Press Release 21 September 2017
Beautiful Bradford on Avon... the perfect setting
History of the town
On the edge of the Cotswolds and only a stones throw from Bath, Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire makes the perfect base for visitors to the area.
It’s an architectural treasure chest with buildings from centuries past – many made from local Bath stone. Visitors can discover dwellings from tiny weavers’ cottages to grand clothiers’ houses, ancient alleyways and places of worship, which reflect the town’s development from Iron Age settlement to 21st century working town.
Flowing from the weir at Greenland Mill and winding through the centre of the town is the River Avon, where Saxons drove their carts across the ‘broad ford’ that gave the early settlement its name.
When the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086, Bradford on Avon was already a market town engaged in agriculture. From the middle ages until the late-19th century much of Bradford on Avon’s prosperity depended upon wool and the manufacture of woollen cloth, gradually evolving from a cottage industry to one based in large factories.
The declining cloth industry, following the development of woollen mills in the north of England, was replaced from 1848 by pioneering rubber works, which operated here until 1994.
Things to see and do
Stroll through the town and you will walk through time. The Romans, Saxons, Normans, Georgians and Victorians have all left their mark, each creating a chapter in Bradford on Avon’s remarkable story.
Still a natural focus in the centre is The Town Bridge. It was initially built in the 13th century as a packhorse bridge and two of the arches you see today are from this period. It was widened in the 17th century and today it offers a fabulous view of the hillside above the town.
Experience the magnificent 14th century Tithe Barn in the beautifully restored Barton Farm Country Park, which has tea rooms and craft workshops close to the Kennet & Avon Canal.
The early 11th century Saxon Church of St Laurence was used as a school and house until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1856. Visitors can see the remains of a Saxon cross above the altar and angel carvings above the chancel arch.
There are plenty of outdoor leisure activities to keep you busy. Enjoy walking along the canal or hire bikes or canoes from Towpath Trail Bike and Canoe Hire plus there are tennis and golf facilities too! The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust operate boat day trips on Barbara McKellan Canal boat which are available from Good Friday through to October.
Iford Manor and the Peto Garden, idyllically situated by the River Frome, is an award-winning Grade I Italian style garden famous for its tranquil beauty.
This unspoilt market town offers a mix of delightful shops, restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfasts lining the narrow streets, not to mention a weekly market on Thursdays.
Annual events and entertainment
Bradford on Avon run an annual town events programme including Bradford Roots Folk Festival in January, Secret Garden Open Days in spring, a duck race on Easter Monday and a Walking Festival and Arts Festival in September.
The Wiltshire Music Centre situated in the town, is a 300-seater concert venue with a year-round programme of music from classical to jazz, world and folk and Iford Arts Festival in the nearby village of Iford, features opera, picnic proms and classical cloister concerts from May to August.
Where to eat and shop
Numerous lovely shops and restaurants add to Bradford on Avon’s charm and variety. The pedestrianised ‘Shambles’ was formerly part of the medieval meat market and today it is home to an array of independent shops and cafés.
Travel back in time when you visit The Bridge Tea Rooms which serves very ‘British’ afternoon teas, lunches and light meals with waitresses dressed in Victorian costume, whilst The Lock Inn Café offers the famous ‘Boaters Breakfast’ in a fun and quirky canal side location as well as on a moored boat. The Boat House overlooks the picturesque marina, has manicured gardens and children’s play area - children under 12 years old eat free (T&Cs apply)! The New Inn welcomes both drinkers and diners in this dog-friendly family pub.
The Swan serves authentic Thai food in a traditional English Inn. Timbrell’s Yard is open all day for drinking and eating, has a superb restaurant and fantastic range of beers, with a bar that overlooks the river.
Where to stay
There is plenty of accommodation in the area. The Swan and Timbrell’s Yard are not only great places to eat and drink but they have 12–14 bedrooms each and offer comfort, style and quality with the character and charm of old country inns.
Best Western Leigh Park is a classic Georgian country house hotel set in five acres of landscaped gardens with its own vineyard. Beeches Farmhouse B&B is a delightful 18th century farmhouse sympathetically restored to its former glory which also offers four star self-catering at ’Pig Wig’ Cottages. There are two bedrooms at Great Ashley Farm and three at April Cottage B&B.
There are 14 acres of stunning grounds to explore at Woolley Grange Hotel, a Jacobean manor house on the edge of the town. It has 26 rooms and award-winning children’s facilities, a beautiful spa and great food.
On the outskirts of the town you’ll find converted barn rooms, a gypsy caravan and Shepherd’s hut at Widbrook Barns while Widbrook Grange is a Grade II Listed, 19-bedroom boutique hotel. There is self-catering accommodation at Cumberwell Country Cottages and Church Farm Country Cottages whilst The Farm Camp offers a glamping experience with four large bell tents.
Connectivity
Bradford on Avon is easily accessible by road and rail. It is just 18 miles from the M4 motorway and has its own railway station within walking distance of the town centre with regular trains from London, Bristol and Bath. Local buses connect the town to Bath and the surrounding area. Bath to Bradford on Avon by train takes only 12 minutes.
There are long and short stay Pay and Display car parks in the town plus coach parking facilities.
What’s nearby?
Cumberwell Park Golf Club is just outside the town set in 700 acres of beautiful parkland. Great Chalfield Manor is a restored manor house next to a contemporary small parish church. Relive the troubled and gruesome history of Farleigh Hungerford Castle and towards Bath, The American Museum is home to the finest collection of Americana outside of USA. Longleat is also nearby and well worth a visit if you’re staying in the area.
For further information please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/bradford-on-avon
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Note to editors: VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
For information on Bradford on Avon Town Council visit http://www.bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/
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