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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.

 

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An image of Dyrham Park advertising local attractions near to Chef & Brewer venues.

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. 

An image of Avon Valley Railway advertising local attractions near to Chef & Brewer venues.

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.

An image of Brunel's SS Great Britain advertising local attractions near to Chef & Brewer venues.

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. 

 

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.
 
The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.
 
If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.
 
Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.
 
Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.
 
The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.
 
If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.