BEYOND BRISTOL
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE & SOUTH COTSWOLDS From castles and medieval villages to surfing, cycling and bears in the woods MARKET TOWNS Picturesque medieval market towns and villages dot the countryside to the north and east of Bristol. The medieval town of Thornbury is home to Thornbury Castle, where King Henry VIII stayed with Anne Boleyn in 1535. The High Street is lined with independent shops and gastropubs while nearby Mundy Playing Fields offer facilities for children including a paddling pool. Distillery 6 O’clock Gin is also based here. The Tourist Information Centre is in Thornbury’s Town Hall. The charming market town of Chipping Sodbury was founded in the 12th century and features medieval architecture and 17thcentury Cotswold stone. The Tourist Information Centre is in the clock tower on the High Street. OUT AND ABOUT In South Gloucestershire, Badminton Horse Trials take place in May and the 27-hole Kendleshire Golf Club is one of several local golf courses. Almondsbury’s inland surfing lake, The Wave – the first of its kind in Europe – offers a seaside experience in a rural eco environment. The Wild Place Project offers animal adventures inspired by different corners of the world – from ancient Britain to Madagascar. At Aerospace Bristol, Concorde is at the heart of Bristol’s aviation story. Just off the M5 motorway at junction 17, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway combines shopping, restaurants, free parking and entertainment, including the new Planet Ice skating rink.
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Walkers and cyclists can enjoy traffic-free routes along the National Cycle Network, including a popular stretch which links Bristol and Bath via a disused railway path, passing through Warmley with its historic signal box, tea gardens and Bath Ales’ Hare Brewery. Just north of the district family-friendly attractions include Westonbirt Aboretum and beautiful Berkeley Castle. AVON VALLEY Family friendly Avon Valley Railway at Bitton runs steam-train rides throughout the year. In nearby Keynsham, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park offers indoor and outdoor play areas, farm animals and exotic species set in 50 acres of countryside, plus an annual FEAR Scream Park during Halloween season. Join Bristol Packet Boat Trips (below) for one of their cruises along the River Avon. Enjoy a cream tea on board or hop off at Beese’s Bar and Tea Gardens for lunch or drinks.
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