Historic Sites in Cheddar Gorge & Caves

"Its biggest draw, the Roman Baths complex, cleverly makes the most of the city’s ancient foundations, while the words of former resident Jane Austen bring more recent history to life. Today, Bath remains a centre for wellness, with a modern, multi-level thermal spa that taps into its underground vein of rich mineral waters. Such beautiful surroundings attract creative types and there is a wealth of independent shops, markets and eateries. The surrounding countryside bears quality produce in abundance, so Bath is brimming with semi-rural farm shops, artisanal coffee houses, vegan and vegetarian bistros, contemporary brasseries and gourmet restaurants."

"The Roman bathing complex has been redeveloped many times over the centuries, and you can visit the museum there now to rifle through the many layers of history. Above ground the current buildings mostly date to the 19th century and there are statues of Emperors and the Governors of Roman Britain on the terrace. The first-rate museum here takes you below street level to the Roman Sacred Spring, Temple of Minerva and Roman Bathhouse, and shows off the many wonderful finds made around the spring."

"The hot springs have drawn people here since prehistoric times, so it's quite appropriate to begin an exploration of Bath at this excellent…"

"Cathedrals are always a good place to take photos and Bristol Cathedral is happy for you to snap away as long as you don't do it during a service. Again there are plenty of options available here from shooting the Cathedral from the outside on College Green or playing with the light, lines and atmospherics inside. PHOTO TIP: When shooting stained glass windows try to keep your camera as still as possible using a tripod or if you've not got one to hand, rest your camera on a pew."

"Bristol Cathedral was founded in 1140, but has been built upon and renovated over the centuries. The cathedral features impressive gothic-style architecture and has played an important part in Bristol’s history. The first female Church of England priests were ordained here."

"The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity (to give it its formal name), Bristol’s Cathedral is a sumptuous piece of Gothic architecture that feels …"

"Cabot Tower, found in Brandon Hill Park and not far from the city centre, is free to go up and has 360 degree views across the Bristol skyline and further afield. There’s over 100 narrow steps to climb up the winding staircase, but the views are definitely worth it when you get to the top (especially on a clear day or at sunset). If the climb isn’t quite for you, then you can also see some great views of Bristol from Brandon Hill Park itself as well."

"The 105-foot-tall historic tower sits within the Brandon Hill public park and nature reserve. Brandon Hill is the city’s oldest park, filled with a variety of trees and shrubs, as well as lovely views and walking paths. Cabot Tower’s stone walls change with the light, and a plain light-gray or cream can become a soft red, a particularly pleasant pairing with the greens of the vegetation surrounding the tower."

"Brandon Hill Park, Great George St, Brandon Hill near Park Street, BS1 5RR. Rating: 4.5 / 5 from 1,402 reviews. Cabot Tower is located at the summit of the stunning Brandon Hill, one of the most popular spots in the city for picnics and walks."

"On the hunt for a breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge?. Stroll up to the Clifton Observatory - a building steeped in local history - and nab a seat upon its cosy rooftop terrace, the aptly named 360 Roof Terrace. The 360 Roof Terrace forms part of the Observatory’s 360 Glass Café; a venue with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Bridge."

"Although it’s only been an observatory since 1977, the historic building has been a landmark since 1766. It sits atop the city’s west side hill with views of the surroundings from the terraced space with outdoor seating. The camera obscura (one of the only three working in the UK) and the museum are fit for families with older kids."

"While the historic churches of Glastonbury and Burrow Mump are free to visit, Lytes Cary has an entrance charge if you’re not yet a National Trust member. In terms of food, the best pub to enjoy lunch is at the Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George. The food is delicious, though does tend to err on the pricier side of things. if you’re looking for a supermarket in which to pick up supplies, there’s a Tesco in Chard, a Sainsburys in Street, and a Morrisons in Glastonbury."

"Step into the shoes of a member of Georgian high society at this perfectly preserved townhouse. Recreated to mirror what the living quarters of a plantation owner and slave trader might have looked like, it’s an important slice of Bristol’s somewhat troublesome heritage. Explore eleven rooms over four floors, discovering what life was like for those who lived upstairs versus those who served them from the rooms below."

"Once the home of the wealthy slave plantation owner and sugar merchant John Pinney, this 18th-century house provides an insight into aristocratic life in Bristol during the Georgian era. It's decorated in period..."

"Tyntesfield is a stately home located just outside Bristol featuring beautiful gothic-style architecture set amongst gorgeous and peaceful gardens. The home is part of the Tyntesfield estate which is home to flower displays, a lake, and plenty of woodland to get lost in. Begin your journey through Tyntesfield at the house, constructed from 1843 into the current building standing tall on the estate."

"This spectacular National Trust house is surrounded by beautiful grounds, making it a wonderful day out whatever the weather. Explore the history of the house through a “behind the scenes”tour, or just opt to explore a few rooms yourself. But it’s the grounds which the children will enjoy the most."

"Stepping back in time for ‘a very Victorian Christmas’ yesterday. It’s a shame the tickets to the house were all sold out by the time we got there, but we still got to sample just a little bit of the magic."

"You can’t go to Wells and not visit one of the main attractions which is also the reason for it’s city status: Wells Cathedral. The now Grade I listed building was built between 1176 and 1450 to replace an earlier church that was built here in 705. Lacking the Romanesque style, Wells Cathedral is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style."

"Today’s itinerary could include visits to: Bath | Wells | Wells Cathedral | Stourhead Gardens Click To Learn More About Day 2"

"Located between Walcot and Broad Street, this incredibly enticing structure is one of the famous churches you should never miss. The structure was designed by British architect George Phillips Manners, who delivered a masterpiece that dominates the skyline of Bath. St Michael’s Church offer quality time for visitors to relax, blend into the community, and express themselves as freely as they can."

"This park and playground gets great reviews from local parents, who often head here on a Saturday morning. Around 30 minutes from the city centre it has lots of new play equipment, including some impressive climbing frames for older kids."

"This Victorian park is home to football pitches, tennis courts, a bowling green and an impressive children's play area. The play area has equipment for both young children and children aged between eight and 12."

"That was clearly true for Jane Austen, who would find respite from a restless mind and hours of writing in Sydney Gardens. Formerly the Pleasure Gardens, this green space was built behind the Sydney Hotel (now the Holburne Museum), another ‘place to be seen’ in Bath’s special social scene. Stroll or take a picnic among the flowerbeds and look out for a replica of the Temple of Minerva."

"On a sunny day, do what countless Bath residents have done for centuries – walk over Pulteney Bridge browsing the shops, then down elegant Great Pulteney St and skirt the impressive Holburne Museum to enter this..."

"Situated on the border of Clifton Village, Clifton and Redland, The Downs is made up of acres of picturesque, protected parklands that offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. They’re a fantastic place to explore and enjoy a relaxing stroll but are also home to a number of exciting events throughout the year. The highlight of The Downs’ calendar is The Downs Festival which has grown into one of the biggest music events in the South West."

"The Clifton and Durdham Downs are among the best spots for walks in Bristol, encompassing a massive area to the northwest of Clifton and stretching up to Stoke Bishop and Westbury. They’re another popular spot for BBQs and picnics, but as there are so many walking trails, they’re great for hiking – especially if you’re based in Clifton. You can start at the Suspension Bridge, where you can enjoy picturesque views across the gorge."

"The grassy parks of Clifton Down and Durdham Down (often referred to as just the Downs) fan out from the Clifton Suspension Bridge and make a fine spot for a picnic. Nearby, the Clifton Observatory houses a..."

"Life is too short to drink bad coffee' says the sign – something they've taken to heart here as staff work caffeinated magic with some of the best beans in town. There's a tempting selection of cakes to match."