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21 Best Day trips from Bristol (for Locals and Visitors)

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Whether you are visiting for the first time or a local looking for the best day trips from Bristol, UK, you’ll be in for a treat here!

Bristol is a beautiful and lively city but it’s also an excellent base to explore South West England and South Wales.

There are many day trips you can take from Bristol. They include small villages, English Heritage sites , seaside towns and plenty more!

As the city is also conveniently located near Wales, you get a huge variety of landscapes and can choose to spend your day out in England as much as in Wales.

🔎 Table of Contents

Best Places to visit within 1 hour of Bristol

Let’s start by the easy days out. You will find here the best places to visit outside Bristol. They are all located within 1-hour of the city and will be perfect if you want to stay local.

Bath in England

🚙 Distance: 13 miles / 30 minutes

Bath is one of the largest cities in the county of Somerset and one of the best day trips from Bristol for history buffs and Bridgerton fans.

It sits in the valley of the River Avon and was named after the Roman baths. It’s also filled with quaint street and little local boutiques.

HOW TO GET TO BATH FROM BRISTOL: The best way is to take the train.

It’s only 20 minutes, quite cheap and you will arrive in the centre. See prices here.

Although you can drive there, it will take you a bit more time and you will have to pay for car park. All in all, if you have to choose between the car and the train, take the train!

Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Bristol which includes a guided tour with a local guide .

Cheddar in Somerset

🚙 Distance: 19 miles / 40 minutes

Tthe village of Cheddar is an excellent destination for a day out from Bristol if you love the outdoors.

It’s home to the stunning Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills with a rugged terrain and beautiful scenery.

You’ll also find the oldest complete skeleton, known as cheddar man, which is believed to be 9000 years old. It was found in Gough’s Cave in 1903.

Strolling around the village is also a pleasant thing to do. Make sure to stop in one of the cheese shops and get some cheddar. It’s absolutely delicious!

HOW TO GET TO CHEDDAR GORGE FROM BRISTOL: The best way to get there is by car. Not only is it the easiest way but it’s also a very scenic drive.

Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Bristol which also includes Wells.

Click here to see the latest prices.

Cathedral of Wells

🚙 Distance: 22 miles / 45 minutes

Located only 45 minutes from Bristol, Wells is one of the smallest cities in the UK and an excellent day trip for families and history lovers.

The main attraction is Wells Cathedral. Located in the centre of the town, this gothic edifice is rather impressive.

Just next to it, you’ll find the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens. This is a great place to visit with children. Not only is it beautiful but it’s also a very quiet and relaxing place.

You should also make sure to wander around and discover the beautiful streets of Wells especially Vicar’s Close which is the oldest purely residential street in Europe.

If you love British movie, you will also be happy to know that Wells is home to some Hot Fuzz filming locations!

HOW TO GET TO WELLS FROM BRISTOL: You can easily get to Wells by car. It’s a rather nice drive as you will go through the countryside. You can easily park your car in Wells although you may have to pay for that.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also take the bus 376. It goes to Glastonbury but stops in Wells before that. It takes a bit over 1 hour.

Finally, you can also opt for a guided day tour from Bristol which includes both Wells and Cheddar Gorge.

See prices here.

4. Long Ashton

ashton court in Long Ashton

🚙 Distance: 4 miles / 15 minutes

If you want to visit a cute village near Bristol, opt for Long Ashton.

It’s a very pretty place to visit and you’ll find local cafes and pubs where you can get a meal.

It’s also home to a fantastic property, Ashton Court Mansion.

Finally, it’s a great place to go on a hot balloon ride. If you’ve always dreamt of doing that and want to discover Bristol under a new angle, that will be perfect for you!

HOW TO GET THERE: You can either drive to Long Ashton or take the bus X9 from the Centre. Either way, it’s very quick, only 15 minutes.

5. The Cotswolds

Water Lane Castle Combe Cotswolds

🚙 Distance: 17 miles / 25 minutes

Suitable for couples, families, solo travellers and adventure seekers, the Cotswolds are one of the most unique places in the UK .

You will find farms, quintessential villages, lively towns, and plenty of castles and country houses to explore.

The most popular villages to visit in the Cotswolds are Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and Burton (the last two are closer to Bristol).

Castle Combe is a prime example of fairytale village in England and was also used as a filming location for many movies.

If you are a fan of Jeremy Clarkson, you can go to Diddly Squat Farm which is the one featured in the Amazon Prime show.

You will also find quite a few National Trust properties here including the Snowshill Manor.

READ MORE: National Trust Membership Review: is it worth it?

HOW TO GET TO THE COTSWOLDS: Although there are train stations all around the Cotswolds, this is definitely an area you should explore by car.

It’s a quick drive from Bristol and you will be able to visit several villages in the same day.

cardiff in wales

🚙 Distance: 44 miles / 55 minutes

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales. It’s very close, making it an ideal option when it comes to day trips from Bristol city centre.

Cardiff is everything you would expect from a capital city while still having a “small town feel” to it.

It is filled with high street shops, busy streets filled with boutiques, bars, and restaurants, as well as Cardiff Castle to explore.

You can go on a boat tour of Cardiff Bay and discover all the famous landmarks. It’s a fun thing to do as well as a pretty cheap activity. See prices here.

If you love discovering filming locations, you’ll also be in for a treat! Some very famous movies and series were filmed in Cardiff.

If you want to discover them, you can go on a Gavin and Stacey tour from Barry Island or a Doctor Who walking tour in Cardiff city centre.

Finally, if you are a foodie, you can also opt for a food tasting tour in Cardiff. You’ll get to discover the famous sights and taste 6 different food and drinks. See prices here.

HOW TO GET TO CARDIFF FROM BRISTOL: The best way is to take the train. It’s very quick (50 minutes) and also pretty cheap. See the latest fares here.

7. Weston-Super-Mare

Beach in Weston Super Mare

Weston-Super-Mare is a cute seaside town in the county of Somerset. It’s a popular day out from Bristol, especially for families.

You’ll find a long beach where you can go for a walk or, in summer, for a swim.

The Pier is one of the best places to visit. You’ll get to enjoy the views over the beach and play with the arcade games.

You’ll also find many fish and chips along the promenade. Make sure to grab one for lunch as they are incredibly delicious!

You can also visit one of the two museums in the town, The Helicopter Museum and Weston Museum.

Fish and chips in Weston Super Mare

HOW TO GET TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE FROM BRISTOL: The best way to get there is by car. It only takes 45 minutes and it’s very easy. Also, if you are planning to go to the beach, it will come in handy to have a car to carry your stuff.

Weston-Super-Mare is also an option if you are looking for day trips from Bristol by public transport since you can take the train from Temple Meads. It’s direct but takes 90 minutes (that’s the only downside). See fares here.

8. Wookey Hole

🚙 Distance: 19 miles / 45 minutes

Wookey Hole is a small village in Somerset with small shops and cute eateries. It’s particularly known for its caves and caverns. The most popular attraction is the Wookey Hole Caves.

Wookey Hall is also a great place to visit for families, especially with younger children.

It is only a short distance away from Bristol city centre and will give you the peace and tranquillity you expect from village life without you running out of things to do.

As it’s very close to Wells you can also combine these 2 locations into the same day trip.

HOW TO GET THERE: You need to drive to get to Wookey Hole. It only takes 45 minutes from Bristol.

9. Glastonbury

Little town of Glastonbury in south england

🚙 Distance: 27 miles / 55 minutes

Glastonbury is famous in the entire world for its music festival. As much as it is a great festival to attend, the town of Glastonbury itself is also one of the best places to visit near Bristol.

It’s a quiet and quaint town with colourful houses, cute little cafes and a friendly atmosphere.

Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic day trip from Bristol or a family with young children, Glastonbury will be an excellent destination.

You can walk around the town and discover the colourful murals before heading to Glastonbury Tor and Abbey.

The Somerset Rural Life Museum is also an interesting place to visit and quite good fun, especially with kids.

Finally, you can also hit two birds with one stone by visiting South Cadbury Castle on the same day. It’s located about 30 minutes from Glastonbury and is a great thing to do if you like to discover ancient ruins. You can also book a tour from Glastonbury for this part.

HOW TO GET TO GLASTONBURY FROM BRISTOL: You can easily get there by car. Parking is easy and often free.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also take bus 376 from Bristol city centre.

10. Puxton Park

🚙 Distance: 17 miles / 33 minutes

Puxton Park is a great location for families as there are facilities such as soft play, aerial climbing and slides and approximately 40 acres of open countryside.

It’s the perfect place to run off some energy and have some fun and is only a short distance from Bristol city centre.

Tickets can be bought online and are pretty affordable. They also offer annual memberships.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s an easy 30 minutes drive from Bristol. There is a carpark there.

11. Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake

🚙 Distance: 12 miles / 30 minutes

The Chew Valley Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in the UK with an area of 1200 acres and a great location for families to walk around and for couples.

It’s also a great spot for wildlife so if you are an avid bird watcher then this should be added to the list of day trips from Bristol.

With a picnic area and also plenty of walking trails, it could also suit people who enjoy hiking.

HOW TO GET TO CHEW VALLEY LAKE FROM BRISTOL: The best way is to drive there. It’s very easy, it only takes 30 minutes and will be the most convenient way.

12. Clevedon

Clevedon in Somerset

Clevedon is a cute English town west of Bristol. It is a traditional Victorian seaside town that offers an excellent high street filled with shops, great bars, and restaurants but also the option of cliff-top walks.

If you love the tradition of an English seaside day out then eating some fish and chips and enjoying an ice cream on the beach is also a great option.

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the quickest and cheapest way to get there. It only takes 30 minutes and you can easily park there.

13. Gloucester

Gloucester in england

🚙 Distance: 40 miles / 45 minutes

Gloucester is a city near the Cotswolds. It’s known for 11th-century cathedral which has Romanesque and Gothic architecture as well as the tomb of King Edward II.

Not only are there quaint streets but you’ll also find docks with restored Victorian warehouses.

The National Waterways Museum is also worth a visit. You’ll learn plenty about the industrial past.

14. Burnham-on-sea

Burnham-on-sea in england

🚙 Distance: 31 miles / 45 minutes

If you are looking for another quintessential English seaside town then Burnham-on-sea will be a great option.

Make sure to stroll along the promenade with the family, enjoy some classic fish and chips and embrace the beautiful sandy beaches.

You can also visit the St Andrew’s Church and go golfing.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Bristol

Now if you are willing to drive a little more, here are the best places to visit around Bristol.

15. Salisbury & Stonehenge

Stonehenge in England

🚙 Distance: 51 miles / 1 h 35 minutes

Salisbury is a medieval city that makes for a fantastic day trip from Bristol by train. It is a bit further out, but it is so worth it.

Aside from the town being full of history and stunning architecture, there is one main attraction that brings the tourists in year after year, Stonehenge.

It is believed that the stones were brought there across from Wales thousands of years ago and are a religious element where the sun rises and sets.

It is a fantastic location, perfect for anyone who takes an interest in the stone-age period or for families who have children learning about it in school.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you only want to visit Salisbury, the best way is to take the train from Temple Meads. It’s only 1 hour and will save you time. See fares.

If you also want to visit Stonehenge, it will be better to drive so you can easily access both locations.

Finally, you can also opt for a guided day tour from Bristol.

Click here to see the prices.

16. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons in Wales

🚙 Distance: 75 miles / 1 h 50 minutes

Located a bit less than 2 hours from Bristol, the Brecon Beacons are one of the 3 national parks in Wales.

If you love outdoor activities and cute little villages, you will be in for a treat here!

You will find some of the best hikes in the UK! Make sure to go on the horseshoe ridge walk up to Pen-y-fan. This is the highest peak in the Beacons and the views are absolutely stunning!

Admittedly, the hike is a bit challenging but it’s well worth it.

If you are into history, you can visit one of the numerous castles in the area such as Abergavenny, Brecon or Crickhowell Castles.

Finally, get lunch in one of the local pubs in the cute towns of Brecon, Crickhowell or Hay on Wye.

HOW TO GET THERE: You will need to drive to get the Beacons. Although there are a couple of train stations, it’s not worth taking the train. You will need a car to go to Pen-Y-Fan anyway and you’ll have more flexibility if you are driving.

17. Exmoor National Park

Exmoor national park in devon

🚙 Distance: 63 miles / 1 h 30 minutes

Exmoor National Park is an excellent day trip from Bristol for outdoor lovers.

If you love hiking, you will be for a treat! There are many walking trails in the area. Climbing up to Dunkery Beacon is a popular thing to do. You can also walk the South West Coast Path if you’d rather some sea views.

You can also go horse riding there. The Burrowhayes Farm Riding Stables offer some horse trekking options.

If you are into history, make sure to visit Dunster Working Watermill, Cleeve Abbey or Dunster Castle

HOW TO GET THERE: As for any national park, the best way to get there is by car. It will be easier and will give you more flexibility.

18. Malvern

Malvern in england

🚙 Distance: 62 miles / 1 h 10 minutes

Malvern consists of 3 towns: Great Malvern, Barnards Green, and Malvern Link.

They all have their own centres offering something different for shoppers and tourists, so you are bound to find something that interests you.

One of the highlights is the Great Malvern Priory which is a stunning monastery. You can also go for a walk in Priory Park.

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the quickest way to get there. It takes 1h10.

Alternatively, you can take the train from Bristol but it will take 2 hours. See fares here.

19. Stourhead

stourhead

🚙 Distance: 35 miles / 1 h 10 minutes

Stourhead is a 1072 hectare estate by the River Stour. It is a National Trust property so you can expect all of the usual things that go along with that including trails, events and beautiful surroundings.

You can see the Palladian house and go for a walk around the estate and gardens.

You will need to book your tickets in advance on the National Trust website . If you are a member, the entrance will be free but it’s still recommended to book.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to Stourhead is by car. You will find a National Trust car park near the entrance.

20. Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

giraffe in zoo

🚙 Distance: 30 miles / 1 h 05 minutes

If you are an animal lover and want to get up close and personal to some of the more rare animals you wouldn’t find in a park then Longleat Safari and Aventure Park is for you.

This is the perfect family day trip from Bristol, but don’t be fooled as many couples love the chance to go on safari and experience the animals up close and personal.

It was actually the first drive-thru safari park outside of Africa and was opened back in 1966.

They care for the animals and while there is enough to occupy any child or adult here, they will likely hold events throughout the year.

You can book tickets online, directly on their website . They also offer annual passes.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way is to drive there. You’ll find a car park at the entrance.

21. Quantock Hills

Quantock Hills

🚙 Distance: 48 miles / 1 h 15 minutes

Quantock Hills are located west of Bridgewater and an hour south of Bristol, meaning it is the ideal day trip with a car.

The Quantock hills consist of heathland, oak woodlands, ancient parklands, and agricultural land. They were England’s first area of outstanding natural beauty and are well worth a visit.

There are walking trails, and hiking options, perfect if you have a sense of adventure and love to be around nature and in the open countryside.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get from Bristol to the Quantock Hills is by car. It’s a natural place and taking public transport would be more hassle than it’s worth.

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Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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30 incredible day trips from Bristol (2024 local guide)

Are you searching for the best day trips from Bristol? I’ve put together this comprehensive local guide with something for everyone.

Whether you want a trip to the beach or to experience some of the most cultural destinations in South West England, read this guide for travel tips on all the best places to visit near Bristol!

The city of Bristol certainly pulls you in.

I lived there for four years when I was at university, and then moved back for another year as a young professional – it was only the extortionately expensive housing that meant that I didn’t buy my first property there!

While Bristol has so, so many draws – the incredible street art, the diverse culture and food scene, the range of neighbourhoods, the looming Clifton Suspension Bridge and the seafaring history, it’s also an excellent West Country base for some of the best day trips in the region. 

From Bristol, you can drive south to Somerset and Devon, north to Gloucestershire, west to Wales and east to Wiltshire; there’s a plethora of beautiful places to explore in less than a two-hour drive from the southwest’s biggest city. 

So, what are the best day trips from Bristol?

Throughout my five years living in the city, I visited all of the places listed below, some of them numerous times.

Whether you want to explore the best of the British countryside, step back into the nation’s history or just find somewhere to relax on a beach, you can do all of that near Bristol!

Below I’ve listed the best places to visit near Bristol, including information about how to get there, what to see and when to visit.

Table of Contents

What are the best day trips from Bristol? 

As someone who’s spent a lot of time in the city, here’s my list of the best Bristol day trips: 

Cheddar Gorge

North cotswolds, south cotswolds, mendip hills, quantock hills, glastonbury and wells, tyntesfield.

  • Weston-super-Mare

Chepstow and the Wye Valley

  • Hay on Wye 

Brecon Beacons

Blackdown hills aonb, dartmoor national park, the jurassic coast.

  • Teweksbury and the Malvern Hills

Shepton Mallet and Somerton

  • Longleat Safari Park 
  • North Devon

I’ll go into them all in more detail below! 

The Best Day Trips from Bristol

The best day trips from Bristol include the historic and beautiful city of Bath, the rolling Mendip Hills and especially Cheddar Gorge, seaside towns like nearby Weston-super-Mare or places on the Jurassic Coast in Devon and Dorset and the enigmatic Stonehenge in Wiltshire. 

places to visit within an hour of bristol

The looming Bath Abbey , dating back to Medieval times, is just one landmark of the city of Bath.

Walking around the city is like stepping through layers of history, as you explore the Roman era with the baths and delve into Georgian history at The Crescent and The Circus . 

Bath’s the perfect day trip from Bristol, as it sits less than 15 minutes away by train; or you can even hike or cycle here! 

I lived in Bath for a year too – you can read all my top places to visit in Bath here – but the general highlights are:

  • The Abbey: This was where the first King of all of England was crowned in 973 AD, and remains an enchanting and fascinating historic building to explore .
  • The Roman Baths: The Roman Baths made use of Bath’s natural thermal waters to create a spa complex; here you can see the ruins of them and learn about Roman history. 
  • Georgian Architecture: The Circus and the Crescent are the most famous examples – Bath’s Georgian terraces will have you feeling like you’re on the set of Bridgerton! You can even do a Bridgerton tour to see some of the filming locations – click here for more information.
  • Bath Skyline Trail: This trail runs above the city, taking in some incredible views of Bath while enjoying its surroudning nature.
  • Kennett and Avon Canal: Another excellent place for a walk, the Kennett and Avon Canal consists of colourful boats floating on the water – when I lived here, I used to jog here a lot. 
  • Museums: Bath has an abundance of museums, including the newly opened Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, the Jane Austen Museum and the Fashion Museum. 
  • The Thermae Spa: Soak in this naturally-heated spa after a day’s exploring – don’t miss the heated rooftop pool where you can look over the city! 

How to get there

Bath is reachable by train (just 10 minutes from Bristol Parkway and 15 from Bristol Temple Meads), bus (about an hour) or driving (about 40 minutes from Bristol). 

There isn’t much parking in Bath City Centre (and it has a clean air zone) but there are park and ride car parks or free parking available on suburban streets. 

It’s also connected to Bristol on the Bath to Bristol cycle trail. 

Cheddar Gorge in Somerset

One of Britain’s most remarkable natural phenomena, Cheddar Gorge is like nothing you’ll have seen in the country before, which definitely makes it one of the best Somerset attractions !

It’s the largest gorge in England and is home to a dramatic cliff-top walk (definitely one of the best hikes near Bristol ) and enigmatic caves. 

You can also learn about the history of Cheddar Man here. Cheddar Man is the Mesolithic remains of a man dating about 10,000 years that were found in the nearby Gough Cave.

After hiking around, you can drive through the gorge to the town of Cheddar , which is famous for its cheese and cider.

Driving is the only feasible option to reach Cheddar Gorge; it takes about 40 minutes from Bristol. If you want to hire a car, SIXT has an office in Bristol.

Day trip to Glastonbury, Wells and Cheddar

You could also consider a day trip that involves Cheddar!

This tour initially stops in the city of Wells and town of Glastonbury and then visits at a Somerset cider farm – so you can sample the county’s favourite drink!

The tour finishes in the village of Cheddar – while you won’t have the chance to explore it entirely, you’ll see a little of the village along with other Somerset highlights .

Cardiff, the capital of Wales

Cardiff is Wales’ capital city and it is located not too far from the southern England/ Wales border. 

It’s smaller city than Bristol, but it has some iconic landmarks including the open-air museum of St Fagans, Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch .

There’s plenty of beautiful scenery in the area, and the city has got a completely different atmosphere to Bristol, so it’s worth checking out. 

Plus, a Cardiff day trip is a good chance to say you’ve been to Wales!

Activities and tours in Cardiff

There are lots of things to do in Cardiff that you can book before your day trip!  Click through to any of the below tours, all of which are powered by Get Your Guide .

It’s an hour’s drive on the M4, or 45 minutes on the train. Coaches also connect the two cities, and are cheaper than trains.

An evening view of Yew trees growing around the north door of St. Edwards Church in the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, UK.

The Cotswolds region of England is famous for beautiful, quaint villages that look like they belong in a fairytale and gentle rolling hills.

The area stretches from Cheltenham to Bath and across into Oxfordshire. 

The North Cotswolds are the furthest part from Bristol, but they’re still only just over an hour’s drive. 

For a day trip itinerary to this part of the region, I’d recommend visiting Bourton-on-the-Water which is known as “the Venice of the Cotswolds” .

It has charming canals leading through the village, which is lined on either side by historic cottages, many occupied by restaurants and cafes with some of the most scenic views in Gloucestershire !

Then, head to Stow on the Wold , home to a unique 15th-century church and one of the UK’s oldest pubs. 

Finish your North Cotswold day trip by visiting Winchcombe , a tiny village that’s home to Sudely Castle , a 1,200 acre privately owned estate that was home to Queen Katherine Parr , Henry VIII’s sixth wife – and she was buried in the grounds.

The castle is open to visitors in the summer season. 

Other Cotswold Tours

If you’re visiting London on the same trip, you might find it easier to do a day tour of the Cotswolds from London. Click through to see the following tours on Get Your Guide .

Cars are the only sensible option for this road trip route!

Old Town Bridge in Bradford on Avon, South West England

The South Cotswolds is marginally closer to Bristol, but only just – the drive from the city to Tetbury is about 40 minutes. 

Tetbury is a must-visit – it’s fit for a King, after all!

Charles owns Highgrove House which is close to the town, although since he ascended to the throne he spends less time in the village. 

Westonbirt Arboretum is another nearby must-visit; it encompasses 15,000 plants and 2,500 species of trees, with a whopping 17 miles of walking paths leading through them all. 

Don’t miss Castle Combe , which is possibly the most quintessentially British village in the entire country, home to terraces of cottages leading up a cobbled road ascending a hillside.

Parts of War Horse and Downton Abbey have been filmed here. 

I’m also a huge fan of Bradford-on-Avon .

Sitting on the Kennet and Avon Canal – you could technically cycle from Bristol to Bath and then to Bradford – this town has a ramshackle tearoom (when I visited once, the owner described it as “the building that looks like it’s falling down” – but I mean this in a charming way!), historic features like a “lock-up” (where they used to detain drunks) and plenty of cafes and bars sitting along the river. 

Again, a car is the best way to get around the Cotswolds – but if you’re just exploring Bradford-on-Avon, you could take the train or cycle. 

Tour from Bristol to Cotswolds and Stonehenge

Don’t have a car? No problem!

There’s a fantastic day trip that leaves Bristol and spans to the Cotswold villages of Castle Combe and Lacock, where parts of Harry Potter were filmed.

This tour also visits ancient Stonehenge, which is another of Wiltshire’s best places to visit .

Mendip Hills

The Mendip Hills AONB is a collection of limestone peaks surrounded by the Chew Valley . 

It’s nowhere near as well-known as the Cotswolds or places like Exmoor and Dartmoor – but it’s one of the loveliest rural areas of Somerset and one of the easiest day trips from Bristol – the northern edge is just a 20 mintue drive away!

The hill stretch from Weston-super-Mare in the west to Frome in the east, and encompass sites like the pretty village of Blagdon, Black Down (the hills’ highest point which is a lovely afternoon hike), the Chew Valley reservoir and Three Priddy Droves , a delightful hike. The pretty English village of Blagdon is only half an hour’s drive from South Bristol and is home to two reservoirs.

Cheddar Gorge is on the edge of the Mendip Hills, but I’ve separated them for this post as there’s quite a lot to do in both locations! 

Car is the best way, but the 41 bus goes to Lower Langford (via Bristol Airport) or the hills can be accessed from Weston-Super-Mare. As the region is so close to Bristol taxi is also an option.

Beautiful Quantock Hills

Nestled in South West Somerset , close to the Devon border, you’ll find the mesmerising Quantock Hills , which were made England’s first AONB back in 1956.

Despite them being the oldest AONB in the UK , they’re not very well known – but this means that they’re usually fairly quiet! 

Walking is the best way to enjoy the Quantocks, which gently slope down to the North Somerset coastline . 

My favourite walk is the Staple Plain route which offers incredible views over Somerset’s coastline, and I also love walking along the coastline itself at Kilve Beach .

There are also charming villages to explore, including Crowcombe and its Grade I listed Church of the Holy Ghost and Holford which is on the 51 mile Coleridge Way Walking Route .

Check out my full guide to the Quantocks by clicking here.

It’s best to get to and travel around the Quantocks by car, as it is about a 90 mile trip from Bristol and the towns around the region are quite small, without long-distance buses.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor park

Sitting just the other side of the Quantock Hills (it’s possible to do both on a weekend trip!),  you’ll find the sprawling Exmoor National Park . 

Moor is the main highlight here, but Exmoor is also bordered by the sea , and there are plenty of places to enjoy nature in the moorland, which spans across West Somerset and over the border into Devon.

Minehead is the closest town to Exmoor, but there are plenty of villages dotted over the moor, including the charming village of Lynmouth which is home to the UK’s only water-powered railway.

Minehead’s also the beginning of the South West coastal trail , which extends from Somerset all the way around North Devon and Cornwall and down to Studland Bay in Dorset! 

Of course, you won’t be doing the whole path in a weekend, but you could enjoy a day hike along the Exmoor coastline ; I’ve done the Minehead to Porlock and Porlock to Lynmouth hikes, which are both incredible but very tough! 

For an easier hike, tackle Dunkery Beacon which is the highest peak in the area. 

Again, car is by far the easiest option from Bristol – any other transport would take too long.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

The charming town of Glastonbury and Wells, one of the UK’s smallest cities , are doable on a day trip from Bristol; you can visit one first to enjoy all of the attractions and then head to the other! 

Both are located around a 90-minute drive from Bristol, and they are about 10 minutes from each other.

Wells is the smallest city in England , and is home to Vicar’s Close which is thought by some to be the oldest street in the UK, next to its beautiful cathedral. 

It has the buzzing atmosphere of a Somerset town with artisanal markets, food stalls, and plenty of quaint old buildings.

Glastonbury, on the other hand, is a wonderful place to visit for fans of the weird and wonderful .

There are lots of independent shops in the city, where you can buy everything from tarot cards to one-off fashion pieces.

Take a climb up Glastonbury Tor and enjoy the view of the county from the top, and try some of the refreshing Glastonbury water that is said to have healing properties.

Check out my full list of things to do in Glastonbury.

Driving from Bristol takes just under an hour to reach either, and it’s about 15 minutes between towns.

The 376 Mendip Xplorer direct bus goes to both Wells and Glastonbury. To Wells, it takes 1 hour, and to Glastonbury, it takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bristol to Glastonbury day trip

Another alternative is taking a day trip from Bristol to Glastonbury and Wells.

This tour includes stops in Wells and Glastonbury and finishes at a Somerset cider farm, where you can try some of the local favourite beverages – which is fantastic as you won’t be driving!

The tour finishes in Cheddar, where you can sample the rich local cheese.

Stonehenge

Situated on the side of the A303 on Wiltshire’s Salisbury Plain is Stonehenge , a sight of great Pagan significance. 

Nobody’s exactly sure how the stones got there , as they aren’t native to the area, and their purpose has been hotly debated throughout the centuries.

What we do know is that the circle is from the Neolithic Age and is between 3500-5000 years old . Pretty impressive…

At Stonehenge, you can see the circle and the historic area , as well as learn about the significance of the site at the visitor’s centre. 

It’s not the cheapest Bristol day trip, at £19 for adult tickets and £11.40 for kids, but it’s a bucket list item for many people!

You can visit Stonehenge for free if you have an English Heritage or National Trust membership (the ruins are run by the English Heritage but the land’s owned by the National Trust).

Take a look at my English Heritage vs National Trust blog post by clicking here.

You won’t spend all day seeing Stonehenge, so I’d also recommend a trip into Salisbury , home to the majestic Salisbury Cathedral .

Or, you could visit other, less-touristy neolithic sites in the area, such as Woodhenge or the nearby Avebury Stone Circle . 

Here’s my full guide to Stonehenge.

Driving is by far the best option; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car along the A36.

There is a public transport option, although it will take a lot longer; trains leave from Bristol to Salisbury and buses from there to Stonehenge Visitors centre. 

The website Connecting Wiltshire has great up to date information about public transport in the county.

Day trip from Bristol to Stonehenge and Cotswolds

From Bristol, you can embark on a day trip to see the ancient wonder of Stonehenge and the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds.

This tour visits the quaint Castle Combe and stunning Lacock, which has Harry Potter connections.

It’s a wonderful way to see the highlights of the county of Wiltshire in an easy Bristol day trip!

places to visit within an hour of bristol

Tyntesfield is one of the closest National Trust properties to Bristol. 

It’s a Victorian Gothic Revival manor house with a rich history, that has been repurposed to show an accurate historical representation of life in the era.

There are also beautiful gardens , including woodland and a walled herb and vegetable garden, that are perfect for an afternoon stroll out of the city.

National Trust -owned Tyntesfield is so close that it can be a half-day trip from Bristol, or it can be combined with a drive around the Mendip Hills.

The X6 bus leaves Bristol City for Tyntesfield and takes around 25 minutes. It’s also possible to walk there using an OS map, or cycle via The Festival Way. 

Visitors arriving by bike, on foot or on public transport get a 20% off voucher in the cafe and shop.

Otherwise, it’s an easy drive from Bristol centre – parking costs £3.00 or is free for national trust members.

Weston Super Mare

places to visit within an hour of bristol

Weston-super-Mare is a traditional British seaside town and one of the best summer day trips from Bristol. It’s famous for its long pier and vast beach and has lots of family-friendly activities like parks, the biggest climbing wall in the southwest and amusement arcades.

This part of the Bristol Channel has the second-largest tidal difference in the world (second largest to only Canada), which makes it not ideal for swimming.

However, if you’re looking for a coastal town to visit for the day and want to enjoy some classic British seaside culture , Weston-super-Mare is only 30 minutes drive from the city – in fact, it’s one of the easiest beaches to reach from Bristol .

Either take a train, drive or take a bus from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare.

House that moved and church exter

With Roman, Medieval, Georgian and WW2 history, Exeter’s one of the most historically dynamic cities in the UK. 

Its history is relatively unknown; cities like Bath and Oxford often overshadow Exeter, but step into the culture and you’ll be entranced at its tales. 

Exeter was the centre of the woolen cloth trade in the Medieval period, which meant that it grew and prospered as an industrial town . 

This was when the cathedral was created, which remains one of the most impressive in the country and has the longest uninterrupted gothic vaulting in the world. 

Exeter Quay is also a delightful area, with watersports opportunities and restaurants lined along the canal front.

The city was tragically bombed heavily in WW2, so nowadays you’ll see Medieval buildings in between quickly-built houses from the 1960s.

Do a Red Coat Walking Tour to learn about Exeter’s fascinating history, or pop into the RAMM Museum ! 

You can check out the best things to do in Exeter here ; I live close by in Exmouth so I visit the city all the time! 

 It’s an easy train journey from Bristol to Exeter, taking just over an hour. It should take you around an hour and a half to drive. 

Stunning sunset over a small beach in Exmouth with the colourful marina in the background

With a two-mile-long golden beach stretching from the town to the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Exmouth is a watersports hub .

Grab a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from Sideshore, the beachfront watersports rental centre and take to the water – it’s one of the best days out near Bristol in the summertime! 

Once you’ve had your fill of the water, head up to the cliffs.

Exmouth is the start of England’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast .

The cliffs here are actually Triassic, dating back 250 million years. 

On a clear day, you can see much of the South Devon coastline from here, along with the beach and estuary that makes up Exmouth. 

I’ve started doing guided walking tours of Exmouth , where I take small groups of tourists through the beach and town centre, detailing fascinating stories about the town along the way. Click here to read more about these !

There are plenty of other things to do in Exmouth , too – walk along the Exe Estuary (it’s a popular spot for birdwatchers), check out the rolling Woodbury Common ( another fantastic walk in Exmouth !) or visit the many indoor attractions like Exmouth Museum and Excape Escape Rooms . 

I live in Exmouth (I moved here from Bristol a few years ago) and it’s a wonderful place to spend a day – or longer! 

Exmouth is around an hour and a half drive from Bristol to Exmouth, or you can take a train to Exeter St Davids and hop on the branch line to Exmouth – I’ve taken this route reguarly, in the past from Bristol to Exmouth and now from Exmouth to Bristol! 

View of the Wye Valley from high up on a vantage point, with trees on either side.

Head over the Welsh border on this day trip, where you’ll enjoy the charming town of Chepstow (home to a wonderful castle that sits right on the English/ Welsh border) and head to the majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey , dating back to 1131 and looking out over the River Wye . 

There are a few walks that you can do on the Wye Valley , taking in the gorgeous vistas over the river; some of this is part of Offa’s Dyke , a national hiking trail that follows the English/ Welsh border.

This was the setting for the popular Netflix show Sex Education – you can even take trails to see some of the houses! 

Or, head to the town of Monmouth , which is also home to a wonderful castle – there are so many epic castles in Wales!

Symonds Yat Rock is also worth visiting. This was featured in Harry Potter and offers a mesmerising vista over the rural area of the River Wye . 

Chepstow is one of the easiest day trips from Bristol – it’s just a half-hour drive away! Public transport is a little more complicated, as you’ll need to change trains in Newport.

Monmouth sits a half-hour drive from Chepstow (or a one-hour bus ride), and other Wye Valley attractions are in between. If you want to visit Tintern Abbey and other attractions, you’ll probably need a car. 

Hay on Wye 

HAY ON WYE, WALES – FEBRUARY 25, 2013: Hay on Wye Booksellers. Hay on Wye is a town in Wales on the border with England famous for the annual book fair.

Another Welsh gem is the book town of Hay on Wye . 

Situated on the Welsh side of the Wye River , this is a tiny village with a big history – it’s brimming with bookstores (it’s one of the best places in the country to pick up novels!) and had an eccentric “king”, Richard Booth , who declared the village to be independent! 

There’s a castle to check out, along with charming cobbled streets and beautiful views over the Brecon Beacons .

You can add this to a Brecon Beacon road trip !

It’s an hour and a half drive from Bristol to Hay on Wye; unfortunately, public transport isn’t feasible. 

View over Port Enyon, which looks out over the craggy coastline of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales.

A little further into Wales, past the charming town of Swansea, is the Gower Peninsula . 

There are a few coastal trails to explore here, but one of the most charming areas is Port Enyon . 

This is a holiday resort area and small village; there’s a sweeping beach here along with an epic part of the Welsh coastal path . 

I visited this part of Wales for a friend’s birthday and loved relaxing on the beach and hiking to the cliffs – there’s even a smuggler’s hideaway at one part! 

You can easily take a train from Bristol to Swansea, but then public transport becomes a bit more challenging (when I went, I asked a friend to pick me up in Swansea!). Driving is the best way to reach The Gower! 

A view of the Talybont reservoir from the slopes of Tor y Foel hill in the Brecon Beacons, UK

Around 25 miles north of Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountain range , one of Wales’ three national parks, starts to rise before its pinnacle at Pen y Fan , which is the highest mountain in South Wales. 

You can hike Pen y Fan mountain , which takes around 4-6 hours to walk the circular route; definitely doable on a day trip from Bristol in the summer.

Alternatively, hikes like the four waterfalls walk are flatter and less challenging! 

Driving’s the only feasible way; it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol. 

Gloucester, United Kingdom - August 14, 2015: Gloucester Docks at dusk a cloudy day. The wharfs, warehouses and the docks fell into disrepair until their renovation from 1980s. Boats on foreground moored

Basking in the shadows of an 11th-century cathedral is the pretty city of Gloucester, which sits to the north of Bristol. 

While the cathedral’s the main landmark, there’s also the bustling Gloucester Docks , home to a range of restaurants and shops sitting on the waterfront. It’s also home to the National Waterway Museum , which boasts an impressive array of exhibitions about British waterway history. 

There’s also the enigmatic Blackfriar’s Priory , which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most intact Dominican black friaries in England.

Tie it all together with a trip to the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery , with exhibitions on the city’s past and present. 

Gloucester’s one of the best day trips from Bristol by train; the rail line takes just 50 minutes to connect the cities, or it’s also around a 50 minute drive. 

View west to Dartmoor from the top of Hembury hill fort on the Blackdown Hills Devon west of England UK

Straddling the border between Devon and Somerset, the Blackdown Hills AONB is a West Country hidden gem – many visit the much more touristy national parks, but these hills are equally as stunning. 

I always drive through the Blackdown Hills when I travel from Exmouth to London, and they’re so enchanting and alluring – the perfect entry to or exit from Devon! 

There are a variety of excellent walks that you can enjoy in the Blackdown Hills; head to Chard , one of the main towns in the area, and enjoy a variety of these circular walks from the town .

It’s a one hour 10 minute drive from Bristol to Chard. Unfortunately, there are no feasible public transport links.

Girl walking across Dartmoor, one of the best day trips from Bristol, to reach Wistman's Wood which is in the middle of the moorland.

Sitting in the middle of Devon, Dartmoor National Park is England’s largest and one of the UK’s most impressive. 

This rolling moorland is famous for its tors , which are large rock outcrops with stones on top – many with historic spiritual significance. 

Dartmoor also has plenty of reservoirs and even some temperate rainforests – I love Wistman’s Wood , although at the moment it’s closed due to the moss and fern needing to regrow. 

You could also check out Lydford Gorge .

Dartmoor’s also home to a few indoor attractions, including the Dartmoor Prison Museum in Princetown, Castle Drogo which was the last castle to be built in England and The Highwayman Inn , which is known as Britain’s quirkiest pub ! 

How to get there 

Driving’s the best way to see all of Dartmoor’s attractions (as they’re quite spread out).

However, if you don’t have a vehicle, there’s a new train that runs from Exeter to Okehampton, which sits on the edge of Dartmoor.

You’ll need to take a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St David’s first, and then you can connect! 

Vistas over the beautiful Jurassic Coast around Branscombe.

Spanning 95 miles along the East Devon and Dorset coastlines, the epic Jurassic Coastline starts in Exmouth and ends in Studland Bay . 

It’s England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site , awarded so because it’s the only place where you can walk through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods; these eras make up the Mesozoic era , and it’s the world’s complete collection of this period. 

You’ll see the red sandstone cliffs of East Devon first, then the Cretaceous sandstone and chalk cliff near Studland Bay ! 

Highlights include Durdle Door, the Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle (which is just north of the coastline) and east Devon villages like Beer and Branscombe . 

To do a Jurassic Coast road trip, you’ll need a car (obviously!).

I’d recommend driving to Exmouth and seeing how far you can get from there, or you can drive down to Weymouth (just a two-hour drive south of Bristol) and explore around there – or take a train to Weymouth and explore the coastline here! 

Tewkesbury and the Malvern Hills

Tewkesbury Abbey

The gorgeous town of Tewkesbury sits about an hour’s north of Bristol. 

On the edge of the Cotswolds, this Medieval market town is brimming with historic architecture and is notably home to Tewkesbury Abbey . 

This religious building has an enchanting history spanning back 900 years ; the buildings were nearly lost after the dissolution of the monasteries, but they were ultimately saved by the townspeople rallying together! 

From Tewkesbury, you can pop to the nearby Malvern Hills , a selection of gently sloping hills that cross the border from Worcestershire to Herefordshire .

It’s a rural area, known for its wonderful walks and charming towns. 

If you don’t have a car, you can take a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury; from here, it’s a 50 minute walk to the town or an 8 minute taxi ride.

If you want to explore the Malvern Hills, you’ll need your own set of wheels! 

Small building in Somerton, one of the most historic towns in Somerset. The sky is clear and roads are rural looking.

A day trip I cobbled together when I was living in Bristol was Somerton and Shepton Mallet for the Shepton Mallet prison . 

Somerton is a lesser-visited town in rural Somerset; while it’s quite small and not touristy at all, it’s a remarkably historic place . 

The town gave Somerset its name ; it was here where a meeting took place in 949 of the Witan , who was an Anglo-Saxon parliament. 

It grew as an industrial town , but during the industrial revolution when many other spots around the country’s industry grew, Somerton’s faded away. 

You can learn all about its extensive history with a self-guided walking tour of the town (click here for instructions). I did this when I visited and it was fascinating! 

After soaking in the history of Somerton, head to Shepton Mallet.

This market town is most famous for its prison, and it’s here that you’ll be visiting! 

Dating back to 1610, the prison was the oldest one in the country when it closed its doors in 2009. 

Tours offer a look into prison culture in the UK from 17th century onwards, with a focus on the Victorian age when some prisons began to get more humane (I also learned about this in Bodmin Jail in Cornwall). 

You’ll also walk through some more recent cells and learn about some of the prison’s most notorious inmates such as the Krank Twins . 

Taking a car is the only real possibility for this day trip, as there’s not much public transport around Somerton. 

Cathedral Hereford, Herefordshire, England, UK, Western Europe

Hereford’s often overlooked as a UK city break destination, but it boasts one of the country’s best cathedrals and is part of the wider Welsh Marches region , which is full of fascinating history. 

The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is home to the Mappa Mundi, which is a famous Medieval map of the world. 

For more history, visit Old House , which is a 17th century building with rooms restored to how they looked during this era. 

There’s also the Hereford Museum and Gallery , which is located in a Victorian building. 

The city is lined along the River Wye and there are some beautiful strolls to enjoy that are walkable from the city centre.

The Welsh Marches region boasts lots of delicious products, including cider (I know it may be void saying this to Bristol day trippers, but it’s worth trying to see the difference!) and lots of local cheese. 

Train is possible, but you’ll need to change at Newport and it takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Otherwise, it’s an hour and a half by car – we easily found car parking just outside of the city centre. 

Longleat House and Safari Park 

Longleat Safari Park with light cloud coverage in background

One of the best family day trips from Bristol, Longleat Safari Park was the first safari park outside of Africa when it opened in 1966, and offers children and adults alike the chance to see animals like lions and zebras up close. 

I’m always in two minds about safari parks, but I do like that they give people the chance to get an education about these creatures – and they certainly give animals a lot more space than zoos. 

Once you’ve driven around the safari park, enjoy the stately homes and gardens , which span over 900 acres.

The house dates back to the 16th century – a priory originally stood there but it was demolished during the dissolution of the monasteries – and it was the first stately home in Britain to be opened to tourists! 

It’s about an hour and 10 minutes to reach Longleat, which is located in Wiltshire, close to the Somerset border.

Public transport is possible, but you’ll need to take a train to Westbury, then Frome, and from here take a bus (total journey time is around two hours). 

North Devon 

ILFRACOMBE, DEVON UK – JULY 24: Harbor at sunrise on 24 July 2017 in Ilfracombe, UK. The Damien Hirst statue Verity was erected in 2012

Head to North Devon , some two hours 20 minutes from Bristol, to enjoy some of the UK’s best beaches, a laid-back surf culture and a real holiday atmosphere. 

The best places to visit on a North Devon road trip include Croyde, Woolacombe , Westward Ho! , Clovelly and of course, Exmoor National Park (although most visit this as a standalone day trip). 

Croyde and Woolacombe are two of the best beach destinations in Devon (in fact, Woolacombe was voted the best in the country and one of the best in Europe!).

Westward Ho! Is great for surfing and Clovelly is a charming fishing village . There are a few things to do in Barnstaple too, and I love the village of Appledore near Westward Ho! 

Driving is the only real feasible way; you could technically take a train to Exeter St David’s, connect to Barnstaple and then take some regional buses, but this would take quite a long time and wouldn’t really be feasible for a day trip. 

View of Torquay, Devon, from Red Rocks of Paignton, Torbay, England

Around a two-hour drive from Bristol, you’ll find Torbay .

This is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the UK – and while nowadays it feels a little dated (I’m biased, but I think that Exmouth Beach is much nicer!), the area shines when it comes to family-friendly attractions and a diverse array of things to do. 

For starters, visit Splashdown Quaywest Water Park , which sits in Paignton and is the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark (do bear in mind that it’s really not that big – it gets the title because the UK doesn’t have that many outdoor waterparks!).

I visited last summer and had a few thoughts on it – you can read my full review here – but for a family who wants to find somewhere to cool off in the summer heat, it’s a worthwhile attraction. 

Other places to visit in Torbay include the fascinating Kents Cavern Caves , the 900-year-old Torre Abbey , the heritage family attraction Bygones , the fun-packed Paignton Pier , the Babbacombe Cliff Railway which descends down to Oddicombe Beach and the Babbacombe Model Village . 

Of course, there are some beautiful beaches on the English Riviera ; if you want to avoid the crowds, I’d steer clear of Paignton and Torquay beaches, but Oddicombe and Meadfoot are beautiful and usually quieter.

If you fancy a hike, the South West Coast Path spans all of Torbay . 

Pick your favourite attractions and have a fun family day out in Torbay! 

Check out the best things to do in Torquay by clicking here.

Driving’s the easiest way – it takes around two hours to reach Torbay from Bristol. Alternatively, take a train to Exeter or Newton Abbot and change lines. 

Cloister at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

Largely considered to be one of the prettiest villages in Wiltshire , Lacock is a must for Harry Potter fans , as some Hogwarts scenes were filmed in the Abbey and other scenes were filmed around the town. 

The Abbey dates back to the 13th century and has a chequered history of being used for a monastery, school and home. There’s also the sprawling Lacock Estate and a 14th-century Tithe Barn in town. 

It’s a 40 minute drive from Bristol to Lacock; you can also take a train from Bristol to Chippenham and then hop on the X34 bus.

Lighthouse in Portishead sunset

If you’re seeking the easiest day trips from Bristol, I bring you Portishead , which sits just 10 miles from the town.

Looking out over the Severn Estuary , Portishead is technically a beach town, although the tidal difference stops many from swimming in the sea here. 

However, there is an outdoor swimming pool and beautiful marine, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

You’ll also find a Victorian Pier here, although, unlike its counterpart in Weston-super-Mare, it’s not open for visitors and is merely used by fishermen for angling.

There have been campaigns to reopen it in recent years, however!

Driving takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, or you can take the X1 excel bus. 

Aerial view of Oxford city, city center area during twilight

One of the UK’s most popular and historically significant cities, Oxford sits on the other side of the Cotswolds – but it’s still feasible to visit on a day trip. 

Most famous for Oxford University which dates back to 1096, the city’s grown as an educational and literacy hub over the years. 

Tours are available around various campuses or kick back in some of its historic pubs.

The Bear Inn has a history back to the 13th century (although today’s building dates back to the 17th century) and the Eagle and Child was a popular spot for meetings between JR Tolkien and CS Lewis!

The train is a possibility, although there’s no direct line; you’ll need to change at Reading. Otherwise, it’s an hour and a half drive. 

Can I visit Cornwall on a day trip from Bristol? 

Large cave on the golden sandy beach at Holywell Bay Cornwall England UK Europe

I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely love Cornwall – you can see all my Cornwall travel guides here. However, I wouldn’t recommend visiting on a day trip from Bristol. 

You could technically drive there – the east of Cornwall is about 2.5 hours away from Bristol and west Cornwall is 4.5 hours – but it’s a long drive and there’s so much to see and do in Cornwall – it’s probably best to visit on a day trip! 

Can I visit London on a day trip from Bristol? 

Looking out over Tower Bridge, which spans the River Thames and is one of London's most famous landmarks.

It’s possible to visit London on a day trip from Bristol – the train is less than two hours (check out my GWR first-class review if you’re interested in travelling in style!).

This means that it’s easy to enjoy London attractions like Westminster Abbey, St Pauls Cathedral and the London Eye – you can even head north to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour (advance booking for this is essential – one of my best tips for Harry Potter World London is to book as early as possible!).

However, I try to keep my recommendations local to the west of England and Wales, presuming that most people looking for day trips have already visited London! 

Other Bristol blog posts

Love Bristol with me sitting in heart

As I lived in Bristol for years, I’ve covered the city extensively on this blog. 

You can check out my list of the best things to do in Bristol (featuring street art, food, the Clifton Suspension Bridge , the SS Great Britain and much more!), my local’s guide to where to stay in Bristol , tips for how to get to Bristol and my full Bristol travel guide.

Amazing Bristol Day Trips…

With jaw-droppingly beautiful nature at every turn, it’s well worth getting out of Bristol and exploring its neighbouring counties: Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Devon.

One of the beauties of Bristol is that you really don’t need to go far to find some nature , as you can see in most of these Bristol day trips.

However, there are plenty of villages, breweries, farms, and even a few small cities to check out too!

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Wanderers of the World

23 Best Day Trips From Bristol (Suggestions From A Local)

One of the many things we love about living in Bristol is how you only need to drive for 45 minutes and technically be in a new country , or drive for just 90 minutes and be in stunning Devon.

What this means is that there are so many epic day trips from Bristol you can take ensuring every weekend is unique. Here are our favourite days out near Bristol…

Best Day Trips From Bristol

Berkeley castle.

Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire

We’ve recently discovered Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire and it was such a fun day out!

Berkeley Castle is roughly 45 minutes north of Bristol. Here, you’ll find a historic 12th-century castle, which many kings, queens and famous people have frequented over the years.

Like King Edward II who was imprisoned and tortured here. Or Sir Francis Drake who was a friend of the Berkeleys.

Inside Berkeley Castle upstairs

The current Berkeley family still live in the castle, so some of the rooms aren’t open to the public and the castle is only open on certain days of the year.

However, there’s still plenty to explore inside and throughout the grounds. It’s even been used as a filming location for various period dramas like Poldark and Wolf Hall.

Inside Berkeley Castle

When we visited, there was even a medieval sword fighting re-enactment happening, which was included in the price of our ticket and very entertaining to watch!

Just 10 minutes away by train, the city of Bath is the very essence of English idyll.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Bath offers lots for culture and history lovers. There are the Ancient Roman baths, a stunning abbey, Jane Austen-inspired attractions and stunning botanical gardens.

And as Bath is a very walkable city, it’s easy to see the highlights of Bath in just one day (without rushing).

Bowood House and Gardens

Bowood House

If you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for the day, then why not visit Bowood House and Gardens in Wiltshire?

This historic 100-acre estate is privately owned by the current Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne and is less than an hour’s drive away from Bristol.

Here, you’ll find a stunning Grade I listed Georgian property nestled within a picturesque estate that features grottoes, temples, a waterfall and even an arboretum (or pinetum).

Bowood House & Gardens

No wonder Bowood House and Gardens has graced our silver screens time and time again, such as within ITV’s period drama, Sanditon and the infamous Poldark TV series .

Please note that the Bowood estate is closed to the public through winter, but you can visit daily between April and November.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Slimbridge is just 30 minutes up the M5 from Bristol and offers a great day out for all involved.

It’s brimming full of birds, ducks, swans and geese — you can even feed some of them from the palm of your hand!

There are always various special events happening to keep children entertained such as giant Lego trails and specialist talks, and if you’re not visiting with kids, it promises a relaxing walk through trees and by the water’s edge… lovely!

Frome, Somerset

Frome in Somerset is a beautiful and historic town, which is roughly 25 miles away from the centre of Bristol.

In less than an hour’s drive, you could be perusing knick-knacks in various independent stores and wandering along cobblestoned streets that time forgot.

This is the perfect town to while away a few hours. You can even combine it with a trip to Farleigh Hungerford Castle , which is just 10 miles north of Frome and makes for an interesting visit.

RELATED: 11 Unmissable Things To Do in Frome, Somerset

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Cheddar Gorge

Views from Cheddar Gorge in Somerset

Cheddar Gorge in Somerset offers a lot in the way of a great day trip from Bristol.

You can visit the giant caves and learn how cheese is made, you can walk the gorge itself and view stunning landscapes from above, or munch on tasty treats such as cheese, ice cream and fudge from the quaint shops lining the winding rivers.

RELATED: 16 Beautiful Places To Visit in Somerset, UK

Painswick Rococo Gardens

Painswick Rococo Garden

Roughly an hour’s drive north of Bristol, you’ll find the charming Cotswold town of Painswick. And one of Painswick’s most loved attractions is the Painswick Rococo Garden .

Here, you’ll find stunning pieces of 17th-century architecture (influenced by a European art movement) nestled among carefully landscaped gardens.

Waterlily pond at Painswick Rococo Garden

While the flora and fauna are a joy to see, the architectural pieces and water features elevate this garden above most others.

Cotswolds Water Park

If you’re into watersports such as paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, (or just want to give them a go), then a day trip from Bristol to the Cotswolds Water Park is a must!

You can do all of these sports and more here, and being just 50 minutes from Bristol, you won’t have to travel far.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds stretch out over 787 square miles and there’s lots to see here. Up first on anyone’s wish list should be some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds .

Here are a few ideas of which to visit first and their approximate distances from Bristol:

  • Lacock (40 minutes from Bristol) : Lacock Abbey is home to a few Harry Potter movie locations , while the village is your typical Cotswold affair.
  • Castle Combe (30 minutes from Bristol) : Also home to period dramas and filming locations, Castle Combe is another quintessential Cotswolds village, complete with walking trails, picture-perfect cottages and traditional English pubs.
  • Bourton-on-the-Water (1 hour from Bristol) : Often nicknamed “Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton-on-the-Water is built around a winding river and offers plenty of opportunities for eating cream teas and shopping in little boutiques.
  • Chipping Campden (1 hour 15 minutes from Bristol) : Chipping Campden is a small market town but has a delightful selection of restaurants and shops. The popular walking trail: The Cotswold Way also starts here.
  • Stow-on-the-World (1 hour 10 minutes from Bristol) : Stow-on-the-Wold is a very picturesque village to explore and if you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll find quite a few festivals and events happening here.

READ NEXT: 14 of the Prettiest Cotswolds Villages & Towns

The Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons are an iconic image when thinking about the UK and with the centre of the Brecon Beacons being just over 2 hours away from Bristol, you can see a lot during a day trip.

Our recommendation would be to embark on one of the many walking trails — three of our favourites are:

  • The Four Waterfalls Walk near Ystradfellte — Interesting woodland walk that lets you follow the trail of four waterfalls (one of which you can walk behind for free!)
  • Pontsticill Reservoir — Relaxing walk around the edges of a stunning blue reservoir, complete with picture-perfect picnic spots!
  • Pen y Fan Hike — Challenging hike to the top of the highest peak in South Wales to see some of the best views in the Brecon Beacons!

Stourhead in Dorset offers you the chance to visit the house and learn about the history behind who lived here, but what most people will come to see is the world-famous landscape garden.

Surrounding a large glistening lake is a woodland walk with the chance to explore classical temples and a magical grotto with the most unique view across the lake. And The Temple of Apollo was even used as a Pride & Prejudice filming location !

It truly is stunning (especially in the autumn months when the trees all display reds, oranges and golds).

READ NEXT: 35 Best National Trust Places To Visit

Wookey Hole

Similarly to Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole is also your chance to see spectacular underground caves.

But Wookey Hole also offers a large miniature golf course, various museums, mirror mazes and pier games all as part of the ticket price. Plus it only takes about an hour to drive there from Bristol!

Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester isn’t usually going to be at the top of a list of day trips from Bristol, but it should be for Harry Potter fans !

Several scenes from the movies were filmed in the cathedral, such as the troll smashing up the toilets in the first film, or where the words ‘The chamber of secrets has been opened’ in the second movie were displayed. Have we convinced you enough to visit yet?

READ NEXT: Gloucester Cathedral Harry Potter Filming Location

Malvern Hills

The Malvern Hills is one of the best walking trails in the UK as the views are superb and the trails are often very quiet.

It takes about 90 minutes to drive there from Bristol, which means you can easily spend a few hours walking in the countryside and stopping for a picnic as a day out.

Just watch out for sheep that often roam the roads during the spring and summer months!

If you don’t quite have time to make it all the way to Stonehenge from Bristol then a very close second best would be the stone circle at Avebury , which is about 50 minutes from Bristol by car.

There’s lots to see at Avebury — from the traditional manor, to an archaeological museum, quaint English village and the aforementioned stone circle, which is over 4,000 years old!

Anyone can see the circle for free, but if you want to explore the manor house as well, then there is a fee to pay ( unless you’re a National Trust member ).

You can also see lots more historic sites dotted around Avebury as part of the Avebury World Heritage Site . To find out more, check out our Avebury walking guide .

READ NEXT: Epic Avebury Walk – 6 Incredible Historic Sites Await!

Stonehenge in Wiltshire

Bristol to Stonehenge is one of those bucket list day trips to take as Stonehenge in Wiltshire is such an iconic image in England.

It’s about 90 minutes in the car from Bristol (without heavy traffic), or you can easily embark on one of many day tours that run from Bristol to Stonehenge.

However, entrance to the henge is quite pricey and something that very few know is that you can easily walk through some of the countryside surrounding Stonehenge and see it for free!

READ NEXT: Must-See English Heritage Sites in Wiltshire, UK

Longleat Safari Park

Who doesn’t love heading out on a safari? And when you can do it as a day trip from Bristol, why wouldn’t you?

It takes just over an hour to drive to Longleat from Bristol and offers so much for the whole family to do.

You can drive your own car through the safari park (although you should avoid the monkey enclosure if you don’t want A LOT of damage done to your car), or you can hop on a bus that drives through the full safari.

There is also Longleat House to admire from the inside, as well as mazes, boat cruises, and various fun attractions on its grounds — all as part of one ticket price.

If you’re looking for a winter day out as well, then look out for special events that happen at Longleat such as ‘The Festival of Light’ .

Longleat Festival of Light

Oxford is such a charming city to visit. It’s just as beautiful and historic as places like Bath and Cheltenham , and is simply one of those bucket list destinations that you just can’t ignore.

Travelling from Bristol to Oxford takes about 90 minutes by car, or you can easily hop on a couple of trains, which takes about 2 and a half hours total.

When in Oxford, make sure you carve out some time to see the University buildings, Oxford Castle and Prison, have a delicious cream tea, as well as wander through the meadows on the outskirts of town. These are all must-dos when in Oxford.

BONUS: Check out Blenheim Palace near Oxford – it’s incredible at Christmas !

READ NEXT: Christmas at Blenheim Palace Review (+ Tips For Visiting!)

Blenheim Palace at Christmas

Newark Park

Newark Park is a beautiful  National Trust property in sleepy Gloucestershire.

There’s an old Tudor manor house here, which you can explore inside for a fee. Or you can explore the stunning countryside for free.

There are three waymarked walking trails you can follow, each of different lengths and for different levels of fitness. They even take you through sheep fields, through forests, past garlic flowers as well as bluebells.

And if you follow the trails up near the house, you’ll have some of the best views of the Cotswolds, especially if you come during the spring or summer months.

Lydford Gorge

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know we’ve visited a myriad of National Trust places . But Lydford Gorge is by far our most favourite of them all.

Following the twisting and turning of the River Lyd, you’ll embark on a woodland walk that provides the opportunity to see a 30-metre high waterfall called ‘Whitelady’ and bubbling water potholes called ‘Devil’s Cauldron’.

And despite being in Devon, it actually only takes about 2 hours to drive to Lydford Gorge from Bristol!

If you love history, then you’ll love Salisbury . You can see one of the original Magna Cartas in the Salisbury Cathedral, you can wander through the city itself and spot buildings that are hundreds of years old.

You can even eat lunch in a pub that dates back as far as 700 years ago — The Haunch of Venison is not only a historic place to see, but it serves absolutely delicious food!

Similarly to a lot of suggestions on this day trips list, Salisbury is about 90 minutes from Bristol by car.

READ NEXT: One Day in Salisbury Itinerary For A Fabulous Day Trip

Most famed for its stunning Regency architecture , action-packed festivals and horse racing, there are so many fun things to do in Cheltenham .

It was once the place to be in the 18th century after its spa waters were discovered and commercialised; wealthy Londoners in particular saw it as the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle (and smog!) of the capital.

Nowadays, the stunning stucco facades and ripe history are blended with the modern including a newly established street art scene. And at just an hour’s drive from Bristol, you don’t have to go far for a fantastic day out!

READ NEXT: 7 Fun Things To Do in Cheltenham

Fleet Air Arm Museum

Fleet Air Arm Museum

Found about 1.5 hours from Bristol is the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. Here, you’ll get the chance to step back in time and wander among historic planes and aircraft memorabilia…

And even step on board the FIRST British-made Concorde. How awesome is that?

We recently went with my Dad who is ex-army and he was totally in his element… and to be fair, so were we!

We hope this list of the best day trips from Bristol serves as some great inspiration! Where would you like to see first? And have we missed out on any other top day trip ideas? Let us know in the comments below…

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Best Day Trips from Bristol

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I hope I can visit Bristol someday!

Oh, thank you! You have no idea how nice it is to hear you say that (or is it read?) I hope you do get to visit Bristol and all the wonderful places near here too!

This is simply GRAND! Appreciate the kind & generous tip sheet. We like to be soft on the budgie and prefer cooking. Then, we can extend your generosity, and pay it forward adding kindness. We’re staying in Bristol and hoping for good weather, with no Polar Vortexes:{

For an affordable way to see another land from Bristol, take a train to the Welsh town of Abergavenny, changing at Newport. In just over an hour you ll find yourself in one of the best towns for exploring the Brecon Beacons mountain range. The best thing about the train trip from Bristol to Abergavenny is the rugged scenery that dramatically passes before you, giving you a taste of what s to come when you arrive. Adrenaline junkies should have a go at paragliding and hang-gliding on the Blorenge mountain. For those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there’s the Skirrid peak to hike, or several castles to explore.

Darling Escapes

27 Day Trips from Bristol: The Best of the South West

Best Day Trips from Bristol: Embark on an adventure from Bristol and discover the region's top destinations. From the mystical Stonehenge to the natural splendor of Cheddar Gorge, our guide highlights the best day trips you can enjoy. Things to Do in Bristol, England: Dive into the vibrant city life with our comprehensive Bristol, England travel guide. Explore beautiful places near Bristol and uncover hidden gems in Somerset for memorable days out in Bristol.

Looking for a list of quick day trips from Bristol? Luckily, there are plenty of destinations within a two-hour drive from the city that are perfect for day trips . Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat, a day at the beach, or a dose of history and culture, there’s something for everyone.

With 27 day-trip options to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas for your next adventure. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds, visit the mysterious Stonehenge, or take a trip to the charming seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, head over to Wales to discover its beautiful countryside and coastline. No matter what your interests are, there’s a day trip from Bristol that’s perfect for you.

Heading to Bristol and looking for the best day trip ideas? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide, from the majestic Stonehenge to the breathtaking Cheddar Gorge. Uncover the ultimate day trips from Bristol, essential activities in the city, and the most picturesque spots in Somerset. Discover what Bristol and its surroundings have to offer for an unforgettable experience in South England.

Why Bristol?

Bristol is a vibrant city located in the southwest of England, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural scenery. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of attractions and activities to suit all interests.

One of the main draws of Bristol is its proximity to some of the most beautiful and historic locations in the UK. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged coastline of Wales, there are countless day trips that can be taken from Bristol area.

Another reason to visit Bristol is its thriving arts and music scene. The city is home to a number of galleries, museums, and music venues, showcasing both local and international talent. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, classical music, or underground dance parties, Bristol has something to offer.

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In addition to its cultural offerings, Bristol is also a great place to explore the outdoors. The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Mendip Hills, the Quantock Hills, and the Brecon Beacons. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or simply take a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of options for outdoor activities in and around Bristol.

Overall, Bristol is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, there are plenty of reasons to visit and explore this vibrant and exciting destination.

destinations. From the mystical Stonehenge to the natural splendor of Cheddar Gorge, our guide highlights the best day trips you can enjoy. Things to Do in Bristol, England: Dive into the vibrant city life with our comprehensive Bristol, England travel guide. Explore beautiful places near Bristol and uncover hidden gems in Somerset for memorable days out in Bristol.

Day Trips From Bristol: An Overview

If you’re living in Bristol or just visiting, there are plenty of day trips that you can take to explore the surrounding areas. From historic castles and picturesque villages to stunning natural scenery and adventure parks, there is something for everyone.

Here are some of the top day trips from Bristol that you can consider:

  • Bath: A beautiful city famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
  • Cheddar Gorge: A limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills with rugged terrain and beautiful scenery.
  • North Cotswolds: A picturesque region with rolling hills, quaint villages, and historic market towns.
  • South Cotswolds: Another stunning region of the Cotswolds with charming villages, scenic walks, and historic landmarks.
  • Mendip Hills: A range of limestone hills with plenty of walking trails and stunning views.
  • Quantock Hills: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with plenty of walking and cycling trails.
  • Exmoor: A national park with stunning scenery, wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities.
  • Glastonbury and Wells: Two historic towns with plenty of cultural and historic attractions.
  • Stonehenge: A prehistoric monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tyntesfield: A beautiful Victorian Gothic house with stunning gardens and parkland.
  • Weston-super-Mare: A seaside town with a long sandy beach and plenty of attractions.
  • Exeter: A historic city with a beautiful cathedral and plenty of cultural attractions.
  • Exmouth: A seaside town with a long sandy beach and plenty of water sports.
  • Chepstow and the Wye Valley: A historic town with a beautiful castle and stunning natural scenery.
  • Hay on Wye: A charming town famous for its bookshops and literary festival.
  • Port Enyon: A beautiful coastal village with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.
  • Brecon Beacons: A national park with stunning scenery, wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities.
  • Gloucester: A historic city with a beautiful cathedral and plenty of cultural attractions.
  • Berkeley Castle: A historic castle with plenty of cultural and historic attractions.
  • Wookey Hole Caves: A network of limestone caves with underground rivers and stunning rock formations.
  • Clearwell Caves: Another network of limestone caves with a rich mining history.
  • Crealy Resort: A family-friendly adventure park with plenty of rides and attractions.
  • Techniquest, Cardiff: A science discovery centre with plenty of interactive exhibits.
  • Avon Valley Railway: A heritage railway with steam trains and plenty of historic stations.
  • American Museum and Gardens: A museum dedicated to American history and culture with stunning gardens.
  • Westonbirt Arboretum: A beautiful arboretum with plenty of trees and walking trails.
  • Dyrham Park: A beautiful historic house with stunning gardens and parkland.

These are just some of the top day trips from Bristol that you can take. There are plenty of other options depending on your interests and preferences.

Historical Destinations

If you’re a history buff, Bristol and the surrounding areas have plenty of historical destinations to explore. Here are a few day trips you won’t want to miss:

Bristol England Travel Guide: Discover the top things to do in Bristol, England, and plan the perfect itinerary with our suggestions for the best day trips from Bristol. Whether you're looking for cultural experiences in the city or scenic beauty in nearby areas, our guide to beautiful places near Bristol and things to do in South England will help you make the most of your visit including this wonderful day from Bristol to Bath.

Just a short 15-minute train ride from Bristol, Bath is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and one of the best day trips. The city is famous for its Roman Baths, which were built nearly 2,000 years ago. You can explore the ancient baths, see the original Roman plumbing, and even taste the mineral-rich water that made Bath a popular spa destination in the 18th century. In addition to the Roman Baths, Bath is also home to stunning Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and the Circus.

A bit further afield, but still within easy driving distance of Bristol, is the mysterious Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument is thought to have been built around 5,000 years ago, and its purpose is still a matter of debate among archaeologists and historians. Nevertheless, the iconic stone circle is an impressive sight to behold, and a day trip to Stonehenge is a must-do for anyone interested in ancient history.

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery located in the Wye Valley, just across the border in Wales. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was once a thriving center of monastic life. Today, the ruins are a popular destination for visitors who come to admire the Gothic architecture and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The abbey is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great place to go for a walk or a picnic.

Whether you’re interested in Roman history, prehistoric monuments, or Gothic architecture, these historical day trips from Bristol are sure to satisfy your curiosity.

Nature Escapes

If you’re looking for a break from city life, Bristol has plenty of nature escapes to offer. Here are some great day trips from Bristol for nature lovers:

Exploring Bristol UK: Ready for an unforgettable journey? Our guide to the best day trips from Bristol offers a treasure trove of destinations. Discover what to do in Bristol, England, from city attractions to serene beautiful places near Bristol. Whether you're seeking culture, history, or natural beauty, our Bristol England travel guide is your key to the finest days out in Bristol and beyond including this day trip from Bristol to Cotsworld

The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With rolling hills, picturesque villages, and plenty of walking trails, the Cotswold villages is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and a great day trip. Some of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds include Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is a beautiful ancient woodland that covers over 42 square miles. It’s a great place to go for a walk, cycle, or horse ride, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. You can also go kayaking or canoeing on the River Wye, which runs through the forest. Other activities include visiting the Clearwell Caves, Puzzlewood, and the Dean Heritage Centre.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular natural landmark that’s perfect for a day trip. The gorge is over 400 feet deep and is home to some of the UK’s most impressive limestone cliffs. You can take a guided tour of Gough’s Cave, which is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, or go rock climbing on the cliffs. Other attractions in the area include the Cheddar Reservoir and the Mendip Hills.

Avon Valley Railway

Avon Valley Railway is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This heritage railway offers visitors the chance to ride on a steam train and experience the golden age of railways. The Avon Valley Railway also boasts a number of historic stations along the route, each with its own unique charm and character. Visitors can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era.

American Museum and Gardens

The American Museum and Gardens is a fascinating attraction that celebrates American history and culture. The museum’s collections include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history, art, and culture of America. The stunning gardens that surround the museum are also a highlight, with beautifully landscaped grounds that offer visitors a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum is a beautiful arboretum that is home to a wide variety of trees and walking trails. Visitors can explore the arboretum’s many paths and trails, which wind through a stunning landscape of trees, flowers, and other plants. The arboretum is also home to a number of rare and unique species of trees, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

National Trust Tyntesfield

The National Trust Tyntesfield is a stunning Victorian Gothic house that is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. The house itself is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, with ornate detailing and beautiful interiors that are sure to impress visitors. The gardens and parkland that surround the house are also a highlight, with beautifully landscaped grounds that offer visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park is another beautiful historic house that is surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. The house itself is a fine example of 17th-century architecture, with beautiful interiors and period furnishings that transport visitors back in time. The gardens and parkland that surround the house are also a highlight, with beautifully landscaped grounds that offer visitors a peaceful retreat from the stresses of modern life.

Seaside Getaways

Looking for a day trip to the beach or want to explore charming seaside towns? Lucky for you, Bristol is surrounded by some fantastic seaside destinations that are perfect for a day out. Here are three of the best:

Weston-Super-Mare

Weston-Super-Mare is a classic British seaside town that’s perfect for a day trip from Bristol. The town has a long sandy beach, a pier with plenty of amusements, and a promenade lined with shops and cafes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at some water sports like windsurfing or paddleboarding.

Your Bristol England Adventure: Dive into our essential guide for things to do in Bristol, England. From exploring the iconic city to uncovering beautiful places in Somerset, we've got your itinerary covered. Find out about the best day trips from Bristol and make the most of your days out in Bristol, experiencing the rich diversity of things to do in South England including this day trip from Bristol to Cleveon

If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed seaside getaway, Clevedon is the perfect choice. This charming town is home to a pebble beach, a historic pier, and some lovely coastal walks. Make sure to check out the Victorian seafront buildings, including the striking Clevedon Hall.

Barry Island

Located just across the border in Wales, Barry Island is a popular seaside destination that’s well worth the trip from Bristol. The town has a long sandy beach, a funfair with plenty of rides and attractions, and some great fish and chip shops. Make sure to take a walk along the promenade for some stunning views of the Bristol Channel.

City Breaks: Day Trips from Bristol

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Bristol is a great starting point for a city break. Here are three nearby destinations that are worth considering:

Discover Bristol UK: Unravel the charm of Bristol with our comprehensive Bristol England travel guide. From the bustling city life to tranquil escapes, learn about the best day trips from Bristol. Our guide is packed with ideas for things to do in Bristol, England, including visiting beautiful places near Bristol and exploring the wider region's beautiful places in Somerset for the perfect days out in Bristol including a day trip from Bristol to Cardiff

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is just a short train ride away from Bristol. This vibrant city has plenty to offer, from historic castles to modern shopping centers. You can visit Cardiff Castle, stroll through Bute Park, or explore the National Museum Cardiff. For sports fans, Cardiff is home to the Principality Stadium, where you can catch a rugby or football match.

Exeter is a charming city in Devon, known for its historic cathedral and picturesque quayside. You can take a guided tour of the cathedral, walk along the River Exe, or visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Exeter is also a great base for exploring the nearby Dartmoor National Park, where you can go hiking, cycling, or horse riding.

Bristol to Gloucester Day Trip: Embark on a journey from Bristol to the historic city of Gloucester, a highlight among the best day trips from Bristol. Our Bristol England travel guide offers insights into this and other captivating destinations. Discover things to do in Bristol, England, and explore the beautiful places near Bristol, including the scenic and cultural wonders of Gloucester. Whether you're looking for historical sites or picturesque landscapes, find it all in our guide for days out in Bristol and beyond.

Gloucester is a historic city in the Cotswolds, famous for its stunning cathedral and picturesque docks. You can take a guided tour of the cathedral, visit the Gloucester Waterways Museum, or explore the Gloucester Quays shopping center. Gloucester is also home to the Gloucester Rugby Club, where you can catch a match at Kingsholm Stadium.

No matter which city you choose, you’re sure to have a great time on your city break from Bristol.

Family Friendly Trips

If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family, Bristol and its surrounding areas have plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. Here are three family-friendly day trips you won’t want to miss:

Longleat Safari Park

Longleat Safari Park is a great day out for animal lovers of all ages. Located about an hour’s drive from Bristol, this safari park is home to over 500 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and monkeys. You can drive through the park in your own car and get up close and personal with the animals, or take a guided tour on a bus. There are also plenty of other attractions at Longleat, including a maze, a boat ride, and a jungle cruise.

Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo is a must-visit for families with young children. Located in the heart of Bristol, this zoo is home to over 400 species of animals, including gorillas, penguins, and lemurs. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for kids, including a play area and a bug exhibit. The zoo also hosts regular events and activities, so be sure to check their website before you go.

SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain is a fascinating piece of maritime history that the whole family can enjoy. This steamship was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843. Today, it’s been fully restored and is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the ship’s decks, cabins, and engine room, and learn about life on board during the Victorian era. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for kids, including a chance to dress up in Victorian clothing.

Cultural Experiences: Day Trips from Bristol

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s rich in culture and history, Bristol has plenty of options. Here are three destinations that are worth checking out:

Bristol to Stratford-upon-Avon Excursion: Discover the charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, a quintessential English town and a top choice for the best day trips from Bristol. Our Bristol England travel guide not only highlights things to do in Bristol, England, but also guides you through the historic streets of Shakespeare's hometown. Experience the cultural and historical richness of Stratford-upon-Avon, along with other beautiful places near Bristol. Whether you're exploring the literary heritage of Stratford or enjoying the scenic beauty of Somerset, our suggestions for days out in Bristol promise a journey filled with discovery and delight.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a charming town that’s steeped in history. You can visit the house where the famous playwright was born and raised, as well as other sites that are associated with his life and work. The Royal Shakespeare Company also performs here, so you might be able to catch a play while you’re in town.

Home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Oxford is a city that’s packed with cultural treasures. You can take a tour of the university and its many colleges, which have produced countless famous scholars and thinkers over the centuries. The city is also full of museums, galleries, and historic buildings, so there’s plenty to see and do.

Located in the heart of Somerset, Wells is a small city that’s packed with character. Its most famous landmark is the stunning Wells Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and boasts some of the finest Gothic architecture in the country. The city also has a number of other historic buildings, including the Bishop’s Palace and the Vicars’ Close, which is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe.

No matter which of these destinations you choose, you’re sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Adventure Day Trips From Bristol

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of adventure day trips from Bristol that will get your heart racing. Here are three destinations to consider:

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons offer some of the best hiking and climbing in the UK. With its rugged terrain and stunning views, this national park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. You can take a guided hike to the summit of Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, or go caving in the underground caverns. If you’re feeling brave, try your hand at white water rafting on the River Usk.

Mendip Hills

The Mendip Hills are a great destination for rock climbing and caving. With its limestone cliffs and underground caves, this area is a popular spot for adventure seekers. You can also go mountain biking on the trails or take a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the landscape.

Quantock Hills

The Quantock Hills offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to horse riding and fishing. This area is known for its stunning views and diverse wildlife, including red deer and buzzards. You can take a guided hike to the summit of Wills Neck or explore the ancient oak woodlands.

No matter which adventure trip you choose, make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Always follow safety guidelines and respect the natural environment.

From Bristol to Gloucester and Beyond: Planning a day trip from Bristol? Don't miss the chance to visit Gloucester, a gem in our list of the best day trips from Bristol. Our guide details not only what to do in Bristol, England, but also the must-see attractions in Gloucester and other beautiful places near Bristol. Immerse yourself in the diverse offerings of the region, from the rich history of Gloucester to the stunning natural beauty of Somerset, ensuring your days out in Bristol are filled with unforgettable experiences.

Tips for Day Tripping

When planning Bristol day trip, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your time and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your day trip:

1. Plan ahead

Research your destination and plan your itinerary in advance. Make sure to check opening times, admission fees, and any other important details. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid disappointment.

2. Consider transportation

Think about how you will get to your destination. Will you drive, take public transportation, or book a tour? Consider the distance, travel time, and cost when making your decision.

3. Pack essentials

Make sure to pack everything you will need for the day, including snacks, water, sunscreen, and any necessary equipment or clothing. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

4. Be flexible

Allow for some flexibility in your itinerary in case of unexpected delays or changes. Don’t try to pack too much into one day, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

5. Respect the environment

When visiting natural or historic sites, be respectful of the environment and follow any rules or guidelines. Leave no trace and take only memories and photographs.

By following these tips, you can have a fun and stress-free day trip from Bristol and make the most of your time exploring the beautiful surrounding areas.

Getting Around

Getting around South West England and its surrounding areas is easy and convenient. You can choose from a variety of transportation options, including:

  • We recommend RentalCars if you need one.
  • Train:  Bristol has two main train stations: Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. Both stations offer regular services and direct trains to destinations around the UK, including London, Bath, Cardiff, and Birmingham and surrounding countryside. Train travel is a great option for day trips from Bristol, as it allows you to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery.
  • Bus:  Bristol has an extensive bus network, with services running to destinations across the city and beyond. Local bus companies, such as First Bus and Stagecoach, offer day tickets and group tickets that can save you money if you’re traveling with others.
  • Bike:  Bristol is a bike-friendly city, with many dedicated cycle paths and bike rental options. You can easily rent a bike from one of the city’s many bike rental companies and explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
  • Walking:  Bristol is a compact city, and many of its attractions can be easily reached on foot. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s historic streets, parks, and waterfront areas.

No matter what mode of transportation you choose, be sure to plan your journey in advance and check for any disruptions or delays. With so many day trips to choose from, you’ll want to make the most of your time and ensure a smooth journey.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your day trip from Bristol, there are a few things to consider to make the most out of your experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

1. Decide on your destination

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose where to go. Consider your interests and preferences. Do you want to explore a small village, historic sites, natural wonders, national parks, or quaint towns? Do you prefer outdoor activities or cultural experiences? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to do, it will be easier to narrow down your options.

2. Check the weather

The weather can greatly impact your day trip experience. Make sure to check the forecast before you head out and pack accordingly. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sunny days, and raincoats or umbrellas for rainy days.

3. Plan your transportation

Depending on your destination, you may need to take a car, train, or bus. Check the schedules and routes ahead of time and plan accordingly. If you’re driving, make sure to check for any road closures or construction that may impact your journey.

4. Pack snacks and water

You don’t want to be caught hungry or thirsty during your day trip. Bring along some snacks and water to keep you fueled throughout the day. Consider packing a picnic lunch if you’re heading to a scenic spot.

5. Consider guided tours

If you’re interested in learning more about your destination, consider booking a guided tour. Many day trip destinations offer guided tours that can provide you with a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the area.

By following these tips, you can ensure a fun and memorable day trip from Bristol.

Bristol is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding areas, with plenty of day trip options available to suit all interests. From the natural beauty of the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills to the historic cities of Bath and Wells, there are endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. Whether you’re a local looking to explore more of your own backyard or a visitor looking to make the most of your time in the area, these day trips from Bristol are sure to leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for this beautiful corner of England.

Marissa is a scientist, sports lover, traveler, tech executive, and baked goods enthusiast. Currently based between Toronto, NYC, and LA, she calls all three places home throughout the year. She has lived in seven countries and explored countless more as a long-term visitor. You can find her work on Darling Escapes and around the web.

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places to visit within an hour of bristol

Life in Bristol is pretty peachy, but it’s nice to get away every once in a while. Here, we share relaxing countryside excursions, brilliant day trips, and the best places to visit in the UK, plus some exciting international travel inspiration!

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places to visit within an hour of bristol

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Great British Bucket List

13 Incredible Day Trips from Bristol, England

Are you looking for the best day trips from bristol from tours to stonehenge to hiking cheddar gorge, this is what to do near bristol..

day trips from bristol

Bristol is a place nestled in a glorious countryside of rolling hills, dramatic gorges and coastal villages. If you can drag yourself away from the city, there is so much natural beauty to enjoy.

From ancient monuments, old-fashioned towns with historic pubs, to grand landscapes, safari parks and underground adventures, you’re sure to find day trips from Bristol that suit all budgets and interests.

tours from bristol

What’s even better is Bristol has great public transport connections, and there are plenty of tours from Bristol too. That means you’ll be able to get to many of these places listed here even if you don’t have your own car.

Bristol embodies the beauty of the west country, and there are so many unique activities nearby. From feeding a giraffe at Longleat Safari to exploring Glastonbury, you’re in for an amazing time whatever you choose to do.

So, if you’re headed this way and you’re looking for what to do near Bristol, here is my list of recommendations. Pick one of these things and I guarantee nothing but good times ahead.

We’ve got lots of other tips for trips to Bristol, so don’t miss our guide to the best brunches in Bristol , best walks near Bristol and Chloe’s Bristol day trip itinerary .

Day trips from Bristol

Stonehenge tours from bristol.

stonehenge tours from bristol

Ahhh, the mysterious beauty of Stonehenge. For the last 4000-5000 years, the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge has delighted people from all over the world. As one of the most iconic monuments in the United Kingdom , a trip to Stonehenge is always one of the most popular day trips from Bristol.

Let someone else take over the driving and take advantage of the Stonehenge tours from Bristol. Both private and group tours can be arranged and prices include entry, transport and audio guides. Some tours even include a trip to Lacock and Avebury, or to Salisbury. You can check out these tours either with Greenman Tours or Mad Max Tours .

Alternatively, you can pick up a ticket to Stonehenge that includes a queue jump here. This is great for those of you who are short on time and like planning ahead.

Bristol boat trip with afternoon tea

bristol boat tours

How does learning about the fascinating maritime history of Bristol while taking in the sights from the water and indulging in a scone and a nice cup of tea sound to you? If you answered “Great!”, then the Bristol boat trip with afternoon tea is for you.

The afternoon tea cruise sails for 2 hours and is known for its humorous and informative commentary.  You’ll understand what we mean by that once you’ve taken the tour.

Tours from Bristol’s Wapping Wharf normally run on Wednesdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Be sure to book in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

longleat safari park

Koalas, hippos, lions, cheetahs, monkeys, zebras and Anne the rescued circus elephant are all waiting to greet you at the Longleat Safari and Adventure Park .

Just 30 miles away, this safari will provide one of the most unique day trips from Bristol for the whole family. You can purchase a ticket for the on-site bus tour, or feel like you’re on a real adventure and drive your own vehicle through.

Aside from an abundance of animals, the park provides mazes, boat cruises, Longleat house and gardens, and a kid’s adventure playground. You can even hand feed birds and giraffes too. It goes without saying, but this really is one of the best activities for kids around. There are so many learning opportunities for them, so it’s fun and educational.

Loneleat has a very good ethical and ecology record too. They are a very sustainable organisation and their animal welfare is top notch.

Westonbirt Arboretum

coach day trips from bristol

Located in the Cotswolds, the Westonbirt Arboretum boasts an amazing collection of trees from all over the world. Spend your day exploring some of the many nature trails, identifying flora and fauna using the Westonbirt Arboretum’s Plant and Flower Spotter’s Guide, or snap drool-worthy photos along the Picture Perfect trail.

While this is an amazing place to cool down in summer, there are also fun activities for all seasons, including a Christmas light show, a tree top walkway and Gruffalo trail for the kids. The site also features an on-site shop, restaurant and outdoor play areas. Basically, there really is something for everyone here which is why we love it!

Cheddar Gorge

cheddar gorge bristol

Cheese and nature lovers unite and make your way to Cheddar Gorge! At 137m (449ft) deep and 4.8km (2.98 miles) long, Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in England. This is also the place where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete human skeleton in Britain was found. Two records in one!

Surrounded by natural beauty, the best way to enjoy this gorge is by taking a circular 4-mile walk. The national trust recommended route takes you past the pinnacles and caves, and provides stunning views.

After some good fresh air, make your way to a cheese making tour and learn the history of the iconic cheese named after the area. Don’t forget to try a few samples too.

Glastonbury Tor Walk

glastonbury tor walk

Free day trips from Bristol can provide breathtaking views and a full day’s entertainment without splashing any cash. The Glastonbury Tor Walk, for example, is one of the best hikes in Somerset, and that’s saying something! This popular walk takes you from the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey to the summit of Glastonbury Tor.

The circular walk is around 2 miles and there is a fairly moderate climb to the top of the hill. At the top you’ll find St Michael’s Tower, an old 15th century church tower with some of the best views of England.

One of the best bits about this walk is you’ll end up in Glastonbury itself. That means you can finish off your walk with a pub lunch or afternoon tea.

bristol day trips

With its gorgeous 18 th century Georgian architecture, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City, in fact the only one in the UK. Located just 13 miles away, Bath is very easy to get to from Bristol. What makes this day trip even better is that there are great public transport connections between the two cities and it is very easy exploring Bath on foot, so you don’t need a car for this one.

The Roman Baths are of course a key place to visit, however Bath offers so much more. While you’re here, take a stroll through Queens Square, enjoy the architecture of the houses in Circus and Royal Crescent areas, visit the Bath Abbey and enjoy the views at Pulteney Weir.

One of the best ways of experience Bath is on a walking tour of the city . On a tour like this you’ll see all the top sites – this tour also includes entry into the Roman Baths afterwards too which is a bonus.

Arlington Row, Bibury in the Cotswolds

Have you been picturing yourself tiptoeing down cobbled streets, surrounded by quaint stone houses with thatched roofs? Or perhaps taking cream teas by the river? Then the Cotswolds are the villages near Bristol to visit for you.

Located 55 miles north-east of Bristol, the Cotswolds are made up of many villages and towns, each seemingly more gorgeous that the last! But where to start?

With a small river running through the centre, boutique shopping and cream teas a plenty, Burton-On-Water is a great pick. For quintessential cobbled streets, stone houses, thatched roofs, and English pubs, make your way to Castle Comb. Go to Stow-on-the-Wold for tea rooms, manors and museums, or Tetbury for a round of antiquing. You can discover the best villages in the Cotswolds in our blog post here.

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

llanddwyn island wales

Llanddwyn Island isn’t quite an island – it’s just about attached to the mainland – but it does offer some of the best views of the stunning North Wales coastline.

One of the highlights here is the Tŵr Mawr lighthouse (that’s ‘Great Tower lighthouse’ in English). This is an old lighthouse that dates back to 1845 and it’s become one of the most photogenic spots in Wales.

It’s also the perfect place to spot some wildlife. Seals are often seen relaxing in the sun on the rocks below. Also, if you’re lucky, you can see dolphins and occasionally minke whales in the area too. This is genuinely one of my favourite spots in Wales. If you get here on a hot and sunny day it definitely does not feel like you’re in the UK at all!

Weston-Super-Mare

weston super mare

Just 18 miles south-west of Bristol, and conveniently connected by public transport, sits the Victorian seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare. Providing long stretches of beach, ice cream stands and donkey rides, a day trip here should be on your list of what to do near Bristol. Especially during the summer when it is a real holiday hotspot.

The town itself also offers plenty to keep you entertained. For example, visiting The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens which is complete with moat and drawbridge. Or visiting The Grand Pier, an indoor amusement park set over the water, great for families on rainy days.

Wookey Hole

fun day trips from bristol

Looking for fun day trips from Bristol for families? Then come and explore the world from underground at Wookey Hole . Wookey Hole’s main attraction is a system of underground caves. In fact, they are the largest show caves in England!

Now lit up and equipped with walking paths, this system of caves was once home to cavemen thousands of years ago. More than just caves, admission includes access to mini golf, mirror mazes and a fairy garden. You can also walk through the valley of dinosaurs, play on vintage penny arcade machines and enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas. As I said, this is such a great place for families – all you big kids will love it too.

day tours from bristol

The city of Salisbury, on the south eastern side of Wiltshire is steeped with history. In fact, the Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of the original Magna Cartas! The medieval cathedral itself is the place of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands each year, and it has the tallest spire in Britain.

Be sure to take some time wandering the streets and admiring the buildings that have stood here for hundreds of years. Including a stroll through the High Street Gate, built in the early 1300s and was once used to lock up convicted criminals. Then head over to 700-year-old The Haunch of Venison for a spot of lunch that will delight your taste buds.

Tintern Abbey

villages near bristol to visit

Just over the border in Wales on the banks of the River Wye sits the Tintern Abbey. This majestic ruin was founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow for Cistercian monks.

In 1537 the abbey was dissolved and has since been left to nature’s forces. Though roofless, the walls are standing and you can still spot many distinctive features of this Early English to Decorated Gothic style structure.

Take a guided history tour, wander through the surrounding countryside and enjoy refreshments at the on-site cafe.

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13 Incredible Day trips from Bristol, England

2 thoughts on “13 Incredible Day Trips from Bristol, England”

Great public transport – what are you on about. Lived in Bristol all of my life and spent about half of it waiting for buses that never came

We’ve always found a lot of the public transport options to the places listed okay. Agree, getting around the city itself can be frustrating at times. Fingers crossed it improves in the future!

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Wanderlust Chloe

The Perfect Bristol Day Trip Itinerary: Attractions, Food and Sightseeing

From taking in the views of clifton suspension bridge and the ss great britain, to great food and colourful street art, this is the perfect bristol day trip itinerary.

When it comes to choosing a day trip from London, there are so many great options. Just hop on a train and within an hour or two you can be exploring the vintage stores in Brighton , wandering the historic Shambles in York , seeing Roman history in Bath or punting in Cambridge. It’s a relaxing way to travel, and if you plan a little in advance then you’ll be able to bag some cheap train tickets too.

For our latest trip we were looking for a destination that had a little bit of everything! We liked the idea of being by the water, especially as the weather forecast promised warm sunny days. We also wanted to find a place with a cool food scene and a few attractions.

Ferris wheel in Bristol

So, where came out on top? Bristol! We’ve both always loved Bristol. It’s got such a creative spirit, which comes through not only in the vibrant murals you see splashed around the city, but also in its shops and restaurants. It’s one of those cities that feels full of life!

We set off on a day trip from London to Bristol and spent a couple of days cramming lots of sightseeing and food experiences. We hopped on boats, explored ancient monuments, climbed towers, ate a range of cuisines and even found a few speakeasies… all in the name of research of course!

SS Great Britain in the sunshine

Whether you’ve only got one day in Bristol, or you want to spread my recommendations out over a weekend, this Bristol itinerary has lots of travel tips to make the most of your visit.

Park Street, Bristol

How To Get To Bristol

We travelled from London to Bristol by train. The journey takes just over an hour and a half from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads Station. It’s such an easy way to travel and happens to be a good hour or so faster than driving!

As with many UK cities, once you’re in Bristol you’re unlikely to want a car, so the train is a much better option. It’s also a lot more sustainable, which is something we should all be considering right now.

We used our Two Together Railcard to save money on our train tickets

To make things cheaper, Macca and I have a National Rail Two Together Railcard . This is 100% worth buying if you travel with the same person regularly. It saves up to 1/3 on train travel and only costs £30 for a whole year. There are eight other Railcards available if this doesn’t suit you, including one for friends and family and others if you’re aged 16-25 or 26-30.

Bristol day trip from London

As an example, for this journey, our tickets were reduced by over £50 with our Two Together Railcard. It’s quite likely you’ll make your money back on one trip (as we did on our recent weekend break in York ), meaning any future journeys will be filled with savings!

Once you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads Station, it’s a short walk to the city’s main sights and attractions.

The Perfect Bristol Day Trip

Coming up are lots of recommendations for places to visit on your Bristol day trip. If you want to take things at a leisurely pace, I’d just pick a few of your favourites, or stay an extra day so you can tick everything off the list.

Bristol Harbour

Take in the views of Clifton Suspension Bridge

One of Bristol’s most iconic spots, everyone should visit this majestic bridge. It’s one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s most famous designs, and is an impressive feat of engineering.

Clifton Suspension Bridge in the summer

Brunel was just 24 when he won a competition to head up the project. It took 33 years to complete and today is one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. It connects two sides of the Avon Gorge, over the River Avon.

For the best views of the bridge, I’d recommend visiting the park by Clifton Observatory. There are plenty of benches here where you can look out and admire the bridge.

Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most famous sights in Bristol

For a quirkier view of the structure, how about heading down into the Giant’s Cave? This is a natural cave within the limestone of the gorge. Access is via 100+ steps, and once you emerge, you’ll see the bridge from a whole new angle!

One of the prettiest scenes you’ll see of this bridge is during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta which takes place every August. If you can time your Bristol day trip for one of the days it’s on, you’ll see beautiful hot air balloons dotted throughout the skies. It’s a very special time to be in the city!  

Explore Clifton Village

Clifton is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Bristol. With bunting criss-crossing the streets and a range of chic boutiques and brunch spots, it’s a lovely area to mooch around.

Clifton Village Bristol

Key places to visit are The Mall, Princess Victoria Street and the stunning Royal York Crescent. If you’re a lover of all things colourful, you simply have to visit Sky Bristol on Waterloo Street. With vibrant prints, fun greetings cards and quirky gifts, this is a shop that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Sky Bristol - the most colourful shop in Clifton

Pod is great for homewares and gardening items while Portobella is a fun fashion store with a focus on multicoloured prints.

Clifton Village has a great food scene too. There’s The Mall Deli for tasty meats and cheeses, plus Chandos Deli and Spicer and Cole are ideal for brunching, lunching and caffeine fixes. For a quirky meal, visit The Clifton Sausage, where you can pick from a special menu of homemade sausages. Over 100,000 sausages are consumed every year here, so you know they’ll be good! This guide will point you in the direction of Bristol’s best brunch spots .

Exploring Clifton - York Royal Crescent

Catch the Bristol water taxi or go on a boat trip

Bristol is a city where you’re never far from the water, so it makes sense that some of the best views are from a boat! There are two easy options if you’re visiting for planning a Bristol day trip: catch the Bristol Ferry waterbus or go on a Bristol Packet boat trip .

The waterbus is a really great way to get around the city as it connects places like Castle Park, Wapping Wharf and the SS Great Britain. A short hop will only set you back £2.

You can use the Bristol ferry to get around on your Bristol day trip

Meanwhile, the Bristol Packet boat tours are great if you’re looking for a guided tour. The City Dock Tour takes 45 minutes and has a live commentary.

Boat on the water in Bristol

Visit CARGO in Wapping Wharf

When you see the stack of shipping containers in Wapping Wharf you might wonder what you’re approaching. This is actually a super-cool part of Bristol’s harbourside complex, and inside each container you’ll find something different.

Cargo in Bristol

The key reason to visit is for the food! There are so many cuisines with small eateries here including:

  • Loki Poké – Poké bowls
  • Cargo Cantina – Mexican food
  • Bakers & Co – Bread and pastries
  • Dog Town – Hot dogs
  • Gambas – Tapas
  • Pizzarova – Sourdough pizza

If you’re looking for a budget lunch in Bristol, Cargo is a really great option with street food vibes all around. I opted for a poké bowl this time which was delicious and fresh – perfect for a sunny day!

Poke bowl in Bristol

While you’re in the area, I’d recommend squeezing in a bit of shopping too. There are some cool independent stores located in the containers. My favourite was Frankly – a shop filled with pretty jewellery, colourful accessories and ethical gifts.  

Moments away you’ll also find Bookhaus – an independent bookstore where you’ll see notes dotted around the store with recommendations from the staff. This offers a really lovely personal style of shopping experience.

Frankly - cute store in Cargo

Learn the history of the SS Great Britain

I’ve been to Bristol a few times before but this was my first time checking out one of the city’s main attractions, the SS Great Britain .

SS Great Britain - a must visit if you're spending one day in Bristol

This impressive ship (another creation by Brunel) was a leader in her day! She was the largest passenger ship in the world in the 1840s. 750 people could travel on board, across three different classes. The ship was famed for transporting passengers from England to Australia which took a whopping 120 days! How amazing is that?

SS Great Britain dry dock

There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend half a day here. It’s ideal for kids too, as so many of the elements are interactive! You can wander along the edge of the base of the boat in the dry dock, take photos on the deck, learn lots in the museum area and take a look at Brunel’s life at a dedicated museum to the brains behind the ship! If you’re feeling brave, you could even book in for a ‘climb the rigging’ experience!

SS Great Britain

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Adelina Yard

I’ve suggested Cargo as a great budget lunch option in Bristol, but now it’s time to reach a little deeper into your pockets! If you’re looking for a restaurant in the city centre for a special meal, book a table at Adelina Yard .

Gourmet lunch at Adelina Yard

This casual restaurant serves gourmet dishes with a modern European theme. The décor is minimalist, with distressed walls, dried flowers and rugged chopped branches as cutlery stands.

We went for the 4-course set lunch at £38 per person. Over a couple of hours, we tucked into dainty plates of tomato and watermelon salad with goat’s curd, a smoky eel dish with beetroot stars and burnt apple, and a tasty Iberico pork dish with a pungent black garlic ketchup.

Lunch at Adelina Yard

The food was presented in a smart manner, and there was a relaxed but professional approach to the service too. All in all, a lovely place for a memorable meal in Bristol.

Stop for ice cream at Swoon Gelato or a doughnut at Pinkmans Bakery

Whenever I’ve asked for recommendations of places to visit in Bristol, these two spots have cropped up over and over! If you have a sweet tooth, definitely add these to your Bristol day trip itinerary!

Swoon Gelato specialises in artisan gelato. They offer 11 standard flavours including salted caramel, mango, pistachio and chocolate, plus a few specials. As it was so warm, I ordered a scoop of the raspberry sorbetti which was refreshing, tart and utterly delicious – as if someone had smashed a load of fresh raspberries up and frozen them!

Swoon Gelato is great on warm days in Bristol

Meanwhile, a short stroll up Park Street is Pinkmans Bakery, which specialises in sourdough doughnuts. They’re light and fluffy, and very well-filled. Again, you’ll find some standard flavours along with specials such as lemon meringue and pineapple and coconut.

Check out Bristol’s street art scene

Bristol is a really creative city and one of the biggest expressions of that is through the street art. It’s a city to walk around with your eyes wide open. Scan the sides of buildings and look for colourful motifs – they’re everywhere!

Street art in Bristol

The most famous of all the graffiti artists is of course Banksy. You might spot a few works as you wander around on foot, but to gain a bit more insight I’d recommend booking a Where The Wall self-guided street art tour. The tour and map load on your phone and take you on a 3-mile walking tour to see Banksy’s most famous works, alongside some other notable artworks. At each one there’s a short video presentation with information about the piece.

Banksy in Bristol

If street art is a big reason for your day trip to Bristol, you simply have to visit Stokes Croft. This neighbourhood is grittier and edgier than many parts of the city, but it’s also covered heat-to-toe in murals. I loved walking the streets around here, taking photos as I went. If you’re a fan of vintage shopping, you’ll love this neighbourhood too!

Graffiti and street art in Stokes Croft, Bristol

Alternatively, pop by the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery where there’s always lots of interesting artworks to admire. When I visited there were two works by Banksy inside. This museum is free to enter too! 

Banksy sculpture in Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Take in the views of Bristol from the top of Cabot Tower

If you’re looking for one of the best viewpoints over Bristol, you’re going to need to use your legs a little! Cabot Tower is a short walk from Park Street. The building itself is 32 metres tall, but as it’s perched on top of Brandon Hill it offers really incredible panoramas of Bristol.

Cabot Tower, Bristol

From the top you’ll see all the famous sights including Clifton Suspension Bridge, the colourful houses in Clifton Village, the River Avon, Bristol Harbour and the SS Great Britain. This is another attraction that won’t cost you a penny. It’s definitely one of the best free things to do in Bristol too.

Best view of Bristol from Cabot Tower

Brandon Hill Park is a really serene and peaceful park, so I’d recommend having a little meander through the gardens before you leave.

Go for cocktails at a speakeasy bar

Are you a cocktail connoisseur? You’ll be happy to hear Bristol has an exciting bar scene! As a Londoner I’ve been to several ‘speakeasy’ style bars, but I didn’t know that this scene was thriving in Bristol too.

The Milk Thistle is one of the coolest and comes with quite the accolade – being named one of the UK’s Top 50 Bars! It’s the kind of place you could walk by without realising that inside is a very cool cocktail bar split across four storeys, with its own hidden vault!

The Milk Thistle, Bristol

The main bar on the ground floor is filled with unique and unusual items, rather like an old-fashioned house of curiosities. The expert mixologists are happy to work off the fun cocktail menu of intriguing drinks, or they can shake up your favourite classic.

Cocktails at The Milk Thistle on our Bristol day trip

The Scarlet Lantern is another secret bar in Bristol. Located just around the corner from Banksy’s famous ‘Well Hung Lover’, this bar is only identifiable from the red lantern that hangs above the door. Follow the steps down to an underground lair with 4-poster beds, a well-stocked bar and no doubt plenty of debauchery!

Feast on Sri Lankan cuisine The Coconut Tree

We went on our honeymoon to Sri Lanka so I was already a huge fan of Sri Lankan food. I adore the delicate balance of spices, chilli and coconut you find in this part of the world. Crispy hoppers, spicy coconut sambal, fragrant curries, moreish kotthu and rotis – I mean, what’s not to love?!

When I heard there was a top-rated Sri Lankan restaurant called The Coconut Tree in Bristol, I couldn’t wait to try it. With pumping tunes and cocktails served in novelty elephants, I wasn’t sure it was going to be the most authentic meal… but I was wrong!

Sri Lankan restaurant in Bristol - The Coconut Tree

Over two hours we feasted on crispy hoppers topped with hot sambals, an indulgent salmon curry that was rich with coconut milk, a pork curry that had a smoky sauce, and delightfully moreish spiced potatoes.

I liked that all the dishes were designed for sharing (with dishes priced between £4 and £9), so we could try lots of different things. There are a few branches of this restaurant across the south west of England, including in Bath and Cheltenham. I’d definitely recommend trying one if you’d like to find out why everyone raves about Sri Lankan food!  

Where To Stay In Bristol

If a day trip to Bristol feels a little rushed, you could book a hotel in the centre. I’d recommend staying at The Clayton Hotel which is in an ideal location, walking distance from many of the key sights and moments from St Nicholas Market (where you’ll also find plenty of great street food!)

Clayton Hotel Bristol

We stayed in a comfortable superior room on the 8 th floor, which was large with several windows. The lobby area was smart with cool lighting and a vibrant mural by the main entrance. There’s a large selection of items available at the breakfast buffet here too, from fried savoury items to gooey chocolate croissants. It was perfect for a short break in the city centre.

I hope you’ve found my Bristol day trip itinerary helpful. Have a great time in the city – it’s easily one of my favourites in Britain!

A big thanks to National Rail for inviting me to share my thoughts on visiting the city. Don’t forget to buy a Railcard before you travel. It could save you up to 1/3 on train travel.

If you’re looking for more great ideas for days out, check out my guide to the best UK weekend breaks .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

1 thought on “The Perfect Bristol Day Trip Itinerary: Attractions, Food and Sightseeing”

Thank you this was super helpful ! I love my two together railcard as well, just trying to decide between Bath or Bristol for the day…

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21 Best places to visit near Bath and Bristol

From Stonehenge to the beaches of Swansea and Gloucester to Glastonbury, these are the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol .

Places to visit near Bath and Bristol Vicars Close Wells

Welcome to my guide to over 20 of the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol.

The two West Country cities are both great destinations for exploring this beautiful corner of England, and we show you places from the beaches of the Bristol Channel coast to the stunning villages of the Cotswolds, less than an hour away to the north.

I also explore further east, heading into Wiltshire to explore its ancient sites and the lovely cathedral city of Salisbury, and south into Somerset.

I finish our journey across the Severn in South Wales, where we follow in the footsteps of Britain’s first modern tourists in the Wye Valley and venture as far west as the Gower Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the UK.

Enjoy!   

Table of Contents

Places To Visit Near Bath And Bristol

1. cheddar gorge.

Image of Cheddar Gorge Somerset England UK

Cheddar Gorge is one of the great landmarks in England ,  a soaring narrow limestone gorge with a superb circular hike and one of the most famous caves in the UK. It’s also the gateway to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , a wild upland plateau area in North Somerset.

 My favourite thing to do in Cheddar is the circular Gorge Walk. If you climb the 200-plus steps of Jacob’s Ladder you’ll have to pay, whereas if you start on the opposite side of the Gorge you can descend for free.

Either way, Jacob’s Ladder is included in the Cheddar Gorge Day Ticket, which includes the two main caves. The whole circuit of the Gorge takes around two hours and will do wonders for your calf muscles.

Gough’s Cave is wondrous, the rock formations all beautifully lit, while Cox’s Cave hosts a multimedia experience, Dreamhunters – The Adventures of Early Man. While visiting the caves, you’ll see cheese maturing all around you – a reminder that Cheddar gives its name and is home to one of the most famous cheeses in the world.

2, Tyntesfield

Image of Tyntesfield Hopuise Somerset England UK

Tyntesfield , a few miles south-west of Bristol in North Somerset, is one of the finest country houses in England.  The estate was in the ownership of the Tynte family who built a hunting lodge there in the 16 th century.

The estate was acquired by William Gibbs, who made a vast fortune from guano – bird  poo – imported from Peru and Bolivia and turned into fertiliser.  Gibbs built the neo-Gothic mansion in the 1840s, expanding it 20 years later.

One of the most striking features is the chapel, which is said to be modelled on the magnificent Sainte Chapelle in Paris .   

3, Clevedon

Image of Clevedon Pier North Somerset England UK

Clevedon is a seaside town on the Bristol Channel coast, just a 13-mile drive or bus ride from Bristol, with Portishead to the north and Weston-super-Mare to the south.

The town grew during the Victorian era when it became a popular seaside resort. The pebbly and rocky beach is one for curious explorer kids like Our Little Fellow, and it commands superb views across the Channel to South Wales.

However, the best thing to see in Clevedon is its stunning Victorian pier, surely the most elegant in the UK, and located in a perfect sunset spot for the longer days during the summer months.

The Glass Box restaurant at the town end of the Pier serves fish and chips and other seafood specials, while the Pagoda Café at the end of the Pier is a great place topo enjoy coffee and cake.

4. Gloucester

Image of Gloucester Cathedral at dusk

The city of Gloucester, a 30-mile trip up the M5 from Bristol, is best-known for its stunning Cathedral. It’s one of the finest in England, with elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Perpendicular, including the cloisters which were used as the location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films.

There’s plenty more to see in the rest of the city and nearby, with the evocative Infirmary Arches and St Oswald’s Priory both making evocative foregrounds for your Cathedral photos.

Image of Gloucester Cathedral at sunset

We also recommend the Tailor of Gloucester’s House on narrow College Court, which leads to the Cathedral.  It’s a small Beatrix Potter Museum and gift shop, well worth half an hour if you have kids with you.

Gloucester Docks is a short walk away from the historic centre, and is home to the National Waterways Museum. It’s the largest of its kind in the world, delving into the history of Britain’s rivers and canals. They have a collection of over 50 boats, and during the warmer months you can go on a boat trip around the Docks.

While in the area, don’t miss the unique Rococo Garden in Painswick, a few miles south of Gloucester and just north of Stroud.

5. The Cotswolds

Image of Upper Slaughter village Cotswolds England UK

The Cotswolds are just half an hour to the north of Bristol and Bath, an area to dip in and out of rather than try to see all at once. For many visitors, the Cotswolds are the epitome of rural England, with gentle hilly countryside and medieval villages built from the local honey-coloured stone. 

The area stretches across eastern Gloucestershire into Oxfordshire, and includes some of the most beautiful villages in England. These include honeypots such as Bibury (pictured) and Lower Slaughter, and my personal favourite, Snowshill.

The Cotswolds grew wealthy from the wool trade in the Middle Ages, and this is reflected in the fine buildings in its towns, especially the churches at Chipping Campden and Tetbury.

6. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury

Image of Westonbirt Arboretum tetbury Gloucestershire England Uk

The National Arboretum at Westonbirt is one of the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol, and somewhere we rate on a similar level to Kew Gardens in London. The collection of over 15,000 trees dates back to the early Victorian period, and there are over 2,000 species from all over the world, including numerous endangered species.

It’s an amazing introduction to the world of trees, and a fascinating place to observe the changes between the seasons. We’ve only visited in springtime, when the woodlands are ablaze with colour. But the most popular time to visit is in late October and early November, when the autumn foliage is at its best.  

7. Weston-super-Mare

Image of the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare England UK

Weston-super-Mare is a great seaside town on the Bristol Channel coast with two enormous beaches and a third just beyond Brean Down, the highest point in the area.

When I was a kid our local beach was Barry Island, just across the water in South Wales, and from there you could see Weston on a reasonably clear day. We made our way over to Weston a few times, and I also used to pop down to the beach from time to time when I lived in Bristol.

The main Weston-super-Mare beach is dominated by the Grand Pier , which is so long there is a land train on it. It has all the classic British seaside ingredients – fish and chips, amusement arcades and the smallest rollercoaster in the UK.

I can also recommend Sand Bay Beach, which is just around the headland to the north of the main beach, which is less frequented than its neighbour.

8. Bradford-on-Avon

Image of the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford-on-Avon England UK

Bradford-on-Avon is one of our favourite places to visit near Bristol and Bath, a gorgeous Wiltshire town that charmed us greatly on a birthday day trip a few years ago.  

It’s only 25 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads by train, and ten from Bath Spa, and the station is only a short walk from the compact, easily walkable town centre, so no need for a car for this one.

Image of St Lurence Church Bradford on Avon England Uk

One of the first things you see is the medieval stone bridge over the river Avon, and the structure built into its corner was originally a chapel and later used as a lock-up.  

Before crossing the river, we were tempted by afternoon tea at The Bridge Tea Rooms , one of the best we’ve had anywhere. The exterior of the building is charming wonky late-medieval, and the staff wear Victorian dress uniforms.   

The riverside is dominated by the surviving woollen mills, relics from the town’s heyday as one of the country’s leading wool producers, which continued until the 19 th century.

Don’t miss the rare and remarkable Saxon church of St Laurence on the north side of the river, a simple structure believed to date from the 10 th or 11 th century – but definitely pre-dating the Norman Conquest of 1066.

See Also : One Day In Bath – 24 hours in the stunning Georgian city

9. Longleat

Longleat is a brilliant family day out, with a safari park set in the extensive grounds of one of the finest Elizabethan (second half of the 16 th century) houses in the country, the home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Bath.

Longleat is around 20 miles south of Bath, close to the Somerset town of Frome and Wiltshire town of Warminster. The drive through safari was the highlight of our visit, passing a pride of lions,  watching Asian elephants up close and having macaques clambering over the car in search of food.

There is also a walking safari, where you encounter the likes of koalas (a rarity in Europe), and a boat safari where you can see creatures as diverse as lowland gorillas, hippos and sea lions.

You need a car to enjoy the best of it, and at £40 per adult, I’d look to make the most of it. Take the train or bus somewhere else another day.

Image of Wells Cathedral Somerset England UK

Wells, an hour south of Bristol and Bath, is the smallest cities in England and one of the most underrated cities in Europe . I’ve always been amazed at how it has remained off the beaten track, as it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in England.

The city is best known for its Cathedral, especially the staggering west front. The twin-towered façade is one of the masterpieces of the Middle Ages, with hundreds of stone statues carved into its niches. Its interior is also remarkable, particularly the rare scissor arches which hold up the central tower.

Image of the Central Tower of Wells Cathedral England UK

Wells has the most complete preserved Cathedral precincts in the UK, with the neighbouring Bishops Palace and the medieval stone cottages of the Vicars Close surviving the centuries almost unscathed.

The rest of the small city is beautiful too, with most of the buildings in the centre either medieval or Georgian.  

11. Glastonbury

Image of Glastonbury Abbey Somerset England Uk

Glastonbury is known the world over for its festival, held a few miles from the town every June, and it’s one of the most fascinating small towns in England, shrouded in millennia-old legends.

One of these is that Joseph of Arimathea visited Glastonbury, bringing with him the Holy Grail,  a wooden cup said to have been used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. 

It is also believed to be the final resting place of legendary British King Arthur – this is marked by a sign in the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.

Image of Glastonbury Tor Somerset England Uk

Believed to be Arthur’s Avalon, the Glastonbury landscape certainly has mystical qualities, especially Glastonbury Tor. This modest 523-foot hill rises high above the surrounding lowlands of the Somerset Levels, and the church tower of St Michael on its summit is perhaps the most famous landmark in the region.

It’s an amazing sight, especially at sunrise and sunset, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the mists swirling around it.

Glastonbury town is also well worth the day trip. The Abbey, largely ruined except for the magnificent Abbot’s Kitchen, is a must-see, with the Galilee Chapel and pillars of the central tower the most prominent sights.

In the town centre, there are some exceptional medieval buildings, most notably the George Hotel and Pilgrims Inn which dates from 1439.

12. Somerset Churches

Image if St Mary's Church Huish Episcopi Somerset England Uk

In the Middle Ages Somerset was extraordinarily rich thanks to its prosperous wool trade, and this led to the creation of a remarkable, but rarely explored, record of this period – the incredible wealth of Somerset church towers, which I would say is the largest concentration in the UK. They are mostly in the English Perpendicular style, the unique British variant on late Gothic.

There are too many to list here, but you don’t have to travel far to see at least one of them.  Dundry church tower is a skyscraper in medieval terms – and it’s visible on the hill from the southern suburbs of Bristol.

If you drive from Bristol to Wells, you can’t miss the tower at Chewton Mendip, and in Wells itself I’ve heard people mistake the impressive St Cuthbert’s church tower for the nearby Cathedral.

The best-known Somerset church tower is that of St Mary Magdalene church in Taunton, the county town.  However, the most beautiful one I’ve seen is that of St Mary’s Church in Huish Episcopi, a graceful golden-stoned beauty in the Somerset Levels a few miles south of Glastonbury.

13. Tewkesbury

Image of Tewkesbury Abbey tower and medieval houses Gloucestershire England UK

Tewkesbury, a few miles up the River Severn from Gloucester at the confluence with the river Avon, is one of the most beautiful towns in England.  I visited it several times from South Wales, and couldn’t believe how few people seemed to have discovered it.

It’s best known for Tewkesbury Abbey, an outstanding Norman church with an amazing tower and some beautiful later Gothic additions.

It’s also rich in other medieval architecture with many half-timbered houses around the town, one of which houses the excellent Tewkesbury Museum.

There are also several along the River Avon, where you can enjoy a wonderful view with the Abbey looming behind.  

14. Hereford

Image of Hereford Cathedral England UK

Hereford is one of the smallest cities in England, a large country town on the River Wye with one of the loveliest cathedrals in England and some gorgeous countryside on its doorstep.

There are more than enough things to do in Hereford to make a full day of it, even more if you factor in the surrounding countryside. Hereford Cathedral is the highlight, a gorgeous Gothic church with the famous 13 th century Mappa Mundi (Map of the World) and Chained Library.

We also recommend the Black and White House Museum, a ten-minute walk away at the other end of the city centre, and the Cider Museum.

Herefordshire is one of the most beautiful counties in England, totally off the beaten track and full of black and white half-timbered villages, ancient churches and castles and endless orchards. I’m privileged to have explored it many times from across the border – it’s a wonderful part of the world to explore.

15. Avebury

Image of standing stones in Avebury Wiltshire England UK

The World Heritage village of Avebury is one of the most intriguing places to visit near Bath and Bristol,  and one of the most amazing villages in England.

Avebury is unique because part of it is located within an ancient circular henge, which in turn  contains two extraordinary stone circles. They date from the Neolithic period, most likely between 4200 and 4800 years old.

Visiting the village and stone circles is free, as is the walk along the superb West Kennet Avenue of standing stones.  You can also reach Silbury Hill, a mysterious ancient artificial mound, from the village.

16. Stonehenge

Image of Stonehenge at sunset Wiltshire England UK

One of the most iconic places to visit in England, Stonehenge is one of the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol, as little as an hour away by car, or an hour and a half if you’re using public transport.

The site has been greatly improved over the years as the road that ran very close to it has been re-routed, leaving it in the glorious isolation in which our ancestors would have appreciated it. You now walk across the fields of Salisbury Plain towards the great ancient stone circle, one of the wonders of Neolithic Britain.

17. Salisbury

The cathedral city of Salisbury is only an hour away from Bath by train (and 75 minutes from Bristol).  The spire of the Cathedral, at 404 feet in height, is the tallest in the UK, and is the most famous feature of an Early English Gothic masterpiece.

Salisbury’s vast Cathedral Close gives the Cathedral room to ‘breathe’, and for visitors to appreciate it from a distance. For al the Gothic wonder inside, I still find its most recent addition, the Prisoners of Conscience stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel the most striking thing to see inside.

The rest of the city is a beauty, from the Doom painting above the chancel arch in St Thomas’s Church (which pre-dates the Cathedral) to the Mompesson House, one of very few Queen Anne townhouses open for visits in the UK.

I also recommend setting aside an hour to visit Old Sarum, the original Salisbury settlement on a hill above the present one.  The Norman motte and foundations of the cathedral remain, and although it has been abandoned for 800 years, it’s still a very evocative place.

Places To Visit Near Bath And Bristol – Across The Severn To Wales

South Wales is only a short drive, train or bus ride from Bristol and Bath, and nowadays motorists don’t have to pay a toll to cross the Prince of Wales Bridge (as it’s now known).  This region is my back yard, and here are just a few highlights.

1. Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey

Image of Tintern Abbey Wales UK

The river Wye is perhaps the birthplace of modern British tourism. It began with pilgrimages in the Middle Ages, but in the 18 th century people began visiting the Wye Valley simply to appreciate its natural beauty, and the Wye Tour, a two-day journey from Ross-on-Wye to Chepstow, was the first package tour in Britain.

If you’re visiting the Wye Valley from Bath and Bristol, you’ll at least pass Chepstow, a town with an awesome Norman Castle overlooking the Wye. One of the best views of the River Wye is just two miles to the north – the Eagles Nest is above the village of St Arvans.

The Gothic ruin of Tintern Abbey is one of the most famous landmarks in Wales, a magnificent sight at any time but especially when morning mists circle the church on an autumn morning.

It was one of the main stops for the early Wye tourists, who would stop to paint the romantic ruin.

Image of the Animal Wall at Cardiff Castle Wales UK

Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is an easy day trip from Bath and Bristol, just an hour away from Bath Spa on the train, and not much longer by car.

Our former home city, Cardiff comes as a perfectly-sized package. Many visitors start at Cardiff Castle, which started out 1700 years ago as a Roman fort and its 19th century remodelling is one of the most extravagant works of Victorian Gothic architecture ever undertaken.

The Castle is in the heart of the city centre – many come for the massive malls like St Davids 2 but we prefer to direct you to the elegant Edwardian arcades which run off the streets close to the Castle.

The National Museum and Gallery, a 5-minute walk from the Castle, is a great introduction to the history and culture of Wales, and it also has one of the most substantial collections of Impressionist paintings outside France.

See Also: 20 Famous Landmarks in Cardiff and 33 Great Day Trips from Cardiff

3. Caerphilly Castle

Image of the inner ward and leaning tower at Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle is one of the best castles in South Wales , and the second largest in the UK. It’s a 15-minute train ride north of Cardiff, and makes for a great few hours out.

The Castle dates from the 13 th century, and is renowned for its leaning tower, which outleans the more famous one in Pisa.

If you’re driving, you could do a Welsh castles double-header and combine it with Castell Coch , which is just over Caerphilly Mountain via minor roads through the woods.

Castell Coch is essentially a 19 th century folly, built by master Victorian architect William Burges for his patron, the Third Marquess of Bute. It’s very different to Caerphilly, a fairytale fantasy castle that is one of the most popular landmarks in Wales .

4. Gower Peninsula

Image of Rhossili beach Gower Wales UK

The Gower Peninsula, to the west of Swansea, has some of the best beaches in Europe, and is easy to reach from Bath and Bristol.

You have to pass through Swansea in order to reach Gower, and have a choice of several city beaches (Mumbles, Bracelet Bay, Langland and Caswell Bay) or the more rural Gower beaches further west.

Three Cliffs Bay is breathtaking, a hidden Arcadia only accessible on foot (count on a mile-long walk from car park or bus stop) and Rhossili Bay , at the western end of the peninsula, is stunning, a three-mile sweep of golden sand with some of the best coastal scenery and walks you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Direct trains run from Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads to Swansea, then it’s a short bus journey or walk (15 minutes) across town to Swansea bus station, from which buses depart to the various Gower beaches.

The M4 takes you to the outskirts of Swansea, and you eventually join the A4118 road across the peninsula. Side roads from this take you to the best of the beaches.

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David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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Microadventures in Bristol and beyond

13 Beaches near Bristol: escape to the seaside within 1.5 hours

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One of the peachiest plus points about living in Bristol is that the coast is easily daytrippable, and you can escape to the some lovely seaside locations and beaches within 1.5 hours. In preparation for warmer days and summer escapes, I’ve put together a list of the best beaches near Bristol.

Weston-super-Mare beach

Beaches near Bristol

Table of Contents

Severn Beach, South Gloucestershire

Next to one of Bristol’s other famous bridges (the Prince of Wales Bridge a.k.a Second Severn Crossing), and one of the nearest beaches to the city, is Severn Beach (note not Seven Beach). It’s around a 25-minute drive from Bristol, or you can take a 40-minute train ride from Bristol Temple Meads to this small South Gloucestershire village. If you’re coming by car, head towards Station Road (BS35 4PL) to park. From there it’s easy to get onto the flat concrete path that skirts the coastline in both directions.

Strolling south (away from the bridge), will take you to the shingly beach with views out to Flat Holm Island, lights of Portishead, Welsh coastline and the more industrial Avonmouth. Or, follow the concrete promenade north (passing under the M4 bridge) for one mile to discover a protected saltmarsh where thousands of birds stop by on their annual migration. The flat pathways are perfect for little ones on their bikes and scoots and very popular with dog walkers.

It feels quite stark and rugged out here, and it’s certainly not the most idyllic of beaches, but it’s perfect for a brisk, wintry walk to watch the sun set and Shirley’s Cafe is a great spot for that brilliant British beach treat, fish and chips and a cuppa. Or, if it’s big skies and a chance to gaze over water that you’re craving on a hot, sunny day, Severn Beach might just do the trick.

Severn Beach near Bristol

Clevedon Beach, North Somerset

Clevedon is one of the loveliest Victorian seaside towns near Bristol and is firmly in the category of beaches under 1 hour away from the city. Overlooking the Bristol Channel, it has a long pebbly beach with a slipway running into the sea. It’s a haven for sea glass seekers and you’ll see plenty scouring the rocks for their treasures. At the beach you’ll see the town’s historic Grade I* listed pier which you can pay to walk down. Eagle-eyed visitors may recognise it from One Direction music video ‘You and I’ and the Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield movie, ‘ Never Let Me Go’.  

A short stroll away from the beach, past ornamental gardens and a Victorian bandstand there’s a big marine lake where you can swim, sail, canoe and even Zorb! For families with little ones, look out for the fun miniature train (£1.50) that does a circuit around Salthouse Fields (where you’ll often find a big bouncy castle too), or for a bit more exploring, there are some lovely coastal walks, including Poets Walk (around 2km) which you can pick up at the end of the marine lake for soul-warming sea views.

Cafes, restaurants and ice cream spots line the scooter-friendly seafront from the marine lake to the pier, so you’re sorted if you get peckish or need the toilet. We love Salthouse Bar & Restaurant for its al fresco dining area with views out to the channel, kids’ play area and nearby parking.

A bit further along, the small sandy/rocky cove at Layde Bay in Clevedon is one of the prettiest beaches on the Somerset coast.

Clevedon Beach distance from Bristol: around 30 minutes drive. There are also g ood bus links from Bristol (the X7 leaves from Bristol Bus Station and takes about 50 minutes).

Clevedon pier with kids

Weston-super-Mare Beach, North Somerset

Weston is a Victorian seaside resort that often gets a bad rap but I think it’s one of the best seaside towns near Bristol. If you’re after sandy beaches near Bristol on a sunny summer’s day, it’s brilliant. Just next to the Grand Pier there is a vast expanse of sand in front of the marine parade that is great for sand-castling. From this area of the beach, views reach over the water to the Brean Down promontory and the fort at its end – a National Trust protected patch. 

It is possible to swim at Weston at high tide, but you need to be very careful and abide by lifeguard guidance and heed the danger signs. Tides are strong here and there is sinking mud in these parts.

Towards the Grand Pier, a range of outdoor beach activities can keep the kiddos amused, should they ever tire of digging (is that even possible?) – bouncy castles, swing boats, ice cream and donkey rides! The Grand Pier itself – basically an indoor theme park – has everything from a Go Kart track to roller coasters and arcades to keep all ages amused.

For a quieter patch of golden sand, head towards Uphill Slipway Beach , just across the River Axe from Brean Beach or the slightly wild Sand Bay (shingley and sandy) sits two miles north of Weston and has nice views.

Beach distance from Bristol England: around 45 minutes by car. Weston is also one of the beaches that can be reached by train from Bristol and there are services from Bristol Temple Meads which take around 30 minutes as well as the X1 bus (which takes just over an hour).

Weston super Mare beach dog-friendly except from 1 July to 31 August from 10am to 6pm .

Weston-super-mare sandy beach - North Somerset coastline

Seaside places near Bristol

Brean beach, down road, north somerset.

Two miles down the coast from Weston-super-Mare is one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in Europe – a 7-mile stretch of beach and dunes. It’s a funny drive to reach the beach, through lots of caravan parks to a wild and rugged piece of coastline. Again, this is mudflat territory so it’s not a strip-off-and-flee-into-the-water kind of day out, as it’s dangerous to walk too far out at low tide, but if you heed the warning signs then the flat sands are more than enough to quench your beach appetite.

Down one end, the beach’s flatness attracts many a landkiter to whip across its surface, while down the other is one of the great landmarks of the Somerset coastline – Brean Down . Within its dramatic cliff walls, there is a small but exciting cave to explore, plus a number of nearby rocks to clamber on.

The adventurous and energetic can climb the steps (there are over 100) to the top of this 97-metre high ‘natural pier’ for exquisite 360 degree views over the Somerset Levels and Bristol Channel, back to Weston-super-Mare. If it’s not too blowy up there, go all the way to the end to discover the ruin of a Victorian fort – built to defend the country against a possible Napoleonic invasion.

As it’s National Trust protected, there is parking (free for NT members), as well as a National Trust shop and cafe right next to this part of the beach, plus some stinky toilets should you need them. 

Distance from Bristol: around 60 minutes by car.

Brean Down National Trust North Somerset, Beaches near Bristol

Berrow Beach, North Somerset

Leading on from Brean Beach and stretching for miles – 6.5 to be exact – is sand dune-flanked Berrow Beach, a popular spot for dog walkers, horse riders and windsurfers. Views out to sea gaze over the island of Steep Holm and Flat Holm , which can both be visited on scheduled boat trips. Back on shore, look out for the shipwreck of the Norwegian barque SS Nornen (best seen at low tide), which met its fate in 1897 and is an exciting discovery for imaginative pirate lovers.

Again, this part of North Somerset coastline is known for its mudflats, so look for the warning signage against swimming and do be careful at low tide when they’re exposed. Cars can park on the beach and parking charges are taken manually from the kiosk near the coast road.

Distance from Bristol: 50 minutes.

Berrow Beach SS Nornen shipwreck

Image – Adobe Stock, credit cmoffat

Portishead, North Somerset coast

If you’re looking for sandy beach, Portishead is not your lady! Although it is one of the nicest coastal towns near Bristol. Just a short hop away from the city (and just five minutes from the M5 motorway), it’s not so much a tropical paradise as a rocky, muddy seafront, however I’m mentioning it here as you do get sea views along the murky-coloured Bristol Channel and if you’re desperate to be near the coast on a hot day, this goes some way to doing the job. If you want to get into the water, Portishead Open Air Pool is perched right next to the waterfront. There’s a tuckshop right next to the swimming pool as well as a cafe serving yummy food with both indoor and al fresco tables on the beach’s edge.

Distance from Bristol: 30 minutes by car, or you could cycle (there is a route which follows a riverside path along the Avon Gorge, 11.5 miles from Bristol!)

Portishead beach near Bristol

Kilve Beach, North Somerset

Sitting on the Quantocks’ coastline, Kilve belongs to the group of slate and shingle rockpool beaches that kids can explore around low tide. Wordsworth once raved about Kilve’s ‘lovely shore’, but others have nicknamed it the ‘Jurassic Coast on the Bristol Channel’ thanks to its abundance of ammonites and long-departed-reptile remains (if you’re lucky enough to find some though, don’t take them away – Kilve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so removing fossils from the cliffs and bedrock is prohibited.

Behind the beach, limestone cliffs loom and a big grassy area welcomes picknickers. It’s a tiny bit over an hour and a half away from Bristol, but I left it in as it’s close enough!

Distance from Bristol : 98 minutes by car.

Kilve Beach, North Somerset, fossil hunting

Image – Adobe Stock, credit acceleratorhams

Burnham-on-Sea, North Somerset

Altogether there are eight beaches in the Burnham area, all of which are within 15-minutes of the M5, junction 22. Burnham-on-Sea is a beach with promenade and Victorian and Edwardian guest houses line the edge of this classic Victorian seaside resort. You’ll also find a brilliant stretch of sandy beach and somewhere to paddle and swim (patrolled by lifeguards in summer), plus British seaside traditions like donkey rides on the beach, funfair rides, Mr Whippys and candy floss. 

Distance from Bristol: 45 minutes drive.

Burnham-on-sea victorian seaside town and beach

Image – Adobe Stock, credit Jenny Thompson

St Audries Bay, North Somerset

The two waterfalls at this pebble beach (around an hour and a half’s drive from Bristol) are the main draw! At the foot of the Quantock Hills, St Audries Bay is a mix of pebbles, shingle and rock with sand that muddies the closer it gets to the sea and the Bristol Channel. Park at the local holiday park, and access the bay via a path leading down steps to the beach.

Ogmore by Sea, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

My latest find in the beaches near Bristol category, is this gigantic sweep of golden sandy beach at the mouth of the River Ogmore. Just whack Ogmore by Sea in the SatNav and you’ll be guided to the beach car park (located right behind), where sheep wander freely. It costs £6 for the day to park (unless you arrive after 4pm) and from here it’s just a short stroll down the slipway to the beach. Or if you prefer you can clamber down the rocks, across the pebbles to the sand.

Smooth soft rocks provide perfect little dipping pools for paddle-loving kiddos, so you can be miles back from the sea, but have little ones happily splashing next to you. The beach feels wild and rugged, in a not-that-many-people-know-about-it kind of way. There are a handful of houses overlooking the coast behind the carpark, but on a sunny-ish May weekend, the beach’s main visitors were Pen Y Bont’s surf lifesaving school, dog walkers, a couple of horse riders, the odd campervan and bucket-wielding families. 

Ogmore by Sea

To our delight, a Dusty Knuckle campervan in particular had set up in the car park (not far from the toilet block), stone oven in tow, and was selling mallowy-doughed salami, goats cheese or Margherita pizzas on the embankment – beats sandy sandwiches any day! Once you’ve finished your beach activities, there are miles of the Merthyr Mawr warren sand dunes to explore (they are some of the largest in Europe and a haven for wildlife). T o reach them by foot from Ogmore by Sea, walk up to the ruins of Ogmore Castle, cross over the stepping stones, and return walking along the river. Keen strollers can take on a coastal walk that leads all the way to Southerndown Beach, or cold beers at The Pelican as an after beach treat didn’t look half bad either.

Distance from Bristol:  75 minutes by car.

Ogmore by Sea rockpools, Welsh seaside

Rest Bay, Porthcawl, Wales

A RNLI lifeguarded sandy beach just outside the town of Porthcawl, this spot is a surfers’ fave when the waves are pumping, so if you’re a city-dwelling wave rider, mark this down on your ‘Beaches near Bristol’ list. On flatter days, fishers, swimmers and canoers take to the water, or if you’ve got keen rock poolers with you, they won’t be disappointed here. Parking is easy – there’s a large Pay & Display car park about 100 metres back from the beach and if you’re here for the day, there are toilets, a cafe, showers and drinking water.

Distance from Bristol : 75 minutes by car.

Rest Bay - Porthcawl - Wales surf beach

Image – Adobe Stock Image, scotttnz

Dunraven Bay a.k.a Southerndown Beach, Wales

Paddlers, surfers, swimmers and canoeists, rockpoolers (at low tide) and fossil hunters love pretty Dunraven Bay (or Southerndown as it’s also known) in Wales. Surrounded by countryside, this large stretch of sandy beach is located on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the next beach along from Ogmore by Sea. It’s a walk-lovers’ heaven with beautiful coastal walks that lead all the way to Ogmore or head in the other direction along the coast path and you’ll get to Dunraven Castle ruins – a kind of castellated mansion house. Above the beach is a car park with toilets, the Visitor Centre is nearby and there are lots of pubs in Southerndown village should you need some liquid refreshment or good grub.

Distance from Bristol: 95 minutes by car.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

Image – Adobe stock image, Helen Hotson

Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, Wales

Gavin and Stacey shot Barry Island to fame back in 2007, but the area has been drawing visitors looking for seaside fun since the end of the 19th century (and Torchwood, Doctor Who, Casualty and Being Human have also all filmed here).

Its reputation hasn’t always made it seem like the most desirable place to go, but the sweeping promenade along the seafront has been given a fresh lease of life and is packed with cafes and restaurants, brightly-coloured beach huts and family entertainment such as adventure golf, a tourist heritage railway, indoor play area and fairground rides.

Horseshoe-shaped Whitmore Bay, the golden sandy beach in front of Barry, is great for swimming, sunbathing and a fun-filled family beach day out.

Distance from Bristol: 75 minutes by car.

Whitmore Bay - Barry Island Wales seahuts

Image – Adobe Stock, credit phil darby

For more ideas for a day out in Bristol or things to see in Bristol UK, check out the blogs below.

Day trips from Bristol: family days out within 1 hour’s drive of the city

Just off the motorway: family-friendly M5 stop offs near Bristol

Splash pads and outdoor water play in and around Bristol

Beaches near Bristol - escape to the seaside in 90 minutes

Angharad Paull

Posts by Angharad Paull

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Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)

Man I had no idea there were so many nice beaches so close by – I really need to get out and do some daytrips! #fearlessfamtrav

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Sam - Travelling With Our Kids

Wow, so many great beaches. Now to just get some decent weather to enjoy them all! #fearlessfamtrav

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Cath - Passports and Adventures

What a fab list of beaches. When we lived in Wales we had the chance to visit Weston-super-Mare, Ogmore, Dunraven and they were all fab. I wish we’d had the chance to visit a few more now! #fearlessfamtrav

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TraveLynn Family

Such beautiful BEAUTIFUL beaches! And I love that you and your family embrace them come rain or shine. #fearlessfamtrav

The beautiful waterfalls to visit within an hour's drive of Bristol

Definitely worth a road trip

  • 09:40, 25 JAN 2022

places to visit within an hour of bristol

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Waterfalls are one of nature's most pleasant features and even the smallest can draw big crowds over the course of the year.

While none in the south west will break records, with Venezuela's Angel Falls being the world's tallest at 3,212ft, they all hold a special charm and are often featured as part of some beautiful landscapes, meaning they are definitely all worth a visit.

The list below is the waterfalls within an hour's drive of Bristol that you can go and enjoy.

READ MORE: Family day trips everyone from Bristol will remember going on as a kid

St Audries Bay near Bridgwater

Arguably the nicest feature of St Audries Bay is that it boasts two beautiful waterfalls which cascade down the cliffs along the back of the beach.

The sea might not boast a tropical greenish-blue hue to it as the waters of the Bristol Channel are distinctly more murky, but despite that we still think it's worth a visit for the waterfalls alone.

It can be found on the edge of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Bridgwater.

Trull waterfall, near Taunton

A truly hidden gem which has left many people scratching their heads trying to find, Trull waterfall is a sight to behold.

While not accessible, a large bridge has been erected for great views of the fall.

To find it, park in the centre of Trull village and go towards the playing field behind Memorial Hall. When you see the roundabout at the end of the playing field you'll see a footpath across a bridge which leads through a meadow to Trull Falls.

Warleigh Weir, Claverton

places to visit within an hour of bristol

A magnet for wild swimmers, the short but wide falls feature on the River Avon and a sight to behold in the summer months.

It is said that up to 500 swimmers a day can visit in the busiest periods of the year.

Several good swimming spots are dotted around and nearby are cafes and restaurants for refreshments.

Bowood House, Calne

Our beautiful cascade here at #Bowood #waterfall pic.twitter.com/Ys2waO6htW — Bowood House (@BowoodHouse)

As well as the magnificent house there are 2,000 acres of estate some of which is open to the public to ramble in. It encompasses a lake where the waterfall can be found.

If that fails to inspire, there's a large adventure playpark also that will entertain the kids for sure.

Abbots Pool, Abbots Leigh

This beauty spot is the central feature of the woodland and was part of a series of pools used by medieval monks developed for the medieval practice of farming for fish.

It is a local nature reserve with a large selection of wildlife and is maintained by a group of volunteers.

Steps have been put in to make it accessible.

Cleddon Shoots, Llandogo

Also known as Cleddon Falls, the steeply descending stream coupled with the waterfall make this quite the sight in wet weather.

Paths lead from the local village of Llandogo in Herefordshire near the River Wye to this great site.

Blaen Bran Reservoir, Cwmbran

Blaen Bran 'Waterfall'...the Cwmbran Niagra :-) pic.twitter.com/fI9294xxPq — Neil Wildy (@neilwildy)

The cascade down through the trees makes this an autumnal treat.

There's a car park on site and there are several paths leading around the area making it a nice place for a ramble.

Waterfall country

Ok, more than an hour's drive (more like 90minutes), but totally worth it if you can as the area in Wales features several beautiful spots for the perfect picture.

The area forms part of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, with numerous facilities nearby to assist every visitor.

With steep, tree-lined gorges and an abundance of tumbling water it is quite the sight. Old red sandstone and a long belt of outcrop limestone have created a highly distinctive environment of wooded gorges, caves, swallow holes and waterfalls.

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20 Best Places To Visit In Bristol

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Bristol is a city in the southwest of England and one that is full of incredible sights to see and places to visit. Known for its iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and a thriving arts scene, (the street artist Banksy hails from Bristol), as well as having a rich maritime history, varied culture and diverse attractions, there really is something for everyone in Bristol.

Ariel views over Bristol

Bristol is not like other UK cities , it is full of differing vibrant neighbourhoods each with their own vibe, think the historic quarters of Welsh Back and King Street to the modern Millennium Square, the cultural Stokes Croft to the artistic Bedminster. Bristol embraces both its historic roots and its modern charm, all with a wide range of culinary options thrown in the mix.

Harbourside walk in Bristol

So, looking for some ideas for visiting this wonderful city ? From the art galleries to historical landmarks, and street art tours to foodie havens, here is a guide to the best 20 places to visit in Bristol.  

20 Places To Visit In Bristol

The city of Bristol is full of attractions that can easily keep you busy for a few days, but here are the best places to visit in Bristol;

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge

Suspended over the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.

This iconic landmark is particularly wonderful during the summer when you can take to the nearby Avon Gorge Hotel terrace and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

You can also walk across the bridge, with panoramic views of the gorge and the River Avon below, and into Leigh Woods which are somewhat of a hidden gem in the city.

2. Bristol Camera Obscura & Observatory

This historic observatory offers visitors to Bristol an opportunity to stargaze by day and experience optical illusions in its darkened rooms.

The Obscura observatory in Bristol

The Camera Obscura, just one of three working Camera Obscuras in the UK, allows you to see 360-degree views of Bristol and has been open to the public since 1828.

3. The Downs

The Downs is a vast green space to the north of the main city centre which is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, you’ll often find an exercise class or two up here on a warm day as well. With its tree-lined pathways and wonderful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, (often with a balloon in sight too!), it is a favourite spot for both the locals and visitors to Bristol.

Enjoying the parkland in Bristol

During the warmer months, you may even get the chance to see hot air balloons taking off or landing here as well.

4. Baltic Wharf

Baltic Wharf is an often-overlooked location in the city, with views across the harbour to the colourful Hotwells and Cliftonwood, and the option to get in the water on a paddleboard, kayak or sailboat.

Baltic Wharf

The walk from the city centre, (via Wapping Wharf, which is the next place on the list of places to visit in Bristol), is wonderful and takes in not only Brunel’s SS Great Britain but also Banksy’s The Girl With The Pearl Earring and the Underfall Yard, which is a great place to learn about Bristol’s history of boat building.

5. Wapping Wharf

This is the place to visit in Bristol for an amazing variety of food and drink. This lively waterfront area of the city, with converted shipping containers housing independent shops and eateries, is one of the best places to savour Bristol’s culinary delights.

We would highly recommend eating at The Jolly Hog: Pigsty a restaurant specialising in sausage and British picnic food, Mokoko Coffee and Bakery for the most delicious cakes and Tare where you can have the most incredible 6-course set menu.

6. Welsh Back & King Street

The historic streets of Welsh Back and King Street are home to the legendary Llandoger Trow pub, historically once the local haunt of pirates who visited Bristol.

Welsh back is one of the best places to visit in Bristol

You’ll also find The Apple, a unique floating cider house, (it is located on a local barge), where you can sample a variety of delicious local and homebrew ciders. There is also a number of other pubs in the area, often with live music such as The Old Duke or King Street Brew House.

7. St Nicks Market

One of the best locations in Bristol for shopping from local traders, or for international street food is St Nick Market. Located on Corn Street this market reflects how diverse the culture of Bristol is, and you can easily get lost in the maze of the market for a few hours.

St Nicks Market is one of the best places to visit in Bristol

The street food served here is also incredible, try Woky Ko or Eatchu for amazing Asian cuisine or Matina for delicious Middle Eastern wraps.

8. Brunel’s SS Great Britain

You can’t visit Bristol and not visit at least one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpieces and the SS Great Britain is no exception.

SS Great Britain is one of the best places to visit in Bristol

This beautifully restored Victorian-era ship is open to visitors to explore the cabins, engine rooms and decks, all alongside interactive exhibits that bring the history of maritime travel to life.

9. Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower

Brandon Hill is a popular hilltop park in the centre of the city with beautiful gardens to explore and the views to match.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

At the centre of the park is Cabot Tower, a Gothic tower that has some of the best panoramic views in the city. There are quite a few steps up to the top but the views make it well worth while.

10. Whiteladies Road & Park Street

Whiteladies Road and Park Street are home to some of the best and most vibrant shopping locations in Bristol.

Both roads are lined with unique boutiques, quaint cafes, and a bustling bar or two and with a mix of high-end fashion and quirky shops to explore, both Whiteladies and Park Street will keep you busy for a while, all whilst working out those legs up and down the steep roads!

Fun Fact: There was once a giant slip’n’slide put in place for a day on Park Street as part of Bristol initiative ‘Make Sunday Special’.

11. Ashton Court Estate

This park on the outskirts of the city of Bristol is home to deer herds that roam the woodland and fields around the main house and is the perfect place to spend a few hours outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

It is also the location of the International Balloon Fiesta , which is held every August and is a must-see if you are in the city at the right time.

12. Bristol Cathedral

Gothic architecture alongside intricate stained-glass windows means only one thing, and that is a visit to the Bristol Cathedral. Not only a place for reflection but an architectural marvel, this 12th-century building is stunning inside and out.

Bristol Cathedral

If visiting in the summer, be sure to avoid the cathedral around the university graduation dates as it is where the graduations happen so will be closed and very busy in the surrounding area.

13. Bristol Floating Harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour is a beautiful stretch of the harbour with historic ships moored alongside the quays and numerous waterside bars and restaurants to pick from.

Bristol Harbour

There is often live music and events held along here too, with the Watershed warehouse venue housing lots of them alongside an arthouse cinema and bar overlooking the water.

14. Bedminster

Bedminster is the home of street art in Bristol. First made famous by Banksy, there is now an annual street art festival called Upfest held in Bedminster, which draws in street artists from around the world.

The arty side of Bristol in bedminster

No wall is left uncovered with artwork, with the theme of the years art often taking on something that has been in the news or media, most recently a theme of Climate Change.

15. Millenium Square

The central square near the harbourside often hosts festivals throughout the year, including summer music festivals and Christmas markets , as well as live music and an outdoor cinema, all in the shadow of We The Curious, (more about this location further down the list of places to visit in Bristol).

Millenium Square in Bristol

16. Christmas Steps

This narrow winding street with historic architecture, is located between Cabot Circus and the Harbourside and is one of the most charming in all of Bristol.

Lined with independent shops, boutiques, art galleries and cafes, (there is a café where each table is a different board game ready to play!), this alleyway is one of the most unique places to visit in Bristol.

M Shed is the one museum in Bristol that you simply should visit during any trip to Bristol, plus entrance is free. Located in an old dockside transit shed, this museum focuses on life in Bristol, exploring the city through its people, places and through its colourful history.

Mshed is one of the top places to see in Bristol

There are rare and quirky objects to view as well as working exhibits outside the museum building, including the nearby cranes and a number of ships and tugboats that are located in the harbour.

18. We The Curious (@ Bristol)

One of the best places to while away a few hours is at We The Curious, (formally called @Bristol). There are hands-on exhibitions and interactive displays all focusing on science and the natural world, making it a great destination perfect for all the family.

19. Bristol Aquarium

If you feel like getting immersed in the aquatic wonders of the deep, then this is the place to visit in Bristol. With the option to get up close and observe marine life in an underwater tunnel as well as various talks and feeding sessions, the aquarium is another great location to visit for all the family.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

20. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is home to an extensive collection of both historical and contemporary artefacts and artwork. It’s one of the best free things to do in Bristol .

With ever-changing exhibitions, and some permanent exhibitions, including Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs, this museum and gallery is a great place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day.

Where to stay in Bristol

We would highly recommend staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel or Hotel du Vin Bristol in the city centre, as not only are they both in great locations close to lots of cafes and restaurants, but also within easy walking distance to numerous attractions.

Places To Visit In Bristol FAQS

How to get to bristol.

If arriving from an international location then Bristol has its own airport, located roughly half an hour out of the city via public transport.

Bristol is also connected to the rest of the UK by a number of train stations, including Bristol Parkway at the outskirts of the city and Bristol Temple Meads in the centre of the city. The train from London to Bristol takes about 1.5 hours.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

There are also a number of long-distance coaches that serve Bristol and connect through to numerous locations across England.

If arriving by car then there are a number of large car parks across the city including Cabot Circus, Wapping Wharf and Mud Dock.

How to get around Bristol

The easiest way to get around Bristol is via the public transport network that runs across the city. There are a number of bus routes connecting the city centre with various locations on the outskirts including the First Bus network and the Metro Buses.

Bristol also has a small ferry network that runs from the Bristol Harbourside along the river to Temple Meads train station in the east and Hotwells in the west.

The ferry is a great way to get around Bristol

The other ways to get around the city are via bicycle as there is a great cycle network that crosses the city, or on foot. This is one of the best ways to get around Bristol as you will often stumble upon a great cafe or even a Banksy piece.

What is the best time to visit Bristol?

One of the best times to visit Bristol is in the summer, with music and food festivals galore, lovely warm weather and hot air balloons filling the skies in the morning and evening. It can be a little busier than other times of the year, partly due to the summer holidays and due to the festivals, but it is all worth it for the atmosphere of the city.

What is Bristol famous for?

Bristol is famous for its three B’s, Banksy, Brunel and balloons. The world-renowned street artist Banksy hails from Bristol and has left his mark on a number of locations across the city, which you can follow via one of the many Bansky art trails. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is also well known across Bristol, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain showcasing his civil engineering talents.

The Harbourside in Bristol

Finally, and probably the most well-known thing to make Bristol famous, is hot air balloons. Once a year the International Balloon Fiesta is held in Bristol, with balloons and their balloonists from across the world, descending on the city for four days of hot air balloon-related fun. The hot air balloons can be seen throughout most of the warmer months of the year.

Is Bristol worth a day trip?

100% yes, Bristol is worth a day trip , however, if you can stay and experience Bristol longer then of course you should!

What is on in Bristol for free?

Bristol has a number of art galleries and museums that are often open with free admission, and during certain times of the year, there are also festivals held across the city that are free to experience. Most of the parks and gardens throughout Bristol are also free to visit.

places to visit within an hour of bristol

Is Bristol UK worth visiting?

Bristol is most definitely worth visiting. With a rich history of art and culture, as well as a big foodie scene and numerous festivals held throughout the year, it is one city in the UK that you should make a point of visiting.

Conclusion: Places To Visit In Bristol

So, there are 20 places to visit in Bristol, from well-known places such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Cathedral to the off-the-beaten-path locations such as Baltic Wharf and St Nicks Market.

With museums and art galleries, historic architecture and modern street art and enough restaurants, cafes and bars to keep you busy for weeks on end, Bristol is one of the best cities in England to spend time in.

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15 Places to Visit in Bristol in 24 Hours

Bristol is a vibrant and historic city that offers a wealth of things to do in 24 hours. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s many museums and cultural attractions or enjoy a day out in the great outdoors, Bristol has something to offer.

It’s become one of my favourite cities to visit and it’s easy to see why people love it so much. Regularly named in publications like National Geographic Traveller and Rough Guides as one of the coolest cities in Britain. And one of the best places to live.

One of the main reasons I love to visit is the food and craft scene, honestly, it great! But if you only have one day in Bristol then you need a good mix of iconic landmarks, street art and plenty of authentic experiences.

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This route is perfectly planned in walking route order so you don’t backtrack, plenty of food stops and a mix of free and paid attractions. If your feet do get sore, consider taking one of the electric scooters or one of the well connected bus routes. There are a few hills at the end of the day.

Here are some of the top things to do in 24 hours in Bristol.

A Guide to Spending One Day in Bristol

Girl with the pearl earring.

Girl with The Pearl Earring

The famous world-renowned artist Banksy was born in Bristol in 1974, and you can still see his earliest work hidden around the streets of Bristol. When street art took Bristol by storm in the 1980s, Banksy took to the walls with a can of spray paint.

As the Girl with the Pearl Earring is just around the corner from the SS Great Britain it’s a must to go and visit! Right?

Although his work can now be found all throughout the world, there is something special about these pieces in his home city. His pieces now may sell for hundreds of thousands, but you can still witness his artistic style for yourself.

Some of the most famous pieces include the Grim Reaper, The Cat and Dog and The Well Hung Lover. As Bristol is his home There are quite a few of his pieces you can stop by on this route.

Visiting SS Great Britain 

Visiting SS Great Britain 

The SS Great Britain is not just a magnificent ship but full of interesting history. Get here at 10 am so you can spend 90-120 minutes on board exploring. Make sure you speak to the expert guides who are dotted around the ship! Not only are they entertaining but provide a wealth of additional facts, they know their stuff!

The SS Great Britain is now a museum ship, although formerly it was a passenger steamship that was well ahead of her time. SS Great Britain was the first Iron steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean and she held the record for the longest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854. 

In 1970 the SS Great Britain Project brought her home on an 8,000-mile journey from the Falkland Islands. She was restored and the trust continues to care for the ship, giving people the opportunity to see inside for themselves. 

You can wander around the dining salon, take a walk along the promenade or head up to see the ship rigging. SS Great Britain is the city’s top visitor attraction making it a must if you are only spending one day in Bristol. 

Book your ticket online today and the best thing is the ticket last for a year so I have been a few times.

Between March to October, the site is open 10 am-6 pm. During the Autumn winter season, the site is open Thursday to Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm between the months of November to March. 

Learn All About Bristols History at M Shed

learn All About Bristols History at M Shed

M Shed is a museum dedicated to the history of Bristol and is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to learn more about the city. Some of the most popular galleries within the Museum include Bristol places, Bristol people and Bristol Life. 

The Bristol places gallery focuses on how people have shaped the city. Here you can learn about how the city prepared for WWII, the variety of public transport vehicles that were used to get people around and how homes have changed throughout the years. 

The Bristol People gallery focuses on music, art, industry and technology. This gallery takes you through the city’s trading past and its involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Bristol Life gallery is all about peoples shared experiences within the city. Here you can find out about how families lived, worked and socialised throughout the centuries. 

M Shed is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-5 pm.

Bristol Cathedral, Bristol City Hall and Well Hung Lover

This trio is within a few hundred metres of each other. As time is short, I’d recommend prioritising whether you want to go inside the Cathedral or City Hall. The architecture on the outside is wonderful so I haven’t ever felt I missed out by not going inside.

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral is a beautiful, historic site that offers visitors a unique glimpse into England’s religious history. The cathedral is one of the largest in the country, and its architecture is truly stunning.

Bristol City Hall was built in the 1840s, and it’s been used as a municipal building ever since. It’s now home to the Bristol City Council. The hall is open to the public, and you can visit it for free. Whether you’re interested in politics or just want to see some stunning architecture, Bristol City Hall is worth having a look at.

Well Hung Lover

Across the road from City Hall is a mural called “The Well Hung Lover”, it features a man hanging from a window with two people looking out the window, a woman in her underwear and a man in a suit looking out the window for the man.

Stop for Coffee at Playground Coffee House

If you are a coffee lover and love a unique experience, then visiting the Playground Coffee House is a must. You get to sit on swings whilst sipping your delicious coffee, and there is an impressive selection of board games to play too. 

Aside from the tasty coffee, there is a selection of loose-leaf teas to choose from. If you are feeling peckish, there is a selection of sandwiches and cakes. However, if you decide to visit in the evening, tiki cocktails will also be available! 

St Nicholas Market

Food at St Nicholas Market

St Nicholas Market is one of the best places to go in Bristol to grab a bite to eat for lunch. You will be spoiled for choice by the number of food vendors here and the best part? This market has food for all preferences and dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.

You can dine and taste food from all over the world including the Caribbean, Portugal, Morocco and of course Britain.

Although I always end up at the Eat a Pitta or Martina! Falafel and halloumi are perfect market food or any time, to be honest.

Explore the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Explore the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

If you are a culture buff then visiting the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a must. Consisting of three separate floors, the Museum has a variety of exhibits. The ground floor of the museum focuses on ancient Egypt, the ancient civilisation of the Middle East and archaeology objects from around the world. The Exhibition Gallery is also located on this floor, so make sure to research what is on before you visit. The first floor focuses on the best-preserved dinosaurs found in Britain (including the Bristol dinosaur). This area of the museum also focuses on wildlife, geology, minerals and film. The second and final floor of the museum is where the art galleries are found. The type of art found in this museum includes Romanticism, modern and contemporary art, Victorian art and Eastern art.

The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-5 pm.

Wander Around the Royal Fort Gardens

The Royal Fort Gardens are owned by the University of Bristol but are accessible to the public. Originally the gardens were used as a Civil War fortification to defend the city during the 17th century. However, today it is a popular tourist attraction and a great place to take a picnic.

The Royal Fort House acts as a backdrop to the gardens, and there are popular pieces of art within the gardens to see. If you wander into the gardens you will come across a cool mirror maze called ‘Follow Me’ and an artistic piece called ‘Hollow’ which is made from 10,000 wood samples from across the world.

To give you another reason to visit this special place, the Royal Fort Garden also has a wildflower meadow which was built to increase the number of pollinators. If you are only spending one day in Bristol, then make sure the Royal Fort Gardens are on your itinerary.

Get Some Fresh Air on the Clifton Downs

The Clifton Downs are the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a breath of fresh air. It is a large open green space located close to Clifton village and the Redland areas of Bristol. Taking a wander around the Downs is a great way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, and the park offers beautiful views. There is more than enough room to take a football, play some sports, or simply head out on a stroll with a picnic.

Visit Clifton Observatory

The Clifton Observatory was established in 1766 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bristol. The Observatory was originally used as a windmill until it was damaged by a fire in 1777. The building was then left derelict for 25 years until an artist rented it as a studio in the 1800s. In 2015, Clifton Observatory was restored and today, there is a 360 café that offers unforgettable views of the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and of course Bristol itself. There is also a museum located here which is home to a Victorian-era Camera Obscura and there is now an entrance to Ghyston’s Cave found inside. Ghyston’s Cave (also known as Giants Cave) is a natural cave found within the Avon Gorge. For centuries it was only accessible from the top of the gorge or by a steep climb, but now there is a tunnel leading down into the cave from within the observatory. The journey down the tunnel leads out onto a viewing platform that offers incredible views of Avon Gorge and the suspension bridge.

Marvel at the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Marvel at the Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most famous structures in Bristol and spans the Avon Gorge and River Avon. The bridge took 33 years to complete and opened in 1864 as a toll bridge, which it continues to be to this day. The bridge is a Grade I listed structure and is one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world.  It is one of Bristols most iconic landmarks and is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. The Clifton Suspension Bridge has even been used as a backdrop for several films, television programmes and for advertising. It was even the sight of the first modern bungee jump in 1979. If you are spending one day in Bristol, in all honestly there is a limited amount that you can see. However, walking across the Clifton Suspension Bridge has to be on that list as the architecture is incredible.

Dinner in Clifton

The area is filled with charming shops and restaurants with plenty of great options for dining in Clifton. The usual chains can be found here like The Ivy, Giggling Squid, Zizzi, Coppa and Wagamama.

Looking for some alternatives, try one of these:

They produce simple and delicious regional Italian food. The menu changes every week as they use seasonal ingredients so you can always expect something new to try.

New Moon Tapas

Run by a husband-wife duo, expect a cosy atmosphere and the best tapas! The tapas are perfect for sharing with friends and the atmosphere friendly. You can expect to find a great selection of wines.

Bristol Lido

If you are looking for a more unique eating experience, then visiting Bristol Lido is the spot for you. Bristol Lido is home to spa facilities, a pool, and a new restaurant and cafe. You can lounge by the pool, head for a massage and then enjoy some tapas at the bar for lunch. 

Finish with Cocktails at Her Majesty’s

Cocktails at Her Majesty’s

A quirky cocktail bar is the best way to finish off the night! The telephone box door opened and I found myself in a magical little bar. It’s amazing; there are so many items that remind you about what life was like back in old England.

Then the cocktail menu is extensive and each drink has a theme! One ended up being in coconut on a palm tree pool floaty. They can also make all the classics too if the menu doesn’t tempt you.

If you have more time in Bristol check out their sister bar: Filthy XIII 208, Cheltenham Road, Bristol. BS6 5QU.

Alternative Things to Do in the Evening

Wapping wharf .

Cargo is located within Wapping Wharf and is full of independent eateries and vendors. Whether you are looking for burgers, pizza, tapas, seafood or tasty treats, this area of Bristol has it all. 

Spend Your Evening at the Bristol Hippodrome

The Bristol Hippodrome is one of the largest theatre stages in Britain and is the perfect place to spend an evening in Bristol. The theatre is located right in the city centre and is known as Bristols ‘West End Theatre’ due to it hosting many major musical productions.

If you are wondering about the quality of the theatrical productions then think of the ‘Lion King’, ‘Chicago’ and ‘Singin’ In The Rain’. However, if you aren’t a fan of theatre, the Bristol Hippodrome also hosts opera, ballet, popular comedians and tribute acts.

Have a Blast at Bristol’s Retro Bowling Alley

If you are looking for somewhere unique to visit, then why not head down to The Lanes . The Lanes is a boutique retro bowling alley with a twist. With a ‘50s diner-style decor, karaoke booths, a pool table and live music this is the place to come if you are looking for something different.

There is also a bar, diner and beer garden at The Lanes, so pizza, alcoholic milkshakes and custom cocktails are all up for grabs.

A Walking Map if You’re Spending One Day in Bristol

Bristol Walking Map

Bristol is an incredible city and has so much to offer. This is just an overview of what you can get up to in this city, but these are the most popular and iconic attractions with a bit of uniqueness thrown in there. Although a hectic schedule for just spending a day in the city, it’s so worth it. Although if it’s possible to spend more than one day in Bristol, you definitely should! 

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Places to visit about 2 hours from Bristol, VA

Blue Ridge Parkway

Elkin (North Carolina)

Conover (North Carolina)

Hickory (North Carolina)

Chimney Rock State Park

Hendersonville (North Carolina)

Asheville Regional Airport

Biltmore Park

French Broad Brewery

Biltmore Estate

Lake Junaluska (North Carolina)

Waynesville (North Carolina)

Cities 2 hours from Bristol, VA

2 hours :   Louisville, TN

1 hr 59 min :   Breaks, VA

1 hr 59 min :   Morganton, NC

1 hr 59 min :   Old Fort, NC

1 hr 58 min :   Mount Airy, NC

1 hr 58 min :   Farragut, TN

1 hr 58 min :   Peterstown, WV

1 hr 58 min :   Conaway, VA

1 hr 57 min :   Big Rock, VA

1 hr 57 min :   Elliston, VA

1 hr 57 min :   Pocahontas, VA

1 hr 57 min :   Bramwell, WV

1 hr 57 min :   Harrogate, TN

1 hr 57 min :   Blacksburg, VA

1 hr 57 min :   Middlesboro, KY

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Bristol, Virginia. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 1½ hours . If you're willing to drive farther, try 2½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Bristol , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Bristol , but make sure you also check road conditions around Bristol . Looking for small towns or communities around Bristol, Virginia? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Bristol .

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RV campgrounds 2 hours from Bristol, VA

Jenny Wiley State Resort

Twin Falls Resort State Park

Walnut Flats Campground

Utts Campground

KOA Campground Fancy Gap

Maple Ridge RV Park

River Creek Campground

Hitching Post Campground

Rutledge Lake RV Resort

Hominy Valley RV Park

Cataloochee Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cosby Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort

Imagination Mountain

Martys ATV Oasis

State parks 2 hours from Bristol, VA

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

Camp Creek State Park & Forest

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Kentucky Ridge State Forest

More cities around 2 hours away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 2 hours. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 2 hour flight.

1 hr 57 min :   Haverhill, MA

2 hours :   West Little River, FL

1 hr 58 min :   Maryville, MO

2 hours :   Miami Shores, FL

2 hours :   Hialeah, FL

1 hr 57 min :   Marblehead, MA

2 hours :   Pinewood, FL

1 hr 57 min :   Danvers, MA

2 hours :   Hialeah Gardens, FL

1 hr 57 min :   Salem, MA

2 hours :   North Miami, FL

2 hr 2 min :   Mount Pleasant, TX

1 hr 57 min :   Peabody, MA

1 hr 57 min :   Concord, NH

2 hours :   Opa-locka, FL

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Bristol, VA

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Bristol, Virginia is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 36° 35' 43" N  /  82° 11' 19" W

IMAGES

  1. The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Bristol

    places to visit within an hour of bristol

  2. 8 BEST Walks Around Bristol, England (2023 Guide)

    places to visit within an hour of bristol

  3. Must-Visit Attractions in Bristol, UK

    places to visit within an hour of bristol

  4. 10 Best Things to Do in Bristol

    places to visit within an hour of bristol

  5. Things to do in Bristol: a local’s guide

    places to visit within an hour of bristol

  6. The best things to do in Bristol

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COMMENTS

  1. 21 Best Day trips from Bristol (for Locals and Visitors)

    Best places to visit within 2 hours of Bristol. Now if you are willing to drive a little more, here are the best places to visit around Bristol. 15. Salisbury & Stonehenge. 🚙 Distance: 51 miles / 1 h 35 minutes. Salisbury is a medieval city that makes for a fantastic day trip from Bristol by train. It is a bit further out, but it is so worth it.

  2. 15 Beautiful Places Less Than 30 Minutes Drive From Bristol

    This is the perfect place to stop off if you're cycling the Bristol to Bath path, with plenty of open space for picnics and miles of river for canal boats, it's a really lovely spot to take a breather. 11. Stoke Park Estate. If you've driven into Bristol via the M32 then you'll already know how iconic this house is.

  3. 30 incredible day trips from Bristol (2024 local guide)

    Head to North Devon, some two hours 20 minutes from Bristol, to enjoy some of the UK's best beaches, a laid-back surf culture and a real holiday atmosphere. The best places to visit on a North Devon road trip include Croyde, Woolacombe, Westward Ho!, Clovelly and of course, Exmoor National Park (although most visit this as a standalone day trip).

  4. 36 must-do day trips from Bristol

    Cattle Country Adventure Park. If you're in search of farm animal-themed Bristol day trips, head 25-minutes north of the city, to Cattle Country - a family park with all kinds of animals and play areas.Visitors can get up close to calves, pigs, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, and animal activities like calf/lamb feeding and small animal handling take place throughout the year.

  5. 23 Best Day Trips From Bristol (Suggestions From A Local)

    The Cotswolds. Stow-on-the-Wold is just one of the many pretty Cotswolds villages you can visit as a day trip from Bristol. The Cotswolds stretch out over 787 square miles and there's lots to see here. Up first on anyone's wish list should be some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.

  6. 27 Day Trips from Bristol: The Best of the South West

    Here are some of the top day trips from Bristol that you can consider: Bath: A beautiful city famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. Cheddar Gorge: A limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills with rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. North Cotswolds: A picturesque region with rolling hills, quaint villages, and historic market towns.

  7. 8 Day Trips Less Than Two Hours From Bristol

    2. Weston-Super-Mare. Credit: Michael Austin. If you need a quick trip to the beach, then Weston-Super-Mare is one of the best day trips from Bristol. This seaside resort on the north Somerset coast is 20 miles down from Bristol with easy access from the M5, plus there's a direct train too.

  8. Best day trips south of Bristol

    Within an hour's drive of Bristol, sitting at the foothills of the Mendips is England's smallest city, Wells. Popular with film-makers and tourists for its medieval architecture and quaint streets, Wells is also well known for its year-round cultural offerings - film, comedy, art, literature and music festivals and of course the famous ...

  9. 10 of the most beautiful places within an hour of central Bristol

    4. Castle. A short drive across the Severn Bridge, Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire stands on a limestone cliff above the River Wye and is regarded as one of the best preserved castles in Wales. The oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain, construction began in 1067. Previous.

  10. Day trips and getaways in and around Bristol

    The Bridgerton Palace With Christmas Markets, A Light Trail And 'Sleeping Beauty' Experience Is 90 Minutes From Bristol. Every Christmas market is a little bit magical, a little bit different and a little bit special. But you'll find few that can rival the wonder of Christmas at Blenheim Palace. Traditional wooden chalets selling everythi...

  11. 13 Incredible Day Trips from Bristol, England

    Cheddar Gorge. This is one of the top hikes near Bristol. Cheese and nature lovers unite and make your way to Cheddar Gorge! At 137m (449ft) deep and 4.8km (2.98 miles) long, Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in England. This is also the place where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete human skeleton in Britain was found.

  12. A Perfect Bristol Day Trip Itinerary

    Whenever I've asked for recommendations of places to visit in Bristol, these two spots have cropped up over and over! If you have a sweet tooth, definitely add these to your Bristol day trip itinerary! Swoon Gelato specialises in artisan gelato. They offer 11 standard flavours including salted caramel, mango, pistachio and chocolate, plus a ...

  13. Places to visit about 1 hour from Bristol

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  14. 21 Best places to visit near Bath and Bristol

    The gorgeous Bridge Tea Rooms. Bradford-on-Avon is one of our favourite places to visit near Bristol and Bath, a gorgeous Wiltshire town that charmed us greatly on a birthday day trip a few years ago. It's only 25 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads by train, and ten from Bath Spa, and the station is only a short walk from the compact, easily ...

  15. 13 Beaches near Bristol: escape to the seaside within 1.5 hours

    Weston is also one of the beaches that can be reached by train from Bristol and there are services from Bristol Temple Meads which take around 30 minutes as well as the X1 bus (which takes just over an hour). Weston super Mare beach dog-friendly except from 1 July to 31 August from 10am to 6pm. Weston-super-Mare beach.

  16. The beautiful waterfalls to visit within an hour's drive of Bristol

    The list below is the waterfalls within an hour's drive of Bristol that you can go and enjoy. READ MORE: Family day trips everyone from Bristol will remember going on as a kid St Audries Bay near ...

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  18. 20 Best Places To Visit In Bristol • Adventures of Alice

    20 Places To Visit In Bristol. The city of Bristol is full of attractions that can easily keep you busy for a few days, but here are the best places to visit in Bristol; 1. Clifton Suspension Bridge. Suspended over the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.

  19. Places to Visit in Bristol

    Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed and built in 1836 by a young engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this 702-foot-long, 250-foot-high suspension bridge gracefully spans the Avon Gorge between Clifton and Leigh Woods. 3. Smoke & Mirrors Comedy & Magic Theatre Pub. Welcome to Smoke & Mirrors, the enchanting theatre pub in Bristol that boasts The ...

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  22. 15 Places to Visit in Bristol in 24 Hours

    Here are some of the top things to do in 24 hours in Bristol. A Guide to Spending One Day in Bristol ... M Shed is a museum dedicated to the history of Bristol and is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to learn more about the city. Some of the most popular galleries within the Museum include Bristol places, Bristol people and Bristol ...

  23. Places to visit about 2 hours from Bristol, VA

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