Bradford on Avon has existed as a community for some 2,500 years. The classic view of the Town Bridge over the River Avon appears on many postcards and is one of the town's most famous scenes.

The town grew up around broad ford' and the slopes of the riverbank. The narrow roads add to the town's character and are lined with grey buildings built from Bath stone.

The textile industry was the backbone of the local economy for six centuries until its demise. At one point Bradford had over 30 cloth factories. The 19th century cloth mills still line the banks of the river and the old clothiers' houses and weavers' cottages provide plenty of old-world charm.

The Saxon church of St Laurence is well worth a visit. Its origins are not known for certain but there is evidence that takes it back to the first millennium.

Bradford on Avon is also home to a medieval tithe barn. This large barn was constructed in the 14th century to store the taxes or tithes' paid by the local peasants. Produce would be bought to the barn across the 14th century packhorse bridge, which was built especially for that purpose. In 1971 the farmhouse, barn, bridge and farm was purchased by the local council and became Barton Farm Country Park.

Due to the narrow roads, walking is the best way to get around Bradford on Avon. You can also explore the Kennet & Avon canal towpath or river walks towards the tea rooms and pub at the Avoncliff aqueduct. Watching narrowboats passing through the lock in Bradford is one of the town's colourful summer sights.