Pubs & Inns near Pulteney Bridge in Bath
Stop by one of our pubs near Pulteney Bridge close to other popular attractions in Bath such as Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, and the Royal Crescent serving refreshing, award-winning Butcombe real ales, local ciders, and delicious classic pub meals.
Broad Street Townhouse
Take a break from exploring the beautiful golden city of Bath, and stop in for a light bite, craft beer, win, or cocktail in our ground floor café/bar at Broad Street Townhouse hotel, a stone’s throw away from popular Bath attractions like Thermae Bath Spa, the Roman Baths, and Bath Abbey. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, pop next door to their sister venue, The Pig & Fiddle gastropub, for a hearty pub classic meal.
The Methuen Arms
Formerly a nunnery, The Methuen Arms pub in Corsham was transformed into coaching inn and brewery from 1608, full of history and character. With a passion for great food and drink at its core, the pub serves up a mouth-watering menu of food lovingly made with ingredients sourced from its kitchen garden as well as a tasty range of award-winning beers and ales, perfect for sipping al fresco style in the pub’s spacious beer garden after visiting Bath’s wealth of attractions, such as Pulteney Bridge.
The Crown Inn
Settle in front of the cracking open fire at The Crown pub in Dyrham with a pint of Butcombe real ale. With its rustic stone-clad interior, authentic wooden beams, and a beautiful beer garden, you can enjoy a thirst-quenching drink after spending the day visiting Pulteney Bridge and Bath’s other sights. Sample the comforting menu at the on-site restaurant, chock-full of pub classics, with options for all dietary requirements, and the pickiest eaters.
The George Inn
Take a break from exploring the Roman city of Bath for an award-winning pint at the historic George Inn in Norton St. Philip. In the Grade II-listed inn, dating back to 1397, you’ll find stretching wooden beams, stone-clad walls, and a cosy atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the South West. Treat yourself to your favourite pub meal from the menu, including classics like fish and chips, pie and mash, and one of the best roast dinners in the region – all washed down with a pint of our Butcombe beer after spending the day visiting Pulteney Bridge and the many other attractions in Bath.
The King’s Arms
The King’s Arms pub is a charming, 18th-century inn located in picturesque Melksham. Whether you’re stopping by after visiting Pulteney Bridge to sample their hand-pulled real ales, enjoy their menu of seasonal, home-cooked food or while away the hours in their inviting beer garden, you can be sure a very warm welcome awaits you.
The Northey Arms
Located in beautiful Box on the outskirts of Bath, The Northey Arms is a stunning pub and inn steeped in history, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’re passionate about great food and drink, with an all-day food offer focused on seasonal, locally sourced produce and hearty pub classics. Behind the bar you’ll find plenty of award-winning Butcombe beer and cider, and a wide range of wine and cocktails. A haven for families, walkers, cyclists and locals fresh from a visit to Pulteney Bridge, The Northey boasts a large beer garden, an extensive children’s play area and huge carpark.
The Pig & Fiddle
An iconic building in the heart of Bath, the refurbished Pig & Fiddle pub has an all-day food offer, regular live sport, and a buzzing atmosphere at all times of the day. Get stuck into hearty seasonal pub classics, banging bar snacks, a delicious brunch menu, and Piggy sharer Sunday roasts in Bath, perfectly paired with a variety of craft beer, cask ale, wine and cocktails. The Pig & Fiddle is the perfect place to stop after exploring the nearby attractions of Bath, including Pulteney Bridge.
The Quarrymans Arms
The Quarryman’s Arms inn is a family-friendly country pub located in picturesque Box Hill. The boozer offers a mouth-watering menu featuring pub favourites made with the finest seasonal produce, as well as award-winning pies and sausage rolls, and the best Sunday roast in the area. Behind the bar, you’ll find a delicious selection of ales, craft beers, local ciders and wines, while outside the pub’s newly-covered and heated beer garden is ideal for al fresco drinking and dining all year round – the perfect place to relax after 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 AND 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.