I will be solo traveling for 4 nights in the UK. Have based myself in Bristol as I don't want to bounce around every night and there are a few activities that sound interesting to me within easy reach of Bristol (Banksy tour in Bristol, Stonehenge, Bath.) However, I've never been to this part of the UK and really do not have any idea if this is the best area to base myself based on what I'd like to see. Thoughts on Bristol as a base?
Posted by
Preston UK
890 posts
An excellent base in my view and, dare I say it, better than Bath. Lots to interest you and a markedly alternative vibe.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7569 posts
I stayed in Bristol a few nights, really enjoyed it. I do think it is overlooked, there is a nice harbor area, and it is a transportation hub, so good for daytrips. We found very good restaurants, a brewery or two, and some decent pubs.
In addition to the Banksy tour are sights associated with IK Brunel, the SS Great Britain is a great visit, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge just outside of town. You can also get to Cardiff in Wales fairly easy, and Bath is an easy trip. Stonehenge though is a bit far, maybe not so bad if you find a tour from Bristol or Bath, but on your own would be a long day.
Edit: Regarding Stonehenge, if I had my preference, it would be to do a night in Salisbury, and see it from there.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16324 posts
We visited Stonehenge from Bristol. It was easy and fun: train to Salisbury (1 hour 10 minutes), rented bikes at the station for the 9-mile ride to Stonehenge on backroads (stopping at the Wheatsheaf Tavern in Middle Woodford for lunch). We were back at the bike rental well before their 5:30 closing and caught the next train back to Bristol.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
207 posts
Thank you for all the advice. Sounds like Bristol is a good place to base myself. And I love the idea of renting a bike from Salisbury then biking to Stonehenge!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32801 posts
adding to the above is Brunel's famous SS Great Britain to visit
Posted by
Washington DC
27152 posts
You could also take a day trip to Cardiff in southern Wales.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
207 posts
I've thought about Cardiff as a day trip, too. Just started looking in to it. Worth going for the day? It seems to be just a short train ride. It's just me and I've nothing but time...
Posted by
Lake District, England
5828 posts
Cardiff is absolutely worth it for the day. The train goes under the River Severn by tunnel. To go over the river on the bridge you might like to use the regular National Express bus in one direction.
Posted by
2422 posts
You will find more relevant advice in an earlier posting about the same area:>
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/trip-planning-d8d2d7b7-5735-4a38-9c1e-d3bc02c3d61e
Posted by
Lake District, England
5828 posts
Another easy trip into Wales from Bristol is to take the Traws Cymru T7 bus to Chepstow.
From Chepstow there are hourly connections up the valley to Tintern and Monmouth- on the Phil Anslow #69 bus
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1021 posts
Bristol is also the birthplace of Cary Grant and I think they are starting a tour of places related to his life this year which could be interesting.