Bristol City guide, including Bristol Hotels

Bristol is an exciting city, overflowing with intriguing, traditionaland occasionally off the wall things to do and see. What really makesit 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 toenjoy a day out or a weekend break. A vibrant young city, mixing bandsand bars, clubs and cafes and yet this city has a thousand year historyas a historic port!Places of interest:Bristol has some amazing sights, including the Clifton SuspensionBridge, Bristol Cathedral and the SS Great Britain to name but a few.Many of Bristol's museums depict parts of local history, including itsmaritime and industrial history.
Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge is thesymbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this grade I listedstructure has attracted visitors from all over the world. A Bristolwine merchant left a legacy to build the bridge over the Gorge.
Bristol Cathedral. The eastern end of the Cathedral, especially inthe Choir, gives Bristol Cathedral a unique place in the development ofBritish and European Architecture. The Nave, Choir and Aisles are allthe same height, making a large hall. Bristol Cathedral is the majorexample of a 'Hall Church' in Great Britain and one of the finestanywhere in the world. Guided tours of the cathedral are availableevery Saturday from May to October.
Brunel’s steam ship, SS Great Britain, has survived from Victoriantimes and is the forerunner of all modern shipping. It was the world'sfirst iron-hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passengerliner.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is dedicated to conservation and is involved ininternational breeding programmes. Bristol Zoo has seen a number ofsignificant births and there are many young animals running around theZoo so it makes for a fun day out for all the family.
The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum brings to life more than500 years of history using state of the art presentation techniques.
The City Museum and Art Gallery has outstanding collections of artand archaeology, geology and natural history housed in a magnificentearly 20th century building on Queens Road.Things to do:If there's one thing you can guarantee, you will never run out ofthings to do in Bristol. Attractions, shopping, nightlife and excitingactivities combine to create a place quite unlike any other. Bristol isalso the perfect base to explore the West Country. There are lots ofattractions and places to visit all easily accessible by car or publictransport.
A harbour tour is the best way to get some idea of what the harbourside area has to offer. Two companies offer such tours (some withcommentary) allowing you to explore the harbour side from the water. Itis 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 mosteclectic of tastes and all budgets. The elegant shops of Bristol's WestEnd, White Ladies Road and Clifton Village should not be missed. Theyare magnets for those looking for designer clothes, antiques,jewellery, art and crafts.
At-Bristol offers interactive adventure of a lifetime. At-Bristol'shas three award-winning attractions - Explore, Wildwalk and the ImaxTheatre. They offer amazing experiences every day.
Slimbridge promotes the conservation of wetlands focusing on rarewetland birds. Millions of people have visited Slimbridge to get closerto wildlife & wetlands since it opened in 1946. You are able to getclose to the birds, or just soak up the ambience of this haven by theSevern. The birds keep coming back too – tens of thousands wild birdsdrop by each year, some staying for months before starting out on theirgreat 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 forlazy weekend brunches and long Sunday lunches.
White Lion Pub in Clifton offers a spectacular view of the CliftonSuspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge. .
City Cafe in Bristol has a modern, chic design that makes for amost welcoming dining room with an ambient lighting that adds to thesense of occasion. Located on Temple Quay it has a very popular terraceoutside for basking afternoons.
The Wheatsheaf Inn offers a traditional British menu. Diners arespoilt for choice with a full bar and restaurant menu. This includesSteak pie, beer battered cod & scampi, grilled steaks, freshsauces, and homemade pâté.
The Elbow Room Pool Lounge & Bar is a former winner of “Bar ofthe Year – South” and is situated on Park Street in Bristol. Lively butlaidback, both urban and urbane, it takes lounging to new levels ofelegance.Hotels Accommodation:Bristol offers a wide range of different accommodation types forvisitors, catering for both overnights stays, short breaks or somethinglong term. Bristol hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, andself-catering accommodation offer a wide range of style and price.Thistle BristolBridge Inn NewLodgeBrunels TunnelHouse HotelCity Inn BristolDowns EdgeArnos ManorHotelWestbourne HotelNovotel BristolCentre, (close to M32 & station) FAvon GorgeChewton PlaceThe BrigstowHotelExpress ByHoliday Inn Bristol NorthClifton HotelCorus hotelBristolExpress byHoliday Inn Bristol City CentreRodney HotelThe Old ManorHouse HotelDays ServicedApartments BristolEntertainmentIn the evening enjoy Bristol's theatres, bars and clubs. The eleganceof a west end show or the international reputation of the Bristol Soundis available, while Bristol's comedy club venues provide the best insharp comedy.
Bristol Hippodrome regularly hosts West End musicals, comedy shows,opera and ballet.
Colston Hall is where the people of Bristol have been enjoyingmusic for almost 140 years.
The Tobacco Factory produces a programme of diverse arts activitiesincluding touring and Tobacco Factory productions, educationalprojects, children's shows and music events.
Jesters Comedy Club provides some of the best alternative stand upcomedy that the UK has to offer.Bristol, being located on a motorway and rail hub makes it easilyaccessible for a day out or a short break. It does not matter what yourage group is or what kind of activity you enjoy, with both coast andcountryside within easy reach of the city, all needs are catered forhere.This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified andthis resource box accompanies the article, together with workinghyperlinks.

By Maria Williams Williams