Places To Stay Near Pulteney Bridge
Stay with us at our hotels near Pulteney Bridge in Bath, close to other popular attractions like Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, and the Royal Crescent, with cosy beds, family rooms, and excellent breakfasts.
The Northey Arms
Situated in Box near Corsham in Wiltshire, The Northey Arms is the perfect base for exploring nearby Bath and the world-class walking, cycling and dog-walking opportunities in and around the Cotswolds. With 13 en-suite rooms of varying sizes, we can accommodate guests for family breaks, romantic getaways or perfect staycations.
We’re close to many of the most popular attractions in Bath, so you can relax at The Northey Arms after your day admiring the magnificent architecture of Pulteney Bridge.
The Methuen Arms
Steeped in history and character, The Methuen Arms hotel in Corsham started life as a nunnery before being converted into a brewery and coaching inn in 1608. The inn offers 19 newly-renovated bedrooms, a mouth-watering food menu created with ingredients sourced from its kitchen garden, and a cosy bar area and spacious beer garden perfect for enjoying the inn’s range of hand-pulled ales. Book your room today and stay the night after exploring the wonderful city of Bath and visiting the eye-catching Pulteney Bridge.
Broad Street Townhouse
See all that the beautiful city of Bath has to offer with a stay at Broad Street Townhouse hotel, a Grade II-listed building based in the heart of the Roman city and just a stone’s throw from the magnificent Pulteney Bridge. Relax in style in one of 11 luxurious boutique rooms, each with sumptuous king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Take a break from exploring the city in the ground floor café/bar, or enjoy a more hearty meal at our sister venue next door, The Pig & Fiddle pub. Find out why The Sunday Times voted Broad Street Townhouse one of the Best Hotels in the South West, and book your stay today.
The George Inn
There’s nowhere like The George Inn in Norton St. Philip. As a Grade II-listed building, with history dating back to 1397, a stay at The George Inn will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Close to Bath and its wonderful attractions such as Pulteney Bridge, The George also makes an ideal base for a staycation, business trip, or weekend getaway. Stay in one of the 9 ensuite rooms at one of Britain’s oldest taverns, and enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced pub classic with and award-winning pint of Butcombe beer.
The Quarrymans Arms
Located in picturesque Box Hill, The Quarrymans Arms hotel is a gorgeous country inn boasting sweeping views of the Box Valley. The inn offers the perfect boutique getaway with four flawlessly-decorated bedrooms, a delightful restaurant serving the finest, locally-sourced seasonal produce, and a fantastic selection of ales, craft beers, local ciders and fine wines to get stuck into. Just a short drive from the centre of Bath, it is the perfect spot to relax after a day visiting Pulteney Bridge.
History Of Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge was the brainchild of William Johnstone, an important man during Bath’s Georgian era.
William and his wife, Francis Pulteney (after whom the bridge takes its name), had inherited a 600 acre rural estate which was separated from the main city of Bath by the River Avon. With grand plans to transform the estate into a spectacular new suburb of Bath, William called upon his friend and renowned architect Robert Adam to design a magnificent bridge to connect his land with the city.
Inspired by the shop-lined bridges of Ponte Vecchio and Rialto Bridge during his travels to Florence and Venice, Adam proposed a similar design for Pulteney, and the bridge was successfully constructed between 1770 and 1774.
Pulteney Bridge Today
Today, Pulteney Bridge is designated as a Grade I listed building.
Predominantly pedestrian-only, buses, taxis and bicycles are still able to cross this famous landmark.
As one of the most photographed attractions in the area, a visit to Pulteney Bridge is essential when visiting Bath.
Pulteney Bridge Palladian Style
Pulteney Bridge was constructed in a Palladian style, which was made famous by the Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century.
The architect responsible for Pulteney Bridge, Robert Adam, took inspiration from Palladio’s designs when he visited the Ponte Vecchio bridge which spans the river Arno in Florence, Italy.
While the Palladian style is modest in comparison to other styles from the same era, Pulteney Bridge is a remarkable structure that is one of Bath’s most visited attractions.
Pulteney Bridge In Film & Books
Featuring an all-star cast, the Oscar-winning musical film Les Misérables shot scenes in Bath, with Pulteney Bridge and its horseshow weir used as the location where Javert, played by Russell Crowe, takes his own life by dramatically plunging into the River Seine.
Pulteney Bridge has also featured in many novels including ‘Bleed for Me’ by award-winning crime fiction writer Michael Robotham, ‘Spring Music’ by best-selling novelist Elvi Rhodes and ‘Missing You’ by romance author Louise Douglas.
Things To Do At Pulteney Bridge
As mentioned, Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath’s most popular landmarks, with plenty of locals and tourists around at all times. When visiting, ensure that you:
Take Plenty Of Photos
The bridge, weir and shops are all snapped regularly by visitors to Pulteney Bridge. With no shortage of opportunities, you should get plenty of shots for your photo album and social media accounts.
Walk Back & Forth To See The Shops
With shops on either side of the bridge, it can be easy to miss them. Take the time to walk back and forth to explore each shop and the local gifts on offer.
Enjoy Some Coffee & Cake
Whether you are on the bridge, next to the bridge or near the bridge, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in a hot drink and a sweet treat. With many independent coffee shops and larger chains nearby, there will be something to satisfy your cravings.