North Parade Bridge, Bath: Historic Cast Iron Elegance Over the River Avon
Historic cast iron bridge blending Georgian elegance and 19th-century engineering over Bath’s River Avon.
North Parade Bridge in Bath is a Grade II listed cast iron bridge originally constructed in 1836 by William Tierney Clark. It spans the River Avon, featuring masonry abutments and a stone-faced structure from a 1930s renovation. The bridge connects the historic North Parade promenade, designed by John Wood the Elder, with the city’s vibrant riverside, blending engineering heritage with scenic urban charm.
A brief summary to North Parade Bridge
- 14 N Parade, Bath, BA2 4AJ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic river views and architectural details.
- Combine your visit with a walk along North Parade to experience Bath’s Georgian promenade.
- Bring a camera for excellent photo opportunities of the river and city skyline.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the surrounding area features cobbled streets and gentle inclines.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Bath City Centre bus services from the main bus station; journey times range from 10 to 20 minutes. Buses stop near North Parade, with frequent daily service. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4 one way. Note that service frequency may reduce on Sundays.
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Train and Walk
From Bath Spa railway station, a 25-minute walk along the river and city streets leads to North Parade Bridge. The route is mostly flat but includes some cobbled surfaces. Suitable for most walkers and wheelchair users with assistance.
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Taxi
Local taxis provide direct access to North Parade Bridge from anywhere in Bath, with typical travel times of 5 to 10 minutes within the city centre. Fares generally range from £5 to £10 depending on distance and time of day.
North Parade Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about North Parade Bridge
Engineering Legacy and Architectural Evolution
North Parade Bridge was built in 1836 by renowned civil engineer William Tierney Clark, famous for his pioneering cast iron bridge designs. The original structure consisted of a single-span cast iron bridge supported on sturdy masonry abutments. This design reflected the industrial advances of the early 19th century, marrying functionality with aesthetic grace. In the 1930s, the bridge underwent significant alterations: the iron spans were encased in ashlar stone, and a reinforced concrete superstructure was introduced beneath. This refurbishment preserved the bridge’s historic character while enhancing its durability and visual appeal.Connection to Bath’s Georgian Heritage
The bridge serves as a vital link to North Parade, a Georgian-era promenade constructed between 1740 and 1748 by architect John Wood the Elder. North Parade was originally conceived as an elegant summer walkway, culminating in a viewpoint overlooking the River Avon. The bridge extends this experience, offering pedestrians and vehicles a graceful crossing point that complements Bath’s broader architectural narrative, characterized by Palladian terraces and classical design.Setting and Scenic Importance
Spanning the River Avon, North Parade Bridge provides panoramic views of the riverbanks and the surrounding cityscape. Its elevated position offers vantage points for appreciating Bath’s blend of natural beauty and historic urban fabric. The bridge’s stone-faced exterior harmonizes with Bath’s famed honey-colored limestone buildings, making it a picturesque element within the city’s riverside environment.Preservation and Cultural Significance
Designated as a Grade II listed structure, North Parade Bridge is recognized for its architectural and historic importance. The listing protects the bridge’s unique cast iron origins and its 20th-century modifications, ensuring that this emblem of Bath’s engineering heritage remains intact for future generations. The bridge stands as a testament to the city’s continuous evolution, bridging past and present both literally and figuratively.Visitor Experience and Urban Integration
Today, North Parade Bridge remains a functional and aesthetic asset within Bath’s cityscape. It facilitates both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, connecting key historic areas with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the adjacent North Parade promenade, soak in riverside views, and appreciate the bridge’s craftsmanship up close. Its accessibility and scenic qualities make it a favored spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.Architectural Details and Visual Appeal
The bridge’s cast iron framework, though concealed beneath stone facing, retains its original engineering integrity. The ashlar stone cladding adds a refined texture and classical appearance, aligning with Bath’s Georgian architectural style. The masonry abutments anchor the bridge firmly, while the overall design balances strength with elegance, reflecting 19th-century innovations in bridge construction.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monks Mill
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Discover Monks Mill, a rare medieval watermill ruin nestled in Bath’s picturesque Parade Gardens, echoing centuries of monastic industry and wool trade heritage.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
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Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
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The EASTGATE
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Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Archway
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Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
The Pump Room Restaurant
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Experience exquisite British and European cuisine in a historic setting at The Pump Room Restaurant, a must-visit gem in Bath.
Part of the mediaeval wall of the City of Bath
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Bath Quays Waterside
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Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution
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Sydney Gardens
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Explore the lush beauty and historical charm of Sydney Gardens, a tranquil park in Bath perfect for leisurely strolls and serene picnics.
Museum of Bath Architecture
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Explore Bath’s architectural evolution from medieval roots to Georgian grandeur in a compact, richly detailed museum setting.
National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
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Discover the timeless beauty and historical significance of the Bath Assembly Rooms, a stunning example of Georgian architecture and social culture.
Green Park Station
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Historic railway station turned vibrant market hub offering fresh local produce, unique crafts, lively eateries, and cultural events in Bath.
The Circus
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A breathtaking Georgian circle of townhouses blending classical design with ancient symbolism in the heart of Bath.
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
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Explore the Georgian home where William Herschel discovered Uranus and celebrate the Herschels’ legacy in astronomy and music.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bath Sports and Leisure Centre
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A vibrant, fully refurbished leisure centre in Bath offering fitness, swimming, family fun, and wellness under one roof.
Angel of Peace
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A serene bronze tribute to King Edward VII, symbolizing peace and sovereignty at the heart of Bath’s Parade Gardens.
City Sightseeing Bath Hop On Hop Off
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Discover Bath’s iconic landmarks and scenic beauty at your own pace with the flexible City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off bus tours.
St John The Evangelist's Church
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A soaring Victorian Gothic Catholic church with Bath’s tallest spire, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Bath.
Bath Pavilion
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A vibrant cultural and event venue in Bathwick, Bath, hosting concerts, weddings, and community celebrations in a flexible, atmospheric setting.
Prince Bladud and the Pig
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Discover the legendary founder of Bath immortalized in stone alongside his healing pigs in the tranquil Parade Gardens.
In and Beyond Bath
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Discover the magic of Bath with In and Beyond Bath, your guide to unforgettable tours and experiences in this historic city and its surroundings.
Terrace Walk
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Discover tranquility and timeless beauty on Terrace Walk, Bath’s charming canal-side promenade blending historic architecture with peaceful waterside views.
Bizarre Bath
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Experience Bath’s quirkiest comedy walk blending street theatre, local antics, and laughter in a lively 90-minute evening stroll.
Bath City Parade Gardens
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A historic riverside oasis in Bath’s city centre, famed for vibrant floral displays, stunning views, and lively summer concerts.
North Parade, Bath
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Discover North Parade, Bath’s elegant Georgian street blending historic charm with scenic riverside views in the heart of this UNESCO city.
The Recreation Ground
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Historic riverside sports ground in Bath, home to Bath Rugby with vibrant matchday energy and scenic heritage surroundings.
Bath Masonic Hall
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Discover Bath Masonic Hall, a historic Georgian landmark blending theatre heritage, Freemasonry, and cultural events in the heart of Bath.
Old Theatre Royal
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Discover Bath’s first Theatre Royal, a historic 18th-century venue turned chapel and Masonic Hall, rich with theatrical and cultural heritage.
Beazer Garden Maze
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Discover Bath’s serene Beazer Garden Maze, a historic labyrinth blending art, nature, and heritage in a peaceful riverside setting.
Essential places to dine
Opa Bath
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Experience authentic Greek meze and vibrant nightlife in atmospheric vaulted cellars by Bath’s River Avon.
La Perla
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Discover authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the cozy, atmospheric arches beneath Bath’s historic streets.
Sotto Sotto
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Discover authentic Italian cuisine in a romantic vaulted cellar setting beneath Bath’s historic streets.
The Elder Restaurant
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Experience refined modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal wild game in Bath’s elegant Georgian setting.
Yak Yeti Yak
0.1 km
Authentic Nepalese cuisine and Himalayan hospitality in a vibrant basement gem.
Tagine Zhor
0.2 km
Experience the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Morocco in the heart of Bath at Tagine Zhor, a vibrant and authentic Moroccan dining destination.
OAK Restaurant
0.2 km
Discover OAK Restaurant in Bath: exquisite vegetarian small plates crafted with local, seasonal ingredients in a cozy, historic setting.
Browns Bath
0.2 km
Classic British brasserie dining in Bath’s historic Old Police Station with seasonal menus and handcrafted cocktails.
Ponte Vecchio
0.3 km
Bath’s finest Italian restaurant in a converted riverside boathouse, with stunning views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir.
Joya Italian Steakhouse
0.3 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant Italian steakhouse where you grill your own premium hot stone steak in a lively riverside setting.
Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Bath at Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant.
Chez Dominique
0.3 km
Intimate modern French bistro in Bath offering seasonal Anglo-French cuisine with expertly crafted dishes and warm, attentive service.
The Herd Steak Restaurant
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A cozy, family-run steakhouse in Bath famed for locally sourced, dry-aged beef and impeccable service in a unique basement setting.
The Hive Bar & Kitchen
0.3 km
Bath's beloved neighbourhood restaurant, celebrated for its Sunday roast and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Bill's Bath Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant British restaurant in central Bath, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner near the Theatre Royal and Bath Abbey.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Store Bath
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Orange Grove Gifts and Souvenirs
0.2 km
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Wood & Burr
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Discover unique handcrafted gifts and wooden puzzles at Wood & Burr, a charming boutique nestled in the heart of historic Bath.
Nām
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Discover unique art and scents in a cozy Bath boutique offering distinctive homewares to inspire your living space.
Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath
0.2 km
A beloved independent bookshop in Bath offering rich literary selections, live author events, and a welcoming atmosphere daily until late evening.
Bath Retro Store
0.2 km
Discover quirky gifts and nostalgic treasures in Bath Retro Store, a charming independent shop nestled in historic Abbey Green.
A Nice Little Shop
0.3 km
Charming souvenir shop nestled in Bath’s historic Guildhall Market, offering authentic gifts in a vibrant, centuries-old marketplace.
Hauslife
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The Bath Bazaar
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Pinkart
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Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local artistry at Pinkart, a charming boutique nestled in the heart of historic Bath.
The Antique Map Shop
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Fancy That of London
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Bluebells of Bath
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TILLIUS
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Wadswick - Bath
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ArtBar
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Sleight Magic Bar
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The Hideout
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Juno Bar and Kitchen
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All Bar One Bath
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Opium Bar
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Coeur De Lion
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Discover Bath’s smallest pub, Coeur De Lion, where cozy charm meets local ales and simple, tasty fare in a welcoming atmosphere.
Be At One - Bath
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The Old Green Tree
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The Grapes
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Belushi's Bath
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Fidel Rum Bar
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The Botanist Bath
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The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
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Vino Vino
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
