Bradford on Avon is often on the list of top places to visit from London- but is it worth the train trip? Scroll down to find out more!
I visited Bradford on Avon in winter a few years ago: I had already visited most of the top London weekend destinations, such as the Cotswolds, Bath and Canterbury, and was looking for a picturesue and quieter village to visit so decided to give it a go.
How to get to There
Bradford on Avon is easily accessible from London: you can get there by train from London Paddington (with 1 change at Bath Spa station.)
Trains from London to Bradford on Avon take around 1 hour 55 minutes (with the fastest train around 1 hour 29 minutes.)
Tip: Book in advance, for off-peak periods and/ or get a railway card for lower fares.
What to Do
The Town Bridge
Bradford on Avon’s most famous icon is its ancient stone bridge which spreads over 9 arches: the southern 2 are gothic and dates back to as early as the 13thC. Along the bridge, there is a chapel with a weather vane in the shape of a fish (known as Bradford Gudgeon). Prisoners in the cells were said to be “below the fish and above the water”!
The Saxon Church of St. Laurence
This is one of the very few surviving Anglo Saxon churches to remain intact to the present day. It does not show later medieval alterations or rebuilding.
This Anglo-Saxon church is tall and narrow with small windows.
Bradford on Avon Museum
This is a small volunteer-run museum to preserve and showcase the natural and historical heritage of Bradford on Avon and its surrounding villages.
Note:
The St. Christopher’s Shop which is a replica of a traditional pharmacy. Many objects from the old shop were saved by the Christopher family and donated to the museum when the shop closed in 1986.
Browse the independent shops: The Shambles
Stroll along the quaint pedestrian street, The Shambles, which is lined with independent shops and cafes. This cobbled street was once the site of the town’s medieval market. The Shambles connects Market Street and Silver Street and has the town’s only timber-framed building.
One thing I didn't like about Bradford on Avon is that, apart from The Shambles, the rest of the restaurants and shops are quite spread out, so it doesn't have a communal town feel.
Note: Every Thursday, the town market takes place between 8 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. in the car park next to the library, just off Bridge Street. There is a variety of local stalls offering fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, plants, artisan goods and crafts.
If you visit during Christmas, there will be several Christmas Markets, and the town is beautifully lit-up.
Iford Manor Gardens
In 2020, the film “Secret Garden” was filmed at Iford Manor Gardens.
The Kennet and Avon Canal
The Kennet & Avon Canal was built between 1794 and 1810 for transporting goods like coal from all the Somerset coal fields, barley, cheese, and other items.
However, after the Great Western Railway arrived in 1841, it lost traffic and declined in importance. Today, the canal is a popular place for towpath, trips on the canal by boat, kayaking and paddling- it was actually 1 of my favorite parts of Bradford!
Tip: Look out for the Canal & River Trust Café and Little Rituals (a plant shop and café).
Note: The Bradford on Avon wharf, on the Kennet and Avon Canal, is known for its historic features but it's located about 10 minutes out of the town centre.
Tithe Barn
A short walk from the wharf is a 14thC barn, which is now run by English Heritage.
The Tithe Barn is one of the largest medieval barns in England and is also the largest building at the Barton Farm complex. The exterior is built of ashlar stone, braced by stone buttresses, and the roof is covered with thousands of limestone tiles.
To be honest, it wasn't a particularly memorable attraction! If I hadn't read the history before visiting, I wouldn't have known it was "special."
Avoncliff Aqueduct, Avoncliff
Avon Aqueduct in Avoncliff, Wiltshire was built between 1797 and 1801.
It carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon and a railway line and consists of 3 arches. Popular with walkers and cyclists, it offers scenic views of the Avon Valley, river and surrounding countryside.
Visitors can stop and relax at the Cross Guns Pub for food or drinks and beer, or at No. 10 Tea Garden.
Note: This is not within easy walking distance of Bradford. However, Avoncliff has its own train station; thus, making it easily accessible as a day trip by train from Bath, Bradford, or Bristol.
Where to Eat
Ravello (with outdoor seating)
Housed in a 17thC building near the Town Bridge, this restaurant has a lot of character with its beams and original stonework. They serve classic Italian cuisine with a good selection of pizzas, pastas and risottos.
Pablo’s Tapas (with outdoor seating)
This family-run restaurant serves traditional and authentic Spanish and Basque tapas, tortillas, salt cod fritters, goats cheese, padron peppers, mustard pintxo, pork belly and many more. There are also gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Pizzzerca Amici (with outdoor seating)
This Italian restaurant serves Italian dishes like pizzas, risottos, goats’ cheese, cheese, great tiramisu, gnocchi with chicken in pesto sauce, spaghetti, and meatballs.
The Bunch of Grapes
A family- run pub and restaurant, The Bunch of Grapes serves a range of food options from bar snacks to 5 and 7 course tasting menus including vegetarian and vegan choices.
We enjoyed our dinner here!
The Stumble Inn
A dog- friendly pub serving great beers, lager, ale and cider. It does not serve food.
The Lock Inn Cafe
Dog friendly : Yes
This canalside cafe is popular with visitors for spending an afternoon. It serves breakfast, lunch and pub food like fish and chips, daily fish specials, pies, burgers and ice cream.
Canal Tavern
This charming pub is nested along the Kennet and Avon Canal serves hearty burgers, pub classics, daily fish specials, salads, ales, lagers, wines, ciders, drinks, and cakes.
Note: Outdoor food is allowed!
Timbrell’s Yard
A short walk from the train station, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday roast. We ate here several times and the food was OK.
The Bridge Tea Rooms
Housed in a quaint cottage which was built in early 16thC, The Bridge Tea Rooms serve afternoon teas in bone China tea sets, homemade cakes and light bites by waitres-ses dressed in Victorian costumes.
You may have seen it on Instagram as it has a very cute exterior- however, the food and drink is OK but not amazing.
Little Rituals
Coffee lovers, look out for Little Rituals for your special coffee. Also look out for guest espresso offerings like “El Jaragula” from Harmony Coffee Roasters.
Where to Stay
Timbrell’s Yard
A boutique hotel next to the River Avon with just a short walk from the train station. It has a bar, a restaurant, and 17 guest rooms.
We stayed here for a few days and it was a comfortable stay, within easy walk of most of Bradford's key attractions.
Note: Dogs are welcome in the bar, terrace and all bedrooms. £20 charge per dog per stay.
Widbrook Grange
A dog-friendly country house hotel with historic as well as elegant modern design. It has 19 guest rooms, an indoor pool and gym. It also has a restaurant and bar.
Note: Hotel guests are able to book in-room spa treatments.
The Hall (known as Kingston House or The Duke’s House)
This Jacobean mansion has 3 luxuriously refurbished en-suite bedrooms, each named after a past resident and furnished with antiques and collectables.
Guests have unlimited access to the beautiful grounds.
Note: The bedrooms are self-catering. Dogs are welcome.
If you are looking for peace, scenery and a quiet getaway, Bradford on Avon is worth a visit. However, if you are looking for more things to do and a vibrant town centre, consider visiting Lille, Bath, or Canterbury instead.
Let me know if you have any questions about a weekend trip to Bradford on Avon!
