Kind of a complicated question.

I'm meeting a friend next Saturday in Bristol as a daytrip out from Oxford, where I'll be. We are to meet around 3 pm and planned on seeing the Cathedral and some of the areas near the water. I want to do the Church (name escapes me) and art gallery there as well on my own beforehand.

I'm wondering if you think I have time to see Wells before that, and if it is worth it.

I can take a 7:10 train to Bristol Temple Meads getting in at 8:50. I can then take the bus from there to Wells, getting in around 10 am. I could see Wells Cathedral for a bit, hop on the 12:06 bus and get back to Bristol around 1 pm at Bristol Temple Meads.

I'm just wondering if these couple of hours would be enough time to see the couple of extra things I want to in Bristol? Also, is the Temple Meads train station central, or is it a bit far (it's my understanding that it is not in the center).

Final cavet ... I will just have returned to Oxford from a bit of traveling in Belgium probably around 1 am Saturday morning, so catching a 7:10 train would mean not a whole lot of sleep.

Any thoughts/comments? Thanks!

ttt

Oh yes, Wells is worth the trip! The cathedral there has unusual architecture, with inverted arches in the nave. There's also the famous set of stairs leading up to the chapter room, worn down over the centuries by the monks' sandals. Outside there is the Bishop's Palace, with fine gardens. So please don't leave Wells off your list.

JoeTro, I think the church you are looking for in Bristol is St. Mary Radcliffe and was called by Elizabeth I "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England" and it is about 500 yards from Temple Meads Station. While in Bristol, I'd also recommend you visit the S. S. Great Britain which was under refurbishment when we saw her 7/8 years ago.

Wells Cathedral and its surroundings are certainly worth seeing. The scissor arches which were added to prevent the collapse of the nave are striking and it is unique to see a screen front that is twice as wide as tall. It is quite an impact to see the cathedral for the first time when you enter the grounds thru the gates from the High Street.

You could do it if your times are correct but you will be rushed. Good luck.

Hi
Temple Meads is the 'central' Bristol station as opposed to Bristol Parkway which isn't! As has been mentioned, it will take you 5 mins max (you have to cross a very busy street) to get to St Mary Radcliffe from Temple Meads.
Temple Meads Station itself is worth more than a passing glance. The original terminal was designed by Brunel and is, I believe, the oldest railway terminus in the world. Within the station complex (you lierally have to pass it to get to St Mary's) is the Empire and Commonwealth Museum, well worth a visit.
And you can always sleep on the train going back!
M

Apologies, got the name of the church slightly wrong - it is St Mary Redcliffe.
it has its own website
www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk
M

Morgana, I've misspelled St. Mary REDCLIFFE numerous times. Thanks to you I won't anymore.

You mention Brunel as the designer of the station. He is also responsible for the S.S. Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge among other significant projects. Maybe JoeTro should just stay in Bristol and devote his day to Brunel. I've posted a website at the end which has much information about the Brunel family and their contributions to the world.
http://www.brunelenginehouse.org.uk/index.asp

The Engine House is in London.

I just got back from Bristol and had a nice time. Unfortunately, I did not make it out to Wells, and I tried but failed to see the Commonwealth Museum due to complications meeting a friend, but I did see the St. Mary Redcliffe Church - amazing - the Cathedral - so-so - and the City Art Gallery, which I really enjoyed. I had a nice lunch in the College Green and enjoyed the warm weather. Hope it lasts!

Thanks for reporting back. It is tough to run out of time.