Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bristol, England and Exeter, England

A road trip from Bristol to Exeter offers travellers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning countryside of the southwestern part of England. The journey is approximately 70 miles and takes around 2 hours to cover. As one travels through the route, there are several pearls of the road worth seeing. The town of North Petherton in Somerset acts as the hub of the journey, and adds a middle point destination that boasts several attractions. The highlights of this road journey are few and far between, but it’s the journey itself that is worth the ride.

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a distinctive Bristol landmark and an engineering marvel that spans the River Avon. It is a perfect location to get a panoramic view of Bristol City Harbour. Visitors can walk across the bridge and explore the bridge's history in the visitor centre. The bridge was built by the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and its completion was after his passing.

2. Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge located an hour out of Bristol is a place of beauty consisting of cliffs and caves. Travellers can embark on a hike on the trails surrounding the gorge to catch a glimpse of a wide range of natural life, including the majestic Peregrine Falcon, the UK's fastest bird species that can fly over 240km/h. The Cheddar Gorge caves also offer a unique insight into the region's history, with the cave formation being over a million years old.

3. Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle dates back to the Norman era, and it's a beautiful castle situated on a hill during medieval times. It was recently fully restored, and visitors can explore its romantic surroundings with magnificent views of Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. During a stroll around the castle and its wooded garden, visitors can spot the Dunster castle's rare butterflies, with protected species like the Marsh and Heath Fritillary in abundance.

4. Exeter Cathedral

The Exeter Cathedral, located in Exeter, Devon, offers visitors a splendid glimpse of medieval architecture in England, with a touch of Gothic splendour. The cathedral stands tall above the city, making it a stunning and prominent landmark. The Cathedral has a thousand years of history and provides quality education, and the best part is the sound of the Cathedral's famous choir.

5. Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle, located about 5 miles from Exeter, dates back to the 14th century, and it's one of the best things to do on this road trip. The castle is set on genuinely picturesque surroundings of over 3,000-acres of deer park alongside the Exe estuary, making it a fantastic place for a stroll. Visitors can also enjoy a quality tour of the Castle's houses, gardens, and exhibits that offer a unique insight into the castle's history of the past centuries.

Travellers can also customise their tours and stay for a night or two at the Premier Inn Exeter City Centre to explore the city, taking advantage of the affordable and comfortable accommodation.

This road map is designed to provide travellers with a unique opportunity to explore the countryside of southwestern England. The trip duration is approximately two hours, which makes it an ideal destination for a day out with your family, friends or colleagues. Taking this route means you can experience the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cheddar Gorge, Dunster Castle, Exeter Cathedral, and Powderham castle. Additionally, travellers can pause for a break to explore North Petherton in Somerset. This route is recommended for anyone looking for an exciting destination to explore, and its appeal is universal.