Things to do in Malmesbury

London’s long and tumultuous history is written upon the face of the city, and the River Thames has watched it all. A 19th-century Member of Parliament, John Burns, said it best: “The Mississippi is muddy water, but the Thames is liquid history.” In modern-day London, history comes to life on the 70 wharves, which have remained in operation after centuries. As you make your way down the river’s dark waters, you will enjoy a unique snapshot of life in this dynamic but resolutely historical city.

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.

Thermae Bath Spa offers indoor and outdoor thermal baths in a modern and chic spa setting. Spend the day receiving massages and treatments, and soaking in the soothing hot pools. These pools are fed by the same mineral-rich water used by the Celts and Romans 2,000 years ago.

Set across a plot of 160 acres (65 hectares), Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the premier family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Make your way through the park’s four distinctive sections, get up close to exotic animal species and admire the gardens.

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.

Gloucester Docks is a stylish commercial and residential waterfront district with many things to do. Attend maritime festivals, visit ancient ruins and shop at antique stores, boutiques and well-known retailers. Gloucester Docks was once Britain’s most inland port and traded in everything from fruit and grain to timber, wine and wool. Today, the Victorian merchant warehouses have been converted into a contemporary space that mixes tourism with maritime heritage.