16/07/2025
Tourists to South West England, can sometimes overlook visiting the city of Bristol in preference to the (perceived more majestic) Georgian City of Bath and the Cotswold Villages such as Castle Combe and Laycock. Cotswolds Visitors will often view the landscape of Bristol and the Severn Vale whilst walking the Cotswolds Way high up on the Cotswold Escarpment but often are not aware of the history and attractions that lie just a few miles away.
Our North American & Canadian visitors to Gatekeepers Lodge, (located at Dyrham Park in the South Cotswolds) may or may not be aware of the significance of Bristol in the foundation of their countries, it seems a shame that so many visitors come to the Cotswolds without paying nearby Bristol a visit to see what is known as 'The birthplace of America' after the 1497 voyage of the discovery of North America by John Cabot in the Matthew Ship sailed from Bristol.
Recently some of the Team at Gatekeepers Lodge took a trip into Bristol to one of its lesser known historic attractions; Brandon Hill, which hosts the imposing Cabot Tower, where you can climb the steep spiral steps to the top and take in the 360 panoramic views of Bristol's other Landmarks, and also the encompassing Cotswolds Escarpment where Gatekeepers Lodge sits with the City of Bath just beyond.
In our photos, you can see the Cabot Tower Monument and some of the views from the top: the Cotswold Escarpment, Brunel's SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge, some of the old merchants houses. Some days you may be lucky enough to see the famous wooden replica of the Cabots Mathew sailing out of the harbour down the river Avon.
Bristol is a large city, and as with all large cities, requires some knowledge and planning ahead, guests staying at www,gatekeeperslodge.co.uk are very welcome to ask us for our tips and knowledge for visiting the local areas.
For more info on Bristol's links to North America see Visit Bristol Bristol & The USA
https://visitbristol.co.uk/blog/post/17-things-you-didnt-know-about-bristol-and-the-usa/
