Discover the best things to do in Wick, Bristol
Local attractions near the Rose & Crown
Set your sights on the heart of the West Country and the handsome village of Wick, where you’ll find our welcoming country pub, the Rose & Crown. The village is surrounded by glorious Gloucestershire countryside, which is home to all manner of delightful attractions.
As well as having some of the best things to do in Wick close at hand, you may also wish to venture further afield for a memorable day out in nearby Bristol. Ready for a little inspiration for your next escape? From rides on charming heritage railroads to strolls around verdant deer parks, here are some of our favourite things to do in the local area.
Dyrham Park
Elegant gardens and breathtaking Baroque architecture await at this 17th-century country house. The Grade II listed Dyrham Park is just a ten-minute drive from the Rose & Crown and one of the best things to do in Wick – even better if you return to our pub for a delicious meal.
Marvel at the impressive art collection, including some stunning examples of Dutch Delftware ceramics. Delight in the impressive furnishings, and be astounded by the intricately designed interior touches. You can also explore the rolling parkland or venture into the landscaped gardens, which are bursting with blooms throughout the year.
Saltford Brass Mill
Another Avon Valley gem to visit while visiting Wick is the Saltford Brass Mill. This 18th-century structure is a relic of the early Industrial Revolution, and you’ll find it right on the River Avon in the small but charming village of Saltford.
Visit the mill on one of its open days – usually the second and fourth Saturdays of the month between May and September – to learn all about its original use in the production of copper and brass.
It’s a truly unique heritage site and well worth the trip if you happen to be in the region when it’s open to the public. Pay a visit and you’ll soon see why everyone says it’s one of the best things to do in Wick and its surrounding area.
Avon Valley Railway
When it comes to things to do in Avon, what could be better than riding on a historic locomotive? The Avon Valley Railway route first opened in 1869 and connected the bustling city of Birmingham with the South Coast.
Today, you can explore this wonderfully preserved stretch of track while sitting comfortably in an old-fashioned steam or diesel train. Rides along the Avon Valley Railway usually depart from the Victorian-era Bitton station and there are various options to choose between.
Enjoy a return trip through the lush countryside or purchase a day rover ticket that allows you to hop on and off at different stations. You’ll find plenty of pubs near the Avon Valley Railway for lunch too, including the Rose & Crown, which is just a few miles from Bitton station.
Beckford’s Tower and Museum
Just south of Wick on the northern fringes of Bath, this imposing tower is a unique heritage site that offers up incredible vistas of the Gloucestershire countryside, as well as a deep dive into some lesser-known local history.
Beckford’s Tower was built in the 1820s by William Beckford, a very wealthy man who made his fortune off the transatlantic slave trade. Today, it serves as a harrowing reminder of his problematic history, with its small rooms filled with priceless artworks and other artefacts bought using the profits of Beckford’s sugar plantations.
The team at Beckford Tower are also conducting research to identify those who were enslaved by Beckford, in the hope of understanding their history and legacy.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Wick is ideally located if you fancy a day out in the city – and if you love all things maritime, it’s one of the best things to do in Bristol. You’ll find Brunel’s SS Great Britain at the Great Western Dockyard, and it’s a great spot to discover more about the city’s maritime history.
Uncover fascinating facts about Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of Britain’s most celebrated engineers. It was Brunel who designed the SS Great Britain in the 1830s and you’ll be able to enjoy the full story in the two dedicated museum buildings.
You’ll also be able to walk the decks of the famous Victorian steamship and learn all about its incredible adventures when it was the world’s biggest passenger vessel.