The park can be accessed from the main Cliffe Road, Bolton Road entrances, and Park Cliffe Road, Harrogate Street, and Lister Lane. Although the park has some steep paths and steps, the pathways and carriageways will give wheelchair access to most of the park.
Quick description
A large community park with well-laid-out paths, gardens, a small lake, play areas, a BMX track, and sports pitches.
What’s there?
Opened in the 1850s, Peel Park proudly claims the title of the first publicly owned park in the Bradford district. It is also one of the largest, covering over 22.6ha. In recognition of the park’s long legacy, it is on the English Heritage and National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens online database. In 2017 it was also awarded the notable Green Flag Award.
A space where lasting historic features and modern facilities co-exist in perfect harmony. Victorian statues, water fountains and carefully constructed architecture, including an ornamental bridge, and viewing platform, tell a story of the district’s rich history. Continuously adapting to a changing world, today, the park also includes a BMX track, multi-sports court and two play areas, one of which was re-developed as an inclusive space in 2023.
Peel Park’s natural beauty does not go unnoticed. There are large open green spaces, a lake packed with wildlife and a wide variety of trees lining the paths and surrounding the park. It’s the perfect place for a walk, long or short.
Play areas
There are two dedicated play areas within Peel Park. East of the lake, a nature-inspired space features equipment designed to blend with the landscape. This includes climbing features and slides set around a land mound and stacked stone structures. Encircling this is a wooden exercise trail. The play area at the southern entrance to the park was redeveloped in 2023 to provide an accessible and inclusive space for a wide age range to enjoy. Play facilities include an exercise trail, a group swing, a climbing dome, double zip wire, and large disc and dish roundabouts.
Multi-sports area, skatepark and football pitches
A skatepark, tennis court and 5-a-side football pitch sit together in a row. On either side of this, there are three full-sized grassed football pitches. The bowling greens are currently used for community events such as pitch and put, croquet and boules.
BMX track
A premier league BMX track for riders of all levels.
Café
Peelers Cafe is a community/volunteer-led cafe in the heart of Peel Park. The cafe offers a warm, inviting space with low-cost food and refreshments, free books, games, and other activities.
Opening Times
Thursdays 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Saturdays 10:00 am – 02:00 pm
Sundays 10:00 am – 02:00 pm
Lake
Near the Bolton Road entrance, adjacent to formal gardens, is a ‘distorted figure-of-eight’ shaped lake with two islands. Plenty of benches surround the lake, so it’s a perfect spot to relax and watch the resident swans.
The Terrace, statues and viewing platform
The main linear path that runs east to west through the park is known as The Terrace. Lining the path are three prominent grade II listed statues. The central figure is a cast lead structure depicting Sir Robert Peel dressed in mid-19th-century frock. To either side of this are life-size statues of a Roman matron representing ‘Autumn’ and ‘Spring’, given to the park in 1869 and 1877. At the far west side of The Terrace is a viewing platform that overlooks Bradford and the Aire Valley.
Ornamental Bridge
A cast iron bridge, built in 1857, gives way to the eastern end of The Terrace over the carriage drive.
Drinking fountains
There are four historic drinking fountains within Peel Park. Most notable are the ‘Band of Hope Union Fountain’ and the ‘Beaumont Memorial Fountain’.
Band of Hope Union Fountain
Situated at the east of the park, the water feature was originally erected in town by the Bradford Band of Hope Union. It was later moved to Peel Park to accommodate road improvements.
Beaumont Memorial Fountain
The southern entrance is a prominent stone drinking fountain which was erected in 1861 in memory of Alderman Thomas Beaumont.
Other drinking fountains:
Located at the side of the bridge, taking The Terrace over the carriageway is a wall-mounted fountain with red granite surround. This was installed by Charles P Melly, a Liverpool cotton merchant and philanthropist. Sitting at the side of the lake is an ornate grade II listed stone doorway – originally from the Bradford Hall on Kirkgate, relocated here pre-1926. Placed inside the door is a drinking fountain.
History
The first Bradford District Park
Opened in 1852, Peel Park claims the title of the first-ever public-owned park in the district.
Sir Robert Peel
A British Conservative statesman who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1834–1835 and 1841–1846). Peel is most renowned as the founder of the Metropolitan Police Service, established through the introduction of modern British policing methods. This is where the slang terms “bobbies” and “Peelers” came from.
Following the death of Sir Robert Peel in 1850, a meeting was held at St George’s Hall, Bradford, where it was agreed to raise funds for a memorial to Peel in the form of a public park.
The Sir Robert Peel statue was the first public monument erected in the Bradford District. Located initially in Peel Place on Leeds Road, in 1926, it was re-located to Peel Park.
Raising the funds
The funds were raised through the 19th-century equivalent of “crowdfunding” or public subscription. Alongside a government donation, other contributors included Sir Robert Milligan, Sir Titus Salt and Forbes and Company. The Park was opened in 1852, and a series of galas were held in the Park to raise funds to pay off the remaining debt for purchasing the land and its layout as a park – this took 12 years.
Public park
In the 1870s, the Park was conveyed to the Municipal Borough of Bradford, who act as trustees and registered Peel Park as a charity in 1965.
Pageants
In 1931 and 1947, Peel Park played host to two historical pageants of Bradford – an early form of “cosplay” where local residents “dressed up” to re-enact and celebrate episodes from the City’s history.
The Bradford Mela
Bradford Mela is a large-scale celebration of South Asian culture and was the first such event in Europe. Running between 1998 to 2011, the Mela took place in the ‘Events area’ at the far north of the park. In 2013, the event was moved to Bradford City Park and incorporated into the Bradford Festival.
Natural history
Only 1.4 miles from the centre of Bradford Peel Park is a green oasis in the urban environment. The park has a good balance of trees, open parkland, ornamental gardens, a small lake, and natural areas.
The small lake attracts a variety of waterfowl; owls are often heard, and a good collection of “garden birds” in the hedges and shrubs. The grey squirrel has taken up residency in the park, and the occasional urban fox might be seen.
The Better Place initiative is a component of the Better Start Bradford project. Better Place identifies and oversees improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families.
Visit the things to do area for details of all events.
Cyclo-Cross championships
The park has hosted events in the Cyclo-Cross National Trophy competition. Along with the British National Championships in 2009, 2013, and 2016.
Circus and fun fair
Peel Park regularly hosts a travelling circus and fun fairs – located within the ‘Events area’ at the far north of the park.
Peel Park Youth & Community Hub
Bradford Youth Service and the Friends of Peel Park run a weekly youth group from the bowling pavilion. For young people aged 10+, activities include sports, arts and crafts, woodwork and cycling. Sessions take place on Wednesday, 6 pm – 8 pm.
Friends of Peel Park
The Friends of Peel Park group organise various events throughout the year, which are regularly posted on the Friends group Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/576361445781596
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