3 min readIntroducing a new destination or itinerary to your clients can feel like a risk. It takes time, confidence, and a compelling reason to move away from tried-and-tested products. But sometimes, the greatest opportunity isn't discovering somewhere completely new – it's presenting a familiar destination in a fresh way.
For years, we've championed Bath and Bristol as the perfect hub-and-spoke destination. As travellers continue to favour slower, more immersive itineraries over whirlwind "Europe in three days" tours, our region is perfectly positioned to deliver memorable experiences while reducing time spent on the coach.
Image - Pulteney Bridge in Bath
Staying in Bath or Bristol allows visitors to experience some of Britain's most iconic attractions at their very best. Imagine offering clients a sunrise tour of the Roman Baths, or an early morning visit to Stonehenge with one of our local specialist tour operators, arriving before the crowds on day trips from London. It's a familiar attraction, but an entirely different experience.
The same principle applies across the region. Wander through the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds in the morning before the coaches arrive, or visit popular attractions later in the afternoon when they are often quieter. Simply by basing groups in the region rather than passing through, you can transform well-known sights into more exclusive, memorable experiences.
Image - Castle Combe in the Cotswolds
One of the region's greatest strengths is just how easy it is to combine the two cities. Bath and Bristol are connected by a Great Western Railway (GWR) journey of just 12 minutes—quicker than travelling from London Paddington to Leicester Square—or around 30 to 40 minutes by road. This makes it effortless to create itineraries that showcase the distinct character of both destinations in a single day.
Guests could enjoy afternoon tea at the historic Pump Room, experience the atmospheric Evensong service at Bath Abbey, before heading to Bristol for an evening theatre performance at Bristol Old Vic or Bristol Hippodrome or a relaxing cruise around the city's historic harbourside with Bristol Packet Boat Trips. Two contrasting cities, each with their own personality, combine to create a richer visitor experience.
Image - Bristol Hippodrome
Using Bath or Bristol as a base also unlocks a wealth of rewarding day trips, all within easy reach. Less time travelling means more time exploring—and ultimately, more memorable holidays.
To the west, Cardiff is less than an hour away and pairs perfectly with a panoramic tour of the South Wales Valleys. To the north, Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds offer charming market towns, elegant Regency architecture and beautiful countryside, with attractions like Berkeley Castle and the picturesque towns of Tetbury and Corsham.
Head south and visitors can discover Somerset's iconic trio of Glastonbury, Cheddar and Wells. Explore the myths and legends of Glastonbury, sample authentic cave-aged Cheddar cheese in the spectacular gorge where it originated, and wander the medieval streets of England's smallest city, Wells. Alternatively, head to the coast to experience the traditional seaside charm of Weston-super-Mare, the Victorian elegance of Clevedon, or the marina and waterfront restaurants of Portishead.
Image - Cheddar Gorge
By encouraging clients to stay a little longer in Bath and Bristol, you'll not only uncover a wider range of experiences, but also create itineraries that feel more authentic, more relaxed and ultimately more memorable. Sometimes, selling a destination differently is simply about slowing down and seeing it from a new perspective.
Get in touch to arrange a time to meet us and discuss how we can help you plan itineraries for your clients and groups.
