Bristol, Bath and the West

Whilst in Weston-super-Mare...
Weston-super-Mare has it all - miles of clean sandy beaches, traditional seaside attractions, picturesque parks to relax in and special events planned all year round. Get a bird's eye view from the Weston wheel and have a ride on the famous Weston donkeys. Don't forget, no trip to the seaside would be complete without fish & chips!

Take a boat to Brean Down peninsula or Steep Holm Island or perhaps a trip to Sand Bay on one of our open top buses. There are also designated areas for watersports on the beach. Bring along a picnic or choose one of Weston's many restaurants and cafes - there's something to suit all taste buds - from traditional fish and chips to Greek and everything in between.

Check out www.visitsomerset.co.uk (opens in a new window) for more information.

Bridgwater
Bridgwater is a bustling town with a wonderful history. A community has existed here for more than 1,000 years and many examples of fine architecture throughout the town reflect Bridgwater’s prosperous past.

Today, Bridgwater has a host of high street shops and more traditional outlets, as well as a variety of places to visit and a fine range of pubs and restaurants. Combine a shopping trip with a visit to Blake Museum or have a swim at Sedgemoor Splash Leisure Pool - great fun for all the family.

Enjoy a walk along the towpath of the Bridgwater and Taunton canal or hire a boat and take a trip on the water. Bridgwater’s location at the foot of the Quantock Hills assures some beautiful scenery along the way.

Bristol
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 visit the new £500 million Cabot Circus opened in autumn 08. You can find 120 High Street stores, 25 restaurants, the Showcase Cinema De Lux and a vibrant piazza lined with designer shops and cafés. This is a great addition to Broadmead, Bristol's main shopping destination.

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

Burnham, Berrow and Brean
Seven glorious miles of sandy beach stretch all the way from Burnham-on-Sea to Brean Down.

The seafront at Burnham-on-Sea has pretty promenades, cafes, shops and access to the beach. You can also visit Aspex Leisure Park - a wildlife haven that’s open to the public where you can relax and watch nature go by.  Brean Leisure Park at Brean Sands is one of the best family days out in the South West with indoor and outdoor pools with waterslides, rollercoasters, rides for toddlers, restaurants and a garden – all just 500 metres from the beach.

The National Trust cliffs at Brean Down extend 1.5 miles into the Bristol Channel and are rich in wildlife and history. Why not try one of the circular walks in the area and view the restored Napoleonic Fort at the western end of Brean Down.

For a fun day out for all the family take a trip to Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow or Brean.

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

Cheddar
A major tourist attraction for over 200 years, Cheddar’s caves are some of the most dramatic in Britain and with 400ft high cliffs, Cheddar is Britain’s biggest gorge.

The cathedral-like caves are over one million years old, carved out by Ice Age meltwaters, and include the magnificent Diamond Chamber and Solomon’s Temple. And more recently – 40,000 years ago – our ancestors lived here. The world famous Cheddar man is Britain’s oldest complete skeleton.

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

Cribbs Causeway
The two-level indoor Mall at Cribbs Causeway, near Bristol, boasts over 135 shops including John Lewis and Marks & Spencer flagship stores. There are a wide range of restaurants, cafes and food outlets so you can squeeze in a bite to eat in between looking for those bargains in the shops.

The Venue leisure area at Cribbs Causeway includes a multi-screen Vue cinema and restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Chiquitos.

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

Taunton
Taunton is an attractive town with the River Tone flowing through the centre. Taunton’s air of bustling prosperity and activity reflects a modern role as Somerset’s County Town.

Taunton has many shops and attractions. Why not go for a day’s shopping or visit the County Cricket Ground’s Cricket Museum, perhaps the Brewhouse Theatre or the Somerset County Museum with displays detailing Somerset’s natural and human history.

There are many places to eat and drink, making Taunton a great place to visit for a day.

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).