Tour Date: 2 to 6 July, 2026Location: United Kingdom
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. Sample the world-famous Cheddar Cheese, indulge in a tour and tasting at Thatcher’s Cider Farm, discover the history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and enjoy free time to explore Bristol.
Highlights
- Visit Cheddar Gorge and step inside the pre-historic caves
- Sample the world famous ‘Cheddar Cheese’
- Enjoy a tour and tasting at Thatcher’s Cider Farm
- Explore Bristol’s Floating Harbour by boat
- Visit the world’s first great luxury liner, Brunel’s SS Great Britain
- Ride behind steam on the East Somerset Railway
- Step aboard supersonic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol
- Discover the history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge on a guided tour
This tour is run in conjunctions with our friends at Railtrail.
Click to download PDF of full itinerary
Day 1, Thursday 2 July (D)
Journey from your home station to Bristol and, on arrival, we will make our way to the DoubleTree by Hilton, our hotel for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
Day 2, Friday 3 July (B, D)
Today, we take a private coach to the spectacular Cheddar Gorge which boasts awe-inspiring cliffs, and we take time to walk to the extraordinary caves to see the stalagmites, stalactites and 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 or visit the “Shop at the Gorge” where you can treat yourself to the superb Cheddar Cheese. Afterwards, we continue to Myrtle Farm, the home of Thatcher’s Cider, where we enjoy a guided tour and tasting before returning to Bristol in time for our evening meal together.
Day 3, Saturday 4 July (B, D)
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 East Somerset Railway for a heritage steam journey along the 5-mile railway exploring the engine shed and workshop on our return before retracing our steps to Bristol for our evening meal together.
Day 4, Sunday 5 July (B, D)
Today, we experience 100 years of British aerospace industry as our coach takes us to Aerospace Bristol for 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. Afterwards, we continue to the Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, where we learn about the construction, completion, and maintenance of this famous bridge. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or relax at the hotel before we reconvene for our final evening meal together. (B,D)
Day 5, Monday 6 July (B)
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Bristol and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys
*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.
Holiday Prices (per person)
| Fare Region | First* | Standard |
| London: Paddington | £1,089 | £1,039 |
| Greater London | £1,099 | £1,045 |
| South of England | £1,115 | £1,055 |
| East Anglia | £1,145 | £1,075 |
| South West | £1,089 | £1,029 |
| Heart of England | £1,115 | £1,059 |
| Midlands | £1,129 | £1,019 |
| Yorkshire | £1,205 | £1,069 |
| North East | £1,275 | £1,105 |
| North West | £1,235 | £1,079 |
| South Wales | £1,035 | £1,005 |
| North Wales | £1,155 | £1,049 |
| Scotland | £1,345 | £1,159 |
| Join & Leave at Hotel | £949 | |
Supplements
- Single-use room: £190
Deposit
- £95
Also included in your Tour Fare:
- 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
- Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Online Booking
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Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol