There are plenty of great things to do in Bristol, including seeing a wide range of buildings that always attract culture vultures and those with an interest in architecture. This, combined with plenty of luxurious accommodation options, makes it the perfect city to visit.
Of course, you can always look a little further afield to Tyntesfield, a Victorian country house and estate just a 20-minute drive from the middle of town.
It was designed and owned by four generations of the Gibbs family using an accumulation of wealth from the guano trade. They transformed the property from a Georgian house to a Victorian Gothic masterpiece. Today, visitors can take in the building’s stunning ornate Gothic carvings and flower-filled terraces. In fact, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained whether old or young.
Though the property itself is spectacular, no visit would be complete without a trip to the gardens. They make the most of the scenic Somerset countryside, and the diversity of the Tyntesfield estate makes it a favoured place among those looking for anything from dragonflies and deer to bats, birds, and badgers. You might also see newts, hares, and reptiles as you cross the grounds.
The kids will be kept happy as you take in the ground thanks to three play areas, including the Woodland Adventure and Sculpture Trail. Tyntesfield also offers a packed programme of activities that includes an open-air theatre and food and craft markets on the first Sunday of each month from April through to November.
If you want to eat, head to The Cow Barn for year-round homemade dishes made using estate-grown ingredients or try the Pavilion Café for a lighter bite. You’ll also find a second-hand bookshop and small play area in the Home Farm Visitor Centre. If you feel like getting away from the city, take an excursion into the nearby Prior’s Wood Nature Reserve.