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Bristol, Bath, and Beyond

Stay at any of these centrally located 4* hotels in Bristol - the Brigstow, the Marriott City Center or Marriott Royal, or at nearby Thornbury Castle, just 20 minutes north of the city of Bristol.

Book through a South West Specialist travel agent.

Each day out itinerary is colour coded on a map.

Day 1
Spend the day in Bristol today visiting the many sites and soaking up the atmosphere in some of the many cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Day 2 - red route
Visit another country today - Wales! Head north west to cross the Severn Bridge into Wales and to the capital, Cardiff, steeped in history and a vibrant developing city or to Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, and the Forest of Dean returning via Gloucester with it's magnificent cathedral and film location for the first Harry Potter movie.

Day 3 - blue route
Head north into the Cotswolds today to visit the elegant spa town of Cheltenham (just 40 mins. by train), renowned for its Regency architecture, stylish shopping, colourful parks, music and literature festivals. If you're taking the car, why not stop en route at Berkeley Castle (40 mins. drive time from Bristol). home of the first govenor of Virginia, USA. You could also stop at the Cotswolds village of Painswick (just 20 mins. south of Cheltenham) and visit the Rococco Gardens.

Day 4 - pink route
Today, it's a day in the Roman city of Bath. Drive or take the train (only 10 mins.). Visit the Roman Baths which are over 2000 years old, Bath Abbey, the Pump Rooms, and indulge at the new Thermae Bath Spa (state of the art treatment facilities isituated in the old Bath buildings with open air heated rooftop pool overlooking this gorgeous city.Visit Bath's numerous antique shops, boutiques, and stop for lunch and/or tea at one of the city's cafes or restaurants.

Day 5 - green route
Take a trip into King Arthur country today. Head south of Bristol to enjoy some of the delights of Somerset. Drive through the Mendip Hills to Wells, England's smallest cathedral city, a lively market town with a magnicent cathedral and Bishop's Palace. From there you can continue to Glastonbury to visit the abbey the reputed resting place of the legendary King Arthur. If you're feeling energetic, climb Glastonbury Tor for the most wonderful views across the Somerset Levels. You might have time to return via Shepton Mallet for a visit to the Mulberry shop and afternoon tea at Charlton House, a former manor house, and now a luxury country house hotel.

You can do many of these suggested day trips from Bristol by train. Click here.