We are incredibly grateful that so many of you are taking time out of your schedule to fly in for this event. We’ve created this page for anyone who is hoping to spend a bit of time in the South West of England while you are here. We’re pretty partial to this area and can’t wait for you all to experience it!
The Southern Cotswolds, Bristol and Bath
Our wedding will be hosted in the southern Cotswolds. They are packed with things to see and do, whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or just want to see some chocolate-box village charm.
Berkeley Castle, one of England’s oldest inhabited castles, is a stone’s throw from our venue — as is Uley Long Barrow, an impressive Neolithic burial mound with panoramic views. For walkers, the Cotswold Way offers miles of trails through rolling hills, woodlands, and traditional villages, and cyclists can enjoy quiet country lanes and scenic routes here as well.
If you’ve ever enjoyed movies like War Horse or Stardust, you’ll have seen the picturesque village of Castle Combe (image to the right!). With its stone cottages, narrow streets, and little humpback bridge over the Bybrook River, it is an incredibly romantic place to wander, enjoy a pint at the historic Castle Inn, or stop by the Market Cross in the village centre. For walkers, there are scenic trails around the valley, and golfers can tee off at the nearby Manor House Golf Club. It’s a small village, but perfect for a relaxed afternoon of exploring and soaking up that classic Cotswolds charm.
Gloucester Cathedral is stunning and hosts about 1,000 years of history (including being featured in the Harry Potter movies). You can climb the tower for sweeping views of the city, or simply wander through the quiet, atmospheric spaces. The cathedral also hosts regular concerts, events, and exhibitions.
Quite close to our venue is Westonbirt Arboretum. We are getting married in the autumn so it will be an ideal time to visit this incredible space. Home to over 2,500 species of trees from around the world, it’s England’s national arboretum. It features a treetop walkway which gives you a unique perspective above the canopy, and the arboretum also hosts events throughout the year, including music concerts and light trails.
Mentioning here that Stonehenge and Avebury are an hour’s drive from our venue for all those who are into prehistory!
Bath, just a short 45 min drive from the venue, is (as coined by Channel 4) the Most Romantic City in Britain. You can visit the Roman Baths, see the Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent, and relax in naturally heated waters at the Thermae Bath Spa. The city also has an amazing boutique food scene, with lots of independent cafes, pubs and chocolatiers. There are many quirky boutiques and high-street names, and literary fans can check out the Jane Austen Centre. Bath Abbey is also worth a visit!
Bristol is also about a 40 min drive away. Head to the Harbourside to explore Brunel’s SS Great Britain, take a ferry ride, or enjoy waterside dining. Home of the infamous Banksy, any art fans can join a Banksy walking tour. There are lots of museums, aquariums and art galleries to visit. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is another fun thing to see, offering incredible views of the Avon Gorge. For nightlife, Bristol’s music and craft beer scenes are among the best in the UK, with everything from laid-back pubs to lively venues that host a wide range of music and talent.
Somerset
This is where we live!
We’ve already spoken about taking a few of you around Somerset before the wedding If you’re interested in joining this group, just give us a shout and we will do our best to organize some fun days out! We love stand-up paddleboarding down the rivers, taking walks around the Mendips and Levels and heading to the pub for a cozy roast, beer or cider.
Cheddar is the home of cheddar cheese and (for history/archaeology buffs) home of the Cheddar Man! Visit for a cheese and cider tour, see the Gorge and the caves, or take a walk down the picturesque high street! For any adventurers, Cheddar is a great place to go rock climbing or caving as well.
Glastonbury, where Gary’s family is from, is home to the infamous Glastonbury music festival. Gary has gone every year since he was 16 and Mirali went for the first time two years ago. She saw Elton John’s last concert as well as Hozier, Blondie, Cat Stevens/Yusuf, Raye, Lizzo, Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, Guns & Roses, and many more. It was awesome. The town itself is a beautiful tourist destination and has a high street that is really fun to walk through! You can see the G&P, a fifteenth century pub that King Henry VIII dined at and Glastonbury Abbey where, in the eleventh century, the story of King Arthur came to be. This is a literal Isle of Avalon! As a head’s up, the town has been coopted by a bit of a New Age mystic scene. You might meet a witch.
Wells is stunning with a cathedral that outranks most in Western Europe and the old Bishop’s palace, with beautiful gardens and a moat to walk around in. It hosts amazing restaurants and cafes. Nearby, you could stop by Wookey Hole for a cave tour and adventure!
About an hour from Somerset, you will find (in both directions) amazing beaches for surfing, lounging and enjoying!
The coastal walks (see the South West Coast Path) boast incredible beach views, secluded coves, tea rooms and more. Beautiful fishing villages dot Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Check out Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor, and Lyme Regis for some great touristy options.
The area also has a long history of pirates and smugglers. You can search for buried treasure or have a drink by the beach.
Our favorite surfing beaches are Saunton and Putsborough in Northern Devon. If you are a crazy good surfer, you might like the shorebreak at Croyde. Croyde as a village is a lovely seaside town, with a thatched pub and fresh ice cream.
Durdle Door is the most famous beach in Dorset. This beach runs along the Jurassic coast, named aptly for the dinosaurs found here. You can go fossil hunting at a few beaches (We have found quite a few!).
