Often, visitors end up staying in Bradford-on-Avon because accommodation in Bath is fully booked, or too expensive. They are then delighted to discover that there is plenty to do in the town, and it also provides easy access to a number of lovely walks and places to visit.
So how might you spend a day here? First, enjoy breakfast in one of the town’s cafés, perhaps some classic French patisserie at the Ale and Porter, or a full English up at the Castle Inn. Find out more about Bradford at the Town Museum, tucked away above the Library. Take some time to browse the shops along Silver Street, the Shambles and up Market Street – you will find ladies’ designer clothes, kitchenware, gifts, jewellery and an excellent toy and childrensware shop.
If you follow Market Street up past the shops, and turn left along Newtown, you will find various paths and steps leading up to Middle Rank and Tory. These lovely weavers’ cottages are worth exploring, not least for the amazing views they offer across the town to Westbury White Horse. If you follow Tory along to the end, you will find the wonderful Chapel of St Mary’s which occupies a tranquil spot above the town. Heading back down into town, don’t miss the Saxon Church, dating from the early 11th Century.
If you’re still feeling energetic after lunch, Bradford-on-Avon is the starting point for many beautiful walks. We particularly recommend the Two Valleys walk, which takes you through Iford – don’t miss the Italianate gardens if you’re visiting between April and October. If, on the other hand, you’d prefer something more relaxing, how about visiting the spa at Woolley Grange Hotel? The Hotel is a 20 minute walk from the Studio, and offers a range of treatments, as well as the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea in a cosy sitting room or extensive gardens.
After all that, you’ll probably want a quiet evening in, and we have lots of books, DVDs and records for you to enjoy. Bradford-on-Avon has some great takeaways including Italian and Indian, so you needn’t bother cooking. Just relax in front of the woodburner with some delicious and unusual wine or beer from fantastic independent off-licence Ruby Red.