Holiday homes & rentals in Bradford on Avon

Situated in the Avon Valley, beautiful Bradford-on-Avon is one of the United Kingdom's most attractive country areas. With an elegant combination of characterful Georgian architecture, rivers, and canals, the town that has drawn visitors since Saxon times. A holiday cottage here makes for an ideal base to explore it all.

Ancient history

Topping the list of this town's many historic attractions is its Saxon St Laurence's Church. The 11th-century, Grade I listed building is characteristic of the period. The 13th-century Town Bridge is highly photogenic. The fish-shaped weather vane sitting on a small bridge building (once used as a jail) is the origin of the local phrase “under the fish and over the water.”

The incredible 14th-century 51-metre Tithe Barn is one of the country's best preserved medieval barns. A 14th-century granary stands on the same site.

Castles and chemists

There's so much for children to discover in Bradford-on-Avon. At Bradford-on-Avon Museum, they can see a collection of objects dating all the way back to the Stone Age. They'll also get the chance to run their own chemist's shop. Farleigh Hungerford Castle, within easy reach of Bradford-on-Avon, captures imaginations with its medieval grandeur.

Amble through the Shambles

The wonderfully named Shambles, which date from Tudor times, lead to the medieval marketplace in town. At the east end of the street is the Tolsey Market House, marked by a 15th-century stone doorway. Note the golden post box at this junction, which was repainted by Royal Mail to mark the gold medal win by Bradford's Ed McKeever in London's 2012 Olympic Games.

The Kennet and Avon Canal, which links Bristol with Reading, opened in 1810. Though it was used to transport products by barge between the two cities, its primary contemporary use is for leisure. Take a boat trip from the Old Wharf on Frome Road and float peacefully through picturesque countryside.

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