Even if you haven’t heard of Pulteney Bridge before, you will certainly never forget it once you have set eyes on it, if only for a few seconds when you staying in bath accommodation.

It is one of the most unusual and finest bridges in all the world and this must surely be one of the main reasons for visiting it in the first place.  But let us give you still more reasons for heading in that direction as soon as you arrive for a weekend in Bath.

The bridge itself spans the River Avon, and it crosses from the main part of Bath itself into Argyle Street.  You might want to linger as you cross over it though, for reasons that you will discover below!

1.    It is much more than just a bridge.  Over two hundred years old, it is home to a parade of shops which run along either side.  This aspect of the bridge ranks it alongside just two or three others in the whole of the world which have a similar design.  The south side of the bridge is still very much as it was when it was first built all those years ago, but the north side has seen plenty of changes since then.

2.    It gives you an excellent photo opportunity.  There are several points in particular from which to get a good photo to take home.  Of course you must walk onto the bridge itself and get some pictures of the shops, as they are very small indeed.  Many people use the word ‘quaint’ when describing them.  You should also make a point of taking some pictures from the Grand Parade, looking out onto the south side of Pulteney Bridge.  And if you hop over the river you can take some more pictures from the other side.  Either of these viewpoints should give you plenty of opportunity to get the weir in the front of the picture as well.

3.    You can get a boat trip and go underneath the bridge itself.  This affords you a view of the less attractive northern side of the river, but it is still worth doing for the stunning views you will get along the way.  You soon travel out of Bath itself and into more open country.  The boats offer a trip there and back as well, so you will be able to go back under the bridge again and back into the main part of Bath.

4.    It is one of the main ‘must see’ sights in Bath.  Along with the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent, this is one location you shouldn’t miss out on.  And with so many different ways of seeing Pulteney Bridge it is a very desirable place to head to!

There are very few bridges in the world which offer you the chance to go from shop to shop, perhaps buying some flowers or a bite to eat from a bakery.  But Pulteney Bridge offers all this and much more besides.  Isn’t it time you added it to your weekend away in Bath?