Pulteney Bridge

About

Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath’s most iconic architectural landmarks and among only four bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides. Designed by the renowned architect Robert Adam in a refined Palladian style, it was completed in 1774 to connect the city with the Pulteney family’s Bathwick estate across the River Avon. Named after Frances Pulteney, the bridge was part of a grand vision to develop a new Georgian suburb. Its elegant façade features classical pediments, pilasters, and domed pavilions, while the narrow street atop the bridge remains a bustling hub of independent shops and cafés. Though altered over the centuries by floods and commercial pressures, restoration efforts have preserved much of Adam’s original vision. Today, Pulteney Bridge is a Grade I listed structure and a favourite subject for photographers, best viewed from Parade Gardens or beside the crescent-shaped weir below.

Bath United Kingdom

Location

Pulteney Bridge is located on Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT, spanning the River Avon at the edge of Bath’s city centre. Built in 1774 and designed by Robert Adam in the Palladian style, this Grade I listed bridge is one of only four in the world with shops lining both sides along its entire length, making it a unique architectural and shopping experience. The bridge is best viewed from Parade Gardens or the crescent-shaped weir below, where its elegant arches and classical façade are most striking. Nearby, you’ll find Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, and the Guildhall, all within a few minutes’ walk, as well as the Victoria Art Gallery and the city’s main shopping streets. The area is filled with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, and the bridge itself offers charming spots for coffee and riverside views. Pulteney Bridge is a must-see for visitors, combining history, architecture, and vibrant city life at the heart of Bath.