How long is the England's Cathedral Cities: York to Bristol route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from York to Bristol in Northern England, the Midlands and the Southwest, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Culture, Classic road trip, City hop, Scenic.

England's Cathedral Cities: York to Bristol

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The route · 6 stops

1
York
2 nights
Northern England's greatest historic city. York Minster — the biggest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe — anchors two full days: walk 3.4 km of intact Roman city walls, explore the Viking Jorvik settlement, and lose an hour in the medieval Shambles before the evening dining begins.
Northern England's greatest historic city. York Minster — the biggest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe — anchors two full days: walk 3.4 km of intact Roman city walls, explore the Viking Jorvik settlement, and lose an hour in the medieval Shambles before the evening dining begins.
Book York Minster tower access in advance in summer. The Shambles is crowded by 10am; explore it early morning or after 5pm. Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride links to the city centre.
2
Lincoln
2 nights
Lincoln Cathedral crowns a limestone escarpment above a maze of medieval streets. Lincoln Castle holds one of only four original 1215 Magna Carta copies alongside the Charter of the Forest — the only place in the world where both documents stand together. Explore Steep Hill's independent shops after.
Lincoln Cathedral crowns a limestone escarpment above a maze of medieval streets. Lincoln Castle holds one of only four original 1215 Magna Carta copies alongside the Charter of the Forest — the only place in the world where both documents stand together. Explore Steep Hill's independent shops after.
Lincoln station is at the foot of the hill; take a taxi or walk 20 min uphill to the medieval quarter. Castle Square has pay parking. Magna Carta vault is included in the castle day ticket (~£15).
3
Lichfield
2 nights
England's only three-spired medieval cathedral, the Ladies of the Vale, dominates Lichfield's skyline for miles around. Inside, the St Chad's Gospels and Lichfield Angel rival any cathedral treasury in the country. Use a second day to reach Coventry's twin cathedrals (40 km) or Cannock Chase for a forest walk.
England's only three-spired medieval cathedral, the Ladies of the Vale, dominates Lichfield's skyline for miles around. Inside, the St Chad's Gospels and Lichfield Angel rival any cathedral treasury in the country. Use a second day to reach Coventry's twin cathedrals (40 km) or Cannock Chase for a forest walk.
Cathedral entry is free (donations welcomed). Lichfield station is 500m from the close. A car is needed for Coventry or Cannock Chase day trips. Book Coventry Cathedral roof tours in advance.
4
Hereford
2 nights
A market city on the Welsh border with two extraordinary medieval treasures: the c.1300 Mappa Mundi (the largest surviving medieval world map) and a Chained Library of 229 manuscripts still chained to their shelves. The Black and White village trail and Wye Valley make Hereford a natural two-night base.
A market city on the Welsh border with two extraordinary medieval treasures: the c.1300 Mappa Mundi (the largest surviving medieval world map) and a Chained Library of 229 manuscripts still chained to their shelves. The Black and White village trail and Wye Valley make Hereford a natural two-night base.
Mappa Mundi exhibition tickets cost ~£7.50 adults — book online to avoid queues. Free river-side parking near the cathedral. Hay-on-Wye bookshops and Symonds Yat Rock are both within 50 km.
5
Gloucester
1 night
Gloucester Cathedral's Norman nave and Perpendicular choir span 1,300 years of Christian heritage; the fan-vaulted 14th-century cloisters served as Hogwarts corridors in the Harry Potter films. An evening in the Victorian Docks — repurposed as a heritage waterfront — rounds out the overnight stay.
Gloucester Cathedral's Norman nave and Perpendicular choir span 1,300 years of Christian heritage; the fan-vaulted 14th-century cloisters served as Hogwarts corridors in the Harry Potter films. An evening in the Victorian Docks — repurposed as a heritage waterfront — rounds out the overnight stay.
Cathedral entry is free; suggested donation £5. Parking at the Docks (paid). The National Waterways Museum is in a repurposed Victorian warehouse and worth a look before dinner.
6
Bristol
2 nights
The route ends at England's most inventive southwestern city. Brunel's SS Great Britain — the world's first iron-hulled propeller-driven ocean liner — sits in the dry dock where she was built. The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans a limestone gorge minutes from the centre. Banksy originals dot the city walls.
The route ends at England's most inventive southwestern city. Brunel's SS Great Britain — the world's first iron-hulled propeller-driven ocean liner — sits in the dry dock where she was built. The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans a limestone gorge minutes from the centre. Banksy originals dot the city walls.
Use Park & Ride from Portway or Long Ashton into the centre. SS Great Britain tickets ~£20 adults; book online. Wapping Wharf and St Nicholas Market are the best areas for independent food.

England's Cathedral Cities: York to Bristol

The route · 6 stops

York

Lincoln

Lichfield

Hereford

Gloucester

Bristol

Route highlights

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England's Cathedral Cities: York to Bristol

The route · 6 stops

York

Lincoln

Lichfield

Hereford

Gloucester

Bristol

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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