Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Bolling Hall
Date
26 Apr
Ages
All ages
Price
Free
Join Bradford Council at historic Bolling Hall for this free celebration of spring's most photogenic season. The Cherry Blossom Festival brings the grounds alive with blooming trees, making it a lovely afternoon out for families who want to enjoy some seasonal beauty without the crowds of busier spring events.
The four-hour Sunday afternoon window gives you a relaxed pace to wander the grounds, let children explore the historic hall's gardens, and soak up the spring atmosphere. It's the kind of event where you can arrive whenever suits your family routine, spend as long as you like, and head home without feeling rushed.
Make a handcrafted tissue blossom to take home and join in a flower themed children’s story-time in the library with a very special visit from the Bookstart Bear who is waking up for spring. The museum’s Bradford Literacy Trust volunteers will also have free books to give away.
There will be blossom-themed face painting and visitors will be able to join in a dance with the blossom fairies.
Visitors will also be able to meet Mr Tempest who will take them on a tour of his home, the museum. The Tempest family lived in Bolling Hall during the late 15th century and were involved in some of the most important moments in the history of England.
Join in with Maypole and morris dancing to keep you moving with Rainbow Morris and Buttercross Belles.
Local mobile coffee shop Blooms Brews and Bakes from Ilkley will have a pop-up café with a range of tasty treats.
The event is suitable for all the family, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free, but donations on a pay-as-you-feel basis are always welcome to cover the cost of activities and the work of the volunteers at the museum.
What to bring
- Layers and a waterproof jacket in case of typical April showers
- A blanket or portable chairs if you'd like to settle in the grounds for a while
- Camera or phone for capturing the blossom photos everyone wants
- Snacks and a drink bottle, as refreshment facilities may be limited during the event
- Wipes or hand sanitiser for sticky fingers after outdoor exploration
Top tips
- Arrive mid-afternoon if you want to avoid morning rushes and still have plenty of daylight. The four-hour window is generous, so there's no need to arrive at the start.
- Wear waterproof shoes or boots rather than trainers. The grounds will likely be damp from spring weather, and children will want to wander beyond the main paths.
- Check the weather the day before and plan accordingly. Blossoms look lovely in soft light but can be rained on, so an unexpected downpour might mean staying shorter than planned.
- Bring a basket or bag if you think you might pick up seasonal plants or items being sold by local traders, which often pop up at these community events.
Practical details
All ages
The event is free, but donations on a pay-as-you-feel basis are always welcome to cover the cost of activities and the work of the volunteers at the museum.
Tags
Location
Bowling Hall Rd, Bradford BD4 7LP, UK
BD4 7LP
Free, on-site car park for visitors located at the rear of the building on Brompton Avenue (BD4 7LP). If the car park is full, some on-street parking is located nearby.
Date & time
Sunday 26 April 2026
11am - 3pm
About the provider
Date & time
Sunday 26 April 2026
11am - 3pm