Bristol
It's historic, it's hip… and it's very hilly. So when you stand high on the spectacular vantage point of Clifton Suspension Bridge, take a deep breath and peer over the parapet.
Wow! You'll never forget that stunning panorama of Georgian and Victorian terraces clinging to steep hillsides. The network of waterways far below is lined by striking modern architecture and historic converted warehouses. What a mix of new and old!
This elegant bridge across a towering river gorge was the work of ingenious Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Far below floats another Brunel masterpiece, SS Great Britain. The world's first iron ship dwarfs a full-size replica of a wooden galleon alongside. That's the Matthew, sailed from Bristol by explorer John Cabot to claim Newfoundland in 1497.
Board the ships and sense seafaring history all around. Then hop on the dockside steam train. Next stop: Bristol's historic Floating Harbour. Visit the waterside cafes or bars or take a water-taxi around seven miles of harbour waterways.
Head ashore for the 14th century cathedral overlooking the water. It's free to visit, like the City Museum and Art Gallery, Georgian House, Georgian House, Red Lodge and Blaise Castle Museum. Even John Wesley's Chapel, the world's oldest Methodist chapel, is free to enter.
Learn about Bristol's heritage at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum housed in a restored railway station, also built by Brunel. Try on costumes and taste spices as interactive displays tell of the rise and fall of the British Empire.
What sort of art do you like? In the morning admire formal canvases in the Royal West of England Academy and City Art Gallery, in the afternoon see the acclaimed contemporary works at Arnolfini Arts Centre and the more alternative Spike Island gallery.
Modern attractions line the waterfront. Investigate the Explore@Bristol hands-on science centre and visit the innovative Watershed Media Centre.
It's a short walk to the tree-lined streets of Clifton. Bristol's wealthy Georgian merchants and traders built homes in this hilly suburb with its own village atmosphere. Shop in boutiques, galleries and antique stores. There's more great shops in the lively Triangle area near the University and in Broadmead - the pedestrianised central shopping zone. St Nicholas Market is good for crafts. Look for the local speciality - Bristol Blue glassware.
Discover The Downs - 400 acres of parkland with more jaw-dropping views of Avon Gorge. Nearby, Bristol Zoo Gardens are among Britain's finest.
With a central university and thriving colleges, Bristol is a youthful city. Stylish lively pubs, bars and restaurants stretch from the waterfront right through the city up to 'The Strip', of fashionable bars and restaurants close to the BBC Studios.
The musical spectrum ranges from pubs hosting traditional folk and top jazz sessions to the extensive programme of classical concerts at St George's. And the 'Bristol scene' has become a by-word for cutting-edge dance music. Visit some of Britain's coolest clubs.
Bristol Hippodrome is a popular venue for a wide range of touring musicals and shows. The Colston Hall is the south west’s largest concert venue presenting concerts and entertainment by the major names in pop and rock music, classical music, stand up comedy. South Bristol’s Tobacco Factory has more avant-garde offerings.
Bristol's known as a Festival City - throughout the summer with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Harbour Festival, get close to nature at the Festival of the Tree at Westonbirt Arboretum or take to the skies with the colourful and astonishing Bristol International Festival of Kites & Air Creations.
New from autumn 2008 is Cabot Circus, a £500million expansion of Bristol’s city centre shopping area, bringing to the city a new Harvey Nichols boutique, Britain’s largest House of Fraser store, a brand-new restaurant quarter featuring a Raymond Blanc brasserie and a state-of-the-art 13 screen Cinema de Lux.
Useful links
Bristol Tourist Office
Added 2008/08/08 @ 00:32:49
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