We’ve all had those road trips where things don’t quite go to plan, but our last-minute jaunt to Bristol was one for the books. What started as an exciting search for paranormal history and Templar secrets quickly devolved into a comedy of errors, complete with dreadful coffee, booking mishaps, and a parking situation straight out of a nightmare.

It all began with a snap decision to head off early and stop off for the night in Bristol, a city rich in history, myths, and legends. Armed with curiosity, a questionable sense of direction, and the Mysterious Times Cupra – chabra, we set off on our journey. The goal? To uncover the hidden side of Bristol—the ghosts, the Templar connections, the eerie spots often overlooked. What could possibly go wrong?

As it turns out, quite a lot.

The motorway closure should have been our first clue that the universe was playing games with us. Diverted onto winding roads that seemed to lead everywhere except Bristol, we powered through, keeping spirits high. That is, until the coffee incident.

Now, we’ve sampled some terrible coffees on our travels, but the Burger King coffee we grabbed en route might just take the crown for ‘worst ever’. Bitter, lukewarm, and resembling something scooped from the depths of an unwashed cauldron, it was an experience best left unspoken. But we were determined not to let it dampen our spirits.

You know that sinking feeling when you realise you’ve made a mistake that can’t be undone? That moment struck when we rocked up to our Travelodge only to be informed that our booking was, in fact, for the following week. The ensuing scramble to fix our accommodation situation added a layer of unnecessary stress to an already chaotic day, but credit where it’s due – Travelodge sorted it out, kind of, and transferred us.

Small victories.

By the time we actually reached Bristol, we were already teetering on the edge of exhaustion, and then came the final straw:

parking.

Or, more accurately, the complete and utter lack of it. The city seemed determined to repel us, offering nowhere to stop for longer than a breath. We drove around aimlessly, dodging the traffic and realising that perhaps this wasn’t meant to be. Our enthusiasm waned. Our patience thinned.

Our desire to stay? Non-existent.

So, we left.

That’s right – we spent mere minutes in Bristol before admitting defeat and continuing our journey elsewhere.

But hey, the sun was shining, and at least we didn’t break down or get abducted by spirits (as far as we know).

Sometimes, the adventure isn’t about the destination, but the disasters along the way.

Bristol, we’ll be back. But next time, we’ll plan ahead, avoid Burger King coffee like the plague, and perhaps – just perhaps – book the right day at the hotel. Until then, our quest for the paranormal, the historical, and the downright bizarre continues.

Where to next?