B

ath and Bristol, two bona fide West Country gems, provide the yin and yang to turn an ordinary holiday into an adventure of high contrasts and good times.

Between them, Bristol and Bath offer up the best of both words, combining ancient history and contemporary cool. Bristol is at the forefront of urban innovation and green living with street art, a legendary (and loud) music and clubbing scene, as well as cultural institutions like the Arnolfini and Watershed.

Just twenty minutes away by train is the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, full of beautifully preserved history from the stunning Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent to the Roman Baths - the only hot springs in England.

And when it comes to a night out, it’s certainly a tale of two cities. In Bristol, the evening kicks of with plenty of local cider before heading to a local club night to rave it up to the latest dubstep cuts.

There’s no such vulgarity to be found in Bath, although thankfully it is home to the world’s best hangover cure – a day at the Thermae Spa - where the mineral-rich waters work wonders.

To complete the Bath experience, dine out in the shadow of the Abbey, before letting the lush strings of an orchestra carry you away.