Save the stress and the Earth by travelling to Bristol by train with Great Western Railway (GWR) this summer. Unwind from the moment you step aboard and enjoy the beautiful West Country scenery from the comfort of your seat, getting you in the mood for exploring everything Bristol has to offer in the sunnier months of the year. 

The city is alive throughout the summer with some of its most infamous annual festivals, including Bristol Pride and Bristol Harbour Festival, leaving you totally spoilt for choice, plus fantastic family-friendly activities at its top attractions. Discover Bristol's engineering heritage with fun interactive displays on the Harbourside at Brunel's SS Great Britain, meet cute creatures from under the sea at Bristol Aquarium, or discover what makes our world tick at the We The Curious science centre. 

Don't miss your chance to experience Bristol's renowned food and drink scene with trips to some of the city's exceptional eateries. Perhaps you'll take some delicious freshly prepared street food to one of the city's glorious parks and gardens for a picnic, or savour a variety of mouth-watering dishes from across the world in a sit-down alfresco meal at one of Bristol's characterful restaurants? 

A train travelling at speed on the train line - Credit Great Western Railway

All aboard for #SummerInBristol

GWR operates services from a number of major British cities such as London, Bath, Cardiff, Exeter and Southampton directly to Bristol’s central station, Temple Meads.

With free WiFi, plug sockets at every seat and an at-seat trolley service, it’s an easy and relaxing way to visit Bristol. Plus, no driving means you can enjoy an alfresco drink or two while you're out exploring under the sun! 

Exterior of Bristol Temple Meads railway station in the Redcliffe area of Bristol
Image - Bristol Temple Meads station

Save over 50% when you book in advance

If you're travelling from a little further afield, advance single tickets are one way tickets available on many of our most popular routes to Bristol. They’re great value, and numbers are limited, so you’ll need to be quick. 

A little closer to town, GWR’s Off-Peak Day Return tickets are great value for a spontaneous Christmas visit. Plus, save 1/3 with a Railcard or when 3 or more people travel together with a GroupSave discount. Book direct at GWR.com or using the GWR app. 

Don’t forget, Children aged 5-15 get a 50% discount on most tickets and under 5s travel free! 

Long Weekender Ticket

For more rest in the West - leave at any time on a Friday or Saturday, return any time on a Monday and save over 60% compared to an Anytime Return. Travel from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads with return Long Weekender tickets from £89 – find out more here. 

GroupSave Ticket

If you're more local to Bristol and travelling in a group of between three and nine adults, get 1/3 off standard off-peak tickets when travelling together using GroupSave - find out more here. 

Plan a #SummerInBristol

Once you arrive in Bristol, you'll discover everything to make your summer sizzle. Hop off at Temple Meads and explore the buzzing Harbourside, or take a short journey on the Severn Beach Line to neighbourhoods such as Montpelier and Gloucester Road (around eight minutes away) and Clifton (around 13 minutes away).

Here are some tips for how to enjoy #SummerInBristol in each area. 

A group of balloons lifting off in a mass ascent at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit Adam Gasson
Image: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, credit Adam Gasson

Bristol Harbourside

It’s roughly a 20-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride from Temple Meads station to the thick of Bristol's summer fun on the Harbourside. You'll find a series of fabulous festivals throughout the season, including Bristol Sounds in June, Bristol Harbour Festival in July, and Siren in August. 

You'll also find popular family attractions on both banks of the river, including Brunel's SS Great Britain, M Shed, Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious, all of which offer special activities, exhibitions and more over the summer months.  

Take your pick from the Harbourside's many tempting bars and restaurants for some alfresco drinks or dining overlooking the water. On the northern bank, there's the Arnolfini Harbourside Bar, Za Za Bazaar, The Architect Café Bar, and the Watershed Cafe Bar, while on the southern bank, there's Wapping Wharf, home to an eclectic mix of trendy independent eateries. 

Crowds along the harbour at Bristol Harbour Festival - Credit Paul Box
Image: Bristol Harbour Festival, credit Paul Box

Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft

Montpelier station is just a stone’s throw from Britain's longest stretch of indie shops, Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft. Find everything from art and homewares at places like Room 212 and Fig, to great reads at Gloucester Road Books, to locally made ceramics at Stokes Croft China.

Food and drink choices are just as plentiful, with several cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the road on both sides. Savour delicious locally-sourced grub as you watch the world go by out on the patio at The Gallimaufry, or seasonal vegetarian and vegan dishes on the terrace at The Canteen, where you can also stick around for live music from the city's talented local artists after your meal. Further north, you'll also find one of Bristol favourite Eat a Pitta's five branches in the city, serving satisfyingly filling falafel salad boxes to take away. 

People sitting outside on the terrace at The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road, Bristol - credit Paul Box
Image: The Gallimaufry, credit Paul Box

Clifton

Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit Clifton. From Clifton Down station, head up the bustling Whiteladies Road and Blackboy Hill to The Downs, one of Bristol's largest green spaces. Based within walking distance of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the expansive parkland is where Bristol's annual Pride Day Festival is held in July, as well as the FORWARDS music festival in September, and a series of one-off shows throughout the summer. 

Pride Day 2023 Main Stage - Credit Dan Weill
Image: Pride Day at The Downs, credit Dan Weill

The Downs also borders the pretty area of Clifton Village, home to several mouth-watering food and drink options, including The Ivy, No.4, Côte Brasserie, Racks, and many more. Or, treat yourself to a spot of alfresco dining out on the sunny terrace at The White Lion Bar, where there are breathtaking views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge to savour alongside your meal. 

For more stunning summer views over the bridge and gorge, don't miss a trip to Clifton Observatory, featuring the only working camera obscuras open to the public in the UK. 

People sat at tables on terrace overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge at dusk - credit The White Lion
Image: The White Lion Bar terrace, credit The White Lion Bar

This content was kindly sponsored by GWR.