10 best day trips from Bristol by train

Are you looking for days out from Bristol by train? The city often tops lists of Britain’s ‘best places to live’ for its great local amenities and cultural attractions, as well as its handy location from which to explore England and Wales - but there are so many things to do near Bristol as well. Better yet, with two main stations, both well connected to a variety of top-class destinations, the South Western city is a convenient place from which to plan days out by train.

In this guide, we propose 10 of the best day trips from Bristol by train. With access to so much history and heritage in less than two hours, Bristol is a perfect launchpad for time travelling adventures. Let’s go!

Bath: World heritage

Bath Abbey

One of the best things to do near Bristol has to be a day trip to Bath. Bristol’s city neighbour is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Roman Baths. A tour around the remarkably preserved bathing complex is a must.

Around the ancient city you’ll find a fascinating mix of architectural styles. Unmissable landmarks include the iconic Royal Crescent, one of the most magnificent Georgian buildings in the UK. Romantics can visit the Jane Austen Centre to celebrate the life and works of one of England’s most beloved authors. And Bath Abbey, a popular Gothic church with intricate stained glass windows, is well worth a visit.

Reaching Bath from Bristol is so easy by train. This one day trip from Bristol takes just 11 minutes from Temple Meads Station, meaning you’ll have hours to explore the city’s charms.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Exmouth: Jurassic coast

Exmouth Marina

A charming seaside town full of local eateries, this lively Devon town boasts two miles of golden sandy beach and so much more. The start of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Exmouth Beach attracts outdoor adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Stroll along cliff tops that date back 250 million years and look out for local wildlife at the idyllic Exe estuary. Or, if it’s raining, dip into World of Country Life, a fascinating museum showcasing an impressive classic car collection.

Exmouth also has all the ingredients for those seeking extreme day trips from Bristol. As a watersports hub, the town is well equipped (even for newbies) to stand-up paddleboard or kayaking. Make a splash and make a full day of it, with frequent trains running late back to Temple Meads Station.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Gloucester: Cathedral city

Gloucester Cathedral

For a local day trip from Bristol with plenty of culture and tradition, Gloucester is a great choice. The City boasts a wide range of quality museums for every taste – for example, big readers should visit the Tailor of Gloucester Beatrix Potter Museum and military history buffs will love the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.

The iconic Gloucester Cathedral is a must see. This incredible masterpiece in stone has been a place of worship for more than 1,300 years and boasts some of the finest examples of stained glass in England. After all the sightseeing, there are plenty of shops and cafes, perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon or for escaping the rain!

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Hereford: A charming city

On a loop of the River Wye sits Hereford, a characterful city, which charms visitors with its proud heritage and independent flair. Start at the magnificent golden-stoned Hereford Cathedral. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition, which houses two international record holders: the largest surviving medieval map of the world and the biggest chained library in the world.

If you’re looking for arts and culture, you’ll want to make your way to The Courtyard Hereford, the city’s prime destination for theatre, comedy, ballet, cinema and more. Then, wander among cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, as you browse independent shops along the quirky Church Street. A day out by train from Bristol well worth the hour-and-a-half journey.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Salisbury: A traditional English city

Salisbury Cathedral

A medieval city with a captivating history, Salisbury offers a wonderful day trip from Bristol. Known for Salisbury Cathedral, which has been welcoming travellers since 1227, Salisbury epitomises the independent spirit of a traditional English city, with boutiques, tea rooms and restaurants as quaint as the city’s cobbles.

If you want to go further back in time, add a trip to Stonehenge, the megalithic structure that is one of England’s most iconic landmarks. Book a tour that starts from Salisbury for an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

Alongside all the heritage, Salisbury promises visitors a lively creative scene, notably Fisherton Mill Gallery and Studios, as well as gardens and parks perfect for an afternoon stroll. A train journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury takes a little over an hour and, with tickets starting from just £5, the city is an ideal choice for an affordable day out for the whole family.]

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Birmingham: Urban redevelopment capital

Birmingham Library

If big urban environments are more your thing, you’ll want to make your way to Birmingham, the second-largest city in Britain. Arriving into Birmingham New Street is an experience in itself: the redeveloped station’s striking architecture certainly makes a statement. Opposite the station, The Mailbox offers the ideal setting for some retail therapy.

Culture seekers will be eager to get to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, while fans of heritage attractions will want to make time to stroll around Winterbourne House and Garden, an impressive Edwardian house tucked into leafy surroundings. For the best panoramic views of the city, head up the 10-level Library of Birmingham and marvel at the city’s ever-evolving skyline. In just over an hour and with frequent, affordable trains from Parkway Station, Birmingham has so much to offer on a day trip from Bristol.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Tewkesbury: Medieval market town

Tewkesbury Abbey

If you like beautiful waterside settings and medieval architecture, there’s no better day trip from Bristol than Tewkesbury. With more than 350 buildings listed as being of special architectural or historical interest, there is so much to see around every corner in Tewkesbury. The town delights visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, while its tranquil waterfronts are perfect for an afternoon amble.

Don’t miss Tewkesbury Abbey off the itinerary, the imposing 12th-century structure which looms prominently over Tewkesbury. From the outside, its renowned Norman tower is striking; inside, you can admire the intricate and ornate ceiling. For a further taste, people come from far and wide to experience Tewkesbury’s world-famous Medieval Festival, so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time to make the most of the town’s full calendar of events and festivals.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Exeter: History and heights

Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)

Exeter has a long and twisted history dating back even before the arrival of the Romans in AD50. Today, it offers travellers from Bristol a convenient and affordable day out, with train journeys from Temple Meads Station to Exeter St Davids starting from £3.70 and taking under an hour.

Known for its unique Underground Passages and imposing Roman wall, Exeter is a city of multitudes. Take a free Red Coat Guided Tours to explore all the city’s key attractions, including the extravagant Exeter Cathedral or head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum to learn about 2,000 years of history. Relax beside the beautiful Quayside or venture into the city’s scenic surrounding countryside. If you’re into more sporty days out and have a head for heights, test yourself against the south west's largest indoor climbing wall.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Weston-super-Mare: Bracing sea air

Grand Pier

No list of days out in Britain could be complete without a traditional seaside resort. If you’re looking for ice cream on the seafront and windy walks along the beach, Weston-super-Mare is the place to head. Families can stroll along the Grand Pier, stopping to get dizzy on a ride or grab a bite to eat. And don’t forget to take in a show at The Playhouse and try your hand at mini golf or tenpin bowling.

Whatever the weather, you’ll find an abundance of activities, from Europe's biggest Helicopter Museum to climbing walls for all abilities. Fast, frequent trains from Temple Meads Station make a day out at Weston-super-Mare a convenient choice from Bristol.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Cheltenham: A Cotswold heritage

Cleeve Hill

If you’re going to leave one of Britain’s best places to live, you might want to head to another town that comes out near the top of such rankings. It’s not hard to see why: Cheltenham offers an exceptional mix of heritage and modern attractions for every type of visitor, from the town’s unique festival vibes to its plethora of independent boutiques and shops.

Cheltenham is often described as the ‘most complete Regency town in Britain’ and its architecture is well worth looking out for. The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum boasts an impressive array of modern art, as well as craft stalls and refreshments. The borough of Cheltenham borders the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, which means the town is surrounded by scenic hillsides; locals recommend a hike up Crickley Hill for stunning views. Check for theatre tickets at the Cheltenham Playhouse or enjoy a typical English day at the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, the longest-running cricket festival in the world.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

You don’t have to travel far from Bristol to experience some of England and Wales’ most charming cities and towns. From the history and heritage of Tewkesbury and Salisbury to the diverse sporting and cultural attractions of Cheltenham and Exeter, day trips from train by Bristol offer excitement and rejuvenation at every turn.

Explore seaside and historic cities, magnificent cathedrals and breathtaking coastlines all within an easy train journey. So, what are you waiting for? Book in advance to secure the cheapest fares. With Trip.com, day trips from Bristol without a car have never been easier!

Check out our guides for the best day trips by train from Edinburgh, London and Birmingham.