Bradford-on-Avon, United Kingdom skyline: the 15 most iconic buildings and best views in Bradford-on-Avon

If you decide to visit Bradford on Avon, this is a must see. It's one of few intact Saxon Christian churches, created around the time of Æthelred the Unready. You are walking back in time to 6th Century, so whether you are a keen historian or seeking a religious experience this is a must see. Read the story boards and you will learn how it was discovered and when. For fans of Netflix's " The last kingdom", why not live and breathe the experience the age of "Uhtred" first hand. It's free but can get busy at peak times. It's also an easy accessible distance to the Tithe barn

The Saxon church is one of very few surviving Anglo-Saxon churches in England that does not show later medieval alteration or rebuilding, documentary sources suggest it may have been founded by Saint Aldhelm around 700, although the architectural style suggests a 10th- or 11th-century date. It is the most complete Anglo-Saxon survival from this period. Although the existing church seems to be all or almost all Anglo-Saxon, it has clearly been altered in a number of ways, apart from the modern restoration, which included removing the stairs inside and filling in windows. For its small size, with the nave only some 7.5 metres (25 ft) long and a little over 4 m (13 ft) wide, the height of the building (around 8 m (26 ft) inside the nave) is notable. A porticus to the south has been lost, but otherwise the structure of the building seems complete in its final Anglo-Saxon state. Definitely worth a visit if you're into history.

Well worth a visit if only because Saxon churches are few and far between, but TBH, there were no information boards that I could see. And it was pretty bare inside and out. What you see is what you get.

A small intimate space for contemplation - we enjoyed a wonderful concert of medieval music there.

A beautiful example of a Saxon church. Worth visiting while in Bradford on Avon. Take an opportunity to reflect on life and imagine Saxon times.

This place is more beautiful than any fancy church. I was moved when I entered the humble and quiet space.

Although I looked on the internet for the opening times and I found that the churched opened at 10 am, I arrived at 9 and the church was already open. Fantastic saxon church, much better than Odda’s Chapel for instance.

A lovely park with river side walks, a couple of nice cafes, art and craft shops and some interesting history. Parking can be a challenge

Great little gem to visit,cafe,gift shops,river,walks,tithe barn.

I've visited twice & both times never fail to amaze me. Beautiful area. Great for family meets. Dog friendly. Good open spaces for walking, picnics, & dog walks.

It's Autumn 🍁. The path that Runs down beside the river through the country park is often flooded. The path needs walkers to wear Wellies. Not suitable for wheelchairs or people who have difficulty walking. Sheep are still in the park by the orchards heading down to the weir and Pub. The trees have changed colour quickly and the river is fast flowing. Be careful as it is very dangerous if you get too close. A beautiful walk and a lovely walk back along the canal. Beautiful light this time of year. You can see the maze construction clearly and another willow construction.

It was smaller than expected. Google Maps would have completely taken us the wrong way as when we got there and had followed sign posts it still showed as 5 minutes away. We had parked down a small side road and was limited spaces in the parks main car park. However once walking around the corner along the riverfront there was a massive car park. There was a big play area there for the kids. A big old barn you could look around, a few nice old cafe and ice cream stalls, Toilets and a few art shops.

Loved this place. It is just outside Bradford upon Avon. We had breakfast in B upon A then walked around the little town. There were signs to a river walk, which we took and this was Barton Farm Country Park. There was a children's playground there and an old tithe barn there, that use to be used to store the produce that was grown in the fields around it. There were lots of boards around the barn pointing out what went on in the barn when it was in use. We then went to a craft area, little shops with local crafts being made, which you could purchase. Then we reached the river, which was lovely. The path was wide and firm to walk on and not muddy. We noticed, if we looked up the bank on our left, we could see narrow boats and people walking up there. We wondered if we would join it if we kept walking, and a little further on we did, so we didn't have to go back the way we came. The path by the canal was a bit muddy, so you needed wellies or walking boot really, but we managed in ordinary shoes, by jumping over some of the more muddy areas. There were lots of narrow boats, people out walking and also people fishing. It was a wonderful walk up to a lock at the end and there was a bridge. The walk back to the town wasn't far at all and we enjoyed it so much we will go back again.

Nice walk next to the river on tarmac track. Picnic tables and bench seats available. Quite busy and leads up to Kennet and Avon canal. Walked from Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff using part canal tow path and returned solely along the river path.

Great place to visit if you like tithe barns.

Lovely old building. Worth a visit not least as there's a good selection of interesting shops and cafes in the area. There's also a lovely walk along the canal which is next to the barn. Limited parking next to the barn but plenty of parking in town and by the lock.

We visited from Canada for a wedding and were blown away by the venue. So unique and beautiful. A diamond in the rough.

It's rare to find a historic building that feels under-sold, but this was a great discovery for us, on an extended summer walk around an already interesting and beautiful town. This buidling would have been a major part of community and religious life around the time of Chaucer, and and the care that has been taken with its upkeep is a tribute to the community today. There are great places to eat nearby - with live music on the day we visited - and plenty more to see and do in the area. Recommended.

Beautiful and peaceful place to explore, if you looking for a place to emerge with calming nature and historical buildings this is the place to come to. Me and my BF we had a retreat day and really enjoyed the walk around the buildings. Unfortunately we arrived too late so could not see the inside of the buildings, but still was very nice for exploring a new area.

This beautiful Barn sits amongst a complex of buildings. Access for disability good, it maybe a little difficult to access cross flagstones in entrance of barn in wheelchair. A Cafe, a shop that sales many items for the home/ garden. A gallery that is open at various times for local exhibitions and to hire for events. The Tithe barn dates back to 14th century. Its a beautiful example of craftsmanship. Step inside and imagine your transported back in time. The barn is free to visit. Many films and series have used this location. It also has been used to house Amateur drama plays during the summer. All the buildings have a history, enjoy the area. The Canal sits one side of the barn complex and the River Avon the other. Space to relax and take time out of a busy schedule and lifestyle. Soak up history and the surrounding area. The area just down by the river and by the canal have good play areas.

Beautiful barn. Walking into the farm grounds felt medival. Very interesting amd worth a visit. There are a number of shops in the vicinity such as art, gifts and cafe. Only small negative is there wasn't a map of the grounds. Initially I wasn't sure if I was walking onto private property.

A small but thoughfully laid out local museum with very interesting exhibits (mining for mushrooms, history of rubber industry, complete chemist's shop). Can get a lift to the upstairs location above the library. Free but donations accepted. Parking outside (pay). Helpful volunteers on duty.

A small museum strives to preserve history. The pharmacy established in 1863 was moved to this museum. A nice walk.

This is a fascinating museum. It shares a building with a library so it's compact but it's full of interesting things. For me, the most interesting bit was a re-creation of an old chemist shop.

Visited this wonderful hidden gem of a museum today and was quite presently surprised by the quality of the information and artifacts presented at the museum. It was free to visit the museum, it was clean, organized, and located just above the town’s library.

Fantastic free museum! Lots of displays for a small museum and it's free well worth a visit 😊

It was nice to visit whilst I was researching my family tree, the museum is within the library building, so they have some books regarding the area, so I was able to get some photo's of the town when my ancestors lived there.

Comprehensive museum with wide range of exhibits in relatively small space. Good replica of old shops and items well labelled. Very welcoming volunteer on duty. Upstairs (plus lift) so good views of river and bridge.

This chapel sits on top of the hillside. It has a small area beside it with benches. It has a magnificient view across the town of Bradford on Avon. Well worh the wall. Stairs or wheelchair access available. Very steep. I love this location.

A charming little chapel tucked away in a high corner of the town. Amazing views from the well maintained lawn & small garden area. It's at one of the highest points,not accessible by car but if you have time you can take a meandering stroll through many of the beautiful honey coloured houses & narrow streets.

Walking up Wine St .. short steep foot path to St Mary's Chapel. Small garden with good views over Bradford and surrounding hills. Top row is Tory below is Middle rank and the bottom row Newtown. Look out for the Old Severn Stars pub ,Also The Mason Arms and then The Bell pub now all private houses. A full

An arduous walk to get to it, not for unfit people! And it wasn't very inspiring when I eventually got there

My favourite place in Bradford on Avon. A beautiful church inside and out, plus a spectacular view. Anyone visiting BOA should definitely make the climb up to St Mary's and spend a quarter hour.

Quite a hike uphill but worth every breath. Mainly for the fantastic views over Bradford on avon

Beautiful view, and a nice steep walk up. The church itself is small and unassuming, a really peaceful place.

The present church was built around 1150 and originally consisted of a chancel and nave. The chancel was lengthened around the beginning of the 13th century, and a section of the south east wall rebuilt in 1707. In 2016 the sale of a Flemish masterpiece by Quentin Matsys funded a £2m refurbishment of the church. A squint near the altar is claimed to be England's longest. The tower with spire was built around 1480, replacing an older one, and the south wall was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. The church has a ring of eight bells, with the tenor (heaviest bell) weighing 29 long cwt 2 qr 26 lb (3,330 lb or 1,510 kg). We really love looking at the architecture in places like this, and it didn't disappoint.

Grade 1 listed very serene and picturesque Church first built around 1150 . At the time I visited it was sadly closed but I could hear a very nice sounding Choir practice ringing out from inside . I loved the War Memorial built into the wall outside R.I.P to all those brave people listed .I always find these lists so sad . Great building and Norman architecture must visit again earlier in the day .

Lovely building . Open most days for quiet prayer. Usually someone about maintaining building. Also information about the Architecture and history as well as local charity information and clubs for elderly etc. Community atmosphere. Haven't tried the concerts or services yet but intend to as I live locally.

Nice church and very interesting to compare the saxon church with the one that replaced it.

Wandered on the outside as a service was taking place.

Holy Trinity is the main church in Bradford on Avon, though there is plenty. I didn't go inside as there was a rehearsal taking place but found looking at the old graves very interesting. Lovely setting next to the river & just across the road from the Saxon Church. Lots of wildlife to see within churchyard too. Impressive building with what looked like some very interesting pieces inside. I'm sure most people wouldn't be disappointed if you enjoy a church.

On visiting our daughter in Bradford on Avon last week, I would just like say what a wonderful refurbishment has been carried out on Holy Trinity Church. I was left feeling quite overcome by the most welcoming, calming and peaceful feeling on entering. Our daughter was married in the church a few years ago and it was beautiful then, it is quite stunning now. Well done, a truly remarkable job. Ann Baxter

Had a lovely time! The venue is clean and comfortable. Staff are very friendly (mostly run by volunteers) and the quality of the music was GREAT! The tech team were also super, adapting the lighting to the dynamics of tonight’s show. All round lovely!

An amazing venue with great acoustics. Plenty of parking and options for a pre concert meal and an opportunity to get a drink or an ice cream. We enjoyed the amazing Darius Brubeck Quartet for an evening of memorable jazz.

Have only ever been here for the Fantastic Bradford Roots Festival but it is a marvellous venue and an amazing little indoor festival. All acts have some connection to Bradford on Avon. Back for a great Roots Session. Three great bands at a relaxing taster for next years festival

Lovely theatre, good seating with well spaced tiers, no problems with the head of the person in front obscuring your view of the stage. Nice bar too. Plenty of parking.

Lovely theatre, good acoustics & nicely raked so you can always see the stage.

Congratulations on scoring a night with Bill Frisell! I've followed him for more than 40 years. He visits Philadelphia one night a year and New York about 30 (grrrr). Consider yourselves special!

Effort has been made over the years to sort out the acoustics. They are now good. Free parking on site

Not all of the arches are the same on the iconic town bridge. That’s because a small section dates back to the 14th century, before it was widened and rebuilt in the 18th century. 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. The lock looks tiny on the outside, but has room inside for two cells with iron beds. Every September, there are special Heritage Open Days when the Lock Up is open to the public and you can find out for yourself what life ‘Under the fish and over the water’ was like, as the local phrase went! You can see the Lock Up as you walk over the Town Bridge, but a great view can also be had on the bank behind it.

You can get nice view of the bridge from the Abbey mill(private place, only allowed for residents), or the park. Very quiet and perfect place to relax, read a book or just sat there and contemplate about life.

The bridge looks beautiful from the park, Westbury Gardens beside the river. It is towered over on one side by a renovated warehouses that are now restaurants, shops and housing. It looks impressive. The bridge construction is pleasing to the eye. The water flows through the reeds and down the river Avon. It often has swans and ducks on. By the bridge each year, a nesting pair of swans lay there eggs to one side of the bridge on the River bank. They hatch and beautiful signets join the River Avon once more. This is once a year for a period of time. There is a duck race once a year. Easter Monday. It is part of the celebrations in Westbury Gardens. Day and night the bridge changes with the weather and conditions. The town lockup, is traditionally used in parts across Wiltshire. The town's is part of the bridge.on occasions it's open.

Very picturesque like the whole town . I believe before being converted to a lock up the cell was a bridge chapel one of only six left in the country . I am lucky enough to have seen three now but this is the most scenic . One near where I live in St Ives Cambs the other in Wakefield alas I havnt seen inside any yet , bad timing on my part I don't make much of an explorer . But I do know in the twilight hours Bradford on Avon is other worldly like something from a fairy tale stunning . Enjoy your visit .

Beautiful location, shame the constant traffic. Lovely shops and cafes surrounding the area. Great architecture, parks and walking paths

A beautiful bridge in a lovely little village.

Always ask my father if someone is locked up on the bridge, I guess we'll never know for sure...but a charming and cozy town! Many fond memories from my youth! A walk by the River Avon is recommended!

Took an excellent tour of the Hall and learned a lot about Sir Alex Moulton and the Moulton Bicycle. Friend of James Dyson, had a patented shock absorber on every Mini car, polymath epicurean. Do not miss a chance to browse his library.

This was a lovely place to stay, the managers know the clientele well and the facilities are luxurious. We arrived early and had a stroll of the beautiful grounds and then headed into the centre of the village. The location is very central and there is a gate that leads directly into town. Check in would have been smoother with a check in desk however I personally had no issue with the code locks to enter. We stayed in the Kingston suite and the room was decorated beautifully, with restored furniture and a wonderful bed. The rainfall shower was pleasant and the bath was the most comfortable I have ever tried. The bath robes too were immensely soft and available to take home with you for a charge. There were plenty of cups, cutlery, and other kitchenware available. We did find one glass had some liquid in (presumably from a previous guest) however there was washing liquid and a sponge provided so this was quickly sorted. Even a cheese board was provided which we found was very thoughtful. After coming back to the hall after a night in local pubs, we found everything we might need, including some alcoholic spritz drinks, milk, and orange juice, all from glass bottles delivered fresh. Breakfast is provided as plastic wrapped croissants however these were fresh and tasty. There was only one jam pot however which was just enough for one croissant we found. A selection of cereals and teas were provided and the shortbread biscuits to accompany these was much enjoyed in the morning. WIFI was fast and reliable and the TV had basic streaming services attached (login required), however we couldn't get basic channels (BBC, ITV) only digital Samsung tv ones. Check out was simple, relaxed, and we spent our last hour or so there exploring the eastern side of the grounds, looking directly down onto the river and railway track. Price we paid (2 persons Kingston room) on a spring Friday night: £149.31 Great value for money if you ask me. Very luxurious stay and all of my personal needs were anticipated and met before I arrived. Great location. 9.8/10

A stunning hall steeped in living history The refurbishment works are ongoing and what has been completed is first class Plenty of tea , coffee etc with the complimentary service Spotlessly clean and obvious hours of hard work Only room with disabled access is Eric room , otherwise it’s stairs to the other two The exhibition of the Moulton family’s rooms and artefacts was a pleasure to see Grounds very well kept and tidy We took all three rooms on a family weekend and were totally on our own in this peaceful house to come and go as we wished There are no catering facilities on site currently so , apart from the provided cereals and croissants one must go out to eat, however, Bradford On Avon is blessed with numerous restaurants and bars of outstanding quality that tender for most tastes We ate in the superb Italian restaurant by the bridge , enjoyed afternoon tea in the charming retro tea rooms , where the waitresses all wear traditional frocks and aprons and the next day went to to an excellent breakfast at a local farm shop Plenty to see and do here - a real treasure of a find Enjoy ! 😊

Such a great place to stay. Beautiful grounds, gorgeous rooms and walking distance from town.

Interesting informal tour highlighting the connection of the Hall to Bradford on Avon through the ages.

Stunning architecture, definitely worth a visit! We booked a guided tour by a very knowledgeable and passionate volunteer who covered the history of the house itself and provided fascinating insights into the story of the owners. Would be especially interesting for anyone with an interest in engineering and design. Also has Airbnb options for guests looking to stay over to visit the historic town of Bradford on Avon. Lovely visit - parking available, toilet on site, brilliant staff.

Great place to stay and experience how they used to live very basic but clean and special place