Pulteney Bridge

Pulteney Bridge is one of Baths most iconic structures and was originally a toll bridge and parish boundary when it was built by Robert Adam in 1769.

Now a Grade I listed building this historical bridge over the River Avon, is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops incorporated into it's span on both sides.

Predominantly pedestrian-only, taxis, buses, and bicycles can cross this famous 18th-century landmark and it is one of the most photographed locations in the area and a must-see when visiting Bath.

Named after Frances Pulteney, the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, a wealthy landowner in those times who wanted to link his 600-acre rural estate with the main city of Bath and create a rival town in the process. But he didn't want just any old bridge he wanted something spectacular.

The Roman Baths aren't the only Italian influence on the city of Bath. Architect Robert Adam designed the bridge for Pulteney in the Palladian style, made famous by Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. Inspired by his travels to Florence and Venice, and by the shop-lined bridges of Ponte Vecchio and Rialto Bridge, Adam proposed a similar design for Pulteney Bridge, and so a spectacular bridge was successfully constructed between 1769 and 1774.

Best viewed from the crescent weir and Parade Gardens, the Pulteney Bridge is still one of the most beautiful bridges in the world today.