Pulteney Bridge

Bridge · Bath

Pulteney Bridge

Bridge · Bath

1

Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT, United Kingdom

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Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null
Pulteney Bridge by null

Highlights

Historic bridge with shops, stunning architecture & River Avon views  

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Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT, United Kingdom Get directions

visitbath.co.uk

Information

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Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 1225 461938
visitbath.co.uk

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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@coolstuff.nyc

coolstuff.nyc

"Pulteney Bridge is renowned for its shops built into the structure and for the views of the river and waterfall below. It's a picturesque spot to pause for coffee and soak up the city’s atmosphere." - Coolstuff Team

https://www.coolstuff.nyc/guides/bath-england
View Postcard for Pulteney Bridge

Sarah Stuttard

Google
A stunning historical bridge with great views of the river Avon. We enjoyed a lovely boat trip down the river with a very informative skipper and a lovely,helpful young man who served hot drinks and snacks on board. It's so refreshing to see a young person working hard rather than sitting in front of a screen all day. We even spotted a heron on the trip. On the other side of the bridge, it's rather odd and ugly looking but unusual and worth a look.

dhanugraha pk

Google
It is a scenic beauty. Just hearing the sounds of the water and the beautiful and calm view of the river could bring soothing feel to mind. We can walk around seat in the garden beside the bridge near to the riverside and enjoy the view. A Must visit place

kalyani Patel

Google
Pulteney Bridge is a stunning and unique architectural gem! Both sides of the river have walkways and pretty gardens where you can sit and enjoy the scenic views. There were a few houseboats parked along the river, which added to the charm. It’s a great spot for taking pictures and soaking in the city’s beauty. The water did look a bit dirty, but overall, the bridge and the surrounding area are definitely worth a visit if you’re in Bath.

Piyali Goswami

Google
We visited the place on a rainy day, and honestly, it was still such a peaceful and enjoyable experience. The light rain added a kind of charm to the whole place – the wooden bridge, the gentle ripples in the water, and the surrounding greenery all felt extra calm and beautiful. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect, we didn’t mind at all. It was quiet, atmospheric, and gave us a chance to just slow down and take in the moment. Definitely worth a stop if you're nearby – rain or shine!

Hansanie Edirisinghe

Google
A beautiful and unique bridge in the heart of Bath, Pulteney Bridge is lined with charming little shops and offers stunning views of the River Avon and the weir below. A must-see for anyone visiting the city.

helen Kellett

Google
Lovely and unique place to visit in bath. The little cafe had some really gorgeous pastries and coffee. Do go quite early if you want a seat with a view! Also, some lovely unique shops along the bridge are worth visiting

Gabrieli

Google
An incredible experience! The whole area around Pulteney Bridge is absolutely beautiful. The view of the river, the historic architecture, and the peaceful atmosphere make it a wonderful spot to visit. There are many birds flying around, adding even more charm to the place.

Eliza H

Google
Worth a visit, especially as it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique architecture - taking inspiration from the bridges of Florence and Venice - makes it both functional and visually striking. Stretching over the River Avon, the design draws plenty of tourists and photographers. It’s a lovely spot to pause, snap a photo, and take in the view. While there isn’t a lot immediately around the bridge itself, a short walk will lead you to a spacious grassy area - perfect for relaxing and soaking up the weather, if you’re lucky enough to catch a sunny day like I did.
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Sanjay G.

Yelp
Bath's iconic architecture is one of the many reasons why the city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, from its Roman origins to the fashionable eighteenth-century designs that form many of the city's most recognizable buildings. The guide informed us that the historic bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides. (he meant Inhabited Bridges where shops/houses are built on the bridge) 1. Ponte Vecchio, Florence 2. Krämerbrücke, Germany 3. Pulteney Bridge, UK 4. Ponte di Rialto (Venice) I had been to #1,3,4 now. Pulteney Bridge is an impressive structure, its three arches sitting astride the River Avon, a splendid backdrop to the crescent-shaped river weir. The bridge in Bath is one of the most photographed examples of Georgian architecture in the city. it was designed in 1769 by Robert Adam and named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. He had grand plans to create a 'new town' to rival that of John Wood's on the west side of the city. His grand scheme needed a new bridge, and he didn't want just any old bridge; he wanted a spectacular bridge, one which everyone would talk about, and that's how this came into existence.
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Chun P.

Yelp
The Pulteney Bridge is a brilliant bridge and charming piece of architecture. The cascading fall waters of the Avon river create such wonderful and incredible photo opportunities. I didn't enter any of the shops or cafes, I just assumed they were overpriced due to the location. It's free to see and admire, do it!
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Marshall G.

Yelp
Just a few minutes from our stay we came to this water view and bridge at the Avon River. Thanks Maria P. Good advice.
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Sunil R.

Yelp
This is a very cool bridge. You don't even know it's a bridge because it is lined with stores on both sides and you think it's just another street unless you see it from the side. I missed it a few times because of that until I realized what was going on.
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Maria P.

Yelp
Pulteney Bridge was built in 1770 and is one of only four remaining bridges in Europe to support shops across the full span of the bridge. It's a rare sight indeed and now we've been to three of these bridges! I had every intention to stop at the coffee shop situated on the bridge once we arrived in the city of Bath, but after a big lunch we decided to just admire the bridge from afar. The bridge crosses over the River Avon and the surrounding area is lovely to take a stroll and people watch. It's considered one of the world's most beautiful and romantic bridges and is best viewed from Parade Gardens and the crescent weir. It's definitely picturesque and I honestly regret not taking more photos, lol. So take your time, enjoy the view, and snap away.
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Rylan C.

Yelp
4 out of 5 stars. Would cross again! All the shops on the bridge are very cute, very British shops. Lots of tea shops, Lots of pubs. Don't miss the steps to down towards the base of the bridge. There are also a couple of cafes down there that'll give you the close views of the arches below the bridge.
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Shawn K.

Yelp
Gorgeous bridge in one of the most wonderful areas in England. Bath is unique and the scenery around this bridge is unmatched. For anyone who enjoys sites and landmarks, this should be towards the top of the list.
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Ting A.

Yelp
Rare encounter of a bridge that still has shops and restaurants running along both sides. The Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon with the horseshoe Pulteney weir beneath. It is pleasant area for a stroll to watch all the seagulls or climb down the stairs to the trails by the riverbank.
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Sarah P.

Yelp
Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon in Bath, England. It was completed by 1774, and connected the city with the land of the Pulteney family which they wished to develop. Designed by Robert Adam in a Palladian style, it is exceptional in having shops built across its full span on both sides. Located in the famous Roman city of Bath. A lovely place to shop, meander and dine and also people watch.
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Matt G.

Yelp
Picturesque bridge across river Avon. Shops along each side. Walk down the stairs for a full view of it. Boat rides departing under the bridge for $11 for a 1 hour ride.
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Mark M.

Yelp
A beautiful bridge, one of four in the world that has shops on both sides of it. The architecture is so beautiful, I really was excited to walk over it and check out the shops.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Bath is such a beautiful city and it has so many set pieces of perfect architecture that it might be possible to overlook some. You might even miss the Pulteney Bridge by mistake. And a mistake that would be. As a Grade I listed building, it is a historic and beautiful part of the city of Bath. Do yourself a favor and walk up the river so that you can turn around and get a shot of this amazing bridge! There are even shops on the bridge. The stamp shop that is the size of a stamp was particularly cute!
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Kathy K.

Yelp
Bath is such a beautiful, quaint, walkable city! We walked along the length of the city, and definitely got the best views here! There's a little garden next to the bridge as well, and looked like an amazing place to relax and spend an afternoon.
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Kel P.

Yelp
Lovely attraction, and nice shops! You get a much much much better view of the bridge if you stand further away from the bridge for the pictures! Try capture the water feature as well at the bottom. Fun fact: for those who has watched the Les Misérables movie; this is the bridge that Javert (Russel Crowe) jumped off in the last scene. Obviously the bridge is not supposed to be as close, but you still see the water features at the bottom.
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Liz J.

Yelp
Wouldn't be a trip to Bath without a walk along the bridge area. Close to the shops and a few bars and restaurants. Definitely worth the walk down if you're in the area.
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David J.

Yelp
Pulteney Bridge was built in 1770 by Sir William Pulteney for the purest of commercial motives: to link the City of Bath with land on the opposite bank, which he wanted to develop. Fortunately for Bath and for us, he chose the famous Georgian architect Robert Adams for the task, and ended up with a Palladian masterpiece. One of only four bridges in the world to be lined on both sides by shops, it graces many a Bath postcard - some achievement in this city of postcard views. The best views are not from the bridge itself, of course, but from Pulteney Gardens near the weir (see photograph). But do walk across to Great Pulteney Street, to see what Sir William then had built: the architect Thomas Baldwin provided him with yet another magnificent set-piece of Georgian architecture. Both are elements in Bath's listing as a World Heritage Site.
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Rosquete B.

Yelp
3 1/2p* Pulteney Bridge On the Avon River Very picturesque site for photograph opportunity Has shops like the Rialto in Florence
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Chris K.

Yelp
Bath is a gorgeous city from one end to the other, but this bridge goes above and beyond. The bridge itself is quite unique - you don't even realize you're walking over a bridge as you pass over it, as it's one of the only three bridges in the world that has permanent shops on it. The view of the river from around the corner is truly remarkable. Probably one of the best in Bath.
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Yee Gan O.

Yelp
One of Bath's great attractions is the Georgian architecture with Pulteney Bridge being one of the best examples in the city. Spanning the River Avon, it has shops on it but the best views are from the banks of the river on either side. It has several arches which make delightful pictures, especially if you can get their reflection in teh water. An iconic sight of Bath - don't miss it!
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Kristen C.

Yelp
Picturesque Bath is always a delight. Yet as is the way of the world it has become more High Street as the people escaping the city have also brought the city with them. While still very much a Jane Austen movie, it is much more a movie set. Behind Nash architecture and tea shop windows lurk Pret a Manger and Top Shop. So in many ways the historical Pulteney Bridge reflects modern Bath: Classic old patina on the outside, but modern on the inside. And not in a good way. Walking across the bridge one hopes to see quaint shops selling local wares, even if they are touristy, yet what should be a nod to the past has a small assortment of boutique shoppes lost amongst nondescript stores. The large bridge serves as a main road that distracts from the fact you are even on the bridge itself. Such a shame but then again modern life must move on, and traffic needs to cross the river. From the banks of the river though, the bridge is serene and beautiful. Take a moment to enjoy the view, even take a photo or two.
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Andreas K.

Yelp
Very beautiful place. Nice sitting in a little caffee on the bridge and taking photographs out of the open window/watching the seagulls. When going down to the water you can sit on benches in the sun. Their are houseboats laying there. Nice.
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J. Karim A.

Yelp
Pulteney is a famous bridge. One of the few in the world built to house shops and restaurants. From the side of the bridge you see beautiful views of the parks, rivers, and bridge. Worth stopping by through a walk in town.
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Tricia S.

Yelp
I doubt there's a single Bath tourist (or resident) who's been able to pass by this beautiful site without admiring it's beauty and/or stopping to take a photograph. The Avon River flows under this bridge and creates a remarkable site day or night. The bridge itself has unique shops on both sides of the street with views from their windows of the river. There's also a beautiful green area next to the river that would be perfect for a romantic picnic as there's rarely anyone down there. Mostly because you have to pay to go down there but as the views are different closer to the water, it's definitely worth paying the small fee.
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Qype User (trying…)

Yelp
Beautiful to look upon from above the weir, it's a view that's FREE and totally picture-postcard perfect. We often grab a coffee and stand and look at the bridge (and squint at the rugby at the Rec nearby). The shops on the bridge are fantastically eclectic, changing rooms overhanging the river and other oddities. One of my favourite places in Bath and a lot closer than the Ponte Vecchio in Florence!
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Craig H.

Yelp
Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world that have shops spanning across both sides. It was designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1773, after four years of work. It is now a Grade I listed building, as well as a National Monument. It's one of the most iconic sights of Bath, along with the Pump Rooms and Roman Baths themselves. From a personal perspective, it's a great place to watch the river Avon run down the fountain steps below and it has to be one of my favourite parts of the city. It's really a unique place and I think few would argue that Pulteney Bridge is a truly great part of Bath's Georgian heritage.
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Crystal V.

Yelp
I loved looking at this bridge and the shops on it were fantastic! I did see a shop whilst on the Austen tour that sold little books that were legible! Expensive though and they do have hardcover ones. Amazing though you'll just have to check it out. My gf did find tons of Guinness stuff and they were all on sale! She wanted to buy thugs for her husband and she scored with this place.
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Sophie E.

Yelp
Having heard that this is one of two bridges in the world lined with shops (and having lived next to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence in the past) I thought this would compare. But it doesn't. It's just a street, it's flat, it's ugly, and the shops aren't even worth looking at. Views from the side are pretty enough, but no picturesque. For some better photos, walk to the podium shopping centre behind it and go down the steps to the riverbank. It's 3 flights down, but the pictures of the bridge will be much improved.
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Qype User (poppys…)

Yelp
Beautiful place to wander along, really tiny shops hanging over the river! Well worth a visit. Located in bath which is a lovely area anyway you find this bridge and its tiny shops scatterd along it, a real rarity. The shops are so small but they are very intricate. The bakery is great selling lots of home made cakes and bread, with very cheap prices too. A great place to go to well worth a visit and your time.
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Qype User (madbo…)

Yelp
One of the few bridges in the world completely lined with little curio shops catering to tourists on either side. Not the best looking bridge, but very cute and incredibly busy on the bridge itself at the height of the tourist season. Best photographed along with the Weir I feel so the best spot is from over the other side of the road near the gardens. The Bridge itself leads to Great Pulteney St - a maginificent wide avenue which is well worth taking a stroll down
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Qype User (davepo…)

Yelp
A rare and famous bridge, although i did not know why. But due to it being a bridge with shops built on it makes it very special. Which is quite cool reeally. Some of the shops are great that are situated on it. They are very very small being only 6ft by like 12ft, compared to the shops now days these are minute! The small shops quite literally 6 ft wide are great. The bakery is brilliant lovely cakes at reasonable prices. Definately worth a look.
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Qype User (Emi_…)

Yelp
If coming to Bath you must visit Pulteney Bridge. It's small shops are cute and quirky. A bit of a tight squeeze, but thats all part of the experience, there are even places to go and grab a bite! The architecture is brilliant, and its in a fantastic location, just on the edge of the city centre, and over looking the gorgeous wier. Take a camera!
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Alena B.

Yelp
Are we with Bath or Florence?!?! Be careful you can totally miss this bridge as I did the first time I went to Bath. Thank Goodness for the Austen Centre's walking tour because our guide totally gave us the lowdown and my friend and I even went all the way back to check out some of the little shops on the bridge. Loved it! Picturesque, lovely and fun. How much better can it get?
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Qype User (Sheeps…)

Yelp
This is a beautiful bridge which overlooks the River Avon & has shops & restaurants lining both sides. It's very graceful & a delight to see during the day & at night is magically transformed with floodlights. Boat trips leave from there.
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Baz J.

Yelp
Bath is a beautiful city in its own right but coming down to the bridge just topped of a great visit. Fantastic views down the river and accross the valley make it too easy to drift away in thoughts of a life a that was. Bath rugby club is just around the corner with free entry on Monday nights with the A tean are playing at home.
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Qype User (alcire…)

Yelp
The bridge is an incredible sight, particularly towards sunset and sunrise and when floodlit. Stop and look out over the weir, and check out the quirky shops on the bridge and closeby. Highly recommended if you are visiting Bath for the first time.

Qype User (hannah…)

Yelp
I've heard that this is a really rare bridge in that it has buildings on it. I think bridges used to much more like this but now its possible only this and the famous Florence one. So well worth a look. It's very pretty to look over the wier too, very relaxing and there are usually some swans here. There are a few cafes here as well one on the bridge itself and one just down by the wier where you can sit out in the summer.
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Qype User (captai…)

Yelp
arguably one of baths greatest landmarks benign one of the few inhabited bridges of the Palladian style like those in Venice, there are a variety of little shops and food places on the bridge. quite a handy place to meet people and good for nice views of the weir. in the summers its grossly overpopulated by tourists and its fair to say most of the shops on the bridge are catering to that demographic.

Qype User (Luschk…)

Yelp
Pulteny Bridge is one of THREE bridges in the world lined with shops. The other two are the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Rialto in Venice. As compared to the Italian two, it is flat and shorter (smaller) with less shops, and certainly less 'flashy' shops. The Ponte Vecchio is lined with Jewellery shops and the Rialto with touristy shops, Pulteny is much more 'local' with a smoothy cafe, coffee shop, boutique etc. On the bridge you wouldn't know you were on a bridge, but the best views of it are from either side, especially when it's all lit up at night. It's shops might not set you on fire, but peaceful evenings on the river bank looking are quite inspirational (so long as there's not a rugby match at the nearby Rec!)