Bradford on Avon Highlights
Bradford on Avon: A Wiltshire Idyll
With its winding back streets, cottages, churches and mills of golden Bath stone, historic bridges over the River Avon and plethora of cafes, boutiques and restaurants, the impossibly quaint town of Bradford on Avon is one of Wiltshire's most popular towns. Easily reachable by train and road, it boasts all the charm of nearby Bath without the crowds and queues.
A walk along Bradford on Avon's riverside and canal side paths is always a tranquil, bucolic affair: flotillas of swans and ducks patrol the Avon's tranquil waters, the bell tower of a Saxon church peeps from trees, and traffic is a distant rumble. Those who prefer a more sedate experience can take a narrowboat tour to the village of Avoncliff, where the Kennet and Avon Canal crosses over the Avon on a 200-year-old aqueduct.
Here are some of the town's highlights.
Weekly Market
Bradford on Avon market is held in the centre of town every Thursday, next to the River Avon and library. The focus here is on fresh local produce, with stalls offering cheese, fruit and vegetables, organic bread, fish, homemade cakes and pies, as well as plants and flowers.
A farmers' and artisans' market is also held on the last Sunday of every month between 10.30 am and 2 pm (on the opposite bank of the river).
The library itself is also worth checking out, with a small but fascinating museum on the second floor.
The Shambles
The only timber-framed houses in Bradford on Avon, which date back to Tudor times, can be found in The Shambles. A picturesque, historic walkway in the heart of the town, this delightful street is now packed with cafes, shops and beauty salons.
Tithe Barn
One of the best surviving examples of a monastic tithe barn in England, dating back to the 14th century, this must-see building is located close to the River Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal. The most impressive feature of the barn is the cruck roof, crafted of thick timbers bent to support the heavy slate tiles.
Grounded Coffee
Part of the expanding Grounded chain, this chic Bradford on Avon cafe opened in the summer of 2017. Located in Bridge Yard, in a building that was a former woollen mill, it occupies a prime position overlooking the river and historic Town Bridge. Serves a range of coffees, alcohol, soft drinks, snacks, cakes and hot and cold meals. (Update - now closed)
The Bunch of Grapes
The oldest running pub in Bradford on Avon, "The Grapes" is located on Silver Street, in the centre of the town. Downstairs is a trendy bar serving three cask ales, a range of craft beers, French wines and a variety of cocktails. Upstairs the French-inspired bistro menu comes from a wood-fired oven and includes classics such as moules frites, steak frites, whole roast poussin, fancy burgers and a range of vegetarian choices, alongside a daily changing market menu.
Dog and Fox Inn
The family-run Dog and Fox Inn is known for its fine food and quality ales. Both family and dog-friendly enjoy the log burner in winter and pleasant garden in the summer. There is a 'pub menu' on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a roast on Sundays. Vegetarian options are well catered for.
Bear Inn
Situated in the centre of Bradford on Avon, the Bear Inn is traditionally furnished and features an on-site bar serving real ales, fantastic pies and a great range of ciders. It also shows live sport most evenings. Each of the reasonably-priced rooms here comes with an en suite bathroom, flat screen TV and minibar. (Update - now closed)
Timbrell's Yard
A relatively new addition to Bradford on Avon's accommodation options (and the pick of the bunch), Timbrell's Yard is a rejuvenated coaching inn boasting a bar, fine dining and trendy, Nordic-styled rooms. The extensive menu features a range of dishes prepared with fresh, West Country produce.
Book a room at Timbrell's Yard
St. Laurence Church
The tiny Saxon Church of St. Laurence is one of the best preserved Saxon structures in the whole of England, located at 10 Church Street in the centre of the town. Originally built around the year 1000, for many years the church was used as a school, and its ecclesiastical origins were lost. Now fully restored, it provides an atmospheric glimpse of Saxon architecture and ancient religious practice.
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.
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