The best ideas for days out near Bristol

Bristol is an amazing city to live in as a student, however sometimes it can be good to get away for a day. Whether it be to clear your head, have fun with your family, or generally just because in relative terms you’re extremely close to a number of different brilliant day trips, it’s definitely worth exploring some of these. With this in mind, here are some of the best ideas for days out near Bristol!

Bath

There’s loads to do on a day trip in Bristol’s stunning neighbouring city; Bath. It’s historic architecture and landmarks showcase its status as a World Heritage Site since 1987. If you’ve had a chance to get to know other university students at Bath University, it’s worth getting them to give you a tour of the city as well as the campus. One of the must-sees of the city is the iconic Roman Baths, which will give you a brilliant insight into the history of Bath and a chance to see how well-preserved some sections are. They’re a bit on the pricier side, but offer an experience unique to the city of Bath. Take the opportunity to pause from your studies and relax in their Thermal Spa. Next to the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey, famed for its 4000 pipes making up the incredible Klais Organ. Another one of Bath’s iconic landmarks is the Royal Crescent, reportedly one of the most photographed sites in England according to Visit Bath. Other amazing places to visit in Bath include the Jane Austen Heritage Centre, taking you through the life and works of the celebrated writer. Don’t forget to cross the Pulteney Bridge overlooking the River Avon, which is actually the second oldest bridge lined with shops in the world, after the Ponte Vecchio in Italy. The average journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa takes less than 15 minutes, so this is a very accessible destination for Bristol students (and families of students) to take a day trip to. 

Tyntesfield, Avebury and other National Trust sites

Described by the National Trust website as “just a stone’s throw” away from Bristol, Tyntesfield was originally a Georgian family home that was transformed into a Gothic Revival house. It comes with beautiful gardens appropriate for every season, filled with flowery terraces, stunning woodland and a lake, making it a nature-lover’s paradise. It costs £14 for adults to visit. 

For something a little cheaper, you may fancy going to Avebury World Heritage Site in Wiltshire, a renowned prehistoric monument containing the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. This will only set you back £5 for an adult ticket. Or why not also head over to the iconic Stonehenge, which is just another 40 minutes down the road by car. The two of them making up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites.

Weston-Super-Mare

This Somerset town is conveniently close to Bristol and can take as little as 30 minutes by train. The Weston Super Mare beach is one of the closest beaches to Bristol and has around two miles of flat sand to roam around. You can also stroll down Weston Super Mare Grand Pier, where you can enjoy the seaside vibes, look for souvenirs, buy some fish and chips or go on the numerous amazing rides. Or if the weather isn’t the best, you can visit the Weston Museum that details the history of the town from prehistoric times to the Victorian era’s tourism boom. Though it is currently closed to the public, if you return in September-November 2023, you can also see the See Monster platform, a retired North Sea rig that’s been revamped into a temporary art installation, free to visit (and well worth doing so).

Castle Combe

Castle Combe is a gorgeous village in the Cotswolds located just half an hour from Bristol by car. It may take a little longer by train, with an approximate journey of 90 minutes. It’s a great place to show off to visiting family and friends, as Castle Combe was crowned the “prettiest village in the United Kingdom” in 2021. This was in part due to its fabulous 3.5 mile walking route, which takes you past many beautiful Wiltshire fields, brooks and streams. Although there hasn’t been a castle for a long time, there are main other interesting sites to see. These include St Andrew’s Church – home to a faceless clock believed to be one of the oldest in the country. The village also features honey-coloured stone houses, a tea room with excellent reviews, as well as multiple other pubs and restaurants in the area. Overall, Castle Combe is a perfect, picturesque outing near Bristol, and well worth the trip. So there you go, those are some of the best ideas for days out near Bristol. If you’re still finding your feet in the city and want to know more about local attractions, check out our page.