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Last updated:Today at 10:32
Train companies affected:National Rail

Day Trips From Bristol by Train

Hop on a train from Bristol to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore

There’s tons to see and do in Bristol (see our Visit Bristol by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Bristol for a short day trip.

From quiet coastal walks to scenic countryside, historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard you can get 1/3 off your rail fares.

Day Trips from Bristol in 1 hour or under

Bath

Established by the Romans in 76BC, the Somerset city of Bath is almost untouched by time. When it was home to Jane Austen in the early 19th century, Bath was a fashionable spa resort with thermal springs and breathtaking architecture. These days, the limestone buildings and thermal springs can still be enjoyed, alongside plenty of restaurants, cafes and boutique shops.

Marvel at the Roman Baths(external link, opens in a new tab), take a dip in natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa(external link, opens in a new tab) or admire the breathtaking Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Bath Spa

Cardiff

The capital city of Wales was one once of the world’s most important coal ports and it now boasts one of Europe’s largest waterfront developments, packed with shops, restaurants and things to do and see. It is also home to the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, which officially speaks both English and Welsh. Visit Cardiff Castle, which has watched over the city since the eleventh century or follow the Cardiff Bay Trail, a stunning 6.2 mile long circular cycle and walking route.

Nearest station: Cardiff Central

Exeter

The capital of Devon has a gorgeous stretch of coastline and 2 national parks on its doorstep, but there is plenty to enjoy in the city itself. Visit Exeter Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab), founded in 1050 and widely regarded as one of the finest in Europe, and be sure to take a cathedral roof tour(external link, opens in a new tab) for incredible views across the city.

Take some time to relax at the historic Exeter Quayside(external link, opens in a new tab) on the banks of the River Exe, which is full of independent cafes and shops.

Nearest station: Exeter St David’s

Newport

Located to the east of Cardiff, at the mouth of the River Usk, the compact city of Newport has the stone Newport Cathedral (St Woolos)(external link, opens in a new tab), Newport Museum and Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), which charts the city’s geological, archaeological and historical development alongside a selection of oil paintings, and the stunning Newport indoor market(external link, opens in a new tab) that spans 3 floors and hosts over 60 independent stalls plus a food court.

Well worth a visit is Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve(external link, opens in a new tab), with its 7-kilometre network of resurfaced paths around reedbeds, grassland and saltmarsh lagoons.

Nearest station: Newport

Cheltenham

The Gloucestershire Regency-era town was a key spa destination in the 18th century and now hosts more than 35 festivals a year, including the Cheltenham Festival (4 days of horse jumping every March that culminates in the Gold Cup), the Cheltenham Literature Festival (10 days of events in October) and the Cheltenham Music Festival (8 days of classical music in the summer).

There are also myriad independent restaurants, cafés and shops.

Nearest station: Cheltenham Spa

Weston-super-Mare

This seaside town in North Somerset is positioned on the Bristol Channel, west of Bath. It has gorgeous sandy beaches, including a safe enclosed swimming area at Marine Lake(external link, opens in a new tab), a small rocky beach at Anchor head and the photogenic Uphill Beach(external link, opens in a new tab) to the south of the town.

Visit the Grand Pier(external link, opens in a new tab) with its indoor theme park or the world’s largest helicopter museum(external link, opens in a new tab), with over 80 helicopters on display.

Nearest station: Weston-super-Mare

Day Trips from Bristol in 1 to 2 hours

Birmingham

The second-largest city in Britain truly has something for everyone. Marvel at the redeveloped New Street station when you step off the train then pop into Mailbox(external link, opens in a new tab) for some retail therapy and a wide selection of canalside dining.

Pop into the 10-level Library of Birmingham(external link, opens in a new tab), which shares an entrance with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre(external link, opens in a new tab), and take the elevator up to the panoramic viewing gallery to enjoy impressive views across the city.

Nearest station: Birmingham New Street

Salisbury

A medieval city in Wiltshire, Salisbury boasts the stunning Salisbury Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab) with Britain’s tallest spire and largest cloisters, as well as the best preserved of the four original Magna Carta manuscripts, dating from 1215AD.

Visit Mompesson House(external link, opens in a new tab), a Queen Anne townhouse with an lovely garden or wander around the Charter Market(external link, opens in a new tab), open every Tuesday and Saturday. There are lots of independent cafés and restaurants and a food festival, Taste Salisbury(external link, opens in a new tab), every September.

Nearest station: Salisbury

Oxford

Nicknamed ‘the City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford is famous worldwide for having the oldest English-speaking university in the world. It also has 2 rivers running through it, the Cherwell and the Thames (known as the Isis where it passes through the city) and an impressive collection of gardens, libraries and museums.

Visit the Ashmolean Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), the oldest university museum and home to collections that range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, or the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum(external link, opens in a new tab), the oldest in the UK and home to over 5,000 different plant species. For something a bit different, go punting on the river with Cherwell Boathouse(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Oxford

Find out more

Plan Your Journey

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  • Buy yours today for just £35 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips! 

Bath image credit: © Visit Bath

Cardiff image credit: © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales

Cheltenham image credit: © Cheltenham Festivals and Still Moving Media

Salisbury image credit: © Visit Wiltshire

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