Situated in South West England between Somerset and Gloucestershire, through which the rivers Avon and Frome run through, Bristol is the United Kingdom's ninth most populous city. The city's prosperous economy owes its existence to the Port of Bristol, British Aerospace industry, Rolls-Royce and its ship-building industry.
Bristol has a population of 400,000, comprising ethnic groups such as English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Ulster, West Indians, Indians, Pakistanis, and others. Though Bristol has a comparatively moderate climate, it is also one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the United Kingdom. However, the Bristol Channel sometimes provides cool sea breezes which lower the summer temperatures considerably. Winters are cold and the city experiences a high rainfall of 741-1060 mm annually.
Bristol International Airport at Lulsgate, which broke the three million mark in passenger numbers in 2002, is located nine miles from Bristol city centre, with scheduled flights available from and to major European cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Paris and Prague.
The main terminuses are the Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads connecting most major cities in UK such as Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Plymouth, Southampton, Swansea and York.
Main public transport comprised of the bus network. The National Express operates services to Marlborough St Coach station and MegaBus operates budget coach services from London to a stop outside the Hippodrome theatre.
Water-based transport such as the Bristol Ferry Boat which services the harbour, providing both leisure and commuter services between the city centre and the main rail station.
For comfortable, yet reasonably priced accommodation, South Bristol and localities around the airport, the Temple Meads station, and National Express Coach station are ideal places to start. For those with a little extra money to spend, deluxe hotels with top leisure facilities are available in the city centre. If you have a penchant for a breath of fresh natural air, consider the famous seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare.
The best place to start shopping is Broadmead, Bristol's busiest shopping area that houses leading chain stores, an indoor shopping mall, and the Galleries Shopping Centre. The alleys and stalls in St Nicholas Market, located near Corn Street, also offer all sorts of accessories, produce and gifts etc.
There are also a number of high-class restaurants in Bristol, but less expensive eateries such as Pan Asian fast food are also available. Bars and pubs are mostly traditional in style and can be quite packed and vibrant, or comparatively quiet depending on location. Avid night clubbers should check out The Works, Evolution, Creation, Cafe Blue, Lakota, Thekla and the Tantric Jazz Caf?.
Some of the main places of attraction include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol's most famous landmark; Clifton Observatory and Caves, which houses the famous Camera Obscura; Bristol Industrial Museum, an old-fashioned industrial museum featuring selection of working and static exhibits; Theatre Royal, the oldest working theatre in England displaying many of its original Georgian features; St Mary's Redcliffe Church, the famous parish church; and the SS Great Britain, the world's first iron hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner.
Popular festivals and events include the Bristol Community Festival, held in July at Ashton Court Estate, showcasing a performing arts marquee showcasing cabaret and comedy, bungee jumping, fairground rides, and a huge children's area; The Royal West of England Academy Autumn Exhibition, Bristol's first fine art gallery and one of six royal art academies in the United Kingdom; Bristol Balloon Fiesta, a gathering of Hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over world, held in August at Ashton Court; the Lloyds TSB Harbour Regatta displaying hundreds of boats, musical performances, kids? entertainment, fireworks etc; Glastonbury Festival, a summer festival with famous bands and musicians, comedy, dance, a circus and a variety of stage performances; and Brief Encounters, a celebration of the art of film, featuring short films from new and established artists.
Bristol is an exciting city, overflowing with intriguing, traditional and occasionally off the wall things to do and see. What really makes it special is its energy, the mix of historic and new. With the city, coast and countryside all within easy reach Bristol is a great place to enjoy a day out or a weekend break. A vibrant young city, mixing bands and bars, clubs and cafes and yet this city has a thousand year history as a historic port! Places of interest: Bristol has some amazing sights, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Cathedral and the SS Great Britain to name but a few. Many of Bristol's museums depict parts of local history, including its maritime and industrial history.
Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. A Bristol wine merchant left a legacy to build the bridge over the Gorge.
Bristol Cathedral. The eastern end of the Cathedral, especially in the Choir, gives Bristol Cathedral a unique place in the development of British and European Architecture. The Nave, Choir and Aisles are all the same height, making a large hall. Bristol Cathedral is the major example of a 'Hall Church' in Great Britain and one of the finest anywhere in the world. Guided tours of the cathedral are available every Saturday from May to October.
Brunel’s steam ship, SS Great Britain, has survived from Victorian times and is the forerunner of all modern shipping. It was the world's first iron-hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is dedicated to conservation and is involved in international breeding programmes. Bristol Zoo has seen a number of significant births and there are many young animals running around the Zoo so it makes for a fun day out for all the family.
The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum brings to life more than 500 years of history using state of the art presentation techniques.
The City Museum and Art Gallery has outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history housed in a magnificent early 20th century building on Queens Road.
Things to do: If there's one thing you can guarantee, you will never run out of things to do in Bristol. Attractions, shopping, nightlife and exciting activities combine to create a place quite unlike any other. Bristol is also the perfect base to explore the West Country. There are lots of attractions and places to visit all easily accessible by car or public transport.
A harbour tour is the best way to get some idea of what the harbour side area has to offer. Two companies offer such tours (some with commentary) allowing you to explore the harbour side from the water. It is not only a great way to see Bristol, but also travel from A to B.
Shopping in Bristol offers plenty of choice, catering for the most eclectic of tastes and all budgets. The elegant shops of Bristol's West End, White Ladies Road and Clifton Village should not be missed. They are magnets for those looking for designer clothes, antiques, jewellery, art and crafts.
At-Bristol offers interactive adventure of a lifetime. At-Bristol's has three award-winning attractions - Explore, Wildwalk and the Imax Theatre. They offer amazing experiences every day.
Slimbridge promotes the conservation of wetlands focusing on rare wetland birds. Millions of people have visited Slimbridge to get closer to wildlife & wetlands since it opened in 1946. You are able to get close to the birds, or just soak up the ambience of this haven by the Severn. The birds keep coming back too – tens of thousands wild birds drop by each year, some staying for months before starting out on their great migratory journeys.
Food and Drink: Bristol's well known for the quality and choice of its restaurants, cafes, and bars. We have award winning restaurants and great ideas for lazy weekend brunches and long Sunday lunches.
White Lion Pub in Clifton offers a spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge. .
City Cafe in Bristol has a modern, chic design that makes for a most welcoming dining room with an ambient lighting that adds to the sense of occasion. Located on Temple Quay it has a very popular terrace outside for basking afternoons.
The Wheatsheaf Inn offers a traditional British menu. Diners are spoilt for choice with a full bar and restaurant menu. This includes Steak pie, beer battered cod & scampi, grilled steaks, fresh sauces, and homemade pâté.
The Elbow Room Pool Lounge & Bar is a former winner of “Bar of the Year – South" and is situated on Park Street in Bristol. Lively but laidback, both urban and urbane, it takes lounging to new levels of elegance.
Hotels Accommodation: Bristol offers a wide range of different accommodation types for visitors, catering for both overnights stays, short breaks or something long term. Bristol hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and self-catering accommodation offer a wide range of style and price. Thistle Bristol Bridge Inn New Lodge Brunels Tunnel House Hotel City Inn Bristol Downs Edge Arnos Manor Hotel Westbourne Hotel Novotel Bristol Centre, (close to M32 & station) F Avon Gorge Chewton Place The Brigstow Hotel Express By Holiday Inn Bristol North Clifton Hotel Corus hotel Bristol Express by Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre Rodney Hotel The Old Manor House Hotel Days Serviced Apartments Bristol Entertainment In the evening enjoy Bristol's theatres, bars and clubs. The elegance of a west end show or the international reputation of the Bristol Sound is available, while Bristol's comedy club venues provide the best in sharp comedy.
Bristol Hippodrome regularly hosts West End musicals, comedy shows, opera and ballet.
Colston Hall is where the people of Bristol have been enjoying music for almost 140 years.
The Tobacco Factory produces a programme of diverse arts activities including touring and Tobacco Factory productions, educational projects, children's shows and music events.
Jesters Comedy Club provides some of the best alternative stand up comedy that the UK has to offer.
Bristol, being located on a motorway and rail hub makes it easily accessible for a day out or a short break. It does not matter what your age group is or what kind of activity you enjoy, with both coast and countryside within easy reach of the city, all needs are catered for here. This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.
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