Bristol City guide, including Bristol Hotels

By:Maria Williams Williams

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