Day trips from Bristol, UK - suggestions wanted
 

If we use Marriott points to stay in Bristol, England, in May, any suggestions for day trips using busses or trains? Bath is one day trip but looking for other suggestions. We like small towns or villages, gardens, castles....thanks. (I posted this question under another heading which I realized might not be actually be specific to my question)

Tintern Abbey. Ludlow Castle just north of it.

Another vote for Bath and for taking the "country roads" to get there. The countryside is beautiful!

Wells, Glasonbury abd Cirencester are all attractive and within a reasonable distance for day trips. I would make Stourhead a priority. The rhododendrons should be at their peak.

Cheddar

To the East: Bath (and beyond Bath to Avebury if you want to see standing stones).

To the south: Cheddar Gorge (Stanton Drew en route for less exciting stones, or Wells for an impressive cathedral).

And a highly recommended round trip covering the north and west: Tetbury, Tewkesbury, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Tinterne Abbey.

In my 'recommended round trip' (above) add Cirencester between Tetbury and Tewkesbury. And if you can get across from there to Lechlade, fine, but it's probably a big enough day without that.

Take the train from Bristol across to the Capital City of Wales, Cardiff is a cosmopolitan city that is growing and well worth a visit.
There is a castle within walking distance of the railway station and the surrounding areas have great castles such as Caerphilly, Chepstow Castle to name just 2.
The small suburb of Llandaff with its Cathedral and beautiful old houses is well worth visiting too.
Another unknown and interesting place to visit in Llandaff is Insole Court which has lovely Gdns but the old house is in decay, which is a real shame, but well worth a quick visit if your in the area.

Good Luck

Muck