Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why"><strong>WHY?</strong></h2>



<p>This historic town is packed with honey-coloured stone buildings, while the Kennet and Avon canal and River Avon snake proudly through the centre. There’s also a station with brilliant links to Bath, Bristol, London and the South Coast. You’ll find fabulous walking, cycling and paddle boarding on your doorstep, plus great places to eat, drink and shop. Add in easy access to great schools, co-working spaces and the close proximity to Bath (20-minutes by car, 10-15 mins by train), and you’ll see why there’s been an influx of new residents. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat"><strong>EAT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/02/Timbrells-Yard-interior-1.jpg" alt="Timbrells Yard Bradford on Avon interior" class="wp-image-30231" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/02/Timbrells-Yard-interior-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/02/Timbrells-Yard-interior-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/02/Timbrells-Yard-interior-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/02/Timbrells-Yard-interior-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/timbrells-yard-2/">Timbell’s Yard</a>&nbsp;is a stylish riverside coaching inn with rooms in the heart of town, perfect for family lunches, evening cocktails, pop-up events and parties.&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-weaving-shed-bradford-on-avon-wiltshire/">The Weaving Shed</a>&nbsp;has an idyllic view of the river and is a great lunch stop, but for a special occasion,&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-bunch-of-grapes-bradford-on-avon/">The Bunch of Grapes</a>&nbsp;is the ultimate rendezvous. A smidgen down the road, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pipitbakery/">Pipit</a> bakery serves excellent coffee, pastries and bread, while <a href="https://www.instagram.com/little_rituals_boa/?hl=en">Little Rituals</a> offers excellent coffee and fabulous flowers. For an Italian feast (the risotto is to-die-for), head to <a href="https://ravelloboa.co.uk/">Ravello</a> or, if an excellent burger is more your bag, try the <a href="http://www.tollgateinn.co.uk/">Tollgate</a> in nearby Holt. <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hartley-farm-kitchen-winsley/">Hartley Farm</a>, just on the edge of town in Winsley, is a top spot for pretty much anything edible, from cooked breakfast to homemade lunches and afternoon cakes, especially since it renovated one of its barns, expanding its serving space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop"><strong>SHOP</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Previous-use-me-Sophie-Barton.jpg" alt="Previous Homewares" class="wp-image-33888" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Previous-use-me-Sophie-Barton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Previous-use-me-Sophie-Barton-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Previous-use-me-Sophie-Barton-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Down by the river,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stonepaperscissorsboa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stones Paper Scissors</a>&nbsp;is the place for locally made gifts while just across the way you’ll <a href="https://thegranaryshop.square.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Granary&nbsp;</a>at the medieval Tithe Barn, with a selection of gorgeous, rustic home decor, presents and decorations. In the centre of town along The Shambles,&nbsp;<a href="https://previoushomewares.co.uk/">Previous</a> stocks a beautiful mix of stylishly curated gifts, while <a href="https://dibleandroy.co.uk/">Dible and Roy</a>&nbsp;is hard to beat for fabrics and interiors finds. <a href="https://www.luellafashion.com/sassy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sassy &amp; Boo</a>&nbsp;has a great selection of women’s fashion, while&nbsp;<a href="https://christinesboa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christine’s Sustainable Supermarket</a>&nbsp;keeps the town in everything from zero-waste groceries to fresh Bertinet pastries. After the stinky stuff? Head up the hill to the fabulous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cheese-shop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheese Shop</a>, where you’ll find an incredible array. Shopped out? Head to the truly excellent&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/vitality-day-spa/">Vitality Day Spa</a>&nbsp;for a massage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>You’re well covered for the staples, with a <a href="https://www.boamhp.co.uk/">health centre</a>, two pharmacies and dentist in town. If you’re partial to a facial or massage, Vitality Spa is hard to beat. More of a wellness sanctuary than a hotel-type spa, this is a positive haven, with extremely skilled therapists. Just up the road, Woolley Grange Hotel also has a spa, plus an indoor and outdoor pool. Many of the treatments use divinely-scented products by beloved Wiltshire brand, Bramley. Keen to switch up your workout? Head to <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/review-rustiq-fitness-bradford-on-avon/">Rustiq Fitness </a>, a fab farmyard gym offering group classes and personal training sessions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Glove-Factory-Studios-2.jpg" alt="Glove Factory Studios" class="wp-image-33782" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Glove-Factory-Studios-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Glove-Factory-Studios-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Glove-Factory-Studios-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glove Factory Studios</figcaption></figure>



<p>Thanks to the picturesque river and canal, there’s a real outdoorsy vibe to life in Bradford on Avon. During the summer months, crowds often gather on the banks of the Avon for picnics, or set off downriver for a paddle board adventure. You’ll find tons going on for youngsters too, from rugby to rowing, scouts and girl guiding.</p>



<p>If you’re after co-working space, head to <a href="https://www.glovefactorystudios.com/">Glove Factory Studios</a> (above) in nearby Holt. It’s a stunning venue, with regular talks and events – plus it’s dog friendly too. The café, <a href="https://www.wildherbkitchenandcatering.co.uk/the-field-kitchen/">Wild Herb at the Field Kitchen</a>, also serves fabulous food and cracking coffee.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>The pretty riverside area is a huge draw &#8211; it’s popular with rowers, paddle boarders, hardy swimmers and walkers. If you stride out or cycle along the Kennet &amp; Avon canal, you’ll find some bucolic pubs at Avoncliff, Freshford and Westwood. Or, head five minutes out of town to soak up the Italianate delights of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/">Iford Manor.</a></p>



<p>For families,&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/woolley-grange/">Woolley Grange</a>, a luxury family hotel just outside Bradford on Avon with indoor and outdoor pools, has an all-guns-blazing set up for kids, including creche, trampoline and baby swim lessons. Drop in for afternoon tea or a day of pampering at the spa. Keen to switch up your workout? Head to <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/review-rustiq-fitness-bradford-on-avon/">Rustiq Fitness </a>, a fab farmyard gym offering group classes and personal training sessions.</p>



<p>If you’re after co-working space, head to <a href="https://www.glovefactorystudios.com/">Glove Factory Studios</a> in nearby Holt. The café, <a href="https://www.wildherbkitchenandcatering.co.uk/the-field-kitchen/">Wild Herb at the Field Kitchen</a>, serves fabulous food and cracking coffee.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Hall-Bradford-on-Avon.jpg" alt="The Hall " class="wp-image-34127" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Hall-Bradford-on-Avon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Hall-Bradford-on-Avon-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Hall-Bradford-on-Avon-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The town is lucky enough to have a 300-seater concert hall,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wiltshire Music Centre</a>, situated just by St Laurence School at the top of town. It plays host to world-renowned classical, folk and jazz artists as well as being the venue for both of Wiltshire’s youth orchestras (classical and jazz). It’s also a great community hub for activities like children’s music groups, Pilates sessions and educational events like “My Science Fair.”</p>



<p>The town’s annual <a href="https://www.ifopera.com/">IF Opera</a> season features incredible productions, while Iford’s stunning jazz festival is a guaranteed sell-out. During the summer months you’ll find open-air theatre and music at locations including The Hall, a stunning Jacobean estate (above).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Properties in Bradford-On-Avon had an overall average price of £441,378 over the last year, according to Rightmove. £415,488 for a terraced house, £644,128 for a detached home and £367,142 for a semi-detached.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Jeremy-Jenkins.jpg" alt="Best Places to Live Bradford on Avon Jeremy Jenkins" class="wp-image-34877" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Jeremy-Jenkins.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Jeremy-Jenkins-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Jeremy-Jenkins-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This magical house has stunning views over the town and gorgeous gardens, including an orchard. On the market with <a href="https://www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk/property-details/33220039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeremy Jenkins</a> for £1,650,000. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries"><strong>NURSERIES</strong></h2>



<p><a href="https://www.westviewdaynursery.co.uk/about.html">Westview and Shambles Day Nursery</a> uses traditional play and adventure alongside the EYFS curriculum. You’ll often see trains of toddlers in hi-vis walking to the country park, library and play spaces during the day. <a href="http://www.leighcottagechildcare.com/">Leigh Cottage</a> is also a very popular option, and in high demand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Local secondary&nbsp;<a href="https://st-laurence.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Laurence</a>&nbsp;is well-regarded, and the town is lucky enough to have two great primaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fitzmauriceschool.info/">Fitzmaurice</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.christchurch.wilts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christchurch</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/muddy-best-schools-guide/stonar-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ston</a><a href="https://www.stonarschool.com/">ar</a>&nbsp;is a brilliant local co-ed day and boarding school, for ages 4-18, while <a href="https://www.heywoodprep.com/">Heywood</a> (a 20-minute drive) is a popular prep. It’s also worth checking out the many excellent schools in Bath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>The town is increasingly being used as a filming location and has appeared on&nbsp;<em>Wolf Hall</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>The White Princess</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Trains to London (changing at Bath Spa) take around 2 hrs, or you can get to Bristol in 30 mins. Bath Spa is an exceptionally pretty 10-15 mins train ride. Driving to London takes around 2hrs 30 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Bradford on Avon

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