This forty-minute adventure is a route of diverse scenery, taking you through cityscapes, historical landmarks, a maritime backdrop, industrial heritage and countryside views.

The advantage of this short route is the regular service which means you have time to explore and enjoy time in Bristol, as well as discovering Severn Beach via train.

Set yourself up for the day with a good hearty breakfast.  Several quality local independents can be found around Bristol Temple Meads station, including Heart’s Bakery set in a large Victorian archway.  Hearts is a unique local gem specialising in sourdough, handmade pastries, seasonal cakes and savouries.

You’re now ready to make your way up to the Bristol Temple Meads station entrance.  Hop on board, sit back and relax, and take in some iconic sites along the way to Severn Beach.  If you wanted a close-up view of Brunel’s world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge you could jump off at Clifton Down station, walk through Clifton Village, very pretty (and packed full of shops and places to refresh) and then on to the bridge itself.

At Severn Beach you can choose from a couple of heritage trails and walk along the paved promenade, passing under the Prince of Wales Bridge.  There are super angles here for some cool photography. Keep walking past a couple of shingly beaches, to the end of the path (the whole thing is about a mile).  At this stage if you are feeling exploratory, you could extend the walk cross-country to Pilning Wetlands, a protected salt marsh, that is a haven to 1000s of birds that visit each year or turn back the way you came, grab a cuppa from one of the little cafes nearby and catch your train back to Bristol Temple Meads.

If you are feeling peckish, on the journey back why not get off either at Redland or Montpelier station and discover Gloucester Road. Known in Bristol as the buzzing and quirky and authentic high street, and a finalist in the Great British High Street, it’s jam-packed with places to eat, whether it’s a snack, takeaway or a full-on sit down treat. Or maybe you need some retail therapy? Check out the scores of independent shops that line this road.  

One stop further along the is Stapleton Road station, where the adjacent St Marks Road is famous for its multi-cultural cuisine and festivals. It’s no surprise this street was named in the top three greatest streets in the UK at the 2020 National Urbanism Awards.