South Glos. & South Cotswolds

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. 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.

Clockwise from top: Flamingos at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Avon Valley Railway and Bear Wood at Wild Place Project

GLOBAL SHOTS

Surfing at The Wave

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE & SOUTH COTSWOLDS

THINGS TO DO

Aerospace Bristol See Concorde Alpha Foxtrot at this contemporary museum (above), which tells the story of Bristol’s pioneering aerospace industry. Airhop Bristol One of the world’s biggest trampoline parks is filled with wall-to-wall bouncing, foam pits and battle beams. Berkeley Castle Take a tour of the castle, dating from the 12th century and still home to the Berkeley family, before exploring the butterfly house and extensive gardens. Dyrham Park The National Trust’s 270-acre deer park, spectacular 17th-century mansion and formal garden. Sudeley Castle Explore 1,000 years of history at this magnificent Cotswold castle and gardens. The Wave This inland surfing lagoon at Almondsbury on the edge of Bristol provides perfect surf breaks all year round, for all ages and abilities.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Discover more than 15,000 tree specimens from all over the world and enjoy events and workshops (below). The Wild Place Project A family attraction that provides adventure, educational play and unique exhibit Bear Wood, where wolves, lynx, wolverine and brown bears have made a home in ancient woodland. WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre Awardwinning home to water voles, waders and the world’s largest collection of swans, geese, ducks and flamingos, plus an Arctic Adventure experience complete with tundra research huts.

FOOD & DRINK

Bramley & Gage Visit this family-run business to learn about gin making on the 6 O’clock Gin Distillery Tour. Jekka’s Herb Farm Discover over 400 culinary and medicinal plants at this rural herbetum, visitor centre and shop. Country pubs There are some great pubs in the region: try Butcombe Brewery’s Bowl Inn at Almondsbury or Bath Ales’ boozer, the Swan at Swineford. Hattusa At Berwick Lodge Tuck into a classic afternoon tea in the garden or in front of the fireplace in Almondsbury.