High Street, Brading

Street guide, Isle of Wight

The main street through the ancient town of Brading, running through the compact centre past the town hall, the church and the old bull ring. Brading High Street is small in scale but rich in history. The town hall, a stone building with a clock tower, dates from the early nineteenth century. The parish church of St Mary the Virgin stands nearby, its tower visible from across the former haven. The bull ring, a remnant of the town's medieval market traditions, survives as a feature in the street. A handful of pubs, shops and the Brading the Experience wax museum provide services and attractions. The street has a quiet, almost sleepy quality for much of the year, but its historical significance is considerable, and the Roman villa just outside the town draws visitors throughout the season.