Bristol, Cider & Gorge-ous Cheddar 2026

Duration

5 Days

Departure Dates

2nd July 2026, 10th September 2026

Prices from

£949 Per person

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.

Overview
Itinerary
Further Information
Departure Dates
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Bristol Temple Meads ©Shutterstock

5 days from £949

DEPARTS

Thursday 2 July 2026

Thursday 10 September 2026

TOUR 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

Also included in your Tour Fare:

4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

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

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.

B, D

DAY 3

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.

B, D

DAY 4

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

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.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTEL

DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol

Ideally located in the centre of Bristol and close to the railway station, the DoubleTree by Hilton offers a unique restaurant set in an original 17th-century glass kiln serving local and international cuisine, a relaxing bar and lounge, and a fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

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
Single Traveller Supplement	£190
Deposit	£95

*Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys.

September Departure Supplement £50

4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal

Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)

Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described

All excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
2nd July 2026	£949 Per person	Book Now	Callback
10th September 2026	£999 Per person	Book Now	Callback

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DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol

Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

Cheddar Gorge Caves

Myrtle Farm, Thatcher's Cider

Brunel's SS Great Britain

East Somerset Railway

Aerospace Bristol

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol Cathedral ©Shutterstock

Cheddar Gorge ©AdobeStock

Gough's Cave1 ©AdobeStock

Gough's Cave2 ©Shutterstock

Shop at the Gorge ©CheddarGorge

Myrtle Farm, Thatchers ©Thatchers

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Bristol, Cider & Gorge-ous Cheddar 2026

Register interest

What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

Why Book with Railtrail

Unique Experiences

Financial Protection

Loyalty Rewards

Award Winning Team