A Wiltshire town has been named the ‘best kept secret in the west country’ for tourists by a prestigious international publication.
Upmarket magazine Conde Nast Traveller praised Bradford on Avon for its blend of crowd-free and yet “peppered with excellent restaurants and hotels” and “gloriously friendly, welcoming, unpretentious."
The article, published this month, offers insights into the many gems the town has in store for curious visitors, whether they are interested in shopping, local wildlife, or the town’s rich sense of history.
Among the top spots to stay listed in the article are well-known local hostelries Timbrell’s Yard and Woolley Grange Hotel. The Anglo Welsh Barge also finds itself listed as an amphibious alternative, with Bath’s Gainsborough included as a higher-end option.
In terms of the activities suggested, the article provides a sweeping look at the town’s leisure offerings, starting with the town’s “rich tapestry” of architectural marvels, moving onto its “atmospheric” historical spots, and concluding: “Families will find plenty to entertain both in town and a stone’s throw away with abundant museums, woodlands, heritage sites and even a safari park.”
The canal is singled out as a can’t-miss activity, with a thriving freshwater mammal ecosystem and rare bird population recognised as reasons to visit, not to mention chances to canoe down one of the region’s most picturesque stretches of waterway.
As locals know, the town has a strong mix of independent retailers and charity shops, with the author of the Conde Nast article stating the town’s “thrifting and art shops…are too interesting to miss.”
The Granary and Moxham’s are the article’s choice destinations for antiques, Okapi Studios as the go-to for handmade jewellery and ceramics, and the Tithebarn Workshops as the place to see for those with an interest in local artisans.
A “pretty varied pub crawl” is also recommended as a top-drawer activity for visitors, with “something for every mood.” The Stumble Inn, The Lock Inn, and The Three Horseshoes are all mentioned, with the latter receiving a double-dose of praise as a music venue.
Perhaps limited by time-constraints and word-count, the author also omits to mention a swathe of other top pubs, including but far from limited to, The Canal Tavern, The Dandy Lion, and The Dog and Fox Inn.
The food offering in Bradford is considered a highlight, with the article holding court with a mixture of glowing praise alongside enthusiastic recommendations for groups with specific recommendations.
Tuti’s Indian “is hands down the best curry house for miles: from ambience and character to service and quality”. River Spice is also recognised as a “reliably great curry house,” while Thai Barn offers a huge range that includes “standout appetizers”.
Among other local eateries, Ravello is honoured as the place to be for “big, harder to please groups…offering great fresh seafood pacchieri, duck in cherry sauce and a cheering offering of plant-based versions.”
As ever with regional getaways, recommendations for Sunday lunch reserves its own section, with a strong. The Bunch of Grapes gets a nod as a home for “upscale dishes”, with the author also reserving particular excitement for the Cross Guns’ upcoming refurbishment under its new owners, Iford Manor, with their award winning kitchen forecast to bring “exciting new offerings”.
