Pretty town that is ‘just as beautiful as the Cotswolds’ could get first direct London trains in years

TravelNews Travel A TOWN often compared to the Cotswolds could soon get direct services to the capital. Locals are calling for a new train service to launch between Bradford-on-Avon and London. Bradford-on-Avon sits on the edge of the Cotswolds but is often said to be just as beautiful In the town, you can head on a canal trip The Wiltshire town used to have a route to London Waterloo, but this was axed in 2021. Currently, passengers have to change trains at Salisbury or Southampton to get to Bradford-on-Avon. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Locals are also calling for a service between Trowbridge and London as well. According to Time Out, Wiltshire Council has said it would “strongly welcome” a direct train service between the towns and London. Read more on travel inspo South Western Railway (SWR) is now looking into the possibility of launching the service. Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds but not quite in it, Bradford-on-Avon currently has direct links to Bristol and Bath, which is only 10 minutes away. You’ll find lots of quaint cottages as well as picturesque countryside walks. In the heart of the town, you can head to the Bradford-on-Avon Museum, where you can explore the local history. Most read in Travel There are also a number of pubs you can visit To enjoy the architecture of the town, make sure to stop by the Saxon Church, which dates back to the early eleventh century. Make sure to also visit the 14th- century Tithe Barn, which is an English Heritage site measuring 51.2 metres long. For a fun activity, make sure to hop on a canal trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal and Avoncliff Aqueduct. There are multiple different boat trips you can head on, including afternoon tea ones, with tickets starting from as little as £10 per person. After exploring, if you fancy a bite to eat, head to The Bridge Tea Rooms, where you’ll be served afternoon tea for £13.95 per perso, by people in Victorian costumes. Or if you want a pint, you won’t be short on pubs with options including The Dandy Lion and Timbrell’s Yard – which you can stay at as well, from £167 per night. Or you could head to The Hall Estate, which is a 400-year-old Grade-I listed Jacobean mansion, costing from £160 a night. Comment now