Bradford on Avon Tourist and Self-catering Accommodation Guide
About Bradford on Avon ( self-catering accommodation at the foot of the page)
Bradford-on-Avon is a medieval market town on the River Avon, on the edge of the Cotswolds. The name derives from the town that grew around the 'broad ford' in the river.
It has a charming old arched stone bridge spanning the river that dates back to the 13th century. There is a quaint building or lock-up on the bridge with a fish (gudgeon) on top of a weather vane. It's original purpose is thought to be that of a toll house or chapel but later was remployed as a prison to confine some of the misbehaving drunken and disorderly citizens of Bradford on Avon.
Those of you who have an interest in period buildings and all things historic will enjoy a wander around Bradford on Avon. There is a 14th century Tithe barn that stored taxes gathered from the community, narrow streets full of character and plentyof olde worlde things to look at. The original packhorse bridge that carried goods to the Tithe Barn is now part of the BartonFarm Country Park and is open to visitors. One of the oldest structures is St Laurence Saxon Church that dates back to around 700 AD.
Imposing stone buildings in the centre of town were built by prosperous wool and cloth merchants. Steep roads lead uphill to afford views of the spinners and weavers cottages that rise the hill in tiers. Much of the wealth of this area can be attributed to the wool trade of the 17th and 18th centuries. Spot old mills and riverside wharves that remain from that time.
If you can climb to the top of the hill and St. Mary's Tory Chapel you will be able to see as far as the Mendip Hills, the Westbury White Horse etched into hillside, and the Marlborough Downs.
There are plenty of good tea shops and restaurants in the town for a very pleasant day out.
Annual Events
A Raft Race takes place in May and is popular with local residents. It's good to still have some local traditions that have survived and add colour to a community.
Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday when fancy-dress clad sporting members of the town prepare their frying pans for a dash across the bridge and back.
Find self-catering accommodation in and near Bradford on Avon. Please click on any accommodation photographs shown to find out more about each of the holiday cottages and houses. Contact owners directly for best prices.
Jasmine Cottage (Visit Britain 4 Star) is situated near to the centre of the village, about 3 minutes walk from the local pub/restaurant,village shop, café, internet café and bus service. The building is an attractive, 18th century character cottage with exposed beams, which has been sympathetically modernised and decorated to comfortably accommodate up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms. Central heating, open fire, dishwasher. Private back garden with picnic table and benches. Close to Bath - 12 miles. Free roadside parking at the front of the property.
A charming and comfortable holiday home, just 2 minutes walk from the town centre (and railway station)and 5 minutes from the Kennet & Avon Canal. The cottage sleeps up to 4 people in 2 bedrooms. Tour Jane Austen's Bath or Hardy's Wessex, or just relax in ancient Bradford-on-Avon! Great for visits to Roman Bath, the Pump House and tourist attractions. Book now for Easter.
Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. E.T.B. 4 Star. An individual spacious single storey c.18th C. beamed cottage tastefully furnished in traditional style with log fires for cosy winter evenings. Full central heating. Enclosed courtyard. Off street parking for one family car. Good sized sitting/dining room. Twin bedroom with 3'beds and double bedroom. Older children and one dog welcome. Open all year, SHORT BREAKS. Friday to Friday bookings.
Merkins Farm is a quiet country retreat, with far reaching views over the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. What was once a bustling dairy farm is now the ideal location for a relaxing holiday. The cottages are only 8 miles away from the City of Bath, perfect for a discovery break in visiting Roman Bath and surrounding areas. The cottages vary in size sleeping from 2 to 10 people.
Pig Wig (ETB 4 star) is one of three, two bedroomed 'Pig Wig Cottages' at The Beeches Farmhouse on Holt Road, one mile from Bradford on Avon and 20 mins from Bath Spa. Log Fire. Patio with BBQ. We have one 2 bedroom cottage still available for New Year if you fancy seeing the new year in, in the wonderful city of Bath.
At our website you can check availability, price and book on line; http://www.beeches-farmhouse.co.uk/pigwigcottages.htm
Online discounts are given for 'early bookings', 'last minute' and 'stays of three or more weeks'.
Luxury and Spacious Self Catering Cottages near Bath. Edge of area of outtstanding natural beauty ideal for walking and cycling. Large number of attractions nearby, National Trust, Market Towns, Picturesque Villages. All accommodation en-suite, fully equipped kitchens. Freeview TV in living and bedrooms. Family Friendly, Large Luxury Cottages. Short Breaks Available Cumberwell Park Golf Club (36 Holes) on site. Golf Breaks Available