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Bridge · Bath, Inglaterra
Pulteney Bridge
The Georgian bridge by Robert Adam over the River Avon, from 1774, with small shops on both sides, and just below it the horseshoe‑shaped weir of Pulteney Weir.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon in the centre of Bath and is one of the few bridges in the world with shops running along both sides for the entire span. It was designed by the Scottish architect Robert Adam and completed in 1774, commissioned by William Pulteney, who wanted to link the town with the land he owned on the opposite bank, where he planned a new district, Bathwick.
Adam was inspired by Italian bridges, such as the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. The bridge has three arches, a dome at each end and a Palladian façade on the south side, which is the most photographed. From the road above you hardly notice you are over the river, because the small shops selling flowers, maps and cafés hide the water.
Just below the bridge is the Pulteney Weir, a three‑stepped horseshoe‑shaped weir, rebuilt in the 1970s to control flooding. The best view of the ensemble is from the Parade Gardens, the riverside garden, and from the Grand Parade, the high pavement opposite. Pleasure boats depart from the quay beneath the bridge for trips along the Avon.
On the far side, Great Pulteney Street runs straight and wide up to the Holburne Museum, in a run of Georgian houses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 20–30 minutes to cross it and to see it from the Parade Gardens and the quay. The boat trip takes about 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, with the eastern light on the south façade, or at night when the bridge is illuminated. After heavy rains the weir carries more water. Pleasure boats usually operate from spring to autumn.
How to get there
It is in the centre of Bath, a 3‑minute walk from the Abbey and the Roman Baths and 10 minutes from Bath Spa station.
Tip
For the classic photo, go to the Grand Parade or Parade Gardens on the city side, looking towards the bridge and the weir. Cross over and follow Great Pulteney Street to the Holburne Museum for a Georgian walk.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pulteney Bridge
Does the Pulteney Bridge really have shops on top?
Yes, small shops line both sides of the bridge across its full span, like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, which inspired the design.
Where to photograph the Pulteney Bridge?
From the Grand Parade and the Parade Gardens, with the horseshoe weir in the foreground.
Are there boat trips in Bath?
Yes, boats depart from the quay below the bridge for trips on the Avon, generally from spring to autumn.