Explore Bristol, Bath and Beyond and make the most of your time here before, during and after your event.
Whether you have an hour between sessions, a free evening on arrival, or a full day or two before or after your event, Bristol and Bath offer two iconic cities, beautiful countryside, and a rich cultural heritage to explore. Bristol and Bath are less that 15 minutes apart by train, and more to see and do than most delegates expect, the region has a habit of turning a work trip into something genuinely memorable.
Bristol
Food, Drink and Nightlife
Bristol's food scene has genuine national recognition, voted World's Best Culinary Destination at the 2019 Food Trekking Awards, the city ranges from quirky independent eateries inside re-purposed shipping containers to Michelin-starred restaurants focused on local produce and fine dining. After dinner, the city's nightlife offers an eclectic mix of independent music venues, theatres, clubs and hidden speakeasies.
Art, Culture and Attractions
Bristol is full of creativity and culture and is the perfect place to unwind after a busy conference. The city is home to one of the world's most celebrated street art scenes, including early works by Banksy, who hails from the city. You might opt for a relaxing boat trip around the harbour, wandering the markets and independent shops or taking in the art at one of the city's celebrated galleries.
Some key attractions include:
Active and Adventure Experiences
For delegates wanting something more active:
- Stand up paddleboarding on Bristol Harbour with SUP Bristol.
- Abseil or gorge walk in Cheddar Gorge (~40 mins from Bristol).
- Surf lessons at The Wave - the UK's first inland surfing destination.
For an extensive list of things to do, check out the Visit Bristol website:
Bath
Heritage and History
Bath is the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety and one of very few places in the world to hold a second UNESCO inscription, for its spa heritage. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the pages of a Jane Austen novel as you stroll through grand Georgian streets and landscaped gardens, including the Royal Crescent and The Circus.
Key heritage experiences:
- No.1 Royal Crescent - where you can learn all about Regency life in Bath.
- The Roman Baths - among the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
- Jane Austen Centre - dedicated to Bath's most famous literary resident.
- Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein - an immersive experience celebrating the author who wrote Frankenstein.
Bath’s impeccable heritage is just one element that makes it a truly unique location; the city is also lively and thriving, where ancient history meets a twenty-first century buzz.
Wellness and Relaxation
Bath has been a wellness destination for over 2,000 years. Thermae Bath Spa is one of the only places in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal hot springs, a genuinely rare experience and a perfect way to decompress after a busy conference day. If you want to find out more about the fascinating history of the spa culture, we'd recommend a visit to The Roman Baths.
Food, Drink and Evening Culture
Bath is full of restaurants and cafes serving everything from Michelin-starred dishes to street food. You can enjoy your evening after a busy event in one of the many chic cocktail bars, comedy clubs, live music venues or traditional English pubs. Explore the city using your taste buds on a tour from Savouring Bath, or catch a show at Theatre Royal Bath.
For an extensive list of things to do, check out the Visit Bath website:
Beyond the Cities: Rural Escapes and Coastal Stays
Beyond the cities, the region has a wealth of great options in a more relaxed setting, from grand country houses with acres of grounds to vineyards and farms, castles and golf courses. Offering a genuine change of pace, consider extending your trip with one of these options:
Countryside
- The Cotswolds (~45 min from Bristol/Bath) - England's most iconic rural landscape, with honey-stone villages, country pubs, and walking trails.
- Mendip Hills National Landscape (~30 min) - caves, gorges, and quiet valleys; base for Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole.
- Historic market towns - Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury are both picturesque market towns within easy reach of both the cities
There are some fantastic attractions in these areas, including Bristol Zoo Project, Berkeley Castle and WWT Slimbridge.
Coast
- Weston-super-Mare (~45 min from Bristol) - traditional British seaside town with its own year-round programme of festivals and events.
- Clevedon (~25 min from Bristol) - Victorian pier town with views across the Bristol Channel.
- North Somerset coastline - dramatic cliff walks and accessible beaches.
Where to Stay
You can stay in a country cottage or luxurious manor house in the countryside to be on the doorstep of the area’s prettiest villages and scenic walks, or opt for a hotel or guesthouse in a nearby town to have more options for connectivity and culture.
Being a responsible delegate
The Bristol and Bath region takes sustainability seriously. Bristol was the European Green Capital in 2015 and the West of England is committed to net zero carbon by 2030. We encourage every visitor and delegate to help us to achieve the sustainability goals of our region.
- Travel by train where possible - Bristol and Bath are both served by mainline stations in their city centres. We've got more information about sustainable travel on our sustainability page.
- Use public transport, walking, or cycling within the cities - both are compact and well-connected.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and cup.
- Choose independent, locally owned restaurants and shops.
- Offset unavoidable travel if your organisation has a carbon offset programme.
VisitBritain have created some top tips within their guide - How to Be a Responsible Delegate
Find out more about how we can help with sustainable events
