Extend your stay when attending an event in Bristol, Bath, and the West of England

With two of the UK’s most iconic cities, beautiful surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural heritage, our region offers unforgettable things to see and do. If you’re visiting for a business event, why not take the golden opportunity to extend your stay and sample the wide range of attractions, experiences, and activities available to suit all tastes? Here are some of our top tips on how to make the most of your time in Bristol, Bath and beyond: 

Bristol

The unofficial capital of South West England is brimming with culture and creativity, making it the ideal place to unwind after a busy conference. 

Discover Bristol’s renowned food and drink scene, consisting of everything from quirky independent eateries set within shipping containers to Michelin-starred restaurants focussed on local produce and fine dining. It’s no wonder Bristol was crowned ‘Best Food and Drink Destination’ at the 2019 Food Trekking awards.

Immerse yourself in the stunning street art of Banksy’s home town, take in the quintessential Bristolian views of the Avon Gorge from the famed Clifton Suspension Bridge, or learn more about the city’s past at the M Shed local history museum. 

Image: Clifton Suspension Bridge, credit Gary Newman 

Whether you’re interested in galleries, museums, sports or sightseeing, Bristol has the perfect place for you to visit. Explore the interactive exhibits at We The Curious, or step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner.

Image: Brunel's SS Great Britain

North of the city centre, you’ll find world-class attractions including Aerospace Bristol, where you can step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets ever to fly. Alternatively, get active with a surfing session at The Wave in nearby Easter Compton, the first inland surfing destination of its kind.

Image: Aerospace Bristol 

For a full list of things to do, take a look at the Visit Bristol website and use the year-round What’s On calendar.  

Bath

Take a trip through time and explore the only city in the UK to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through Bath’s historic streets will make you feel like you’re wandering through pages of a classic Jane Austen novel as you stroll past Georgian architectural masterpieces. Visit No.1 Royal Crescent, where you can learn all about how the wealthy and servants might have lived in Regency-era Bath, and live out your Bridgerton fantasy in the museum’s new ‘Georgrobe’ dressing up experience. 

Image: No.1 Royal Crescent 

Bath’s impeccable heritage is just one element that makes it a truly unique location. The confluence of ancient history and a 21st-century buzz also makes the city a lively urban hotspot.

Bath is awash with restaurants and cafes, with options ranging from elegant dishes to mouth-watering street food. Spend the evening after a busy event relaxing in one of the many chic cocktail bars or cosy traditional English pubs. Or, explore the city with your taste buds by taking a tour with Savouring Bath, where you will have the chance to sample delicious produce from Bath’s food and drink artisans. The city is also home to numerous venues hosting live music and stand-up comedy nights, or you can catch a show at Theatre Royal Bath.

Bath is famed for its waters. Not only does the city feature a picturesque canal, but it is also one of the only places in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot springs at the Thermae Bath Spa. Discover more about the fascinating history of spa culture at the impressively preserved Roman Baths, from which the city gets its name. 

Image: The Roman Baths 

For an extensive list of things to do, take a look at the Visit Bath website and use the year-round What’s On calendar. 

Bristol and Bath are just 12 minutes apart by train, with great public transport connections in each city, making it easy to explore both during your time in the region. 

Rural and Coastline

The cities of Bristol and Bath are surrounded by some of the finest countryside in South West England. The rolling hills of rural Somerset and the Cotswolds are practically on the doorstep, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds when staying at a rural venue. You’ll enjoy a peaceful and picturesque backdrop to your stay, while remaining a stone’s throw from the amenities and buzz of the cities. There are many locations to choose from, including castles, spa hotels and vineyards. 

Image: The Cotswolds

Coastal Somerset 

On Bristol’s doorstep is coastal North Somerset, an area with miles of spectacular coastline and beautiful rural landscapes. Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead are the three main towns along the coastline with attractive villages and glorious countryside in-between. 

Accommodation

Looking for accommodation? We work with a wide range of hotels where you will find varying styles and price points. Browse our hotel listings for Bristol and Bath online, or email us directly for recommendations.

Travel 

If you are attending an event in the region then our helpful resources are here to assist you in planning your trip. If your event is considered a business event, discounted delegate fares are available with GWR on many routes into Bristol including direct from London Paddington. Find out more about travel in the region here.