Visiting Bath? Stay longer and take advantage of the city's excellent location in South West England with a day trip to some of the fabulous destinations on our doorstep, from vibrant urban centres to peaceful rural escapes.
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, so what better way to celebrate than travelling by train? Great Western Railway (GWR) operates a wide range of routes across the South West, with ticket options to suit every need, helping you to get the best value for your money.
If you’re travelling in a group between 3 and 9 people, you’ll enjoy a third off your tickets with GroupSave when booking your journey in advance on the GWR app or website. Or, extend a weekend exploring Bath and its surrounding area and get 50% off return tickets with the Long Weekender. Those eligible for one of the UK’s national Railcards will also enjoy a third off their ticket prices.
Image: Great Western Railway train near Bath, credit Phil Wakely
1. Keynsham
Based halfway between Bath and Bristol, this laidback town is awash with a collection of cosy bars, cafes, and restaurants.
When the sun’s shining, there’s no better place to be than the peaceful surroundings of The Lock Keeper’s pub garden, nestled on a bank overlooking the River Avon. Choose from a mouth-watering menu of classic British dishes, along with an extensive selection of beers and ciders, and enjoy a lounge in the historic pub, which dates back to the early 18th century.
Stretch your legs and follow one of Keynsham’s many riverside walking routes, from short circulars to longer hikes encompassing other nearby towns – take a look at our walking page for inspiration.
Head over to Avon Valley Railway, based two miles from Keynsham station, where you step back in time for a steam train ride along a lovingly restored section of the former Midland Railway branch line, followed by an afternoon tea or cake at the station buffet.
Image: Avon Valley Railway
2. Chippenham
Take the short hop east of Bath to Chippenham and discover a bustling market town packed with independent shops, wholesome eateries, and riverside walks. Bring your bike and head out into the surrounding countryside, where charming towns and villages of Corsham, Lacock, and Castle Combe await, as well as the leafy Bowood Estate.
Image: Chippenham town centre
3. Bristol
Just 12 minutes north of Bath by train is the historic city of Bristol. Alight at Temple Meads station and experience this quirky and creative city, home to Banksy, bridges, balloons, and a renowned food and drink scene.
Take in Bristol’s most iconic sights, from the grand Clifton Suspension Bridge to the scenic Harbourside, and visit the city’s award-winning attractions. Discover the story behind the world’s first great ocean liner at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, learn more about the city’s history at M Shed, and visit the world’s first ‘Amazement Park,’ Wake the Tiger. Plus, don’t miss a chance to explore Bristol’s world-famous street art on one of the many tours available in the city.
You may want to time your visit to coincide with one of Bristol’s summer festivals, with highlights including tall ships lining the Harbourside at Bristol Harbour Festival, and hundreds of hot air balloons gracing the city skies at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Image: Clifton Suspension Bridge
4. Freshford & Avoncliff
Keep it local and head one or two stops out of Bath on the Heart of Wessex line to Freshford or Avoncliff, two small villages nestled in the magnificent Limpley Stoke Valley. You can enjoy a hike through glorious countryside hugging the bank of the River Avon between both villages, whether you start at Freshford or Avoncliff.
Fuel up before or during your hike at Avoncliff, where you can stop for tea and cake at the No. 10 Tea Garden, or savour a pint and classic pub grub overlooking the river at the Cross Guns pub.There's also the option to extend your hike by crossing over or under the Avoncliff Aqueduct onto the peaceful Kennet & Avon Canal path, which you can either follow eastwards to Bradford-on-Avon, or westwards towards Bath.
Image: Avoncliff Aqueduct
5. Bradford-on-Avon
Sandwiched between the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal, this small Wiltshire town is an ideal starting point for adventures on foot, water, or two wheels. The station is just two stops away from Freshford and one stop away from Avoncliff on the Heart of Wessex line.
Go for a wander or cycle down the Kennet & Avon Canal path, with sights including the 14th century Tithe Barn and surrounding shops and cafes, Barton Farm Country Park, and Widbrook Wood along the way. If you fancy a longer trek, why not follow the path all the way to the pretty nearby towns of Trowbridge and Devizes?
Alternatively, hire a canoe from The Lock Inn to the south of the town centre and have fun paddling down the canal. Canoes can be hired for a maximum of three hours, giving you plenty of time to explore!
Before catching your train back to Bath Spa, be sure to savour an afternoon tea at the acclaimed Bridge Tea Rooms. Set in a charming 16th century blacksmith’s cottage in the heart of the town, the tearoom offers a selection of quintessentially English teas, all served to you by friendly staff in traditional costume.
Image: Town Bridge, Bradford-on-Avon
6. Frome
Three stops further down the Heart of Wessex line is the cultural melting pot of Frome, recognised by The Times as one of the ‘coolest’ towns in Britain.
Among the town’s characteristic steep, cobbled hills, you’ll discover a collection of trendy art galleries, shops, and eateries to spend a whole day exploring. There’s also the beloved local performance venue The Cheese & Grain, which hosts an eclectic range of shows throughout the year, with previous visitors including the Foo Fighters and Sir Paul McCartney.
Visit on the first Sunday of each month between March and December for the award-winning Frome Independent market, which showcases the work of some of the South West’s finest independent artisans, designers, and producers. If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the nationally recognised Frome Festival, a ten-day celebration of the arts, culture, food and drink.
Image: Frome, credit Max Rawlinson
7. Yatton
Cycling fanatic? You’ll want to take a bike and hop aboard a train to this small town, where you can join the scenic Strawberry Line through North Somerset and follow a 10-mile route passing through the towns of Sandford (the home of Thatchers Cider), Winscombe, Axbridge, and Cheddar. Just take a train to Bristol Temple Meads, then change to the Bristol-Exeter line and ride four stops to Yatton station, which takes under an hour.
Image: Family cycling on the Strawberry Line
8. Weston-super-Mare
Three stops away from Yatton on the Bristol-Exeter line is the vibrant seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Families will love all of the traditional treats on offer here, from donkey rides along miles of sandy beach and paddles in the Marine Lake, to the arcade entertainments of the town’s famous Grand Pier.
Image: Marine Lake at Weston-super-Mare
9. Salisbury
An hour south of Bath on the Wessex main line is Salisbury. You’ll easily find plenty to fill a day with here, with the city not only home to one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, but also serving as the gateway to the world-famous monument of Stonehenge, based a few miles outside the city centre.
Catch the hop-on, hop-off ‘Stonehenge Tour’ bus service directly outside Salisbury station, which will take you to Stonehenge in around 30 minutes, with on-board commentary on the area’s history available in ten different languages. The bus also stops at the ruins of Old Sarum, the earliest settlement of Salisbury, on its return journey.
Back in Salisbury, explore the city's breathtaking cathedral, where you can also visit one of only four surviving copies of the legendary Magna Carta charter of rights in the Chapter House. You’ll also learn how the document became an inspiration for crucial legislation throughout history, such as the United States constitution, and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Close by the Cathedral, discover more about Salisbury’s history at the Salisbury Museum, get an insight into the life of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath at his former home of Arundells, or enjoy the attractive gardens at Mompesson House.
Image: Stonehenge
10. Cardiff
You may not believe it, but the Welsh capital is within easy reach of Bath. Hop aboard a direct train to Cardiff Central from Bath Spa, and you’ll arrive in just an hour and 10 minutes later.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is the largest events venue near Bath, hosting major sports fixtures and live music shows from global megastars all year round. If you’re more of a history buff, you’ll love Cardiff Castle, which boasts a history stretching back over 2,000 years, and spectacular interiors featuring a wide range of architectural styles.
Take in the bustling atmosphere of Cardiff Bay, where you'll come across distinctive landmarks including the Victorian Pierhead Building, Wales Millenium Centre, and Roald Dahl Plass. You can also enjoy dinner with a view at one of the many restaurants overlooking the bay, and take a boat tour around the city on the River Taff.
Cardiff is also home to the modern series of Doctor Who and its spinoff Torchwood, so Whovians are sure to have fun spotting a few filming locations from the show too.
Image: Cardiff Bay
11. Oxford
One of Britain’s other most famous historic cities lies one hour north-east of Bath. First, take a train to Didcot Parkway station, then change to the Cherwell Valley line towards Oxford.
While Oxford is famed for being the home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world, you’ll soon discover that there’s even more to do in the city than marvel at the institution’s breathtaking buildings!
Hire a boat and go for a traditional ‘punting’ session along the River Cherwell, browse quirky independent shops and savour delicious food at the Oxford Covered Market, wander through the picturesque Botanic Garden, and lose yourself in the Ashmolean, Natural History, and Pitt Rivers museums.
If you’re up for a slightly longer journey, you can also catch a train to the nearby Bicester Village outlet shopping centre from Oxford station, or take a bus to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Image: Oxford city centre
12. Cheltenham
Bath’s fellow spa town is based just over one hour north of the city. First, take a train to Bristol Temple Meads, then change over to the Cross Country line and ride a couple of stops to Cheltenham Spa station.
Once you’ve arrived, head into the town centre and spend a few hours browsing the Wilson Museum & Gallery, wander through the beautiful Pittville Park with its Regency Pump Room, aviaries, and boating lake, and visit the former home of composer Gustav Holst at the Holst Victorian House. Or, head outside the centre to Cheltenham Racecourse, where you can catch various fixtures throughout the year, including the prestigious Cheltenham Festival every March.
The racecourse is also home to the southern terminus of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, a 14-mile section of the former Great Western main line between Birmingham and Cheltenham. Hop aboard one of their heritage diesel or steam locomotives for a spectacular trip through the Cotswolds, with stops at some of the area’s most popular towns, including Broadway and Winchcombe, among others.
Image: Pittville Park, Cheltenham
You may also like:
Related
Comments
Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?
Maps and Guides
Travel Information
Special Offers
Enewsletter
Book Tickets