Exploring Beyond Bristol: A Guide to Memorable Day Trips
If you’re in Bristol and find yourself itching to explore beyond the vibrant city streets, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a local yearning for a change of pace or a visitor armed with an insatiable curiosity, the areas surrounding Bristol offer a wonderful array of day trips that promise more than just a fleeting escape. So, grab your adventurous spirit and maybe even a packed lunch, because these day trips out of Bristol are not to be missed!
Step into History in Bath
First on our list is Bath. Yes, the city-famous-for-a-bath. Located just a 15-minute train ride from Bristol, this UNESCO World Heritage city perfectly blends ancient history with contemporary charm. As you stroll through Bath, prepare yourself for an unapologetic assault on your senses, with its honey-colored Georgian architecture and the ancient Roman Baths demanding your attention. Before you leave, don’t forget to channel your inner Jane Austen by having afternoon tea – pinkie in the air is optional but adds a certain panache!
Get Cotswold Cozy
The Cotswolds are basically a model village that decided to just keep going, offering picturesque landscapes straight out of a chocolate box. A series of rolling hills, stone-built villages, and cute-as-a-button market towns, the Cotswolds are perfect for a leisurely day of exploration. Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” (though frankly that’s a bit of a stretch), has charming bridges for a spot of midday pondering. A reminder for drivers — yes, those truly are sheep on the road. Please, no “baa-rking”!
Trek through Cheddar Gorge
If you were hoping for cheese, there’s a double delight in store – both a stunning landscape and actual cheese originated here! Cheddar Gorge offers the dramatic scenery of Britain’s largest gorge, and yes, it’s a prime spot for budding paleontologists and cheese enthusiasts alike. When your hiking limbs get weary, head into the village of Cheddar and indulge in, you guessed it, Cheddar cheese! Perhaps dare yourself to try cave-aged. For those with a peculiar appetite for cave-ripened fare, it’s an expedition for both the taste buds and the entire sensory system!
Forest of Dean: Nature’s Wonderland
For those who love their day trips with a side of woodland mystique, the Forest of Dean offers just the ticket. Said to inspire Tolkien’s Middle-earth, this leafy haven provides a rich tapestry of hiking and cycling trails. Imagine yourself as an intrepid adventurer amid the trees, imagining you’re avoiding orcs instead of the more common squirrel. Autumn visits come with high acclaim thanks to a riotous display of reds, oranges, and yellows – perfect for anyone looking to capture that swoon-worthy Instagram shot. #ForestGoals, anyone?
Get Wild in the Wye Valley
What rhymes with ‘Bristol’? If your answer was ‘adventurous souls,’ then (a) we commend your creativity and (b) consider the Wye Valley your next go-to. Ideal for those with a thirst for all things active, from kayaking to trekking. Hello, dramatic cliffs and lush greenery! Definitely for adrenaline seekers who giggle when running out of petrol midway up a hill in the English countryside. Opt for hiking or rent a kayak to navigate the equally beautiful river Wye, but remember, keep your balance unless you enjoy the charming embrace of cold river water.
Bristol’s Backyard Awaits
Whether you have a penchant for history, crave the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your boots, or just fancy a bit of brie with your cheddar, these day trips offer a sprinkle of magic and a spoonful of excitement just a stone’s throw from the attractions in bristol. So why not take a break from the beloved bars in Bristol and set your sights on the splendid surroundings that are patiently waiting to wow? Each location offers a unique flavor, a distinct scent of adventure, and occasionally, a humorous misadventure to add to your travel tales. Happy traveling!