Bristol and the surrounding areas are packed with world class scenery and places to visit.
Whether it’s historic castles and picture postcard villages or bustling market towns and breathtaking river views, it’s not hard to find places that you want to shout about.
With spring around the corner, what better time to get out and about to explore Bristol and beyond?
We’ve rounded up ten of the must-visit places in Bristol or within an hour’s drive of the city centre.
If you can think of more beautiful spots we need to include, let us know.
With spring around the corner, what better time to get out and about to explore Bristol and beyond?
5. Market town
Tucked away in the scenic Five Valleys, the former mill town of Stroud has an abundance of artisan shops selling everything from fossils to vintage clothing. The Saturday farmers’ market is regarded as one of the best in the UK, with fantastic food and drink sold by local producers.
6. Forest
Just the other side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the National Trust’s Leigh Woods is a 2km rea of woodland on the south-west side of the Avon Gorge. A National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, it also offers a selection of running, walking and mountain biking trails.
7. River views
Less than hour’s drive from Bristol, the Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with one of the most beautiful rivers in Britain. The ruins of Tintern Abbey and the breathtaking views from Yat Rock are just two reasons why this area is so treasured by locals and visitors alike.
8. Gardens
Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and five national tree collections, Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury is a beautiful place all year round but especially in autumn, when it is transformed into an explosion of orange, yellow and red. Walking trails and forest adventures including a tree-top walkway make it family-friendly, too.