Bristol is a fantastic University City, in the South West of England. Every year over nine million visitors are drawn to the City. Its tourism is expanding steadily and Bristol is currently a top ten destination to visit in England. It is easy to access with an international airport, convenient train and bus links and close proximity to two of Britain’s biggest motorways.
Bristol has an interesting blend of culture and heritage. Despite being heavily blitzed during World War 2, which left it with very little of its original 11th century architecture, the City remains packed with character. A fascinating relic to visit is the famous Victorian ocean liner SS Great Britain situated in the the old harbour area.
Bristol’s floating harbour was created with the help of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the great Victorian engineer. It was designed to enable vessels to remain afloat and avoid being affected by the tides. Bristol’s most iconic symbol to date is the Clifton suspension bridge, which was also designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Offering amazing views across the Avon Gorge and the City beyond, this wonderful bridge has to be seen to be believed. The bridge is best appreciated at night when it is lit up.
Bristol is packed with a selection of great bars, public houses, clubs and quality restaurants, which makes it an ideal destination for a night out. Developed in the early 1990′s, was trip-hop, nicknamed the Bristol sound. It is a blend of hip hop and electronica that began in Bristol and is still popular on todays music scene. Growing in popularity with tourists are the spectacular graffiti murals, created and inspired by the famous local street artist Banksy.
Home to a number of Westend and Broadway productions is the Bristol Hippodrome so if theatre is your thing this is one of the best.
Bristol newest shopping centre is located at Cabot Circus, it has in excess of 120 outlets, with hundreds more in the neighbouring Broadmead area. There is also a completely individual range of out of the ordinary and offbeat independent shops in the popular Gloucester Road area.
One of the largest free festivals in the UK happens in Bristol harbour at the end of July. Now in its 40th year, it is Bristol’s most significant cultural event with various musicand street theatre.
Every August, another fun, free, event, the British Annual Balloon Fiesta, is held at Ashton Court. The skies over Bristol and the surrounding countryside are transformed with a riot of brightly coloured hot air balloons and the event also provides a variety of fun activities including camel racing and traditional fun fairs.
Whatever you are seeking Bristol has it all.
Bristol Restaurants We want you to get out there and enjoy everything Bristol. This is our online video guide to whats waiting for you…. now do it! Restaurants Bristol.