A rich past
Once you have laid eyes on Bradford on Avon, it is hard to forget. Its honey-coloured buildings and the sparkling river Avon combine to produce a bucolic scene straight out of a water colour painting. A stroll around town is a great way to appreciate its history and witness this architectural treasure chest.
The Old Town Bridge is one of Bradford's most distinctive features and dates back to the 13th century. Its distinctive Lock-Up is so called because it was once used as an overnight cell for criminals, giving rise to the local saying, ‘under the fish and over the water.'
After enjoying the views from the bridge, make sure you visit St. Laurence's Church, known as the Saxon Church, in the middle of town. Thought to date back to 709AD, the church is a must-see for historical and architectural fans alike. The elaborate ornamentation of its exterior is a real sight to behold, while the fact that the building is over one thousand years old is awe-inspiring.
Another building that expertly marries both structural splendour with a fascinating past is the Saxon Tithe Barn. This 14th-century barn is 180ft long and 30ft wide and is a real source of local pride. It would have originally been used for collecting the church tax, known as the tithe, used to fund the local diocese. Today it is a part of Barton Farm Country Park, whose grounds offer a lovely place to take a stroll or enjoy a scenic summer picnic.
The Shambles
Sightseeing doesn't have to be a passive experience. Bradford has retained so many of its old buildings that even a day of shopping can be spun as a history field trip. The Shambles is in the centre of town and contains the only timber-framed houses in Bradford. It used to house a daily market but over time the stalls were replaced with lovely little boutiques and independent shops which remain to this day.
After a thirsty day of shopping and sightseeing, end the day in one of Bradford's ineffably cosy pubs. Special mention must be given to The Poplars Inn which has log fires, cask ales and great traditional cooking. It even has cricket on the green outside in the summer, just to add to the whole quintessential Englishness of the place.
Secret Gardens Festival
If you are lucky enough to visit a Bradford hotel in the late spring or summer, you will have a chance to compound the fairytale beauty of its buildings with a great floral tribute. The Secret Gardens Festival takes place every year on the last Sunday of the month from April until July and gives voyeurs and horticulturalists the opportunity to visit a dozen private gardens in the town. The local gardeners work tirelessly the year round to make their gardens look as pretty as possible. Make sure you stop off at the lovely craft and tea stalls that line the route.
Bath and beyond
Bradford is just eight miles from the world-famous former spa town of Bath. The whole city became a World Heritage Site in 1987 and has everything from Roman ruins to the stunning Georgian architecture built from captivating Bath stone. A day trip here is a must, though you may find it hard to squeeze in with all the stuff going on in Bradford.
