regarding the Civil War. It's free to go in and wander through the various rooms and examine their contents - which includes the deathmask of Oliver Cromwell.

Many of the areas of the Hall are closed to the public, due I suspect to a lack of money to carry out repairs and renovations. The outside also looks in serious need of some TLC as do the neglected gardens.

I'd be happy to pay a little more council tax if I knew it would help to support this and other fascinating places under council care instead of watching them gradually and sadly...