Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge
4.5
About
One of only three bridges in the world lined with shops, this exquisite 18th-century bridge is one of the most admired structures in Bath.
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- liucy752Taipei, Taiwan1,796 contributionsStunning from a distance and up closeA stunning stone bridge. It is lined with classical and elegant buildings. They are now restaurants, stores, and ancient map bookstore. The original beautiful terminating pavilions have unfortunately been remodeled. Some travel books and web pages report that it is one of only four bridges lined with shops in the world. In fact, not only that, according to my knowledge, there are at least another 6 scattered in France, Italy, Germany and Bulgaria. There are many beautiful cover bridges in Southern China, some of them have also been turned into pavilions, houses, and even temples on the bridge. When visiting, be careful of cars passing by. It is said that there is plan to convert the bridge into a pedestrian area. That would be awesome.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 27, 2024
- Amanda MBasingstoke, United Kingdom82 contributionsBeautiful BathAbsolutely beautiful place to visit. Great to take photos of. If you get a chance - head over to the Thai Weir and continue down the steps and there you can catch a boat trip so you can get extra close. Boat trip has two boats running and is around 40 mins to an hour.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- Hazel DPickering, United Kingdom2,162 contributionsBeautifulWhat a truly lovely sight so in keeping with the surroundings. We saw this on a bright sunny day this week and the water looked like it was dancing in the sunshine. Well maintained. Definitely recommend a visit.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 19, 2024
- Trail21896050131Rotterdam, The Netherlands2 contributionsBath: stylish cityThe Pulteney Bridge is one of the few remaining bridges with shops on it. Think of the Ponte Vecchio, the Rialto bridge and the Krämerbrücke. Very special! Bath is a beautiful city anyway. The Abbey, the Roman Baths, the Pump room, the Jane Austen House, the Royal Crescent. There is even a hop-on-hop-off bus. A visit to Bath is highly recommended.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2024
- HgtravlMarlton, New Jersey3,295 contributionsHistoryVery much worth the couple minute stroll from the main area of Bath to see this historic beauty. The bridge is still standing on Georgian architecture & historical! Seriously, beautiful view! Worth checking out something this old & how mighty it still stands for all to wonder at.Visited December 2024Traveled with friendsWritten December 3, 2024
- peterthefoodie9898 contributionsPicture perfect spotPicture perfect spot and really good for photographers like me. You can get thr best postcard style photo of Bath around this area. It is stunning and looks even better on a clear sunny day.Visited December 2024Traveled soloWritten December 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,063 reviews
Excellent
2,125
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1,544
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362
Poor
23
Terrible
9
I W
Leicestershire, UK354 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This is a must do, if you're in Bath. The best place to view the bridge on either side of the river on the south side of the river. There's a footpath st the east end of the bridge to get to the park on that side of the river. The park on the west side of the river costs ÂŁ2 to enter, but we were passing in the evening and it was free, so we got some night time photos.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan7,328 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This bridge was constructed in 1774. We saw it magnificently spanning over the River Avon in Bath. It was built to connect the city with the Pluteney family estates on the other side of the river. It was designed by the famous architect Robert Adams. This masterpiece of Georgian architecture is built in the Palladian Style. It is lined with miniature shops and eateries. It reminded me of Ponte Vicchio in Florence.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike r
Bromsgrove, UK1,305 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a major attraction in Bath and you would be unlucky to miss it. We ate at restaurants near the bridge on two nights, and were taken to it on our walking tour of the city when the guide explained the history and importance of this area. I would certainly recommend the walking tour.
Lovely views, some good restaurants and independent shops make this a must visit area.
Lovely views, some good restaurants and independent shops make this a must visit area.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lamarbradley
Nashville, TN1,264 contributions
May 2023
Our view of the famous bridge and river was spoiled by fallen trees which had floated down the river and lodged at the falls. It was such a disappointment since this place is iconic. I would hope that the city can keep the floating debris out of the area so that the thousands of tourists can enjoy the beauty of this location.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,236 contributions
Jun 2022
Pulteney Bridge is one of few historic bridges lined with shops and buildings on both sides. It is scenic and adds to a very nice view at the river in this part of the city, and it is a part of the overall Georgian Bath character. It has many shops and cafes lining it and providing nice views of the riverside part of the city.
Written March 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cherriesfan99
Cheltenham, UK2,266 contributions
Jun 2021
Just how much money did you need to build your own picturesque and sizable bridge ( ensuring that you name it after yourself) so that you could reach your other estates on the eastern river bank..
Pulteney Bridge is such an iconic place in Bath, with its characteristic shops incorporated in the bridge structure, and overlooking the weir on the river Avon ,and the Colonnaded Walk to the Gardens. But it is best viewed from the river or at least the riverbanks to appreciate this quite remarkable grade 1 listed building, as it would be quite possible not to realize this was a bridge from the roaway incorporated into it, due to the shops. An unmissable part of Bath's rich heritage.
Pulteney Bridge is such an iconic place in Bath, with its characteristic shops incorporated in the bridge structure, and overlooking the weir on the river Avon ,and the Colonnaded Walk to the Gardens. But it is best viewed from the river or at least the riverbanks to appreciate this quite remarkable grade 1 listed building, as it would be quite possible not to realize this was a bridge from the roaway incorporated into it, due to the shops. An unmissable part of Bath's rich heritage.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CassimaSK
Bicester, UK371 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Pulteney Bridge is a unique bridge - very monumental and is a great example of Georgian architecture.
Not only just a stunning bridge, it has shops and restaurants on both sides and once you step, you don't realise you are walking across a bridge.
Must visit when in Bath.
Not only just a stunning bridge, it has shops and restaurants on both sides and once you step, you don't realise you are walking across a bridge.
Must visit when in Bath.
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EESW1
Lincolnshire, UK5,680 contributions
Apr 2022
This is on everyone's tick list and is an iconic image of Bath with the river and weir.
It is a super example of Georgian architecture and was built by Robert Adam in 1769. Its three arches are modelled on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. The estimated cost was ÂŁ1000, an excessive sum but ended up costing ten times as much!!
It is unusual as it has buildings across the bridge. Walking across it, it just feels like an 'ordinary' road and you are not aware of the river below.
It is a super example of Georgian architecture and was built by Robert Adam in 1769. Its three arches are modelled on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. The estimated cost was ÂŁ1000, an excessive sum but ended up costing ten times as much!!
It is unusual as it has buildings across the bridge. Walking across it, it just feels like an 'ordinary' road and you are not aware of the river below.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,494 contributions
Dec 2022
One of the reasons to visit Bath is the Georgian Palladian architecture that makes it so uniform and beautiful. One of best examples of it is this Bridge across the River Avon. It was built in the 1770's at the height of Bath's Georgian Expansion. The sponsor of the bridge was the Pulteney family who wanted to connect their real estate holdings on the east side of the Avon to Bath's city center.
The bridge is 148 feet long and 58 feet wide. The design is unique in that it was designed both for beauty and purpose. The south face of the bridge, looking towards the Pulteney Weir, is one of the amazingly, beautiful architectural features of Bath. This angle is made for pictures both day and night. However, this bridge is not simply beautiful, it is also one of 4 bridges in the world that have shops on it. In fact when you cross the bridge, you have no idea you are doing so as it simply looks like a street lined with shops. For these 2 reasons it really is an iconic feature for Bath that you simply have to see when you are here.
I also strongly suggest you see it at night and during the day. The symmetry of the Palladian style makes it one of the most beautiful bridges in England if not Europe and the world so you will need to get pictures of both. Every thing in Bath is really close and connected so you should be able to walk here and see this.
The bridge is 148 feet long and 58 feet wide. The design is unique in that it was designed both for beauty and purpose. The south face of the bridge, looking towards the Pulteney Weir, is one of the amazingly, beautiful architectural features of Bath. This angle is made for pictures both day and night. However, this bridge is not simply beautiful, it is also one of 4 bridges in the world that have shops on it. In fact when you cross the bridge, you have no idea you are doing so as it simply looks like a street lined with shops. For these 2 reasons it really is an iconic feature for Bath that you simply have to see when you are here.
I also strongly suggest you see it at night and during the day. The symmetry of the Palladian style makes it one of the most beautiful bridges in England if not Europe and the world so you will need to get pictures of both. Every thing in Bath is really close and connected so you should be able to walk here and see this.
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN7,939 contributions
Sep 2022
Well photographed bridge in the city of Bath built in 1774 and a wonderful example of Georgian architecture. It is one of only 3 bridges in the world that is lined with shops. Walking across the bridge is actually somewhat underwhelming as it appears like any city street. However, the views of the bridge as it spans the River Avon are beautiful from either side of the river. To access the east bank of the river, find the stairs on the south side of the bridge which takes you down to the river. There is a cafe here with a few tables providing nice views. This should not be missed on a visit to Bath.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny J
Maastricht, The Netherlands
Felix Morel
De vingerhoeden van Toll House on Pulteney Bridge in Bath
Vingerhoednieuws 19e jaargang Nummer 82
Friedy Kamp.
Dwars door de Engelse stad Bath loopt een rivier, de Avon genaamd. In het hartje van de stad, nabij een oud Romeins badhuis, is een heel brede brug over de rivier gebouwd naar het voorbeeld van de beroemde brug in Florence , il Ponte Vecchio. Deze Pulteney Bridge heeft ook links en rechts piepkleine winkeltjes erop. Ongeveer 2 meter diep en hoogstens drie meter breed. Als je met z’n tweeën binnen was, was het winkeltje vol. Heel bijzonder. Ooit werd op deze brug tol geheven.
Eén van deze winkeltjes werd beheerd door Felix Morel. Hij noemde de winkel heel passend: “Toll House”. Er stond een piepklein werkbankje en een stoel, alles net achter de etalage. Hij verkocht er verschillende siervoorwerpen.
Op een dag, tijdens een loos moment, zaagde hij een koperen pijp in kleine stukjes, soldeerde op een ervan een oude Engelse munt en zette dit in de vensterbank annex etalage. Nog geen uur later kwam een vingerhoedverzamelaar langs en kocht het als “vingerhoed’. Felix was stomverbaasd. Hij maakte er weer een en die was ook binnen de kortste keren verkocht.
Felix komt oorspronkelijk uit Tsjechië. De familie week uit naar Engeland toen de Nazi’s het land binnenvielen, hij was toen een schooljongen. Later ging men terug naar Tsjechië maar niet voor lang, men vestigde zich na een paar jaar voorgoed in Engeland. Felix voltooide nog een opleiding voor goudsmid in Pforzheim, Duitsland. Toch werkte hij altijd liever met koper dan met zilver of goud. Toen zijn creatieve geest de eerste “vingerhoed” ontwierp was voor hem een nieuwe bedrijfstak geboren: het vervaardigen van vingerhoeden. Hij was echter zo slim om de basismodellen door een gerenommeerde vingerhoedfabriek te laten maken zodat hij zich geheel op het ontwerp, de afwerking en versiering ervan kon storten.
Alles heeft hij uitgeprobeerd, zijn fantasie kende geen grenzen. Hij heeft ze in de meest uiteenlopende kleuren en technieken gemoffeld, verguld en verzilverd; hij graveerde ze ze met een diamant zodat de vlakken altijd als sterren schitteren, hij onteerde er allerhand zilveren en cloisonné ornamenten op, kortom een verscheidenheid die niet meer te tellen is is.
In 1999 ging hij met pensioen , …..een onbetwistbare stempel achterlatend in de wereld der vingerhoeden.
Written January 29, 2021
Is there a place for an evening (7-8pm) outdoor picnic near Pulteney Bridge?
Written May 21, 2017
There are loads of small parks nearby, includine one at the back of the Holburn at the end of the street. The river and its parks are also nearby.
Written June 15, 2017
AC mentions windy roads.We will have a car.What roads did AC prefer?
Written March 26, 2017
Hey, sorry for the delay! Someone might be able to correct me as I'm back in Nashville now but I feel as though there was only one main road into the town of Bath where Pulteney Bridge is located. The winding roads were stunning...just wished I could've had a change to pull off for a view and taken some pictures. The mist and light rain prevented us from doing so :(
Enjoy your trip!!
Written March 30, 2017
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