Explore the UK
Bath & Bristol
Two completely differing cities but in close proximity in the same region of the South West of England, Bath & Bristol offer so much for the visitor that they would be hard pressed to find better venues for a weekend break.
Bath, considered to be Britain's finest Georgian city, is brimming with things to do and see, it boasts about 5,000 buildings, which because of their architectural merit, are listed buildings and a wander around Bath can confirm this and reveal a treasure trove of interest and fascination. The museums in Bath and in the surrounding area will take you through a trip in time and you will be spoiled for choice. For instance, there is the world famous Roman Baths which are Britain’s only hot spring where the Romans built a magnificent bathing complex, which today still flows with hot water and you are able to tread on stone pavements, as did our Roman ancestors.
Fashion has always played a part in Britain’s culture and heritage and the Fashion Museum charts 400 years of garments displayed on 200 models covering a period from the 16th century up to the present day. Bath offers quantity and quality when it comes to shopping, it is a shopper’s paradise, much more than a city ten times its size, from national multiples to small independents.
Bristol on the other hand has been linked to its seaport which used to be in the city centre but is now centred on the Bristol Channel coast, notably Avonmouth. Trade at the port of Bristol grew in the 17th century and was largely connected with the Americas and the slave trade, but although virtually no slaves were brought to Bristol, more than 2000 slaving ships were fitted out at Bristol, carrying an estimated half a million people from Africa to the Americas and slavery. Bristol's strong nautical ties meant that maritime safety was an important issue in the city. In the 19th century Samuel Plimsoll, "the sailor's friend", campaigned to make the seas safer. He was shocked by the overloaded cargoes and successfully fought for a compulsory load line known universally around the world as the Plimsoll line on all ships.
The emphasis has moved from the sea in Bristol to the air and the city’s economy is now tied in with aerospace. From the famous wartime planes with names such as Blenheim and Beaufighter, to Rolls Royce aero engines and the famous Concorde, the Bristol Aeroplane Company factory at Filton is world renowned; Bristol cars an offshoot of the company became independent in 1960.
You will not be short of things to do when visiting Bristol, whether this is to visit Brunel’s ship s.s.Great Britain where you can marvel at the wonderful engineering feat achieved all those years ago, or one or more of the many houses or churches in the city. Alternatively you can take a relaxing break in one of Bristol's many parks and green spaces or explore outstanding gardens and the natural landscape.
The Bath and Bristol cities have so much to offer and the accommodation and restaurants offer you that relaxing weekend break and you will return to both these cities and to the South West region again and again.
