Cities, towns & villages

1. Bath

This beautiful Regency city nestled in the Avon valley is now a world heritage site, honey-hue terraces and exquisite architecture dominate the skyline. From the Circus and Pump Rooms to Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, Bath is a true architectural gem.

There is a lot to see and do and if you’re short on time then an open-top bus tour is a great way to get to see most of Bath and gain a brief insight into its history. Many of the tour buses allow you to hop off and on so you can explore the places you want or simply shop.

The steaming Roman Baths are well worth a visit and tea in the 18th Century Pump Rooms is a must, or you might like to try Sally Lunn’s famous tea-rooms. You may fancy a leisurely boat trip up to Bathford, alighting at Bathford for lunch at the Mill Restaurant before meandering back to the city.

There are regular evening ghost walks around the city or bizarre comedy walks – just for laughs.

Street entertainers; hot air balloon rides from Victoria Park; luxurious massages and a swim in the rooftop pool of the Thermae Bath Spa; a little retail therapy in the Corridor or Milsom Place; watching open-air theatre in the Botanical gardens or a production at the Theatre Royal, there’s plenty to see and do in this City of Festivals. Check the tourist information on ‘Visit Wiltshire’ or www.bathandbeyond.org to find out what’s on and make the most of your visit.

(11.5 miles 25/30 mins)

Salisbury

The city’s 13thCentury Cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain and the architecture is stunning, a beautiful cathedral that should not be missed. Salisbury has many art galleries, museums and shops. In late May, early June Salisbury hosts an International Arts Festival. Market days are on Tuesdays & Saturdays. The home of the Earl of Pembroke, Wilton House, is situated on the outskirts of Salisbury and is a fine example of Palladian architecture. There is an adventure playground and numerous water features throughout its gardens and grounds.

(30.1 miles 42 mins)

Bristol

Once a major port, Bristol offers plenty of retail therapy with its new Cabot Circus development, Broadmead Shopping Centre and Cribbs Causeway. Its unique history gives the visitor plenty to see and explore from an interesting Harbour boat trip to the award-winning visitor attraction site of the SS Great Britain. The Hippodrome Theatre frequently stages pre- West End shows and the smaller Tobacco Theatre offers a more intimate theatre experience. ‘@Bristol’ is a wonderful hands-on science museum and the Imax cinema is a fun 3D experience.
There are frequent festivals and events held in Bristol throughout the year from the food and wine festival to the hot air balloon fiesta and the wonderful Harbourside festival.