About Widcombe

Widcombe is a thriving community with excellent facilities and services. On the south-eastern fringes of Bath city centre, the area is only a few minutes walk via the the ‘Halfpenny Bridge’ (Built in 1877 and restored in 2013) across the River Avon from the rear of the railway station. You can also approach from the centre of Bath along the riverside path from Argylle St or North Parade Bridge.

History of Widcombe

Historians of all kind will find much of interest in Widcombe’s churches, cemeteries, historic houses and war memorials. For an overview of Widcombe’s history, including many downloadable pamphlets produced by the Widcombe & Lyncome Local History Society, click here…

A Warm Welcome

Expect a warm welcome from our local Widcombe traders. The Parade has loads to offer whatever your fancy. Come and visit.

Arts & Crafts

Widcombe, with its unique blend of city and glorious countryside, is home to many artists and craftspeople. Every year the WA holds an Art Trail, where local artists and friends display their work in their homes and studios and local shops, pubs and restaurants. A Craft Fair is also held every November where local craftsmen and women including potters, jewellers and textile artists, present their own work, and you can buy Christmas gifts direct from the makers.

Things To Do & See

  • The Bath Skyline Walk passes through Widcombe and provides spectacular views of Bath and the surrounding countryside.

  • Prior Park Landscape Garden – At the top of Ralph Allen’s Drive, south from Widcombe Parade, The Garden is one of Bath’s jewels, with views over the city of Bath and a wonderful Palladian bridge. Take THIS SCENIC WALK rom the City centre via the Abbey cemetery, avoiding traffic and enjoying wonderful views en route.

  • Beechen Cliff & Alexandra Park – Take a walk from Holloway, Bear Flat or Lyncombe Hill to Beechen Cliff and Alexandra Park for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city. More on Alexandra Park here.

  • Widcombe Manor & St Thomas à Becket Church – Two gems side-by-side in Church Street in the heart of Widcombe.

  • Bath Abbey Cemetery and Perrymead Cemetery – South from Widcombe Parade up Prior Park Rd can be found the Abbey Cemetery, with many interesting memorials and lovely views. Stop on your way for a ‘Tombstone Trail’ leaflet at the Prior Park Garden Centre. Perrymead cemetery is next to it.

  • Holloway – Make your way from the west end of Widcombe Parade past St Mark’s Church, and walk up Holloway, the ancient pilgrim route to Glastonbury, with its Chapel of St Mary Magdalen and recently restored horse trough with poem.

Faces of Widcombe* (Past and Present)

*Credit: Andrew Ward