In Things to do, Itinerary

Ever wondered what would happen if you followed the river south of Bath? Whether you have or not, we’re about to show you why you should! 

Waiting for you just eight miles upstream is Bradford on Avon, the perfect playground for a day, with all the charms of a historic British market town combined with a uniquely beautiful landscape. Read on for our guide on how to enjoy a day trip there from Bath… 

How do I get to Bradford on Avon from Bath? 

With so many connections to Bradford on Avon from Bath, it’s easy to find your way there. 

Trains run between Bath Spa and Bradford on Avon railway stations twice every hour, with the journey taking a matter of minutes. Alternatively, the D1 and D1x bus services can be caught from Bath Bus Station and outside the Guildhall respectively, taking just under one hour to whisk you into Bradford on Avon via the Wiltshire countryside. 

In our opinion, there’s no better way to make the pilgrimage to the town from Bath than on foot or two wheels along the beautiful Kennet and Avon Canal Path! Cutting through the verdant landscapes of the Limpley Stoke Valley as it winds its way between the two destinations, the path is an attraction in itself, with plenty of scenic stops to enjoy along the way. 


Image: Kennet and Avon Canal, credit Korey Watson

Will you choose to wander off the beaten track to The Inn at Freshford, relax with a pint on the riverbank at The Cross Guns in Avoncliff, tuck in to a delicious cake and coffee at the neighbouring No. 10 Tea Garden, or all of the above? 


Image: The Cross Guns at Avoncliff

All you need to do is pick up the path at Bath’s Widcombe Lock, just south of the city centre behind Bath Spa railway station, at the junction of St Matthew’s Place and Pulteney Road. The route takes between four and six hours to walk, and an hour and a half by bike. 

Savour an afternoon tea at The Bridge Tea Rooms 

While Bath is awash with delectable afternoon teas, the venues don’t come more characterful than Bradford on Avon’s Bridge Tea Rooms, set inside a 500-year old former blacksmith’s cottage overlooking the even older Town Bridge. 


Image: The Bridge Tea Rooms 

Upon entering, you’ll immediately see why this beloved tearoom has been described as ‘near perfect’ by the prestigious UK Tea Guild. The pristine lace tablecloths, delicate bone china, and background classical music set the stage for the venue’s selection of traditional English afternoon teas. Whether you prefer yours sweet or savoury, accompanied by fine leaf teas or champagne, you’ll find an option to suit you on the menu. 

It’s not just afternoon teas either; The Bridge Tea Rooms also serves a range of light bites and cakes to satiate those with a smaller appetite, from single scones to Victoria Sponges, carrot cakes, and much more. 

Taste Bradford on Avon’s other culinary delights

The Bridge Tea Rooms is among excellent company in Bradford on Avon, which is packed full of must-visit eateries, many of which also take advantage of the unique atmospheres offered by the town’s historic buildings. 

One of the most notable examples is The Bunch of Grapes on Silver Street, featured in the Michelin Guide. The acclaimed restaurant’s menu is a love letter to British cuisine, with a menu full of top-quality dishes that celebrate the country’s finest flavours, all served in the distinctive surroundings of a 17th-century pub. 


Image: The Secret Garden Cafe

If it’s a light lunch you’re after, head a few steps around the corner to Lamb Yard. Once home to a working mill and factory used in the town’s two major historic industries, woollen cloth and rubber, the area has since been transformed into a peaceful square surrounded by delightful cafes and restaurants. Here, you can take your pick from hearty sandwiches or salads at The Secret Garden Café and The Sweetpea Kitchen, as well as authentic Spanish tapas at Pablo’s Bistro.

Perhaps you’d like to dine by the water? With the town sitting on the banks of both the River Avon and the Kennet & Avon Canal, there are plenty of tempting options. 


Image: Timbrell's Yard
Your first port of call should be the restaurant at Timbrell’s Yard, which boasts a sun-trap terrace overlooking the Avon, along with eclectic menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No matter what you’re craving, they’re likely to serve it, whether it’s a classic English breakfast, Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, steak, burger, or grilled octopus. Timbrell’s Yard also offers 17 stylish rooms, which could come in handy if you choose to enjoy the delights of Bradford on Avon for longer and stay for an extra night or two! 


Image: Timbrell's Yard

For more waterside dining options, head further down the road to the Bradford on Avon Lock, which marks the intersection of the town and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Here, you’ll find The Lock Inn Café and Canal Tavern, both of which offer a range of classic British dishes, and outdoor seating on the banks of the canal. 


Image: The view from The Lock Inn Cafe, credit Max Rawlinson

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local tipples in Bradford on Avon. Start on Market Street, where you’ll find two pubs; The Dandy Lion, which pulls a selection of beers from local Wiltshire brewery Wadworth, and The Stumble Inn, which offers drinks from a variety of other local producers. This includes those from the award-winning Kettlesmith Brewing Company, born in Bradford on Avon in 2016; you can taste the full range at their taproom on the southern outskirts of the town every Friday and Saturday. 

Go shopping at local independents

Bradford on Avon is a shopper’s dream, with fabulous independent retailers scattered across the town, selling everything from art and antiques to homewares and lifestyle goods. 

Tucked away in Weavers Walk, which adjoins Lamb Yard to the north, is Handmade Bradford on Avon. As its name suggests, the shop sells an extensive range of items fashioned by the town’s talented locals, including textiles, ceramics, wood, and decorative arts, making it a perfect place to nab a souvenir from your day trip! 


Image: The Shambles, Bradford on Avon - credit Explore BOA 

Stop by The Shambles and find yourself some reading material at independent book shop Ex-Libris, which sells an array of new and second hand novels, or buy a present for your pad at Previous Homewares. You might also fancy a browse of Moxhams Antiques, just feet away on Silver Street. 


Image: Tithebarn Workshops, Bradford on Avon

The Tithebarn Workshops, nestled close to the Kennet and Avon Canal to the south of the town centre, are another must-visit for art lovers. The collection of small studio spaces are open every Wednesday-Sunday, offering you a chance to browse and buy even more works from local artists and makers. Don’t miss The Granary, set in a 14th century barn in the neighbouring paddock, which sells a combination of gifts, homewares and furniture. 

Explore The Hall Estate

Get acquainted with Bradford on Avon’s rich industrial history at the lesser-known Hall Estate on the northern side of town, which offers regular guided tours on weekends throughout the year. 


Image: The Hall Estate, Bradford on Avon

The grand Jacobean mansion was originally built in 1610 by its namesake, the Hall family, who made their fortune from the town’s then-booming wool industry. After passing into the hands of several other wealthy families through the generations, the property eventually became the home of industrialist Stephen Moulton and his family in the 1840s. 

Moulton was responsible for making Bradford on Avon into a hub of rubber production, which lasted until the early 1990s. One of his descendants, Dr. Alex Moulton, became well-known in the 20th century for designing the suspension system on none other than the original Mini Cooper, as well as the distinctive Moulton bicycle, which is still produced on the estate to this day.

Immerse yourself in The Hall Estate even further by booking a stay in one of the mansion’s three beautifully appointed guest rooms, or in the cosy two-bedroom No. 4 Bramley Cottage. 

Take to the water

With Bradford on Avon home to two waterways, it’s no surprise that the town is a popular destination for boat trips! 

Hop aboard the Barbara McLellan at the Bradford on Avon Lock for soothing cruises along the Kennet and Avon Canal to nearby destinations including Avoncliff, Hilperton, and the Dundas Aqueduct. The boat generally operates trips two to three times per week from April-October each year, but we strongly recommend checking their latest schedules and booking online in advance to avoid disappointment. 


Image: Bath Narrowboats at Sydney Wharf

If you’d prefer to commandeer your own boat for a day, Anglo Welsh offers day hire from their base at the town’s marina, or you can opt to spend a day sailing from Bath’s Sydney Wharf to Bradford on Avon along the canal on one of Bath Narrowboats’ large or small vessels. 

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