Bridgwater, a historic town in Somerset, is bucking the national trend by experiencing a rise in town centre footfall while many other UK locations face declines. According to the June 2025 Town Centre Visitor Report by Place Informatics, the UK’s authority on visitor analytics, footfall across the country generally declined last month. However, London and the South West stood out by maintaining year-on-year growth.
Within the South West, Bridgwater recorded a 2.80% increase in visitor numbers—the highest growth in the region. Comparatively, only Worthing, St Annes, and Watford Junction outside London saw greater increases over the past year. This positive momentum contrasts with the overall UK average footfall decrease of 0.56% year-on-year in June.
A spokesperson from Somerset Council highlighted the town’s progress, noting the pivotal role of a £23.2 million Town Deal government investment. The council is actively engaging with residents on revitalisation plans for Bridgwater’s historic Docks, an ambitious project intended to breathe new life into the area. The council also emphasized the importance of the Gravity Enterprise Zone investment, which is expected to generate new local jobs.
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The forthcoming Celebration Mile is set to connect Bridgwater railway station with the Northgate Docks, creating a safe and attractive route for walking and cycling—benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
Nationally, only London (+1.78%) and the South West (+0.49%) posted growth; other regions faced declines, with Scotland (-2.51%) and Northern Ireland (-2.94%) experiencing the steepest drops. The South West’s resilience is attributed to a blend of thriving retail, dining, leisure, and tourism assets.
Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, remarked, “While overall UK footfall growth has slowed, London and the South West demonstrate that town centres with diverse offerings and easy accessibility can still draw steady visitors. These insights are essential for local authorities and businesses aiming to adapt and thrive.”
As summer approaches, Place Informatics remains dedicated to providing data-driven insights that empower towns and cities to navigate shifting trends and foster long-term recovery.