Only eight miles from Bath, Bradford on Avon may be a mini version of the city, but is none the worse for it. Old weavers’ cottages and magnificent merchants’ houses were built from the same creamy stone, and it’s definitely a tourist sweet spot in summer. That’s good for the scenic mix of one-off shops, cafes and pubs with alfresco tables by the river, and anyone who fancies doing a bit of B&B.
The town is no sleepy backwater, as locals get involved with everything from running stalls at the weekend flea market to open-mike nights on Thursdays at the Swan Hotel. Old stone houses here cost less than in Bath, and you can bag a three-bedroom semi near a primary school for less than £250,000. On the edge of the town, Barton Farm Country Park is a favourite spot for cycling, picnics, walks and poking about in the craft shops in outbuildings next to the huge tithe barn, which is still standing after 600 years.
Average price £350,000 ▲ 5.84%; zoopla.co.uk/market/bradford-on-avon
Why we love it Living here feels like you’re on a permanent holiday.
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