Kate W
09 July 2025
The city of Bath is full of hidden gems and architectural delights, and Pulteney Bridge has to be top of your list during a visit.
It’s one of the most photographed sites in Bath; thousands flock to this local landmark every year, but why?
Find out what’s so special about Bath’s Pulteney Bridge and discover the history behind this bridge before planning your visit.
What makes Pulteney Bridge special?
A stunning example of Georgian architecture, the reason this bridge is so remarkable is that it’s one of only four bridges in the world to have shops spreading across both sides and spanning the whole length of the bridge.
The other three bridges that share this unique feature are the Rialto Bridge in Venice, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) in Florence and The Merchant’s Bridge or Kramerbrucke in Erfurt, Germany.
The Palladian style
While the shops and restaurants make Pulteney Bridge unique, the Palladian style makes it beautiful.
Its enchanting architecture has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in Bath. Built in limestone, the classical southern facade features a focal point of a central Palladian window in a temple-like central bay, sitting over three sweeping arches.
A short history of Pulteney Bridge
This bridge was originally commissioned by a man called William Johnston, an important figure in Bath’s history. Through his wife, Francis Pulteney, he inherited a 600-acre rural estate and was inspired to transform this area into a suburb of Bath.
Johnston’s friend and renowned Neoclassical architect, Robert Adam, took on the project and designed the bridge. Work began in 1769 and was fully completed in 1774, to connect Bath with the Pulteney’s rural Bathwick Estate.
It cost around £10,000 to build, which in today’s money would be the equivalent of several million pounds. It is now a Grade I-listed building, and also has a reputation for being one of the most romantic bridges in the world.
Fascinating facts about Pulteney Bridge
- This romantic bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone.
- Along with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the Pulteney Bridge is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
- Pulteney Bridge starred in one of the biggest films of 2013, Les Miserables. The memorable scene where Russell Crowe’s policeman Javert falls from a bridge was filmed at Pulteney.
Shopping and dining on Pulteney Bridge
If you’re considering a visit, we thought you might be curious as to what shops and restaurants can be found on Pulteney Bridge today.
At the time of writing, these are just a taste of the lovely cafes and boutiques you can expect to come across on Pulteney Bridge.
Shops and restaurants on the bridge
For wonderful places to eat out in this captivating city, read our guide detailing our favourite restaurants in Bath.
Planning your visit
If you plan to visit, the first thing to know is that cars cannot drive over it – and parking at Pulteney Bridge is not permitted. Buses, taxis and cycles can all use the bridge, and it is right beside the city centre so can be accessed on foot depending on where you decide to stay.
A top tip for photographers – one of the best times to capture the bridge in all of its glory is late morning, as it is reportedly in shadow for much of the afternoon.
What else is nearby?
With the city centre less than 100 metres away, you have a wealth of places to eat, shop and relax not far from this iconic Bath landmark.
The city’s big attractions
- Bath Abbey – a magnificent abbey providing a calming space in the heart of the city
- The Jane Austen Centre – a museum celebrating the iconic author and her work
- The Royal Crescent – a remarkable example of Georgian architecture arranged in a crescent around beautiful Royal Victoria Park (0.5 miles from the city centre)
We have written a guide to the Roman Baths, possibly the most famous attraction in Bath, and a beautiful place to discover more about this city’s fantastic history and heritage.
We’ve even written a full guide of all the best things to do in Bath during your city break – check it out by clicking the button below.
Stay near Pulteney Bridge
From stylish apartments and townhouses in the heart of Bath to rural holiday retreats on the fridges of the city, you’re sure to find an enchanting place to stay in our collection.
Book a hot tub getaway, a pet-friendly stay or plan a big get-together in this magical destination. Check out our beautiful Bath cottages today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.