Pulteney Weir

The basics

A complement to Bath’s storied Pulteney Bridge—which dates to the 18th century and is one of just four bridges in the world with shops lining its length—the Pulteney Weir is both a functional means of flood protection and a picturesque highlight of the River Avon. Located right in the heart of town, and usually visible from the banks of the river, its cascades are worth stopping by to photograph and admire. The landmark even made a silver-screen appearance in the 2012 Hollywood blockbuster, Les Misérables.

While it’s easy to visit the Pulteney Bridge and Weir during a day of independent sightseeing in Bath, both feature on a range of tours and itineraries, including walking tours, hop-on hop-off bus tours, and river cruises.

Things to know before you go

• Note that while the Pulteney Weir is usually visible, it can disappear from sight when water levels are exceptionally high.
• Swimming is prohibited in the area, as the strong currents can prove dangerous.
• Head to the nearby Parade Gardens for some of the best views overlooking the Pulteney Bridge and Weir.

How to get there

The Pulteney Weir is located at Pulteney Bridge, right in the city center. It is just 10 minutes on foot from the city’s main train station, Bath Spa, and a number of local bus lines frequent the area. Taxis and rideshare services offer another way to get there.

When to get there

The Pulteney Weir is almost always visible, apart from moments when storms cause water levels on the River Avon to rise. To make the most of your sightseeing experience, aim to visit on a bright, good-weather day, when you can linger and capture photos with ease.

Pulteney Bridge

A symbol of Bath, and one of its most recognizable landmarks, the Pulteney Bridge is an architectural highlight of the UNESCO-listed city. Don’t just stop to admire it from afar—as it’s one of the only bridges in the world that has shops down its length, it’s worth having a browse. Stores include bakeries, coffee shops, jewelers, and antique dealers.