Steam and Sail in the West Country

STEAM, SAIL & TIMELESS JOURNEYS IN THE WEST COUNTRY

 

6 – 10 May 2027

Thursday – Monday

5 Days

From £669

 

Enjoy a memorable break filled with unique experiences on land and water as you discover the rich heritage of Bristol and beyond. Cruise around Bristol’s historic harbour, taking in fascinating sights and waterfront views, before you step aboard the iconic SS Great Britain to explore one of the world’s most remarkable historic ships. Travel through beautiful countryside on the charming Avon Valley Railway, reliving the golden age of steam in truly scenic surroundings. Combined with time to explore the elegant city of Bath and visit the Great Western Railway Museum, this holiday offers a wonderful mix of maritime history, nostalgic rail journeys and cultural highlights.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

 

· Enjoy a relaxing cruise around Bristol’s historic harbour

· Step aboard Brunel’s iconic SS Great Britain

· Travel along the scenic Avon Valley Railway on a nostalgic steam journey

· Discover the historic market town of Chippenham

· Explore the elegant city of Bath, rich in history and Georgian architecture

· Discover the history of the Great Western Railway - STEAM Museum.

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Swindon, and before we check into our hotel, we will visit the Designer Outlet Swindon, you can find your favourite brands, restaurants, cafes and more.  We’ll then travel eh short distance to our hotel where we have time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY TWO – Bristol Harbour Boat Cruise and SS Great Britain

This morning you will discover the fascinating history and contemporary culture of Bristol’s Floating Harbour on a classic 45min tour. With great views of SS Great Britain, Cabot Tower, Hotwells and Underfall Yard to name a few, you will learn about the origins of the city and how the Harbour has changed over the years.

 

We’ll then visit SS Great Britain - the ship that changed the world. Step aboard Bristol’s legendary steamship, historic dockyard, world-class collection & museums – where Brunel’s genius reshaped history and touched thousands of lives.

 

After our visit if time allows, we’ll have free time in Bristol before we return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY THREE – Great Western Railway Museum - STEAM and Bath

Explore the rich history of the Great Western Railway and hear about the extraordinary things achieved by ordinary men and women.

We’ll then make our way to bath, where you have time to explore at your leisure, and enjoy the attractions, before we return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY FOUR – Avon Valley Railway and Chippenham

The Avon Valley Railway, having been preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, is a delightful journey along three miles of track that has been re-laid, with restored locomotives and carriages taking you back in time to the sound of steam.

 

Enjoy a cream tea on board one of the restored vintage carriages, all whilst having a pleasurable journey on a steam train through the Avon Valley.

 

As your journey begins, you will be greeted by an Avon Valley Railway host. The steam train is waiting in the country station, and you will be escorted to your reserved seats in the period carriages. The guard blows his whistle, and the train gently pulls away. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity as your waiter offers you some refreshment – two large scones with butter, jam and cream, washed down with a cup of tea or coffee.

 

Back at Bitton station, why not take the opportunity to browse in the souvenir shop or just relax on the station platform, taking in the atmosphere.

 

After our wonderful journey through the Avon Valley, we’ll then visit Chippenham, historic market town in north Wiltshire, with roots dating back to Saxon times. The town features attractive Georgian architecture, cobbled streets, and characterful buildings that reflect its medieval and royal heritage. Key historical sites include the Yelde Hall, a 15th-century timber-framed building that once served as a courthouse and town hall, and the Chippenham Museum, which showcases the town’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

 

After our day, we’ll then make our way back to our hotel where you will have time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY FIVE – Gloucester and Departure

After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make way to Gloucester, where you have some time at leisure before we continue our journey home.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Avon Valley Railway and Cream Tea

Bristol Harbour Boat Cruise

Great British Railway Museum

SS Great Britain.

 

BLUNSDON HOUSE HOTEL, SWINDON

Once more we are delighted and proud to offer this marvellous 4-star hotel which is located on the outskirts of Swindon within its extensive grounds including Golf Course.  Overall facilities are quite superb with leisure facilities, lounges, and bars. Bedrooms are very well appointed with TV, hairdryer, hospitality tray & ironing board.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Avon Valley Railway and Cream Tea

Bristol Harbour Boat Cruise

Great British Railway Museum

SS Great Britain.

 

BLUNSDON HOUSE HOTEL, SWINDON

Once more we are delighted and proud to offer this marvellous 4-star hotel which is located on the outskirts of Swindon within its extensive grounds including Golf Course.  Overall facilities are quite superb with leisure facilities, lounges, and bars. Bedrooms are very well appointed with TV, hairdryer, hospitality tray & ironing board.

 

 HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television	Wheelchair accessible
Restaurant	Hairdryer
Lounge	Iron
Gym
Swimming pool
Wifi

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS	SUPPLEMENT
5	6 – 10 MAY 2027	THURSDAY	£669	£126 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£38

 

 

Why Travel with Jones Holidays?

With our warm, friendly hosts, comfortable coaches, and attention to detail, your holiday will be smooth, enjoyable, and filled with good company. Let us take care of everything.

At Jones Holidays, we believe solo travellers deserve fair prices and peace of mind. That's why our Single Supplement Price Promise ensures you only pay what we pay—nothing more. If hotels charge us a single supplement, we’ll pass it on without adding a penny extra; that’s our promise to you.

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

 

Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon