Just hop on a train at Temple Meads station, just a few minutes walk from  The Bristol Hotel, and you can be in any number of pretty spots in a matter of minutes. 

(Main picture of the rooftop pool, courtesy of Matt Cardy)

Thermae Bath Spa

Bath may be a spa town, but there’s only one place in the country where you can lay back in thermal waters, just as the Celts and Romans did 2000 years ago. There are a multitude of baths within the complex, but the rooftop pool offers spectacular views over the city, with naturally warm and mineral rich waters. Time your visit to coincide with the sunset, and you’ll be in for a real treat. There are treatments and day packages available too, many including a meal in the Springs restaurant.

Station: Bath Spa (12 minute journey from Bristol)

Web: thermaebathspa.com

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford (courtesy of  www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com)

Oxford

It’s the city which seems instantly recognizable as you walk its cobbled streets, ducking under walkways and bridges and peeking into college quads. Oxford is a city that is just begging to be explored on foot, and you’ll likely uncover countless little secrets as you do. The walking tours led by the tourist board are a great way to navigate the town, with interesting themes such as Pottering in Harry’s Footsteps and Tudor Oxford. If you visit on a sunny day, be sure to rent a ‘punt’ from one of the boathouses and idle away the hours on the river.

Station: Oxford (1hr 20 minute journey from Bristol)

Web: visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

Image of Stonehenge, courtesy of English Heritage 

Stonehenge

One of the best-known prehistoric monuments in the world, Stonehenge is a mythical and wondrous site in the middle of the English countryside. A masterpiece of Neolithic engineering, it’s hard not to be stunned into silence when you see the world heritage site. You must book a ticket in advance, which also includes access to the visitor’s centre, exhibition and external gallery (all of which are located out of sight of the monument itself). Regular admittance doesn’t allow you access into the centre of the stones, but you can book special tours which permit you to enter the circle. Book these in advance through the English Heritage website.

Station: Salisbury (1hr 10 minute journey from Bristol) then a short bus ride (buses depart from the train station) or a taxi journey.

Salisbury Cathedral, courtesy of Ash Mills

Salisbury Cathedral

Just a short hop from Bristol, Salisbury is a thriving historic town, and also home to a grand and gothic cathedral. Within the cathedral walls lies the Magna Carta, of which there are only four surviving copies in the world. The one which is held within Salisbury Cathedral is considered to be the finest in existence. Look out for the celebrations in 2015, commemorating 800 years since the inception of the charter.

Station: Salisbury (1hr 10 minute journey from Bristol)

Web:  salisburycathedral.org.uk  

Cheltenham

An elegant regency spa town, Cheltenham makes a great spot for a day trip. Stroll down the promenade and you’ll find sophisticated townhouses, boutique shopping and a variety of pretty cafés and restaurants to duck into. The literary festival runs in October each year, and is a perfect way to hear more from a multitude of respected writers and authors.

Station: Cheltenham Spa (40 minute journey from Bristol)

Web: visitcheltenham.com

The Bristol Hotel is just a fifteen minute walk from Temple Meads station. To book rail tickets in advance or check times, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk