Our Family Adventure in the Bristol and Cheddar Countryside

In late November, Sarah and I took our two children, E and K, on a long weekend away. Despite the fog and drizzle, we had a wonderful time exploring the beautiful countryside between Bristol and Cheddar.

We stayed in a cozy cottage that was surrounded by a little forest in the black moor. The autumnal foliage and bubbling stream made for a perfect setting for a family walk with the kids.

One day, we headed to the Bath Christmas market, which has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The market was originally held in the city’s center and was a key event for locals and travelers alike. Today, the market still attracts visitors from all over with its charming stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious food, and mulled wine. We enjoyed a cup of mulled wine and picked out some decorations for our own Christmas tree.

After the market, Sarah and E took a trip to the Roman Baths, which are a must-see attraction in the city. The baths were built around 70 AD and are still remarkably well-preserved. Visitors can explore the ancient baths and see the original Roman structures, including the Temple of Sulis Minerva and the Great Bath. Sarah and E were especially impressed by the beautiful mosaics and intricate carvings on the walls.

The next day, we ventured to the Cheddar Gorge, a spectacular limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills. The gorge features towering cliffs and stunning views, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. We had a traditional English breakfast and walked around the stunning landscape, taking some lovely photos and enjoying the fresh air.

On our final day, we spent some time in Bristol, where we visited the aquarium. The kids were thrilled to see the sharks being fed and had a great time exploring the different exhibits. We also walked along the river and took a little boat across to visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain. E and Sarah were fascinated by the ship, but E found the voice recordings used in the tour to be a bit spooky.

Overall, we had an amazing time on our long weekend away. The scenery was breathtaking and we enjoyed all of the activities we did. It’s a shame that it’s so far away from London, but we would definitely consider coming back in the future.