7 gorgeous places to visit within easy reach of Bath

30 March 2017

There’s more than enough to see and do in the centre of Bath to fill up a happy weekend, but the city can also be the ideal base camp for further trips and days out in the region. Bath is really well connected and also happens to be close to many idyllic villages, fascinating tourist attractions and stunning natural features. If you’re staying for longer, why not get out and see some of it?

Here are just 7 of the hundreds of brilliant places to visit just outside of Bath:

  1. Frome

This historic market town is a centre for arts and crafts, and also has a growing reputation for boutique shopping – thanks in part to its famous independent markets. Just over half an hour’s drive from Bath, head to Frome and stroll along its cobbled streets, shop ‘til you drop and perhaps even try one of its famous cheeses.

  1. Stonehenge

Arguably the most famous landmark in the whole of the country, and perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world, no visit to Bath is complete without a trip out to Stonehenge – just an hour’s drive from Bath.

  1. Salisbury

If you’re checking out Stonehenge, take some time to explore the delights of Salisbury. This is another cathedral city, one with the tallest cathedral spire in England, but it has much more to offer. The city boasts some impressive architecture, from Tudor town houses to medieval walls, and it also has a lively bar and restaurant scene as well as some excellent museums.

  1. Cheddar Gorge

This 449-foot-deep limestone gorge is a major visitor attraction just outside the village of Cheddar and under an hour’s drive from Bath, and it’s easy to see why. Along with this stunning natural attraction, you can also explore underground in the caves on the south side of the Gorge.

  1. Wells

It’s the smallest city in England, under an hour’s drive from Bath and famous for its jaw-droppingly impressive cathedral. Visitors also love the medieval city’s cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and lively open air markets.

  1. Wookey Hole Caves

Head just outside of Wells and you’ll arrive at the village of Wookey Hole, on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. The village is home to Britain’s most spectacular show caves, a series of limestone caverns with the River Axe flowing through them. The Caves have become a big draw for families, as they boast over 20 fantastic attractions including circus shows and the Valley of the Dinosaurs.

  1. Mendip Hills

If you’re looking for dramatic scenery and you love your walks, you must visit the Mendip Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These limestone hills are simply stunning and offer plenty of walks including those along the Mendip Way, an 80 kilometre stretch from Weston-super-Mare to Frome. Depending where you start and how long a walk you can manage, you can even see some of the above attractions from the Mendip Way including Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge and Wells.