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We’ve all seen London at the cinema, and many parts of the city are not far removed from its cinematic representation.
Hopping around the city on bright red double-decker buses is definitely a must, but once you disembark you’re just another sight on the busy city streets.
London is great to visit, but more and more travelers are discovering Britain’s best alternatives and hidden gems.
From the storybook Cotswolds to surprisingly stunning islands, Britain is finally getting its due beyond its fascination with London.
This week a new train Connecting two of Britain’s most beautiful cities was launched by the Great Western Railway (GWR), making England all the more attractive to explore.
Don’t call it a comeback – It’s only been 21 years!
The GWR has brought one of the most beautiful routes back to life after a 21-year hiatus.
So why now?
Like I said, our friendly allies across the pond have become a trendy destination, especially among American travelers.
Another example is simply locals who also want to enjoy the top cities of their own country. And where the locals go, travelers should always follow!
After coming to a standstill decades ago, the potential for a tourism boom outside London is more than feasible, and it looks like this route is here to stay.
Relaunched on September 14, discover the Gothic grandeur of Oxford connect to Bristolanother beauty in its own right, and recently voted one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, but the happiest at. Cheers!
With a handful of British treasures thrown in, tourists can escape the London grind for these historical gems.
The complete process
The paperwork has been filed and the tedious bureaucracy behind the scenes is over; The GWR’s Bristol – Oxford route has officially started.
This is the official schedule from Bristol:
- Depart Bristol Temple Meads at 10:18 AM (or 3:18 PM)
- Stop at Bath Spa at 10:31 AM (or 3:31 PM)
- Stop in Chippenham at 10:44 AM (or 3:45 PM)
- Stop in Swindon at 10:58 AM (or 4:00 PM)
- Arrive in Oxford at 11:29 AM (or 4:31 PM)
Reverse order from Oxford:
- Departs Oxford at 12:03 PM (or 5:12 PM)
- Stop in Swindon at 12:34 PM (or 5:46 PM)
- Stop in Chippenham at 3:45 PM (or 5:58 PM)
- Stop at Bath Spa at 1:00 PM (or 6:11 PM)
- Arrive at Bristol Temple Meads at 1:12 PM (or 6:23 PM)
Direct service yes only offered on Saturdays twice a day. Prices start at $34 one way from Oxford or Bristol Temple Meads Standard class.
First class travelers will have to spend a bit more with current fares costing $70 each way and available for booking GWR’s official website.
Tip: The sooner you book, the better! GWR offers reduced rates for advanced bookings.
Where to go: The highlight of the Oxford – Bristol RouteS
Outside of London, travelers may be wondering where to go, but these are some real gems on this route.
Oxford:
Starting with Oxford, the architecture alone will leave you stunned! Dating back to the 12th century, the city’s Gothic wonders are a sight to behold, especially at the world-famous University of Oxford.
Away from the school grounds, the city is well worth exploring along the scenic River Thames, where you will notice a huge difference between the peaceful atmosphere and the madness of London.
Make sure you stop by The covered marketa legendary bazaar from the 18th century!
Swindon, Chippenham and Bath:
The intermediaries along this new route should not be overlooked. Swindon is small but mighty, with cultural attractions and beautiful scenery.
You can geek out at the Museum of Computing, take a walk through Queens Parks or visit an authentic local pub, like The Beehive, without the tourist fluff.
Chippenham is a picturesque town on the River Avon dating back to Roman times. Today you will find charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings, but most impressive is the bustling city market held on weekends.
Bath is perhaps the most notable of the bunch known for, you guessed it, baths! Roman bathsare an absolute must if you visit the area!
Bristol:
Looking back, it was not without reason that Bristol was voted one of the most beautiful cities in Great Britain.
There’s plenty to see, with vibrant street art, a glittering waterfront and amazing sights like Bristol Castle!
Not to mention the underrated nightlife and how affordable it is to visit compared to London. Our last report claimed that you can easily book an Airbnb near the city center for just $39!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
