Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

B ristol , C ider & G orge - ous C heddar

NEW TOUR

Explore Bristol’s fascinating past and join us as we discover iconic modes of transport from Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the ship that changed maritime voyaging, to the world’s fastest passenger jet, supersonic Concorde. Enjoy a harbour boat trip and a nostalgic train journey on the Avon Valley Railway plus a visit to the pre-historic Cheddar Gorge caves tasting the world-famous Cheddar Cheese, a tour and tasting at Thatcher’s Cider Farm, and discover the history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

DAY 1 We arrive in Bristol where our hotel is conveniently situated a short walk from the railway station.You may wish to take a stroll around Temple Gardens ahead of dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant. (D) DAY 2 Today we take a private coach to the spectacular Cheddar Gorge .The Gorge boasts awe-inspiring cliffs, and we take time to walk to the extraordinary caves to see the stalagmites and stalactites plus where Cheddar Cheese is matured. Alternatively, you can visit the Museum of Prehistory to discover the story of how our ancestors survived the Ice Age before we visit the “Shop at the Gorge” where you can treat yourself to the superb Cheddar Cheese. On our way back to Bristol we stop at Myrtle Farm, home of Thatcher’s Cider , for a guided tour and tasting. (B,D) DAY 3 This morning we explore Bristol’s waterways as we board our boat tour discovering the fascinating history and contemporary culture of Bristol’s Floating Harbour. We continue the maritime as we visit the Being Brunel Museum and the SS Great Britain, the ship that changed the way we travel forever, exploring the ship’s story and the engineer behind it. This afternoon we make our way to the Avon Valley Railway where we enjoy a return journey from Bitton along the former Midland Railway branch line. (B,D) Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Visit the world’s first great luxury liner, Brunel’s SS Great Britain ★ Explore Bristol’s Floating Harbour by boat ★ Step aboard supersonic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol ★ Discover the history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge on a guided tour ★ Journey on the Avon Valley Railway ★ Visit Cheddar Gorge and step inside the pre historic caves now used for maturing cheese ★ Sample the world famous ‘Cheddar Cheese’ ★ Enjoy a tour and tasting at Thatcher’s Cider Farm

Fares From £829

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Clifton Suspension Bridge

5 DAYS

DAY 4 Today we experience 100 years of British aerospace industry as our coach takes us to Aerospace Bristol. We enjoy a guided tour and talk on the supersonic Concorde; the museum is home to the last of these iconic passenger jets to be built and flown. In the afternoon we transfer to the Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge. Here we have a guided tour of the bridge and learn about its construction, completion, and how it is maintained to this day.The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the city or relax at the hotel. (B,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to Bristol with its proud history and make our way home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 08 May 2025 Thursday 19 June 2025 Thursday 03 July 2025 Thursday 14 August 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION

FIRST* £959 £965 N/A £1019 £959 £985 £999 £1075 £1139 £1099 £909 £1025 £1209

STANDARD

London: Paddington Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

£915 £919 £899 £949 £905 £929 £895 £945 £979 £955 £885 £929

Scotland

£1029 £ 829

Join & Leave at Hotel

Single Room Supplement £280 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Bristol Harbour

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HOTEL

Leonardo Hotel, Bristol Based in the city centre of Bristol and less than an 8-minute walk to Bristol Temple Meads railway station, the newly built Leonardo Hotel has an inviting bar and restaurant offering a selection of delicious food and drinks plus a fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Cheddar Gorge

SS Great Britain

© Adobe Stock

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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