Bradford upon Avon: Wiltshire’s Mini Version of Bath
The historic town of Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire is just 12 minutes by train from the beautiful city of Bath, the town sits on the Bristol Avon River (a 75-mile river which begins in the hills near Acton Turville in southwest England. Before flowing to Bristol, and out to the sea at the Severn Estuary.
The town is known as ‘mini Bath’, as it’s built from the same gold-coloured limestone that is responsible for the beautiful architecture of the nearby city. The Sunday Times once even called this place ‘the best town in Britain’.
Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).
The town takes its name from its ‘broad ford’. With a strong link to the weaving industry, it still has remains of a large Roman village, and a 13th century arched stone bridge.
The small building on the bridge was a chapel, that also used to lock up prisoners, in the 17th century. And it is home to one of the largest tithe barns in England, at over 50 metres long.
A Georgian air on the river Avon
The River Avon curves through the town, while old bridges and waterside buildings pull your eye from one view to the next. Because of that, even a short walk feels full of detail.
Parts of the town carry a mild Georgian air, especially in the proportions of the houses and the tidy street fronts. Elsewhere, the place looks older and rougher round the edges, which helps. It doesn’t feel staged. Instead, it feels layered.
Then there’s the stone. Like Bath, Bradford upon Avon uses local limestone to great effect. In sunshine, it glows. In grey weather, it still looks solid and calm. That shared material is a big part of the comparison.
