Where Were Bristol's Children Evacuated in WWII?

Bristol, one of England's most heavily bombed cities, evacuated over 8,000 children during World War II.

Destinations

• Nearby: Bath, Weston-super-Mare
• Further afield: Devon, Cornwall, Wales

Timeline & Process

• September 1939: Evacuation began (initially under-5s).
• June 1940: Expanded to all children under 16.
• Children placed with host families (government stipend), schools, or hostels.

Experience

Life was tough—separation from families, new routines, air-raid threats. Yet many formed lasting friendships, experienced rural life, and some stayed permanently after the war.

The evacuation saved thousands from the Blitz's horrors.