Bradford-on-Avon

Bradford-on-Avon is a small historic town in the English county of Wiltshire, just eight miles from Bath. There are several interesting historic sights for the tourist to visit, delightfully quaint streets and buildings to investigate, and a good choice of restaurants and tea-rooms. Like Bath, Bradford-on-Avon is built of golden-coloured limestone, giving the town a warm and mellow appearance.

Bradford is situated on the River Avon, around the site of an ancient crossing point, a 'broad ford'. It's known as Bradford-on-Avon to distinguish it from the large city of Bradford in the north of England. A stone medieval bridge in the heart of this little town still carries busy traffic over the Avon. For hundreds of years the principal local industry was wool and cloth, and you can see how prosperous the town was. The centre is crammed with the fine stone houses of well-to-do merchants, while up on the hillside are rows of smaller weavers' cottages, which are still charming despite being more humble dwellings.

Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours in Bradford - and there are so many attractive places to eat and drink that we'd recommend stopping in the town for lunch or dinner. At the very least, enjoy an afternoon tea at one of the traditional tea-rooms, or a glass of wine or Pimm's on a terrace.

Bradford-on-Avon tourist attractions

Bradford-on-Avon's tourist information office is situated next to the bridge, in a shady little park. This is a couple of minutes' walk from the railway station and is clearly signposted with 'i' signs. You can buy guidebooks and maps, and consult the helpful staff. Although the town is small, it's still a good idea to purchase a cheap town plan to make sure you don't miss anything. Our suggested walk around Bradford starts here.

From the tourist information office, cross the Town Bridge, which boasts two original thirteenth-century arches (the rest was upgraded in the seventeenth century) and a small stone lock-up. Take the busy Silver Street, past two excellent cafes, the Scribbling Horse and the Cottage Co-operative, both of which serve light lunches and cakes. After a few yards, our itinerary leads around to the left, but you may wish to continue up Silver Street, admiring the historic terraces and maybe visiting the rather good shops.

Next, turn back and stroll along the Shambles, a tiny colourful shopping alley connecting Silver Street to Market Street. After these photogenic streets, climb upwards until you reach a series of charming terraces of old weavers' cottages, stretched along the hillside with fantastic views over Wiltshire. The little Chapel of St Mary Tory, at the end of these terraces, is a pretty viewpoint.

Descending the steep flights of steps to Church Street, you'll find the most significant tourist attraction in Bradford-on-Avon, the small Saxon Church of St. Laurence (signposted from all around town; free admission). There is no clear date for the church: early writers claimed it dated to around 700AD, but current thinking places its construction in the early eleventh century. The chapel was rediscovered in the nineteenth century, after being 'lost' under later additions. The atmosphere in the small, high-roofed interior is cool and peaceful.

Between the Saxon church and the river is the larger Holy Trinity Church. A Norman church, it may not be as unusual as its Saxon neighbour, but it is full of interest. An information tablet provides the visitor with a guide to the various bits and pieces displayed, dating back through history. These include some fine tombs, lovely pieces of a medieval rood screen, and a worn effigy of a lady from the late thirteenth century, which was later turned upside down and used as a paving stone.

From the end of Church Street, follow Barton Orchard, a small lane which was once part of the route from Bradford to Bath, past some more charming terraced cottages. This leads down to the old Packhorse Bridge over the river, close to the next sight on our tour. You will need to walk across the railway tracks - take great care crossing.

Between the river and the Kennet and Avon Canal is a pleasant green area where you'll find sports fields, the Barton Farm Country Park, and another remarkable building, the fourteenth-century Tithe Barn. There is also a small complex of cafes, craft shops and galleries which is well worth visiting. You can return towards the Town Bridge either along a riverside path, or along Frome Road, past the railway station. Alternatively, you can join the canal towpath for a walk towards Bath.

Travel information

Bradford-on-Avon is easy to reach from Bath. Trains run from Bath railway station approximately hourly (the Wessex Trains two-carriage service towards Weymouth), and the journey only takes a few minutes. Buses also connect the two towns - take the Wilts and Dorset X4 bus from Bath Bus station. It leaves every hour and the journey takes 30 minutes. The healthy alternative is hiking - enterprising travellers can walk from Bath to Bradford along the Kennet and Avon Canal; an easy flat route.

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