The natural thermal waters of Thermae Bath Spa offer visitors the modern equivalent of the ancient Roman Baths. There is no better way to experience the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters than by bathing in their rooftop pool overlooking Bath’s city skyline. Thermae is a 5 minute walk from the train station.
One of the most famous images of Bath is those golden stone Georgian terraced houses. There’s the magnificent sweep of them at the Royal Crescent, and also a complete circle at the nearby Circus. After exploring the stylish shopping streets and arcades, the highlights of Bath are best discovered from on board the hop on hop off city sightseeing bus.
The largest ship in the world when launched in 1843, this impressive feat of engineering by Isambard Kingdom Brunel is a forerunner of all modern shipping. Exploring the ship promises a journey back in time: the cabins have been painstakingly restored to recreate life on the world’s first great luxury liner. One of the best experiences on board is ‘Go Aloft’, where participants climb the rigging to the top of the ship’s masts! The SS Great Britain is a 20 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.
A Bristol Ferry trip is a great way to tour the city’s waterways. There’s so much to see, including the majestic Avon Gorge (spanned by Clifton Suspension Bridge) and the city’s historic harbour. The ferry port is just 14 minutes’ walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.
Bristol has developed a vibrant street art scene – it is, after all, the city where the world-renowned street artist Banksy hails from. WhereTheWall offer Bristol Street Art Tours every Saturday and Sunday at 11am. Lasting two hours, this informative guided walk tells the story of Bristol’s incredible creative culture and art scene from the 1980s to the present day. The tours start at College Green, in the centre of Bristol – but more exact details are provided on booking.
The Eden Project is like no other garden on Earth, let alone in England! Built 15 years ago in a disused clay pit, Eden’s iconic Biome greenhouses contain the largest indoor rainforest in the world and are also surrounded by vast outdoor gardens.
The 101 bus runs to the Eden Project from Trinity Street (30 mins journey time)
One of Cornwall’s most magical gardens, Heligan was rediscovered after 25 years under a tangle of weeds, through a hidden door in the ruins of a country estate. Full of wildlife, from kingfishers to badgers, alongside an exotic array of designed gardens, exotic plants and even a giant sleeping lady, they’re a rewarding place to explore!
The 471 bus runs from South Street (35mins journey time)
St. Austell Brewery was founded in 1851, and it’s the biggest brewery in Cornwall. There are few better establishments to tour, see how beers and ales are made, and enjoy some samples! It’s a 9 minute walk from the train station.
It’s a real treat to be able to combine the laid-back seaside atmosphere with a trip to the Tate gallery in St Ives. Every Tuesday the gallery holds guided walks around the town to tell the story of the artists who’ve lived here.
A visit to the home and workshop of one of St. Ives’ most famous artists is not to be missed. After settling here at the outbreak of World War 2, Barbara Hepworth lived and worked in what is today her museum, a beautiful space full of her bronze, stone and wood sculptures. It’s a lovely way to experience art, and to learn a bit about the artist’s life. The museum is in central St Ives, easy walking distance from the station.
St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most popular and unique attractions and has a fascinating history. It has magnificent panoramic views across Mount’s Bay to Land’s End and The Lizard, boasts a picturesque harbour and has a spectacular castle, complete with beautiful gardens. This attraction has something for everyone, and is a perfect family day out.
From St Ives, St Michael’s Mount is only 20 minutes by road.
The open-air Minack Theatre enjoys a dramatic position, high above a rocky granite outcrop overlooking the sea at Porthcurno. Visitors here are rewarded with a memorable evening watching theatre in a fantastic natural setting. Oates Travel offers transport to Minack Theatre and back to St Ives.
