Town Bridge & Lock-Up
A historic stone bridge with a unique lock-up, offering picturesque river views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, best light
Town Bridge & Lock-Up
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic stone bridge with a unique lock-up, offering picturesque river views and a tranquil atmosphere.
"The town bridge and lock-up is described as 'otherworldly like something from a fairy tale stunning'."
📸 Capture the Twilight Magic
The bridge and town are described as 'otherworldly' and 'fairy tale-like' in twilight.
🦢 Watch for Swans & Ducks
The riverbanks are often home to nesting swans and ducks, adding to the natural beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Town Bridge
River Avon
A picturesque stone bridge with a fascinating history, featuring arches of different ages and a unique lock-up building.
The Town Lock-Up
On the Town Bridge
A small, historic building on the bridge, once used to hold prisoners, offering a glimpse into the past.
Westbury Gardens Views
Beside the River Avon
Enjoy stunning views of the bridge and river from this tranquil park, a perfect spot for relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Understanding the Lock-Up's Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Twilight Magic
The bridge and town are described as 'otherworldly' and 'fairy tale-like' in twilight.
🦢 Watch for Swans & Ducks
The riverbanks are often home to nesting swans and ducks, adding to the natural beauty.
📅 Check Lock-Up Opening
The Lock-Up is rarely open, so plan around Heritage Open Days for a chance to see inside.
🚶♀️ Stroll Through Westbury Gardens
This park offers the most scenic views of the bridge and is a lovely spot to relax.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Twilight Magic
The bridge and town are described as 'otherworldly' and 'fairy tale-like' in twilight.
🦢 Watch for Swans & Ducks
The riverbanks are often home to nesting swans and ducks, adding to the natural beauty.
📅 Check Lock-Up Opening
The Lock-Up is rarely open, so plan around Heritage Open Days for a chance to see inside.
🚶♀️ Stroll Through Westbury Gardens
This park offers the most scenic views of the bridge and is a lovely spot to relax.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Town Bridge & Lock-Up for its picturesque beauty and tranquil atmosphere, especially from Westbury Gardens. The historical significance of the bridge and the intriguing Lock-Up building are highlights, though the limited access to the Lock-Up is a common point of disappointment. The area is considered a lovely spot for relaxation and photography, particularly during twilight hours.
"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."
gill
"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."
Robert Bull
"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."
Pete / Hel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Town Bridge & Lock-Up is located in the heart of Bradford on Avon. It's easily accessible on foot within the town center. If arriving by car, there are several car parks nearby. For those using public transport, the nearest train station is Bradford-on-Avon, which is a short walk from the bridge.
Yes, there are several car parks available in Bradford on Avon town center, within walking distance of the Town Bridge & Lock-Up. Some are pay-and-display.
Absolutely! Bradford-on-Avon train station is well-connected and a short, pleasant walk from the bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Town Bridge itself is a public thoroughfare and can be viewed and walked across freely at any time.
The Town Lock-Up has very limited public access. It is typically only open during special Heritage Open Days, usually held in September. It's best to check local event listings for exact dates.
Westbury Gardens is a public park and generally free to enter, offering excellent views of the bridge.
Yes, an annual duck race is held in Westbury Gardens on Easter Monday, which is part of the town's celebrations.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. The bridge is also described as 'otherworldly' and 'stunning' in twilight hours.
Great views can be had from Westbury Gardens on the river bank behind the bridge, as well as from the bridge itself.
Certainly! The river is often populated with swans and ducks, providing lovely opportunities for wildlife photography.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the historic bridge, admire the architecture, and view the Lock-Up. Relaxing in Westbury Gardens, watching the river, and observing local wildlife are also popular activities.
Yes, the area is described as 'very quiet and perfect place to relax, read a book or just sat there and contemplate about life.'
A section of the bridge dates back to the 14th century, with parts widened and rebuilt in the 18th century. The building on it was likely a chapel before becoming a lock-up.
The Lock-Up was traditionally used to hold prisoners before they appeared before a magistrate. It contains cells with iron beds.
Generally, no, as it's not usually open to the public. However, it is accessible during Heritage Open Days in September.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in Westbury Gardens, making it a relaxed outing. The historical aspect of the Lock-Up can spark imagination about past times, even if they can't go inside. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a good spot for a calm family break.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
Westbury Gardens offers a tranquil setting to unwind, observe the river's flow, and enjoy the picturesque views of the bridge. The historical context of the Lock-Up adds an interesting layer to your contemplation, making it a spot that nourishes both the mind and the soul.
📸 Photographers
Explore different vantage points, especially from Westbury Gardens, to compose unique frames. Don't forget to include the Lock-Up building as a key element in your compositions. The presence of wildlife like swans and ducks can also add life and movement to your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Charm of the Town Bridge
Experiencing the bridge is about appreciating its architectural nuances and the peaceful flow of the river beneath. Whether you're strolling across it or viewing it from the adjacent Westbury Gardens, its presence is a defining feature of the town. The bridge transforms with the changing light, from the soft hues of dawn to the dramatic tones of twilight, offering a different perspective throughout the day.
For those interested in local traditions, the bridge area is also a focal point for events like the annual duck race held in Westbury Gardens on Easter Monday, showcasing its role in community life.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Town Lock-Up
Despite its compact exterior, the Lock-Up contains two cells complete with iron beds, offering a stark reminder of its past function. While it's not typically open to the public, a visit during Heritage Open Days in September provides a unique opportunity to step inside and imagine life 'Under the fish and over the water,' as the local phrase went.
Even when closed, the Lock-Up is an intriguing sight on the bridge, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the picturesque surroundings. Its presence sparks curiosity about the town's judicial past and the lives of those who were once held within its walls.
Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot
For the most iconic shots, head to Westbury Gardens. This riverside park provides unobstructed views of the bridge and its surroundings, allowing you to frame the structure beautifully against the water and greenery. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the bridge during twilight, a time when the area is described as 'otherworldly' and 'like something from a fairy tale.'
Remember to also look for the local wildlife; the River Avon is often home to swans and ducks, which can add a dynamic element to your photographs. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to truly showcase the unique charm of this historic location.
Social
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