Bidford-on-Avon

The village of Bidford-on-Avon is situated on the River Avon near the western border of the county of Warwickshire, south of Alcester and between Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham.

The highlight in the village is the old stone bridge that crosses the river in Bidford-on-Avon – it is in a very scenic setting with the old village as a backdrop, and one of the most photographed highlights of the region. The bridge was built by monks in the 15th century to replace a ford across the river that previously stood in the same location.

The remainder of the old village is quite small but very pleasant to explore with some lovely old houses, half-timbered cottages and a picturesque village church and graveyard.

Of course, no pretty village in this part of Warwickshire would be complete without claiming a Shakespeare connection and Bidford is no different – it is said that the Falcon Inn in Bidford was one of his favourite haunts. The Falcon is no longer a pub, having been later converted to residential use, but you can still see the inn's location in the village, then head to one of the other pubs in Bidford to compensate!

A popular way to arrive in Bidford-on-Avon is by canal boat, and there is plenty of mooring available in the village – a lovely peaceful way to break your journey through the Warwickshire countryside before continuing upstream to Stratford-upon-Avon and beyond.