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5 days in the south west of England and south Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Location: Newcastle, England

Friends enjoying tea and cake on a rooftop terrace, overlooking a river and suspension bridge.

Introduction

Experience the diversity of Britain on a trip that allows you to explore vastly different destinations in just a short journey. Start in artsy Bristol, where you’ll discover creative flair led by the enigmatic street artist, Banksy. Step into the Regency world of Bridgerton in picturesque Bath, before exploring the idyllic countryside and classic British pubs of the Cotswolds. Finish off by hopping across the border into Wales and enjoy culinary delights and a legendary nightlife scene in its fun-loving capital, Cardiff.

Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in the south-west of England and south Wales: 

Day 1 - Bristol

Day 1 – Bristol

The streets of Bristol are like an open-air art gallery, with colourful street art at every turn – but would you expect any less from the home of Banksy? Learn the stories behind the murals on a street art tour, or try it out yourself in a graffiti workshop. This cool, creative city also offers an innovative ‘Amazement Park’, top-notch vintage shopping, sustainable eateries and an architectural marvel. Discover the best things to do in Bristol.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Beavis/Louis Masai

An artist with a can working on artwork. Cartoon design

Things to do in Bristol

Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

Find out more about Clifton Suspension Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

From dinosaur skeletons to local inventions, this museum puts one billion years of wonder at your fingertips.

What’s on at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: thatliz

Children looking at museum exhibit
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Ever fancied giving graffiti a go? Create your own tag at Bristol’s Graft workshop.

Learn to create your own graffiti masterpiece

Photo by: Peter Hall/Graft

A group of people on a graffiti workshop at Graft in Bristol
Graft, Bristol

This up-and-coming shopping, dining and entertainment quarter has breathed new life into Bristol’s waterfront.

Get to know Wapping Wharf

Photo by: Jon Craig

Fresh fruit and veg on display at Wapping Wharf in Bristol
Wapping Wharf

Take to the waves for some serious surfing at Bristol’s innovative inland wake.

Practise surfing at The Wave

Photo by: lifeoutthere.photography

Surfing at the Wave Garden
The Wave Bristol

Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

Find out more about Clifton Suspension Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

From dinosaur skeletons to local inventions, this museum puts one billion years of wonder at your fingertips.

What’s on at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: thatliz

Children looking at museum exhibit
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Ever fancied giving graffiti a go? Create your own tag at Bristol’s Graft workshop.

Learn to create your own graffiti masterpiece

Photo by: Peter Hall/Graft

A group of people on a graffiti workshop at Graft in Bristol
Graft, Bristol

This up-and-coming shopping, dining and entertainment quarter has breathed new life into Bristol’s waterfront.

Get to know Wapping Wharf

Photo by: Jon Craig

Fresh fruit and veg on display at Wapping Wharf in Bristol
Wapping Wharf

Take to the waves for some serious surfing at Bristol’s innovative inland wake.

Practise surfing at The Wave

Photo by: lifeoutthere.photography

Surfing at the Wave Garden
The Wave Bristol

Getting to Bristol

Bristol Airport is connected to dozens of European destinations. The Airport Flyer bus service runs roughly every 12 minutes, taking around 30 minutes to reach Bristol city centre.

Bristol is around 118 miles (190 km) from London. Trains from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads run regularly and take around one hour and 40 minutes. National Express coaches from London Victoria to Bristol run day and night, with journey times starting from two hours and 20 minutes.

While you're here...

Bristol, England

Step into ‘the world’s first amazement park’ – a place unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Photo by: Wake The Tiger

An art exhibit in Wake The Tiger, a new art theme park crossover in Bristol
Bristol, England

Dip your toe into Bristol’s history at this beautifully restored bathhouse, luxury spa and restaurant.

Photo by: Andre Pattenden/Bristol Lido

Location: Bristol, England

People swimming in an outdoor pool at Bristol Lido
Bristol, England

This is the place to revel in Bristol’s free-spirited vibe, while shopping for clothes, antiques and crafts.

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Bristol

Old Market, Bristol

Day 2 - Bath

Day 2 – Bath

UNESCO listed for its Georgian architecture and namesake Roman baths, the city of Bath is enchanting. Netflix fans might recognise it as the setting for hit series Bridgerton, and it’s bursting with Regency charm to match. Just take a stroll around No. 1 Royal Crescent, or pop in for afternoon tea at The Pump Room Restaurant to feel like a character on the show!

Photo by: VisitBritain/Alicia Paige

Location: Bath, England

Group of people kayaking on the river in the sunshine by Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Things to do in Bath

Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Visit Thermae Bath Spa

Photo by: VisitBritain

Women swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Thermae Bath Spa

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Visit the Roman Baths of Bath

Photo by: Colin Hawkins

ROMAN BATHS BATH
Roman Baths

Explore fashionable life in 18th century Georgian Bath at this restored town-house museum, which had a starring role in Bridgerton.

Discover Georgian architecture at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

Location: The Royal Crescent, Bath

Aerial view of crescent-shaped building surrounded by grass
No. 1 Royal Crescent

History meets Hollywood on this filming locations walking tour, packed with behind-the-scenes gossip.

Discover the Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Photo by: BritMovieTours

Location: Bath, England

A regal Bridgerton tour
Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea are accompanied by live piano music, and beautiful Georgian architecture.

Try The Pump Room Restaurant

Photo by: Mark Weeks/Searcys

The Pump Room Restaurant in Bath being prepared for opening
The Pump Room Restaurant

This former monastery is one of Bath’s most magnificent monuments, with amazing views from its tower.

Visit Bath Abbey

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman walking down the aisle of a church
Bath Abbey

Dating back to 1796, this Georgian marvel is a highlight of city tours and boat trips.

Explore Pulteney Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Location: Bath, England

Couple strolling beside a canal in the evening
Pulteney Bridge

Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Visit Thermae Bath Spa

Photo by: VisitBritain

Women swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Thermae Bath Spa

Tour the original Roman Baths and discover fascinating archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain.

Visit the Roman Baths of Bath

Photo by: Colin Hawkins

ROMAN BATHS BATH
Roman Baths

Explore fashionable life in 18th century Georgian Bath at this restored town-house museum, which had a starring role in Bridgerton.

Discover Georgian architecture at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

Location: The Royal Crescent, Bath

Aerial view of crescent-shaped building surrounded by grass
No. 1 Royal Crescent

History meets Hollywood on this filming locations walking tour, packed with behind-the-scenes gossip.

Discover the Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Photo by: BritMovieTours

Location: Bath, England

A regal Bridgerton tour
Brit Movies Bridgerton Tour

Breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea are accompanied by live piano music, and beautiful Georgian architecture.

Try The Pump Room Restaurant

Photo by: Mark Weeks/Searcys

The Pump Room Restaurant in Bath being prepared for opening
The Pump Room Restaurant

This former monastery is one of Bath’s most magnificent monuments, with amazing views from its tower.

Visit Bath Abbey

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman walking down the aisle of a church
Bath Abbey

Dating back to 1796, this Georgian marvel is a highlight of city tours and boat trips.

Explore Pulteney Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Location: Bath, England

Couple strolling beside a canal in the evening
Pulteney Bridge

Getting to Bath from Bristol

Trains from Bristol to Bath are fast and regular, running up to four times every hour. The journey takes only 11 minutes. Alternatively, there are several Bristol to Bath coaches daily too, with the journey taking just under an hour.

While you're here...

Bath, England

Fans of the author won’t want to miss this museum chronicling Jane Austen’s life and times, plus its Regency tearoom.

Photo by: urban_m0nk

People dressed up as characters from the Jane Austen books
Bath, England

Head out on this circular National Trust trail, which affords spectacular views of the historic city of Bath.

Photo by: Chris North

Thermae Bath Spa
Bath, England

From classic vinyl to royal-themed ceramics and second-hand books – you’ll find it all right here.

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Rows of shops on Walcot Street in Bath

Explore more

Explore striking outdoor displays, intriguing sculptures and rural trails.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

One young woman using aerosol to create street art mural

Live out your Regency fantasies and immerse yourself in the record-breaking series.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace built by Cardinal Wolsely and handed to his monarch King Henry VIII in the year 1528.

Lose yourself in acres of ancient woodland, amble among prehistoric Wiltshire, and end with a dip in Roman Bath.

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel

Days 3–4 – Cotswolds

Days 3-4 - Cotswolds

Charming towns, royal residences and awe-inspiring landscapes; the Cotswolds has it all. Explore mighty cathedrals or quaint stone cottages. Wander fragrant lavender fields or discover abundant vineyards. Relax in a country pub or feast at a Michelin star restaurant – whatever type of traveller you are, you’ll find your vibe here. Covering six counties, it’s worth spending a little longer here to really experience the region.  

Photo by: VisitBritain

Blond woman wearing hat and jeans sitting on bridge

Things to do in the Cotswolds

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Book your Blenheim Palace tickets now

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Location: Blenheim Palace

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery
Blenheim Palace

Take one of Britain’s most beautiful walks, on the Cotswold Way National Trail, from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Discover the Cotswold Way National Trail

Photo by: vivlee123

The Cotswold Way Walking Trail
Cotswold Way National Trail

With its honey-coloured stone houses and ambling river, this village is a true Cotswolds beauty.

More about Castle Combe

Photo by: Shutterstock / LC_Captures

Location: Cotswold, England

Blue skies and reflections in the picturesque Cotswold village of Castle Combe.
Castle Combe

Stepping into William Morris’ home, you’ll be blown away by its incredible colours, patterns and designs.

Take a trip to Kelmscott Manor

Photo by: Kelmscott Manor

Location: Cotswolds

The exterior of Kelmscott Manor
Kelmscott Manor

For countryside walks, friendly local pubs and boutique hotels, you’ve come to the right place.

Plan your trip to Painswick

Photo by: Nick Turner/Cotswolds Tourism

Location: Cotswolds

Painswick, Gloucestershire
Painswick

This magnificent cathedral offers guided tours, discovery trails and breathtaking live concerts.

Step into history at Gloucester Cathedral

Photo by: ievgeny

Location: Gloucestershire, England

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire, England
Gloucester Cathedral

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Book your Blenheim Palace tickets now

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Location: Blenheim Palace

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery
Blenheim Palace

Take one of Britain’s most beautiful walks, on the Cotswold Way National Trail, from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Discover the Cotswold Way National Trail

Photo by: vivlee123

The Cotswold Way Walking Trail
Cotswold Way National Trail

With its honey-coloured stone houses and ambling river, this village is a true Cotswolds beauty.

More about Castle Combe

Photo by: Shutterstock / LC_Captures

Location: Cotswold, England

Blue skies and reflections in the picturesque Cotswold village of Castle Combe.
Castle Combe

Stepping into William Morris’ home, you’ll be blown away by its incredible colours, patterns and designs.

Take a trip to Kelmscott Manor

Photo by: Kelmscott Manor

Location: Cotswolds

The exterior of Kelmscott Manor
Kelmscott Manor

For countryside walks, friendly local pubs and boutique hotels, you’ve come to the right place.

Plan your trip to Painswick

Photo by: Nick Turner/Cotswolds Tourism

Location: Cotswolds

Painswick, Gloucestershire
Painswick

This magnificent cathedral offers guided tours, discovery trails and breathtaking live concerts.

Step into history at Gloucester Cathedral

Photo by: ievgeny

Location: Gloucestershire, England

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire, England
Gloucester Cathedral

Getting to the Cotswolds from Bath

The Cotswolds covers a large area, so getting there depends on your desired destination. South Western Railway operates trains from Bath to the Cotswolds, usually with a transfer in Swindon or Bristol. As a reference, trains from Bath to Kemble, close to the town of Cirencester, take just under an hour.

For greater freedom, consider renting a car to explore the smaller and lesser-visited gems of the Cotswolds at your own pace.

While you're here...

Southrop, England

Set in a beautiful 19th-century farm, this restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Photo by: Rachael Smith Photography Ltd/The Ox Barn

Location: Cotswolds

The Ox Barn, Thyme, Southrop, Gloucestershire
Bromyard, England

Packed with memorabilia, artwork and props from some of the world’s favourite TV series and movies.

Photo by: Shutterstock

Location: Cotswolds

The Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction
Painswick, England

This cosy pub puts the best of British cuisine on your plate, plus fine local ales, spirits and wines.

Photo by: Cotswolds Tourism/Nick Turner

Location: Cotswolds

Falcon Inn, Painswick, Gloucestershire

Day 5 - Cardiff

Day 5 – Cardiff

Welcome to the Welsh capital, a lively city packed with adventure and culture. Looking for the best things to do in Cardiff? Sports fans can’t miss the home of Welsh rugby, Principality Stadium, which also plays host to British Speedway and other huge sporting events. There’s excellent shopping in the Victorian and Edwardian arcades, vast green spaces and even a wetland reserve. Plus, a summer concert in historic Cardiff Castle is a night out you’ll never forget.

Photo by: VisitBritain/sin hart/Jacobs

Location: Cardiff, Wales

Groups of people on the roof garden at Jacobs, Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Though it has 2,000 years of history to discover, Cardiff Castle is also bang up to date – hosting festivals and events galore.

Plan your visit to Cardiff Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Alex Major

Man looking out at the castle view
Cardiff Castle

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

Catch a match at Principality Stadium

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Principality Stadium

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Visit Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Image Cardiff

A woman looking out across Cardiff's harbour
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

These ‘secret’ streets feature unique boutiques, artisan cafes and even a vintage video game arcade.

Explore the Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Image men

A gay couple, with arms linked, shopping indoors
Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Make a splash at this Olympic standard, family-friendly white-water rafting centre in Cardiff Bay.

Take the plunge at CIWW

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canoeists at White-Water Rafting Centre, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff International White Water

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Discover Bute Park

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: Cardiff

View of Bute Park, Cardiff from above, with green trees in the foreground and blue skies
Bute Park

Though it has 2,000 years of history to discover, Cardiff Castle is also bang up to date – hosting festivals and events galore.

Plan your visit to Cardiff Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Alex Major

Man looking out at the castle view
Cardiff Castle

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

Catch a match at Principality Stadium

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Principality Stadium

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Visit Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Image Cardiff

A woman looking out across Cardiff's harbour
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

These ‘secret’ streets feature unique boutiques, artisan cafes and even a vintage video game arcade.

Explore the Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Image men

A gay couple, with arms linked, shopping indoors
Victorian and Edwardian Arcades

Make a splash at this Olympic standard, family-friendly white-water rafting centre in Cardiff Bay.

Take the plunge at CIWW

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canoeists at White-Water Rafting Centre, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff International White Water

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Discover Bute Park

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: Cardiff

View of Bute Park, Cardiff from above, with green trees in the foreground and blue skies
Bute Park

Getting to Cardiff from the Cotswolds

The easiest way to travel to Cardiff from the Cotswolds is on a direct CrossCountry train from Cheltenham. The journey takes one hour and 10 minutes.

While you're here...

Cardiff, Wales

Enjoy Cardiff’s best bites on this walking tour, and learn all about Welsh culture along the way.

Photo by: Loving Welsh Food

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A group of people eating and drinking at an outside table at Cosmo, Cardiff
Cardiff, Wales

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man looks through records at Spillers Records in Cardiff
Cardiff, Wales

There’s always something fresh to discover here, from stand-up comedy to arthouse cinema.

Photo by: Chapter Arts Centre

A performer on stage at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales

Ready to discover the south-west of England and south Wales?

Find out about passport requirements, what to expect at customs and immigration, as well as tips on travelling to Britain, getting around and some handy ways to save money while you’re here.

Photo by: Getty Images/SolStock

A multiracial family of four, a mother, father and their two little boys standing Newcastle railway station platform waiting for their train.

Cool and creative, Bristol is a must-visit for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

A wellness retreat for the Romans, with elegant Georgian architecture around every corner.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Cardiff

A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff, Wales