Bath & Bristol

At the western end of the Great West Way you’ll find Bristol and Bath. A blessing for the urban adventurer since these 2 cities are so close together geographically - just 15 minutes by train - yet miles apart in character.

Travelling from London - whether by train, car, bus or boat - you’ll reach Bath first. This gorgeous, golden city, embraced by the gentle greenery of the Cotswolds, captivates at first glance. It’s a compact city, too, made for exploring on foot just as Jane Austen once did. If you’ve come by train, you can step out of Bath Spa station and be at the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent or Thermae Bath Spa within minutes. And this mode of exploration is perfect for seeking out the unexpected sites of Bath too. Don’t let the city’s World Heritage Status and elegant exterior give you the impression there’s nothing left to discover. You’ll find Vietnamese supper clubs, banging metal pubs, top comedy clubs and plenty more you’d never imagine. 

Next you reach Bristol, a different experience altogether. Arriving at Temple Meads Station, you’ll already have been acquainted with the work of the city’s adopted son - Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Not only is he responsible for the original station, and also Paddington Station where your journey may have begun, he envisioned the Great Western Railway itself. He’s also responsible for two of the city’s most impressive sights: SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge. But Bristol is as notable for its edgy art and culture as its engineering heritage. Banksy is also from Bristol, and street art tours are one of the top things to do here. Then there’s the hot air balloons, the live music, the experimental Bristol theatre, the independent food scene, the summer festivals... you get the picture. 

No doubt you’ll enjoy these fine West Country twins (definitely non-identical) even more for the contrast they bring. For some ideas, look below, and at our See & Do and Explore pages. Alternatively take a look at visitbristol.co.uk or visitbath.co.uk.