Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

S hipshape & B ristol F ashion !

Explore Bristol’s fascinating industrial and maritime past on a great Railtrail tour. Join us as we discover iconic modes of transport that have influenced global passenger travel over hundreds of years from Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the ship that changed maritime voyaging, to the world’s fastest passenger jet, supersonic Concorde. During our transport themed tour, we also enjoy a fascinating harbour boat trip and nostalgic steam train journey on the Avon Valley Railway.

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 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 theme as we visit the Being Brunel Museum and the SS Great Britain , a museum ship and former passenger steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.This afternoon is free to explore the city’s many attractions including the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol Cathedral, and The M Shed Museum. (B,D) 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 ★ Steam along the Avon Valley Railway with a cream tea ★ Enjoy free time at leisure in the beautiful city of Bath Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus 1 cream tea ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £720

5 DAYS

Clifton Suspension Bridge

© Sion Hannuna - shutterstock

DAY 3 Today we experience 100 years of British aerospace industry as our coach takes us to Aerospace Bristo l. 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. (B,D) DAY 4 This morning we make our way to the Avon Valley Railway , here we enjoy a return journey from Bitton along the former Midland Railway branch line. Onboard we sample a cream tea as we take in the sights, sounds, and scent of nostalgic steam. Following our relaxing train ride, we continue to Bath , we have time at leisure to explore this beautiful and historic city, famed for its Georgian Royal Crescent and Roman Baths. Following our visit, we return by train from Bath to Bristol Templemeads. (B,LR,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to Bristol with its proud maritime history and make our way home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 16 May 2024 Thursday 5 September 2024

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST* £849 £855 N/A £909 £849 £869 £889 £965 £1025 £985 £799 £915 £1095

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

£805 £805 £789 £839 £795 £819 £785 £835 £865 £845 £775 £815 £919 £720

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

Single Room Supplement £230 *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

SS Great Britain

© Gav Smith - shutterstock © Richard Hayman - shutterstock

HOTEL

Leonardo Hotel, Bristol City Centre Based in the city centre of Bristol and less than an 8-minute walk to Bristol Temple Meads train station, the newly built 4-star Leonardo Hotel Bristol City offers 197 stylish bedrooms with modern en-suite bathrooms, tea/ coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.The hotel also has a bar and restaurant offering a selection of delicious food and drinks, as well as a fitness centre.

Concorde,Aerospace Bristol

Avon Valley Railway

© Shutterstock

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

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