It is one of only four bridges in the world with shops spanning the full length on both sides.
The architect Robert Adam originally designed the bridge to be much wider, but the plans were scaled back during construction.
The horseshoe weir was added in the 19th century to prevent flooding, though it was originally intended to manage the river's water level for industrial use.
The bridge was featured in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables as the streets of Paris.
The shops on the bridge have undergone significant modifications over the centuries, with many original facades altered to create larger display windows.
The bridge was commissioned by William Pulteney, the landlord of the Bathwick estate, to increase the value of his property.
Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to be fully lined with shops on both sides. Completed in 1774, it was designed by Robert Adam in a Palladian style to connect central Bath with the new development of Bathwick. The bridge spans the River Avon and features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped weir located immediately downstream. The shops built into the bridge structure originally included hairdressers, hosiers, and fishmongers. Today, the bridge remains a functional road crossing for local traffic alongside its pedestrian walkways. The structure is a Grade I listed building. It is a defining example of 18th-century urban planning in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath.
The riverside walkway at Grand Parade provides the classic view of the bridge arches and the weir.
Walk down the steps at Grand Parade for a direct view of the bridge and the weir.
Visit the small shops tucked into the bridge for artisanal crafts and independent local goods.
Cross the bridge on foot to browse the storefronts, but be mindful of the narrow sidewalks.
Do not attempt to cross by car unless necessary, as traffic can be heavy and parking is unavailable on the bridge itself.
