We are planning a road trip to explore the Cotswolds AONB, concluding with a final night in the South West, Bristol or Bath. Seeking recommendation for this final night stay at either Bristol or Bath. We are interested in local boutique hotels that offer an authentic vibe and rich regional culture (also with onsite property parking) rather than standard chain properties. Our final stop will be Gatwick Airport, and we plan to visit Stonehenge along the way. Thank you for your time to response.
Posted by
2970 posts
Bristol is prone to traffic jams and driving in & out of Bath also has slow going traffic at times - although the centre of the city is relatively traffic free. It might be best for you to stay somewhere in the surrounding countryside which also means greater chance of parking. Being as you are heading to Stonehenge & Gatwick, probably best not to be a bit further west - such as Bristol.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
2212 posts
Bath has more small hotels as it’s a tourist city. In Bristol I can only think of Brooks Guesthouse that is independently run but it doesn’t have parking.
For one night I’d probably recommend Bath. It’s smaller so it’s easier to get a feel for it in a short space of time and you’re more likely to find the type of accommodation you want. Although I’m not really sure whether this area has a ‘rich regional culture’. Bath is a wealthy city only 100 miles from London which is an expensive and pleasant place to live. It’s small so as you can guess most people actually work elsewhere (London/Bristol/remote) or are retired.
Posted by
Minneapolis
741 posts
Not sure when the flight is but you have a drive and the M25 plugs up especially in the 9:30 to 6:00 positions (noon is north) that you have to drive.
Consider staying near Gatwick and visiting nearby Hever Castle the day you fly out. It’s a great visit.
Posted by
SE Washington, USA
804 posts
Would it make sense to stay in Salisbury, less than half the distance from Bath to Stonehenge?
Posted by
OP
69 posts
Thank you all your input. Our flight departure is 6pm. Thinking starting the day at Bath 9am then Stonehenge next then drop off car 3:30 for 6pm departure. Too rush?
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2427 posts
CanAmCherie - Last week I have driven along Salisbury on the way from Swindon to the New Forest / Southampton. It’s a very beautiful place and would certainly have visited it if I had a bit more time. Think it’s a nice place to stay.
Roads are very busy in that part of the country, especially those two-lane roads with lorries slowing down the traffic behind. So driving there can take more time than anticipated. Staying closer to Stonehenge would be to my opinion more practical too.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
1116 posts
The A303 road section past Stonehenge is one lane each way and prone to serious traffic jams.
How far in advance of your flight does your airline recommend you check in?
Planning to drop off the car at 3.30 seems to be cutting things fine.