An autumnal weekend in the Avon Valley near Bath

The autumn leaves in the Avon Valley near Bath

The Avon Valley to the south-east of Bath, on the Somerset/Wiltshire border, combines rolling, tree covered hills with the winding river Avon and Kennett and Avon canal. It’s the perfect place to get those warm, autumn feels. Chuck on a roll-neck and a pair of wellies and prepare to crunch through fallen leaves, whilst smelling the comforting aroma of wood burning stoves on moored canal boats. Meander slowly and you may spot a kingfisher darting along the river or a heron waiting patiently for its supper. Pop into cosy cafes or pubs along the way with your four-legged friend for hot chocolate and a doggy treat.

What to see and do

Visit the pretty town of Bradford on Avon, wander around the selection of independents, peer into the old lock-up as you cross the iconic town bridge and make a pilgrimage to the Saxon Church. Join the path along the river, watching the rowers and paddle boarders as you go. Stop at one of the largest medieval tithe barns in England and marvel at the timber cruck roof. Take the canal path to Avoncliff to see where the canal, river and railway cross at the aqueduct and perhaps brave a wild swim in the river around the weir. Walk a little further to Freshford, and admire the Cotswold stone cottages and grand houses in this exclusive village. If legs are still fresh, take the footpaths across fields and woodland to Iford Manor. The Grade 1 listed gardens may be shut until April, but the house and bridge are worth a look.

Where to eat

To the Manor

Iford Manor’s cafe and restaurant opened to rave reviews in 2022.

Iford Manor’s cafe and restaurant opened to rave reviews this year. Enjoy homemade food from their cafe and restaurant headed up by award-winning chef, Mathew Briddon who uses local suppliers and vegetables from the estate’s gardens. Choose the cafe for a casual bite, including a selection of breakfast baps or the restaurant for something extra special, perhaps as part of their Friday evening Supper Clubs.

The Bunch of Grapes in Bradford on Avon made it into this year’s Michelin Guide yet again thanks to their modern British menu. Enjoy an array of cocktails in vintage glasses from the bar team before trying dishes such as venison haunch accompanied by a cottage pie, girolles and pickled blackberries.

Venture further afield to Castle Farm at Midford, located on the edge of Bath. Husband and wife team, Pravin and Leah Nayer run Castle Farm restaurant in a barn on an organic farm. They put on a series of supper clubs using some of the produce from the gardens and inspiration from Pravin’s mixed Asian and Scandinavian heritage. Their Friday night curry club books up weeks in advance for good reason. Their curries are packed with an authentic punch, with menus varying weekly. Dishes may include pork Pedas, grilled pork neck from Orchard Farm, a spicy sweet and sour sauce with dry chillies and homemade roti.

Where to shop

The Cheese Shop in the middle of Bradford on Avon is a cheese lovers paradise, packed floor to ceiling with cheeses, accompaniments and deli delights. The team are extremely knowledgable so pick their brains to discover a new dairy delight to adorn your next dinner party cheese board. Afterwards, head to Cloud and Cove for pretty cards and gifts such as scarves, jewellery, candles and ceramics. Slightly out of town, pop into Hartley Farm, wander around the farm shop and deli and stock up on homemade sausage rolls from their butcher’s counter. Choose from an array of cakes and perhaps grab a bag of frozen pastries to bake at home. Their newly refurbished cafe also does a great pizza, freshly baked in their on-site ovens.