Bristol, Bath and the West

Whilst in Bath...
This remarkable Georgian city is brimming with things to do and see. It’s renowned for art, culture and history and with around 5,000 listed buildings, is a World Heritage Site. A wander around Bath reveals a treasure trove of interest and fascination.

Why not visit the Roman Baths, among the finest in Europe. Retrace the footsteps of Jane Austen, one of Bath’s best  known and best loved famous residents or find out about 1,600 years of history at the Abbey Heritage Vaults.

The city offers a broad range of museums, galleries and shopping. It’s a shoppers paradise with familiar names and big stores alongside a fabulous choice of smaller, specialist and independent shops – all wrapped up in a compact, visitor-friendly centre that is a delight to explore.

Why not pay a visit to the National Trust’s Prior Park, a beautiful and intimate 18th century landscape garden, close to the centre of Bath.  The garden features an ornamental Palladian bridge, one of only four in the world.  There are also fabulous views of the city with links to the Bath Skyline walk. Just catch Service 2 from Dorchester Street.

For more information about what to do and see in Bath, check out  www.visitbath.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Avon Valley Country Park
The park covers 50 acres of beautiful country side adjoining the River Avon between Keynsham and Saltford.  Climb aboard the 'Strawberry Line' - the longest five-inch miniature gauge railway in the West Country - stroll along the winding river (with challenging obstacles for the children), have fun in a boat, course and lake fish, and enjoy games in the extensive grounds.

www.avonvalleycountrypark.com (opens in a new window).

Avon Valley Railway
The Avon Valley Railwayoffers a great experience and fantastic day out with trains running to the edge of the scenic Avon Valley. There are also many themed trips from Thomas the Tank Engine day to Murder Mystery parties.

www.avonvalleyrailway.org (opens in a new window).

Bradford-on-Avon
Tucked in the western corner of Wiltshire, Bradford-on-Avon is a little town which straddles the river on the southern edge of the Cotswold Hills only 8 miles from Bath.

The ‘broad ford’ across the River Avon was replaced in medieval times by a sturdy stone bridge which is a beautiful landmark in the centre of town.

The town is home to the famous Saxon church of St Laurence. The 7th century building is all that remains of a monastery that once existed in the area now known as Abbey Yard.

The ‘Millie’ is a unique statue, unveiled in January 2000. The statue represents a thread running through the three millennia in the town, celebrating the past but facing squarely into the future.

www.bradfordonavon.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Bristol
Bristol is an exciting city, overflowing with intriguing, traditional and innovative things to do and see. What makes this city really special? The fantastic energy combined with an eclectic mix of old and new.

The modern developments of Harbourside and Temple Quay sit comfortably next to the Old City and the many parks and gardens provide a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy day. Explore the West End, Whiteladies Road and Clifton Village for a taste of gorgeous Georgian terraces and an incredible choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, or head into Broadmead to shop until you drop at a wide range of the UK’s favourite high street stores.

Click here for more information or check out www.visitbristol.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Lacock
The village of Lacock lies at the southern edge of the Cotswolds. Originally a centre of the medieval wool trade and part of the estate of Lacock Abbey, the whole village is now owned by The National Trust. Here there are no television aerials, no yellow lines and no overhead cables.

More recently the Abbey was made famous by the filming of the first two Harry Potter movies.

Wells and Wookey Hole
The ancient and very beautiful city of Wells lies on the slopes of the Mendip Hills. Travellers from all over the world come to explore the unspoilt streets of this city and to visit the splendid cathedral. Wells Cathedral is one of the most attractive and greatest architectural treasures in the area with one of the largest collections of medieval sculptures in the world.

www.visitsomerset.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Just two miles west of Wells and a short bus journey away on Service 670, are the nine vast chambers that form Wookey Hole caves, one of the most popular of Somerset’s sights. The cave tours, which include the Great Cave, are an exciting attraction whatever the weather, and you can enjoy breathtaking underground scenery.

Visit King Kong, the Valley of the Dinosaurs or relax in the enchanted fairy garden where you might see some fairies, dragons or elves.

www.wookey.co.uk (opens in a new window).