17 min readBristol is the confluence of the beautiful counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire, home to varied landscapes, rolling countryside, stunning natural wonders, and plenty of charming historic villages! Here are some of our favourites, all waiting for you on the city’s doorstep...
South Gloucestershire
Just north of Bristol is the southern tip of the Gloucestershire countryside, easily accessible from the city centre.
Chipping Sodbury
This medieval market town is just 13 miles from Bristol, so a great option for a day trip in the Cotswolds. Take a stroll to admire the 17th century and Georgian stone buildings along the market square and adjacent streets, browse the independent shops and stop for lunch at one of the historic pubs. Chipping Sodbury Farmers Market takes place on the second Saturday and last Thursday of the month and is worth a visit too.
If you have time for an extra stop, the neighbouring village of Little Sodbury has several historic sites, including Little Sodbury Hill Fort, which dates from the Iron Age, and Little Sodbury Manor, a 15th-century, Grade I listed manor house which once hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
Image - Chipping Sodbury
Almondsbury
The pretty village of Almondsbury, which straddles the A38 and is just minutes from the M4 and M5 motorways, making it an easy location to visit from Bristol and beyond. Along the The village is situated on a steep hill, giving stunning views across the Severn Estuary to South Wales and the Forest of Dean, and of the two impressive Severn bridges.
In Lower Almondsbury, down a winding country lane you'll find the 12th century Bowl Inn, serving hearty seasonal meals all year round, including mouth-watering Sunday roasts every week. At the bar, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with award-winning Butcombe beer and local ciders on tap.
Image - The Bowl Inn
Alveston
From Almondsbury, join the A38, where you’ll find a series of gorgeous towns and villages lying off both sides of the beaten track, stretching between Bristol and Gloucester. Just before you reach Thornbury, you'll skirt past the edge of Alveston, a small village consisting mainly of houses, but also home to some popular local attractions, including Wolfridge Alpaca Barn and Jekka's herb garden.
Thornbury
The historic market town of Thornbury is home to a high street packed with historic shops and pubs - The Swan is a traditional coaching inn dating all the way back to the 17th century! Nearby you'll find the Church of St Mary the Virgin, which has parts dating from the 12th century.
Image - Thornbury High Street, credit Andy Clarke
Just a short walk from the high street, you’ll find the magnificent Thornbury Castle. Once the holiday home of none other than King Henry VIII, the castle is now a deluxe five-star hotel, perfect for a lavish country getaway in one of the 16th century bedchambers.
If this is out of your price range, you can still enjoy the Thornbury Castle experience in the on-site restaurant, which serves a wide range of delicious dishes, artfully prepared using the finest and freshest produce harvested from the kitchen garden. If you’re craving a sweet treat, the restaurant also offers guests the opportunity to take afternoon tea in its splendid surroundings.
Image: Thornbury Castle
Easter Compton
Nestled right on the border with Bristol is the small village of Easter Compton. Despite its sleepy appearance, the village is home to two of the area’s most action-packed attractions, The Wave and Bristol Zoo Project.
The Wave offers a slice of the ocean to seasoned surfers and learners alike. With perfect waves guaranteed and expert-led lessons, there are hours of fun to be had, as well as fabulous food and drink and an off-grid countryside glamping site if you’d like to stay longer. It’s not all about surfing either, with regular swimming sessions available to book if you’re not comfortable on a board.
Image: The Wave
At Bristol Zoo Project, you’ll meet amazing animals from across the world, including bears, lynxes and wolves from the treetop walkways of Bear Wood, as well as giraffes, meerkats, cheetahs, and many more. There’s also a brand new adventure playground for children of all ages, as well as gardens, a hedge maze, and the Tower Meadow, the ideal spot for a picnic. Braver visitors can test their nerve at the on-site Leap of Faith challenge, as well as a range of other outdoor activities.
Image: Bristol Zoo Project, credit Andre Pattenden
Tortworth
A little further north along the M5 is Tortworth, where you’ll find another luxury hotel, De Vere Tortworth Court, set in a Grade II* listed Victorian country mansion. As well as grand accommodation, the hotel also offers several quirky dining experiences, from a tipi in the gardens to the indoor atrium, featuring a 60-foot high glass roof.
You’ll find a few surprises too, such as the stunning Tortworth Lake, hidden in ancient woodland bordering Tortworth Court, and only open to the public on the first Sunday of each month.
Image: De Vere Tortworth Court
Berkeley
Next up is Berkeley, another market town steeped in fascinating history. Not only is it the birthplace of physician Edward Jenner, founder of the world’s first vaccine, but the 11th-century Berkeley Castle is believed to be the site of King Edward II’s murder in 1327. This is just one of the numerous stories the castle has to tell, with the building itself and the Berkeley family having links to various former British monarchs, William Shakespeare, Friends star Courteney Cox and many more, making it well worth a visit!
Image: Berkeley Castle, credit Angharad Paull
Slimbridge
The quiet and quaint village of Slimbridge has several historic buildings and is surrounded by some beautiful walking routes. It's also home to the multi award-winning WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Get up close and personal with the reserve’s winged residents on a canoe safari, a visit to the living wetland theatre and aviary, or a session in one of the 13 tower hides. There are also regular talks, tours, and family activities to enjoy throughout the year.
Image: Canoe Safari at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, credit Clem Stevens
Last but not least is the small village of Frampton on Severn, where you can take your pick from a wide range of fabulous countryside walks, whether you fancy a wander down the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, or a hike along the banks of the River Severn via the Cotswold Way. If it’s a refreshing pint and a delicious bite to eat you’re after, look no further than the village’s cosy local pub The Bell Inn, offering a great selection of local ales and ciders, alongside a gastro menu packed with crowd-pleasing dishes. You’ll also find a huge outdoor seating area overlooking the beautiful village green (the longest in England) for when the sun makes an appearance!
If you head further north into the Cotswolds you'll find many more historic towns such as Tetbury, Cheltenham, Malmesbury, Cirencester and Tewkesbury, as well as some picture perfect villages - the best know being Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Upper & Lower Slaughter.
Image - Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham
North Somerset
On the opposite side of the city is the Somerset countryside and North Somerset coastline, awash with their own collection of beautiful towns and villages.
Pensford
A small but picturesque village on the outskirts of Bristol as you head towards Wells, best known for the dramatic Victorian viaduct which towers over the village. An important staging post in past times for travellers going between Bristol, Bath and Somerset, Pensford's St Thomas à Becket Church dates from the 14th century and is Grade II* listed. Stop into the Rising Sun pub and drink in the views of the church, viaduct and pretty stream from their large beer garden.
Image - Pensford church and viaduct. Credit: Zoe Sutton
Portishead
A former fishing port, this coastal town has seen huge redevelopment over recent decades. After once being dominated by a power station and chemical works, Portishead has since become one of the trendiest towns in the region, and the home of trip-hop rock band Portishead, who (you guessed it) take their name from the area.
Unwind at Portishead’s beloved open-air pool, based in the north of the town overlooking the coast. No matter when you visit during the pool’s annual season from April to October, you’re sure to fall in love with it too. Stop by in sunnier months for a cooling dip in the pool or a sunbathing session out on the dais, or experience an atmospheric autumn swim in the heated pool. Be sure to keep any eye out for special moonlight and cold water swimming sessions too!
Image: Portishead Open Air Pool
Portishead is also full of fabulous places to go for a walk. Don’t miss the buzzing Marina, where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean, with hundreds of yachts and sailing boats as far as the eye can see, alongside a wide selection of trendy restaurants, cocktail bars and coffee shops. Or, if you fancy something a little less urban, head to the nearby Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve, teeming with wildlife and offering unrivalled views of the coast.
Portishead is also the perfect destination for a bike ride from Bristol, thanks to its fantastic links to the city via National Cycle Routes 26 and 41.
Image: Portishead Quays Marina, credit Laura Valentine
Clevedon
Sample the classic British seaside town experience a few miles south in Clevedon. This Victorian resort features a range of immaculately preserved landmarks from the time, most notably the spectacular Grade I-listed Victorian pier dating from 1869. Go for a wander down the pier and follow in the footsteps of pop superstars One Direction as you do so, who filmed their music video for their song 'You & I' here back in 2014!
Once you've explored the pier, take a leisurely walk along the seafront to the town’s Marine Lake, a popular spot for open water swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. There’s also the Curzon in the town centre, which holds the title of England’s oldest continuously working cinema, as well as Clevedon Court on the outskirts of town, a medieval manor house complete with an 18th-century terraced garden.
Image: Clevedon Pier
Similarly to its northern neighbour, Clevedon is home to a series of picturesque walking and cycling routes. Follow the circular Poets’ Walk to the south of the town, which hugs the coastline, with glorious views out over the Severn Estuary. If you can’t get enough, extend your walk to take in the nearby Clevedon Harbour, or head to Ladye Bay on the opposite side of town, where you’ll find another coastal path leading all the way back to Portishead.
Image: Clevedon Harbour, credit Dave Peters
If you’re visiting Clevedon on two wheels, don’t miss the brand new Pier to Pier Cycle Route, a recently opened 13-mile route linking the town to Weston-super-Mare via the Somerset countryside.
Further inland, you’ll find several pretty rural villages, home to award-winning pubs, as well as some of the region’s top attractions.
Image - Pier to Pier Cycle Route in Weston-super-Mare
Chew Magna
One of these is Chew Magna, just a few miles south of Bristol, and another excellent candidate for a scenic bike ride from the city via National Cycle Route 3. With a history stretching back to Saxon times, Chew Magna was at one time during the Middle Ages a thriving centre of wool production. Today, it plays host to a group of charming resident pubs, including the recently refurbished Queens Chew Magna, and is a gateway to the beautiful shores of the nearby Chew Valley Lake. There, you’ll find peaceful walking trails along the water’s edge, as well as chilled-out lakeside restaurants.
Image: The Queens Chew Magna
Rickford
Close to Blagdon Lake, Rickford is a pretty village in the Mendips with a photogenic 17th Century Methodist Chapel overlooking Rickford Pond. Many other buildings in this small village date back hundreds of years, so it's worth a stop off for some Instagrammable snaps!
Wells
England’s smallest city is just an hour away from Bristol, and is a popular destination for the magnificent Wells Cathedral, Bishop's Palace and medieval architecture (you may recognise Vicar's Close from many an Instagram photo!). It was also a key filming location for the film 'Hot Fuzz'!
Image - Vicars' Close and Wells Cathedral
Axbridge
To the west of Chew Magna is the ancient town of Axbridge, which sits on the picturesque Strawberry Line path. First inhabited by Romans, the town grew into a prosperous hub of cloth manufacturing during the Tudor era, and was so successful that it later became a royal borough with its own mint, which produced coins bearing the town's symbol of a lamb and flag.
Treat yourself to an afternoon tea in the town’s Almshouse Tea Shop, discover the town’s storied history at King John’s Hunting Lodge, and stop by the 15th-century Lamb Inn for delicious food as well as local beers and ciders.
Image: Family cycling on the Strawberry Line, credit Sustrans
Cheddar
Slightly east of Axbridge is Cheddar, nestled at the bottom of the largest gorge in the UK. Cheddar makes many of the other towns on this list look like children, with evidence of occupation since the Neolithic period, including Britain's oldest complete skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be around 9,000 years old. The town was also the site of a royal palace during Saxon times, which hosted the king's council, part of the Anglo Saxon government, three times in the 10th century.
Climb to the top of Jacob’s Ladder for a bracing hike around Cheddar Gorge, and take in breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside. Then head underground into the show caves and learn all about the origins of the town’s world-famous cheese, before winding down in one of the cosy local pubs.
Image - Cheddar Gorge
The village of Cheddar has several great shops where you can pick up local cheese, cider and ales, plus plenty of tea rooms if you're in the mood for a cream tea! The Cheddar Yeo winds its way through the village, a small river flanked by dramatic cliffs at one end before cutting through pretty fields.
Image - Cheddar
If you're looking to venture further afield, Glastonbury is around an hour's drive from Central Bristol, and has plenty of historic sights to visit, including the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey (dating from the 8th Century), Chalice Well, Somerset Rural Life Museum and 15th Century Glastonbury Tor, which offers unrivalled views across the Somerset Levels and even as far as Wales on clearer days!
Image - Glastonbury Tor. Credit Iain Lewis
Frome
Pack some comfortable shoes for exploring the steep hills and cobbled streets of Frome (pronounced 'Froom'). This artsy town is not only home to many independent shops, cafes and restaurants, but also hosts the montly Frome Independent market on the first Sunday of each month, showcasing the best independent designers, makers and producers in the South West.
Wiltshire
To the east of Bristol, the most popular day trip is to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, however there are many other towns and villages in the region which are worth a visit if you have some extra time or have already visited Bath.
Bradford on Avon
A great day trip for scenic walks and foodie stops, Bradford-on-Avon is a photogenic town which packs a lot in. Take a stroll along the river to try and spot kingfishers, or rent a kayak to travel along the Kennet and Avon Canal before refuelling at one of the many great cafes, pubs or restaurants.
Image - Bradford on Avon
Highlights include the 14th century Tithe Barn, orginally belonging to the richest nunnery in England, the 13th century bridge across the River Avon, and St Laurence's Church, one of very few surviving Anglo-Saxon churches in England. Medieval buildings are dotted around the town centre, including the historic Shambles, weavers cottages and The Bridge Tea Rooms, housed in a former blacksmith’s cottage dating from 1502.
If you're visiting in spring or summer, set aside some time to visit nearby Iford Manor Gardens, where you can explore the Grade I listed gardens, dine in their restaurant or cafe, or stay in an old cottage on the estate.
Image - The Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon
Corsham
Just 10 miles from Bath is the historic market town of Corsham. You may recognise its high street from its appearance in the BBC hit drama Poldark! Wander around the pretty streets, packed with independent shops and restaurants (Corsham Country Market also runs on the first and third Fridays of each month), and pay a visit to impressive country house Corsham Court. You may even spot a peacock or two roaming freely around the gardens, which were designed by Capability Brown.
Image - Corsham High Street
Lacock
The medieval village of Lacock in Wiltshire, with its picturesque streets, historic cottages and traditional inns make it a firm favourite as a filming location, with the village appearin in Downton Abbey and the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and its Abbey standing in for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Image - Lacock Abbey
Lacock Abbey houses the Fox Talbot Museum, which celebrates the life and work of William Henry Fox Talbot, one of the founders of modern photographic processes.
Image - Lacock. Credit Chris Lock
Castle Combe
One of the prettiest villages in England, Castle Combe is a quintessential Cotswolds village, so prepare to take a lot of photos! Head to the medieval market cross, standing where the three principal streets of the lower village converge. Visit the nearby Castle Combe Circuit for motor racing events, or book yourself into Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa for a luxury getaway.
Image - Castle Combe
Salisbury
The medieval town of Salisbury lies at the confluence of five rivers and is dominated by the awe-inspiring Salisbury Cathedral, which houses the tallest spire in Britain. The cathedral also has the oldest working clock in Europe and the world’s best preserved, original Magna Carta. Once you've explored the historic side of the town, take time to browse the shops and Charter Market.
Image - Salisbury Cathedral
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