On to Bristol and its fascinating maritime history and some of the best preserved boats in the country are found in the docks. The grand ss Great Britain, designed and built by Brunel, is a sight to behold. Go below deck or climb the rigging like a sailor in the 1800s; this wonderfully restored vessel offers something special for everyone. Sail out of the harbour on The Matthew, the replica of the ship that John Cabot discovered Newfoundland on. M Shed is a modern museum documenting the history of Bristol, transforming the old transit shed on the harbour.

Not to be missed in the most famous of Brunel's masterpieces, the Clifton Suspension Bridge that spans the picturesque Avon Gorge. You need to see this with your own eyes. If you're a film, music or theatre buff then Bristol hosts some world-class performances covering a wide range of genres.

Millenium Square and the Harbourside offer some fantastic, modern Bristol attractions for small and big kids. The At-Bristol science centre is a hands-on, interactive playground with planetarium and with Bristol Aquarium on the same site, you can easily spend the whole day here. Combine a trip to the suspension bridge with a visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens, an intimate zoo and an opportunity to get up close and personal with your favourite furry friends.

There's also some amazing street art, created by Banksy, in Bristol. Other attractions include Westonbirt Arboretum, Slimbridge Wetland Centre and Longleat Safari Park.

It's only a short drive to Bath, one of Britain's beautiful cities. Home to some of the nation's grandest Georgian architecture – not to mention one of the world's best-preserved Roman bathhouses – this slinky, sophisticated, snooty city, founded on top of natural hot springs, has been a tourist draw for nigh on 2000 years.

Bath's heyday really began during the 18th century, when local entrepreneur Ralph Allen and his team of father-and-son architects, John Wood the Elder and Younger, turned this sleepy backwater into the toast of Georgian society, and constructed fabulous landmarks such as the Circus and Royal Crescent.

Whether it’s explore, eat, shop, learn, relax or get active, Bath attractions offer something for everyone. If you want to unwind and enjoy some pamper time, how about a spa session in the natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa? You can also explore the history behind the city’s spa culture by discovering the 2,000 year old Roman Baths, filled with ancient mystical artefacts and thermal water that still steams today.

Whatever you do, don't miss taking in some of Bath’s many iconic sights: marvel at the magnificent Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey and see all of those picture-perfect postcard attractions in Bath come to life.

Visiting during the summer months? Make the most of the warm weather and soak up the sunshine in one of Bath’s beautiful parks or gardens with a picnic or stroll around a crescent, deer park, skyline walk or botanical gardens, all with stunning views.

Because there was so much to see and do, a hop on hop off bus was the best way to experience the city.

We made sure to grab some fudge from the Fudge Kitchen. It is a friendly environment that fosters a pleasant experience. Oh, and the fudge is excellent too!

Salisbury awaits us. It is a city centred on a majestic cathedral that's topped by the tallest spire in England. It's been an important provincial city for more than a thousand years, and its streets form an architectural timeline ranging from medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas. Salisbury is also a lively, modern town, boasting plenty of bars and restaurants, plus a concentrated cluster of excellent museums.

Things to do:
Salisbury Cathedral: early English Gothic–style structure has an elaborate exterior decorated with pointed arches and flying buttresses, and a sombre, austere interior
Magna Carta: The Magna Carta on display in Salisbury Cathedral's Chapter House is one of only four surviving original copies.
Wilton House: One of England's finest stately homes
Old sarum: huge ramparts of Old Sarum sit on a grass-covered hill 2 miles north of Salisbury. You can wander the grassy ramparts, see the original cathedral's stone foundations, and look across the Wiltshire countryside to the spire of the present Salisbury Cathedral
Fish row: Local produce is piled high at this heavily beamed deli-cafe – the New Forest Blue, Old Sarum and Nanny Williams cheeses come from just a few miles away. Grab one of 10 types of handmade Scotch eggs to go, or duck upstairs to eat alongside weathered wood, stained glass and old church pews.

We headed to Southhampton where we spent the night at Highfield House.

There's lots to see and do in Southampton.
Bargate: This is the impressive north entrance to the medieval section of Southampton, which contains a wealth of character and heritage through its fascinating remains, monuments and buildings.
The Grapes: The Grapes is probably one on the most famous pubs in Southampton due to its prominent location on Oxford Street and its historical connection to The Titanic.
Palmerston Park: the most seen of the central parks
Titanic Memorial walk: This walking tour takes you on a journey to several important land-based sites related to the Titanic disaster, including memorials to those who perished and the Maritime Museum.
Titanic Memorial Restaurant: A memorial to the restaurant staff who lost their lives during the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.