Swindon, Bath, Bristol and Great West Way Marketplace

The Great West Way Marketplace was the focus of the trip to the Bristol area where Amy met Ambassadors and other buyers who were all passionate about their products. Delegates met at Temple Mead Quays in Bristol to board the Bristol Packet Boat* for a 1-hour cruise with live commentary. The captain spoke about the different buildings and the significance of the port. The cruiser passed the SS Great Britain and learned that she was now back in the dock of her birthplace. What a sight! Once the cruise was finished at Bristol Dockyards the group alighted to enter the Welcome centre. The Bristol Dockyards were kindly hosting the Marketplace event. Francis, the tour guide of the SS Great Britain, designed by Mr Brunel, was very amusing and knowledgeable with lots of anecdotes about life on the ship. Francis shared that donated diaries, drawings, paintings and letters from family of the passengers meant that the researchers have a good idea of life on board. These were displayed and archived in the Brunel Institute Museum.

Amy would recommend to groups a tour of SS Great Britain and the Dockyards. The average length of time to visit is 2-3 hours and larger groups may need to be split into smaller groups but this may be advantageous as there would be more opportunity to see the exhibits up close and hear the guide clearly. **

Prior to the Marketplace event for the Great West Way, Amy was able to visit hotels in Swindon, Bristol and Bath and spent an afternoon at Aerospace Bristol.

Aerospace Bristol is a great option for a half day visit on any tour. Interesting, interactive exhibits and the possibility of a visit on board Concorde means the visit has something for everyone.***

Hotels visited in Swindon were Blunsdon House, Delta by Marriott Swindon, Holiday Inn Swindon. All hotels are within a short drive to Oxford and the Cotswolds area or to the south to Bristol and Bath. Swindon is a great option therefore for those wanting a tour mixing the delightful countryside of Oxfordshire and driving south to the Bath and Bristol area.

Hotels visited in Bath and Bristol were DoubleTree by Hilton Bath City Centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North and Holiday Inn Bristol Filton. Both Bristol hotels offer leisure facilities with on site coach parking that is advantageous to guests. The DoubleTree by Hilton Bath City Centre is very convenient within easy walking distance to the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent. The Hotel has a new Gordon Ramsay Restaurant that has recently opened and the food and service comes highly recommended. Bath can be hilly with steep pavements but the views once at the top of the hill are very pleasing and worthy of a photograph or two.

*N.B – There are 6 steps into the Bristol Packet boat but there are hand rails to help board safely. Unfortunately, there is no provision for wheelchairs on board.

** N.B – For anyone with mobility difficulties be assured, there were lifts and ramps for ease of movement between the exterior and interior of the ship and the different museums. However, there were some cobbles in some areas around the site.

*** N.B – Wheelchair users on Concorde are able to visit through one door reversing onto the plane but unable to go down the aisle due to width limitations. All other areas of Aerospace Bristol are accessible with ramps and lift access.

https://www.greatdays.co.uk/tour/christmas-market-bristol-bath/
https://www.greatdays.co.uk/tour/bath-bristol-2/