Bristol Freshers Week: Things to do within an easy train or bus ride from Bristol

Famous for its street art, rich history and ‘city by the sea’ feel, Bristol is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities with a wealth of landmarks and attractions to explore.

But it’s also brilliantly placed for day trips for those looking to venture a bit further afield.

For those sans car, most of them are easily accessible by public transport too, with frequent trains running from the super well connected Temple Meads station.

Here are some of the best places to visit that are just a short train or bus ride away.

Bath

Often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, Bath is a must-visit for anyone close by in Bristol - especially Bridgerton fans as it’s where the hit Netflix show was filmed.

A day return from Temple Meads will set you back less than a tenner, with a journey of around 12 minutes.

The city’s beautiful honey-coloured Georgian architecture is straight out of a Jane Austen novel and there are heaps of attractions, museums, galleries to explore.

There’s the Ancient Roman Baths, House of Frankenstein and No.1 The Crescent.

Journey time: 12 minutes

How to get there: Take a direct train (GWR) from Bristol Temple Meads, running approximately every 20 minutes

Weston-super-mare

If you’re craving some old school seaside charm, Weston-super-mare is probably the easiest beach to access from Bristol via public transport.

Take a stroll down memory lane with a walk on the pier with an ice-cream, catch a Punch and Judy show, or take a tranquil walk over Sand Bay.  There’s even a helicopter museum with an impressive collection along with the South West’s highest indoor climbing walls.

Journey time: 30 minutes

How to get there: GWR trains run directly to Weston-super-mare from Temple Meads every 30 minutes. The X1 bus runs from the Centre to Weston-super-mare every half hour and takes around 50 minutes to reach Weston.

Wells

Visiting the historic town of Wells is a key stop on any tour of Somerset thanks to its stunning cathedral, the unique moated Bishop’s Palace and more beautiful landmarks.

It’s a charming little spot for sure, with cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings, tearooms, pubs and old-fashioned shops.

Close by there’s some magnificent countryside to explore such as the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves.

Journey time: About 1 hour

How to get there: Take the 376 Mendip Explorer bus from Bristol bus and coach station.

Cardiff

Bristol has the advantage of being close to Wales, and Cardiff is a great place to begin if you’d like to explore the country.

International White Water to touring a gothic fantasy castle.

If you’re feeling flush, the city is also home to some big name restaurants and spa hotels.

Journey time: 45 minutes

How to get there: Direct trains run from Bristol Temple Meads around every half hour.

Salisbury

For magical landscapes and medieval architecture, you can’t beat Salisbury just across the county border in Wiltshire.

The imposing Gothic cathedral standing over the city is home to the world’s best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta.

The town centre is full of independent shops selling everything from handmade clothes to artisan bread, and Stonehenge is only a short journey away.

Journey time: 1 hour 11 minutes

How to get there: Direct trains from Bristol Temple Meads run around every 30 minutes.