Bradford on Avon Guide

Bradford on Avon (sometimes written Bradford-on-Avon) is a town in western Wiltshire with a population of slightly over 9,000. Bradford on Avon is situated partly in the Avon Valley and partly on the hill at the Vale's western edge. Bradford on Avon is located eight miles southeast of Bath.

As the town's name suggests, the River Avon runs through Bradford on Avon. Locations around Bath provide the yellowish limestone, Bath Stone, from which the older buildings in Bradford on Avon are constructed. Those historic buildings, the river, shops, pubs and restaurants make Bradford on Avon a popular location for tourists.

Abbey Mill, Bradford-on-Avon, UK — Abbey Mill in Bradford on Avon

Bradford-on-Avon, UK. — The Tithe Barn, Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon History

Fragments of Roman settlements have been discovered in Bradford on Avon, and they mark the earliest evidence of human habitation in the town. Moreover, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a Roman villa with a well-preserved mosaic on the grounds of a local school.

The name Bradford on Avon is linked to its location at a ford across the River Avon and has been slightly shortened from the original "Broad-Ford". In Norman times, a stone bridge that still stands today was built across the river. That bridge is known as the Town Bridge and is a grade I listed building. A small building which was originally a chapel but later used as a town lockup stands on Town Bridge.

Historically, Bradford on Avon's wealth came from the wool industry. Early examples of weaver's cottages can be found on Newtown, Middle Rank and Tory Terraces. With the advent of the industrial revolution, wool weaving moved from those cottages to purpose built woollen mills on the River Avon where water and steam were used to power the looms. Around 30 woollen mills were built in Bradford on Avon and operated until the English woollen industry shifted its base to Yorkshire in the late 19th century. The last woollen mill in Bradford on Avon closed in 1905. Abbey Mill was built in 1857 by Richard Gane as a cloth factory but now houses retirement apartments.

The Tithe Barn. — The historic Tithe Barn is a huge (51 metres long and 9 metres wide) Grade II listed building

Bradford on Avon Attractions

Bradford on Avon hosts many remarkable attractions including its ancient Town Bridge and Barton Bridge, a Medieval stone packhorse bridge. Town Bridge is a grade I listed building and parts of the structure are from Norman times.

Located near the centre of town is the 11th century Saxon Church of St Laurence while a slightly longer stroll uphill takes the visitor to the Chapel of St Mary Tory, historically a stopover site for religious pilgrims.

The Saxon Church of St Laurence is a gem of Anglo-Saxon architecture and dates back to the 7th or 8th century. The Chapel of St Mary Tory dates from the 15th century and was used as a pilgrim chapel on the way to Glastonbury. The word 'Tory' in the name comes from Tor (or hill). In fact, visitors must climb a hill to reach the chapel.

Another historic church of note in Bradford on Avon is the Norman Holy Trinity Church. Holy Trinity's foundation is Norman, and it was built on, or near, the site of a previous Saxon monastery.

Bradford on Avon also offers easy access to the Kennet and Avon Canal and nearby Avoncliff Aqueduct.

Another remarkable site near the centre of town is Barton Grange Farm, set within the Barton Farm Country Park and featuring a number of medieval buildings. One of those buildings within the Barton Farm Country Park is the huge tithe barn, 180 feet long and 30 feet wide, which was constructed in the 14th century and is a grade II listed building. The tithe barn was used for collecting taxes, in the form of goods, to support the church.

Dog and Fox Inn, UK. — The Dog and Fox pub, Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon Shopping

The medieval meat market, also called 'The Shambles', like its more famous counterpart in York, is now a pedestrianized shopping area lined with small, independent shops and cafes. Strawberry Blue at 6 The Shambles sells a range of inspiring gifts and stationary. Other independent stores include The Granary in Barton Farm Country Park, Sassy and Boo for fashion in Lamb Yard and The Cheese Shop on Market Street for gourmet cheeses.

One of the many attractive shops and eating places in the town centre is the prize-winning Bridge Tea Rooms. Barton Farm Country Park also features shops which sell handicrafts and local produce among other things.

The Lamb Yard Artisan Market takes place in Lamb Yard every Friday. The indoor Local Makers BOA Market is monthly at St Margaret's Hall.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon Hotels

Serving central Bradford on Avon are at least two inns; the Swan Inn and the Castle Inn as well as other cottages and converted properties. There is also a wealth of choices within an easy driving distance of Bradford on Avon. Single rooms in the area start from around £35 per night and range into the hundreds of pounds for more luxurious accommodation.

Bradford on Avon Station, Bradford-on-Avon, UK. — Train at Bradford-on-Avon Station

Bradford on Avon Access - Getting To Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon is located on the A363 about a 20 minute drive from Bath. Bradford on Avon Station is also easily accessible via a 15 minute railway journey from Bath. London is around a two hour drive or a 90 minute train ride from Bath.

Trains to Frome take about 25 minutes from Bradford on Avon.