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To begin this trip, we chose to base ourselves in the wonderful Bradford on Avon.  I selected Bradford because it is  located an easy drive from Bath, close enough for a day trip to the Salisbury plain, close enough for an easy trip to Wells and Glastonbury and a nice medieval town in it’s own right.

We stayed at the wonderful Widbrook Barns, located a short walk from the town.  This would be at the top of my list for accommodation the next time we are in this part of England.  The breakfast and staff are fantastic and the rooms are comfortable (even with temperatures above 30 degrees each day of our stay).

Bradford On Avon

Each day we ran or walked along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath.  It’s perfect for a morning run and often is the fastest way to walk to many places in the town.  It is especially peaceful early in the morning.  Sarah and I greatly enjoyed a run and shower each morning before breakfast during our stay.

Kennet and Avon Canal, Bradford-on-Avon

On our first night we walked along the canal to the Barge Inn, known for their real ales.  I tried all three ales they were offering and was not disappointed.  I’m sure it would have been an even nicer experience if the temperature was not an uncomfortable 33°, but we enjoyed our meal anyway   The Barge Inn offers a nice area with picnic tables along the canal as well as an outdoor courtyard with seating (in addition to a small indoor seating area).

River Avon

One of the few things that Fionnuala (13) had asked to include on our trip was a tea room.  Bradford has a well known tea room (one of the reasons we choose to stay here), so we booked an Afternoon Tea.  The food and drinks were wonderful and the building is perfect. The Bridge Tea Rooms is likely to fulfill international expectations without feeling “touristy”.  I definitely recommend booking ahead as there were no empty tables when we arrived.  The only thing that could have been better was the weather (33° again), but that is not in their control.  We definitely will return for another visit.

Bridge Tea Rooms

One sight that I was unaware of prior to arriving in Bradford is the Saxon Church of St. Laurance.  There are not a large number of Saxon church buildings left in England, and this is considered one of the best.  Tucked into a neighborhood just off the River Avon it would be easy to miss.  Thanks to my wife, Sarah, we didn’t miss this gem.  We stopped by on a quiet evening and it was a peaceful and perfect was to experience this sight.

St. Laurance Saxon Church

St. Laurance Saxon Church, Bradford-on-Avon

Tomorrow, we explore nearby Wells.

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