Explore Bristol, Bath and the West of England

With two iconic cities, beautiful countryside, and a rich cultural heritage, our region offers great transport connections and unforgettable things to see and do to entice you to extend your stay after your business event. There’s a wide range of experiences and activities to suit all tastes. Discover some of our top tips in the information below.

Bristol

Bristol is full of creativity and culture and is the perfect place to unwind a after a busy conference.

Discover Bristol’s award-winning food and drink scene, where you will find 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 cities outstanding street art in the home of Banksy, take in the outstanding view at the Clifton Suspension Bridge or step back in history and visit one of the historical heritage sites.

Whether you are interested in galleries, museums, sports or sightseeing, Bristol has a wide range of places to visit.  Explore the interactive exhibits at We The Curious or step on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner.

North of the city centre you will find world class attractions such as Aerospace Bristol, where you can step on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets ever to fly. Or get active and have a surfing lesson at The Wave, the first inland-surfing destination of its kind.

For an extensive list of things to do check out the Visit Bristol website and the What’s on calendar.  

Bath

Take a tour through time and explore the only UK city to be a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will feel you are wandering through pages of one of Jane Austen’s classic novels as you stroll past Georgian architectural masterpieces. Visit No1 Royal Crescent where you can learn all about what it was like for the wealthy and servants in eighteenth-century Bath.

Bath’s impeccable heritage is just one element that makes it a truly unique location, the city is also lively and thriving where ancient history meets a twenty first century buzz.  

Bath is full of restaurants and cafes serving everything from Michelin-starred dishes to street food. You can enjoy your evening after a busy event in one of the many chic cocktail bars or traditional English pubs. Why not explore the city using your taste buds, with a tour from Savouring Bath, where you sample produce from Bath’s artisan food and drink producers. The city also has some fantastic places for live music and comedy nights or why not catch a show at Theatre Royal Bath.

Bath is famous for its waters, not only is there a picturesque Georgian canal but it is one of the only places in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa. If you want to find out more about the fascinating history of the spa culture, then you can visit the Roman Baths.

For an extensive list of things to do check out the Visit Bath website and use the year-round what’s on calendar programme to see what special events and festivals are taking place.

Bristol and Bath are less that 15 minutes apart by train allowing both cities to be explored during your time with us!

Rural and Coastline

The cities of Bristol and Bath are surrounded by picturesque countryside, some of the finest in the South West. The rolling hills of rural Somerset and the Cotswolds are practically on the doorstep. With these greener areas just beyond city limits, choosing a rural venue near Bristol or Bath means you get the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy a picturesque and peaceful backdrop to your stay while remaining a stone’s throw from the amenities and buzz of the city. There are many locations to stay including castles, spa hotels and vineyards.

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 here or get in touch with 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 here.