Umrah is a sacred act of worship that Muslims perform in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Every year, Muslims from all around the world, including the United Kingdom, travel to perform this blessed journey. The UK has a large Muslim community spread across its major cities, and one of the most well-known among them is Bradford. Every year, more than a thousand Muslims undertake Umrah from Bradford, seeking the mercy and blessings of Allah.

If you are also planning to go for Umrah from Bradford, you need to take some key steps in advance — such as booking your package, arranging travel documents, and organizing accommodation. Thankfully, there are many trusted Umrah travel agencies in Bradford that provide complete packages. Below is a practical step-by-step guide, from booking your journey to performing Umrah rituals in Makkah.

Pick the Perfect Bradford Package for Umrah

Arranging everything on your own — from visa, tickets, and hotels to transport — can be difficult. That’s why most people prefer booking a Bradford Umrah package through a licensed travel agency. These agencies offer complete bundles that include everything you need for Umrah.

Common types of packages include economy, standard, luxury, group, private, and family-friendly options. When selecting your package, always make sure the travel agency is ATOL protected, check customer reviews, and confirm all details in writing.

If you face any issue during your journey, a reputable agency will provide full guidance and support — making your Umrah from Bradford smooth and worry-free.

Choose the Best Flight and Departure Option

When you begin your journey from Bradford, you’ll need to fly to Saudi Arabia. The nearest airport to Bradford is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), which is less than 9 miles from the city centre. However, there are usually no direct flights to Jeddah or Madinah from this airport — most are connecting flights through major Middle Eastern hubs.

For a more convenient and affordable experience, many pilgrims prefer to depart from Manchester Airport (MAN) instead. Umrah from Manchester offers more direct and frequent flights to Saudi Arabia. Manchester is only 40–45 miles from Bradford, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car or train. You can either travel there yourself or let your travel agency arrange transportation and flights for you.

Enter into Ihram and Make the Intention (Niyyah)

Once you reach Jeddah or Madinah Airport, you must enter the sacred state of Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. Ihram is more than just a dress — it’s a state of spiritual purity and intention.

Men wear two unstitched white sheets, one around the waist and one over the shoulders. Women wear modest, Sharia-compliant clothing of their choice. You usually enter Ihram at the Miqat or when your flight passes over it.

At this point, make your intention (Niyyah) for Umrah:

“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah for Your sake alone.”

From this moment onward, you are officially in the sacred state for Umrah from Bradford (or Manchester) and can begin your blessed rituals.

Perform the Umrah Rituals Correctly

Once in Makkah, you enter Masjid al-Haram to begin your rituals. The first act is Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar-e-Aswad). Recite Duas or Quranic verses as you walk, reflecting on your faith and submission.

After Tawaf, perform two Rak’at of Nafl prayer near Maqam-e-Ibrahim, then drink Zamzam water.

Next comes Sa’ee — walking seven times between Safa and Marwah hills. Begin at Safa and end at Marwah. Men walk briskly between the green light zones, following the Sunnah. During Sa’ee, keep making Duas and Dhikr, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.

If you’re travelling in a group, your guide will help ensure you complete each step correctly and comfortably.

Stay in Makkah and Madinah During Your Package Days

Most Bradford Umrah packages include a stay of 5–7 days in Makkah and 3–5 days in Madinah, while luxury packages may extend up to 10 days or more. After completing your Umrah, spend your remaining time in worship inside Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi.

When choosing accommodation, make sure your hotel is within a 10–15 minute walk from the Haram, especially if you’re travelling with elderly family members.

Many agencies also arrange visits to Ziyarat (holy sites) such as Cave of Hira, Cave of Thawr, Jannat al-Mu’alla, Jannat al-Baqi, Uhud Mountain, and Quba Mosque. These visits add to your spiritual journey and are usually well-organized within your stay duration.

Return Home with Peace and Gratitude

After completing your blessed journey, you can take your return flight to Manchester Airport or directly to Bradford if arranged by your travel agency. You’ll return home spiritually refreshed and full of gratitude — your Umrah from Bradford (or Umrah from Manchester) complete, with the hope that Allah accepts your efforts and prayers.