Bath has always been a top pick for UK holidays with its stunning Regency architecture, infamous Roman Baths, the Jane Austen connection and nowadays, as a backdrop for the hit series Bridgerton – solidifying its status as one of Europe’s most under-appreciated city breaks.
But take just a half-hour travel by car from Bath, and you’ll find yourself in a town that boasts an array of equally splendid historical sites and streets minus the bustling crowds.
Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire might fly under the radar compared to Bath, but it’s definitely a destination to consider for an idyllic UK retreat.
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Lovers of history will be in their element with buildings reminiscent of Regency grandeur, not to mention the famous town bridge, parts of which hail from the 14th century. The local museum is also on hand for those keen on unearthing even more local insights.
The town’s visitor centre reveals that “it is thought that the small building on it was originally a chapel but became the town ‘lock-up’ in the 17th century, where prisoners would be held before they went before a magistrate”.
Though the lock-up doesn’t routinely welcome visitors, it does open its doors during Heritage Open Days scattered across the year for those curious to step inside.
And for a deeper dive into the area’s rich past, walking tours and canal trips are readily available, reports the Mirror.
The charming town centre is also a shopper’s paradise, particularly along the picturesque Shambles, which is lined with unique independent shops, restaurants, and cafes. History buffs will enjoy the old Post Office, which dates back to the early 20th century.
The surrounding area is also home to numerous breweries and farm shops, perfect for those looking to support local businesses. A visit to the 14th-century Tithe Barn, an English Heritage site, is a must.
This stunning 51-metre-long monastic stone barn is one of the largest and finest medieval barns in England.
As English Heritage explains: “Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn is one of the largest medieval barns in England, and architecturally one of the finest. It was built in the mid-14th century to serve Barton Grange, a manor farm which belonged to Shaftesbury Abbey in Dorset, the richest nunnery in medieval England. After the abbey was suppressed in 1539, the barn passed into private hands, and was part of a working farm until 1914.”
Bradford on Avon’s proximity to Bath makes it an ideal base for exploring the region’s many attractions, including Stonehenge, Bratton Camp and White Horse, and the 14th-century Farleigh Hungerford Castle. The city of Bath, with its famous Roman Baths, is also within easy reach, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquility of Bradford on Avon and the vibrancy of Bath.
For more information, visit bradfordonavon.co.uk.