megabus Bristol to Cardiff

As if serving two invigorating cities of Bristol and Cardiff weren’t enough, the pinnacle of this great journey, though, is the unique Severn Crossing which offers unforgettable views.

This is a glorious suspension bridge which looks incredible on the approach and provides stunning views across the expansive River Severn. There’s a sense of peace and serenity when travelling the 1.6 mile on this amazing example of architectural and construction magnificence. The different weather conditions and time of day, be it sun rising or setting, creates a mood-swing and ambience of its own kind as the crossing is made between England and Wales.

Arriving on either side of the river, there’s a sense of this being a gateway of new adventures, deep into beautiful Welsh countryside as far as Camarthan and Pembrokshire or of the bright lights of Cardiff and Swansea. In the other direction, it’s the beginning of an adventure in England, of the beautiful Cotswolds and all the towns, cities and counties that constitute this fascinating and richly varied country.

The Severn Crossing is actually two separate crossings formed by bridges that span the River Severn, connecting Gloucestershire in England and Monmouthshire in Wales.

The first of these was the Severn Bridge, a suspension bridge located south of Chepstow that opened in 1966. The bridge originally formed part of the M4 until the motorway was relocated in 1996 and the road renamed the M48.

The Second Severn Crossing, officially called the Prince of Wales Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge located to the south of the original Severn Bridge. Since it opened in 1996, the bridge has formed part of the M4 that connects England and Wales.

Maybe a trip on the bus for a coffee in the charming Clifton and walk to the Clifton Suspension Bridge is the start of a ‘two bridges’ adventure, that also takes in the lively cities of Bristol and Cardiff. In Bristol, there’s culture and heritage aplenty, though the Cathedral is very much a ‘must visit’ attraction and so too the Bristol Museum with its amazing Edwardian Baroque architecture and fabulous displays and artifacts.

The journey in the spacious comfort of your megabus is captivating, as it makes its way over the Severn Crossing to Newport and Cardiff. Retail therapy beckons in Newport or an afternoon tour of the famous distillery. Alternatively, a visit to the Medieval Newport Ship Project is fascinating – the only 15th century ship to have survived to the present day. Then, onto Cardiff for the denouement of this fabulous journey and St David’s Shopping Centre is a magnet for shopaholics, so too there’s nightlife and restaurants galore in and around this retail haven, as well as the quirky and fun-filled Treetop Adventure Golf. Or, if it’s culture and heritage that tickles your fancy, there is, of course, the iconic Cardiff Castle and the National Museum in the heart of the city centre. The National Museum houses Wales’ national art, history and geology collections and has a range of fascinating temporary exhibitions. Sport is thriving in Cardiff too, as it is in Bristol. Domestic and international cricket is played at Sophia Gardens, the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which is located just on the outskirts of the City Centre, not too far a walk from Cardiff City Football Club's stadium.