An overview of Bristol, England for travel writers

01/01/2012

Categories: Official press releases

Mixing its rich maritime heritage with a contemporary, slightly alternative vibe- Bristol, England offers visitors a fantastic choice of experiences  for an extended city break. Bristol is located 12 minutes by train to Bath and just over an hour and a half from London by train.

 

View of the Avon Gorge River and Clifton Suspension Bridge

About Bristol

The largest city in South West England, Bristol has undergone a spectacular 21^st century renaissance in recent years. You would expect, and there are, world-class hotels, award-winning restaurants, excellent museums & galleries, entertaining theatre productions, a cutting edge music scene, world-class shopping and a vibrant nightlife. But what’s more surprising about Bristol is how green and open it is, with its many parks and gardens, food markets and easy access to the surrounding countryside. And there’s the sheer breadth and variety of its many attractions, from the street art of Banksy and Nelson Street's 'See No Evil' street art project, to the iconic ships and bridges of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. 

Bristol Harbourside and St Mary Redcliffe Church (picture credit Chris Hartley)

The Harbourside

Explore the historic Harbourside, packed with fabulous cafes & bars offering delicious locally sourced food & drink. Enjoy a dockside walk or river ferry trip to discover great attractions including Brunel's ss Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean-going liner. Or try, At-Bristol, a stunning interactive science centre and planetarium, along with the spectacular Bristol Aquarium. The Harbourside also boasts a wealth of culture with the Arnolfini, Watershed Media Centre and the city's new M Shed history museum.

Brunel's ss Great Britain

The Old City

Wander along cobbled streets of the Old City and visit Bristol’s many important churches providing reminders of Bristol’s rich medieval past as well as its fine Bristol Cathedral, spectacular St Mary Redcliffe parish church and John Wesley’s New Room, the birthplace of Methodism. Browse the regular fresh and organic food stalls and bric-a-brac of the historic St Nicholas Markets or stop by England's oldest continuously working theatre, Bristol Old Vic.

Bristol Cathedral

City Centre Shopping

For the best and biggest shopping in South West England, try city centre shopping options surrounding Cabot Circus and discover names such as Harvey Nichols, Ted Baker and House of Fraser as well as a huge Primark store and a wide variety of independent shops. Here you will find over 500 shops to choose from right in the city centre. It's no wonder that Bristol is known as South West England's shopping capital.

Cabot Circus shopping centre

Classy Clifton

Visit leafy Clifton Village full of sweeping Georgian crescents, designer shopping and elegant cafes. Don’t miss the stunning views of the Avon Gorge as you explore the truly iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Also close by is Hotwells, the vast greenery of the Downs, Bristol Zoo Gardens and the exciting nightlife of the ‘strip’ along Whiteladies Road and on to Park Street, site of one of Banksy’s most famous pieces of street graffiti (and more shopping)!

Balloons over Clifton Suspension Bridge (picture credit Gary Newman)

Events and entertainment

Bristol is a festival city with major events taking place throughout the year including two of Europe’s largest free public events, the spectacular Bristol Harbour Festival and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Bristol’s concert halls, theatres, parks and gardens, pubs and cinemas guarantee some of the best and most diverse range of events and entertainment in Britain.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (picture credit Andrew Varcoe)

Helpful links

• Travel and maps
• Getting to Bristol
• Tourist information
• Request a free brochure
• Book a Bristol Hotel
• Videos and Images

For high resolution images and media details, contact  jessica.mcdonald@destinationbristol.co.uk or dial +44(0)117 230 9461.

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