Casually elegant, with amazing views of the town

Originally a terrace of six 17^th Century weaver’s cottages, Priory Steps was converted in 1985 into a fabulous B&B with panoramic views over Bradford-on-Avon‘s mellow stone town centre towards Salisbury Plain. This spacious bed and breakfast was purchased from the world record-breaking aviatrix and motor racer, The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce. Though somehow now little celebrated she was a pioneer of motor racing and aviation in the Edwardian era. She was the first lady to win the Monte Carlo Rally Coupe Des Dames in 1928 and the first Englishwoman to fly solo around the world. Fascinating memorabilia relating to her exploits are displayed in the house; her life story is remarkable.

Each of the five suites is individually furnished with period furniture carefully combined with tasteful décor giving each an individual character. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, TVs and hospitality trays with all the comforts you can expect from a Wolsey Lodge. Priory Steps is perfect for large groups of guests as well as for house parties.

Old leather sofas nestle in the library, perfect for guests to relax in with a pre-dinner drink, to meet fellow guests or enjoy the various books and games. The dining room, with crackling log fire on chilly evenings, has a door onto the en-suite terraced garden, filled with fragrant roses, clematis and passion flowers clambering over wonderful old Cotswold stone walls.

Priory Steps B&B suggests

International guests often visit because we are close to Bath, with a direct rail link. But forget the train: Bradford-on-Avon itself is a lovely little market town with buildings just as old and elegant, with plenty of good pubs, restaurants, and places to explore. It’s just on a smaller, more intimate scale. Once you know what is worth seeing in the immediate area it’s likely you’ll never leave.