Black Bridge

The Black Bridge sits just outside Chippenham, a proper old stone crossing that spans the River Avon with far more character than you'd expect from a minor Wiltshire landmark. It's not massive - you can walk across in under a minute - but there's something satisfying about its dark stone and the way the river flows underneath, especially when the light catches it right after rain.

This is one for walkers rather than sightseers, to be honest. The bridge itself won't hold your attention for hours, but it works brilliantly as a stopping point on a riverside walk or a spot to grab a photo if you're cycling through the area. The surrounding countryside is genuinely pleasant, with decent paths leading both upstream and down. Chippenham town centre is only a short walk away if you need a coffee or a bite after.

If you're staying at The Retreat Glamping nearby, it's absolutely worth incorporating into a morning wander - gives the walk purpose and a clear destination. Bring the kids if they're into spotting wildlife along the river rather than climbing things, as there's not much interactive about a bridge itself. Allow twenty minutes including the walk from Chippenham, or five minutes if you're driving straight to it.

Go mid-week if you can. Weekends bring the cyclists through, and it can feel a bit busy for what is essentially a quiet crossing.