ST LAURENCE CHURCH, BRADFORD-ON-AVON
These photographs depict the ancient saxon Church of St Laurence in Bradford-on-Avon.

This tiny chapel is still used for worship by the congregation of the adjacent Holy Trinity Church.

Here you can find a selection of photographs taken by the Webmaster during his August 2004 Railtour of
Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset & South Wales.

CLASSIC DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
These photos show that locomotive-hauled passenger trains aren't yet a thing of the past on the UK rail network.

The picture to the left shows a Class 37 locomotive hauling a Cardiff to Rhymney passenger service in the Welsh Valleys. These trains are being used to supplement the usual Pacer railbuses that work the Valleys Lines and are proving popular with railway enthusiasts.

Shown on the right is a Class 31 locomotive working a passenger service over the Heart of Wessex line, nearing Frome station in Somerset.
THE WELSH VALLEYS BRISTOL TEMPLE MEADS
This photograph, taken close to Brithdir station on the Cardiff to Rhymney line, is typical of the landscape around this part of the South Wales Valleys, where evidence abounds of the former mining industry that once thrived here. These days, the long terraces of former miners homes look rather forlorn above the ugly spoil heaps. The ornate exterior of Bristol Temple Meads station with it's clock tower. The stonework has been extensively refurbished recently to bring it back to its former glory.
 
WARMINSTER SWINDON RAILWAY VILLAGE
This is the view across Warminster High Street. The town is notable for it's abundance of stone buildings, making this a particularly attactive Wiltshire market town. In days gone by, Swindon was a centre for Brunel's Great Western Railway and was home to a large train building facility. Swindon's Railway Village was purpose-built by the Great Western Company for its employees. This is a typical scene of one of the preserved streets.
 
CABOT TOWER, BRISTOL
Situated on the summit of Brandon Hill in Bristol, Cabot Tower is a Victorian Folly which visitors are able to climb by way of a small spiral staircase.

Two seperate viewing areas on different levels provide superb views all across the city and beyond to the hills in Somerset.

The photo to the left shows the view of the city from the top.
 
CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE, BRISTOL
Bristol's most famous structure must certainly be Isambard Brunel's magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge, built between 1836 and 1864 to span the Avon Gorge.

TOP LEFT: The bridge from the viewpoint close to the observatory.

TOP RIGHT: The bridge and observatory from the Somerset side.





BOTTOM LEFT: This photograph looks north along Avon Gorge from the Somerset side of the bridge.

BOTTOM RIGHT: This Commemorative plaque can be found towards the base of the bridge's Clifton Tower.
 
ST MARY REDCLIFFE, BRISTOL
The spire of St Mary Redcliffe church in Bristol dominates the skyline close to Temple Meads Station. It is one of the largest parish churches in England and is architecturally remarkable, both inside and out.

The left-hand photograph shows the south entrance porch and spire.

The right-hand photograph depicts a view of the north transept.
CITY OF WELLS
The tiny Somerset city of Wells is home to one of England's greatest cathedrals.
Additionally, the ancient Bishop's Palace stands adjacent, surrounded by a moat and curtain wall
The west front of the cathedral from Cathedral Green
The central tower and west front in detail
The barbican of the Bishop's Palace
The ancient Vicars Close directly north of the cathedral
 
CHELTENHAM SPA
Elegant architecture combines with floral splendour in the Spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The formal floral borders of Montpellier Gardens
The ornate fountain on The Promenade
The Promenade
Sandford Park in bloom
 
CITY OF GLOUCESTER SECOND SEVERN CROSSING
The West of England city of Gloucester was once an important centre for the import of cereal crops from all over the world. There are also a number of medieval buildings that can be found around town.

The magnificent Gothic splendour of Gloucester Cathedral (left) dominates the city.

The New Inn Hotel (right) is the oldest galleried pub in Britain, dating from the 15th Century.

The former warehouses in Gloucester Docks (bottom left) are now a thriving tourist attraction.		 This view of the Second Severn Crossing, carrying the M4 motorway between England and Wales, was taken from the train between Severn Beach and Avonmouth. This local rail route connects the Severn Estuary with Bristol City Centre.
CHEPSTOW (CAS GWENT)
Chepstow is situated on the west bank of the River Wye in Monmouthshire. The ornate Chepstow Bridge links England with Wales and is watched over by the mighty ruins of Chepstow Castle.

LEFT: Chepstow Bridge, as seen from the battlements of the castle.

RIGHT: The impressive ruins of Chepstow Castle.
 
CHEDDAR GORGE & VILLAGE
The village of Cheddar in Somerset is world famous for the eponymous cheese, though it's main visitor attractions are its deep gorge (the largest of its kind in the UK) and its amazing caves.

The photograph to the left view looks up towards the gorge and Cox's Mill Hotel from the Waterfall Cafè.

The steep-sided gorge (right) towers above the road that winds through it. The abundance of parked cars shows that this is peak season.

The White Hart pub (left) offers friendly service, attractive surroundings and good quality food and drink in the heart of the old village.
CHEDDAR CAVES
The geology within Gough's Cave, Cheddar is quite amazing, having been formed over millions of years by water seeping through the layers of rock within the gorge.

The photo to the left shows stalegmites and stalectites reflected in a pool of water, whilst the picture to the right shows some of the curious calcite formations that have built up on the cave wall.
 
CITY OF BATH
The City of Bath in Somerset is renowned for its splendid Georgian architecture and its Roman Baths. Here are a small selection of photographs taken around the city.

The famous Pulteney Bridge (left) crosses the River Avon and is home to a number of small shops.

Bath Abbey (right) dominates the centre of the city and stands adjacent to the Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.


The River Avon (left) flows through the heart of the city and is a popular spot to relax beside
CLASSIC BATH PUBS
Bath is home to some of the most historic public houses in Britain. Not only are they architecturally significant, but also are full of atmosphere and serve some of the best ale around. Here are some of the Webmaster's favourites.

The Star Inn (top left) is located to the north of the City Centre and is reputably the oldest pub in Bath. Rescued by Abbey Ales from possible conversion into a faceless modern bar, it still retains it's 19th century fittings. Inside the Star (top right) visitors can relax in a number of tiny wood-panelled rooms.Furnishings are comfortable but basic and in keeping with their surroundings. A number of real ales are available from quality brewers, and the pub's tradition of serving Bass Ale from a jug still continues after its purchase by new owners.

The Old Green Tree (bottom left) is another wonderful city-centre pub, contained within a 300 year old building and consisting of a tiny front snug, a corridored bar counter area and a slightly larger back room. The pub is wood panelled throughout. A vast array of foreign banknotes adorn the back room and the bar serves around seven high-quality real ales. Not to be missed.

The Salamander (near right) on John Street is housed in an 18th Century terrace and was formerly a coffee house. Now owned by local brewer Bath Ales, it is a very popular venue.

The interior of the Salamander (far right) is split into various drinking areas and also has an award-winning first floor restaurant. A number of fine real ales, malt whiskies and Belgian bottled beers are available to the discerning drinker.
THE KENNET & AVON CANAL
The Kennet & Avon canal passes by the Wiltshire town of Bradford-on-Avon
and the hamlet of Avoncliff.

The photo to the left shows the aquaduct which crosses the River Avon and the adjacent railway line. The photo to the right depicts a busy scene on the canal at Bradford-on-Avon, where a number of narrow boats wait their turn to pass through the lock that can be seen in the background.
     
BRADFORD-ON-AVON
The picturesque town of Bradford-on-Avon stands on the the river of the same name, on the Wiltshire/Somerset border.

The photo to the left shows the historic Bridge Tea Rooms.

Shown on the right is Bradford Bridge, with an assortment of local architecture in the background.











 
sign the guestbook return to Home Page