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Home to Brunel's dramatic
 Bristol's favourite bit of countryside |
Long Ashton Near Clifton Suspension Bridge Bristol BS41 9JN United Kingdom +44 117 963 9174 |
A short hop across the Suspension Bridge and you're in this beautiful estate, with its 850 magnificent acres of park and woodland, with superb views across Bristol. There are excellent nature trails, red deer grazing close by, a pitch and putt golf course, a miniature railway, a cafe inside the Mansion House, plus plenty of open space for flying a kite or just enjoying a walk. Various events are held here throughout the summer including Bristol Community Festival and the Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloons launch from near the mansion House in the grounds every week - go on a Sunday afternoon, when the weather is fine and you may well see them being inflated and taking-off. There's partial disabled access—some trails would be tricky, but many of the paths are fine for wheelchairs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Bryan Eveleigh |
 Photo: Tim Rogers |
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 Photo: Dave Holmes |
 Photo: nicksarebi |
 Photo: Tim Rogers |
 Photo: Redfern Carraway |
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 Photo: Michelle Kilfoyle |
 Photo: John Ashby |
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 Photo: Matt Batchelor |
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 Photo: Alex Francis |
 Photo: mat cutler |
 Photo: Ahmad Zulhilmi Zulkepli |
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 A sky full of hot air balloons! |
Kennel Lodge Road (Ashton Court Estate) Bristol BS41 9JN United Kingdom +44 117 966 8716 http://www.bristolfiesta.co.uk |
Hot air balloon enthusiasts from across the world have been gathering at Ashton Court every year since 1979 for this weekend aerial spectacle. The fiesta attracts approximately half a million visitors each year, all come to watch the amazing sight of over 150 hot air balloons taking to the skies each day, making a truly impressive sight across the Bristol skyline. You can contact Bristol Balloon Fiestas Limited at St. John's Street, Bedminster. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: continental mic |
 Photo: Vic |
 Photo: Tarique Naseem |
 Photo: Owen Haberfield |
 Photo: Graeme Churchard |
 Photo: Simon Pow |
 Photo: Samantha Vickery |
 Photo: Nic Peglar bonnet0uk |
 Photo: Jane Kerrigan |
 Photo: f22 Images |
 Photo: Wil Watts |
 Photo: Ben J. Boyle |
 Photo: Gra Nicholls |
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 Photo: Arman Ghandi |
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 Photo: Jo Dickson |
 Photo: docspotter |
 Photo: Emily Macnaughton |
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 A glimpse of Norman monastic life |
College Green Bristol BS1 5TJ United Kingdom +44 117 926 4879 |
This Anglican cathedral was founded as the abbey church of St Augustine in 1140, becoming the cathedral of the newly created Diocese of Bristol in 1542. The site is traditionally believed to be the meeting place of St Augustine and the Celtic Christians way back in the early 7th century. Although steeped in history, today it stands surrounded by the bustle of nearby Park Street, and a visit inside provides a welcome respite from the hurry of the city centre. If you're looking for a bit of quiet contemplation, sit in the small, peaceful garden. Or, just wander through the imposing interior, which through the centuries has incorporated a range of architectural styles - its Chapter House is one of the finest Norman rooms in England, and adjacent is the Abbey Gateway, a Norman arch surmounted by 16th century additions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Maxime FAURY (Lyon, France) |
 Photo: Mike Hardwell |
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 Watch them soar in beautiful surroundings |
Kennel Lodge Road (Ashton Court Estate) Bristol BS41 9JN United Kingdom +44 870 444 0654 (Tourist Information Centre) http://www.kite-festival.org/ |
This festival is masses of fun. It is held at the rather lovely Ashton Court Estate, which is perfect for the necessary windy conditions. A showcase of international kite experts from all around the world are on hand, showing off their flying skills and fantastic kites. There is also a competition for British champion and kite fighting where opponents try to force their rival's kite out of the sky! Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Keith Barlow |
 Photo: Roger Gardner |
 Photo: Victoria Castiglione |
 Photo: dscheibinger |
 Photo: Becky Dewdney-York |
 Photo: _Ant_ |
 Photo: Syed Safvi Mahmood |
 Photo: Daniel M Holton |
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 Bristol's most popular swimming pool |
Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8BN United Kingdom +44 117 924 3548 |
Formerly a cinema, hence the large spectator balcony, this listed building is very popular with Bristolians. With a pool length of 22 metres (nine metres in width) and a spectator capacity of 400, Bristol North regularly hosts competition swimming for clubs in the Bristol area. However, when the Mark Spitzes of the future aren't ploughing the lanes, it's available for everyone to enjoy. A variety of sessions are available, including: women-only, sessions for the elderly, lunchtime lane swimming, swimming lessons (adult and children), aquababies, early morning swimming and aquarobics. These are held at various different times throughout the week, in between general swimming sessions - the timetable is rather complicated, so ring for details. There are facilities for the disabled, including an easy-access ramp. Admission: adults £2.20, children 95p Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Honniball |
 Have an underwater adventure |
267 West Street Bedminster Bristol BS3 3PZ United Kingdom +44 117 907 75 70 |
If you're thinking of taking up diving, come here first. Billed as the west's best stocked dive centre and school, they offer everything you need to take up this popular sport. As a five-star PADI Instruction Development Centre, they supply all the top manufacturers' equipment, from Ocean Reef and Aqualung, to Cressi-Sub and O'Neill. They also organise classes and instruction for everyone from beginners to the more experienced scuba fan, they are the only place offering scuba diving instruction in the city and theirs is the cheapest training course in the region. You can complete an PADI open water course for at a charge, which includes all use of equipment and once you've learnt, you can go on one of their diving holidays, both here in Britain (often in Wales) or further afield in places such as The Maldives or Barbados. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The Rise and Fall of the British Empire |
Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads Temple Meads Bristol BS1 6QH United Kingdom +44 117 925 4980 http://www.empiremuseum.co.uk |
Strange to have an Empire museum in these politically correct times? Well, this place neither promotes nor condemns the idea of empire - instead the exhibits are carefully chosen to present just the facts. Starting from the 1497 voyage of John Cabot from Bristol to America, it charts a course through history that takes in a wide range of cultures and also celebrates the diversity that is united in the current Commonwealth. It is located in the world's oldest surviving railway terminus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ron Miller |
 Photo: Rachel Hugh |
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Panorama from an historic hilltop |
Brandon Steep Bristol BS15QT United Kingdom +44 117 926 0767 |
Rising from the summit of Brandon Hill, this famous landmark was built in 1897 to commemorate the fourth centenary of John Cabot's epic voyage of discovery to North America. The spiral stairs of this 105-foot tower climb to around 350 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city center and surrounding countryside. The hill is also the site of a Nature Park which includes woodland, a butterfly garden, meadow, pond and Wildlife Trust Center. Look out too for the remains of a Civil War hillfort, built to defend the north-west flank of Bristol against the Royalists during the siege of 1643. And don't forget to feed the extremely tame squirrels! There is no disabled access to the tower, but many of the park's paths are wheelchair accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joseph Harkness |
 Photo: Marktristan |
 Photo: Wéi Jìng (Michael) |
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Panoramic views of Bristol |
Clifton Down (adjacent to Suspension Bridge) Bristol BS8 3LT United Kingdom |
Very close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Clifton Observatory houses a camera obscura, a rotating mirror in the roof that reflects panoramic views of the area down onto a dish-shaped screen. For a different view, visit the adjoining caves. You have to walk down a narrow passage with steep steps to get to the Giant's cave at the end, through which you arrive at the cliff-face. Here you can stand on a platform, suspended over the gorge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dan taylor |
 Photo: Bryan Eveleigh |
 Photo: Gianfanco Trucchi |
 Photo: ianrobins |
 Photo: Chris Tazewell |
 Photo: Dave Napier |
 Photo: Tejananda John Wakeman |
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Bristol's most famous landmark |
Suspension Bridge Road (Clifton) Bristol BS8 4AP United Kingdom |
Spanning the Avon Gorge, this bridge has become the symbol of the city and is a must for any visitors. Designed by Brunel and completed in 1864, you can learn all about its troubled history in the nearby Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre but the way to really appreciate it is to take a walk across it and look down into the spectacular gorge and beyond. Make sure you see the bridge at night as well, it looks truly amazing lighted against the night sky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bluemonki |
 Photo: Mark Hobbs |
 Photo: seashaped |
 Photo: Ralph Dylan Joseph |
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 Photo: Gavin Strange |
 Photo: Chorch |
 Photo: Alan McAteer |
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 Photo: Chris Dindar |
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World's first iron and steam ocean liner |
Great Western Dockyard (Great Western Dock) Bristol BS1 6TY United Kingdom +44 117 926 0680 http://www.ss-great-britain.com |
Built by Brunel and launched from this Great Western Dock site in 1843, this was the largest ship to be built of iron and powered by steam; it is known as "the liner that shrank the world." Almost returned to her former glory as a luxury liner, you can tour the meticulously restored ship and visit the two adjacent attractions with one admission ticket: The Maritime Heritage Centre and The Matthew (replica of 15th century ship). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Gisby |
 Photo: John Williamson |
 Photo: Laura Thorne |
 Photo: Phil Yorke |
 Photo: Lisa Cooper |
 Photo: David Blaikie |
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Medieval Britain church |
10 Redcliffe Parade West Bristol BS1 6SP United Kingdom +44 117 929 1487 |
This medieval church, one of the largest in Britain, was richly endowed with money from Bristol's seamen and merchants and was highly praised by Queen Elizabeth I, who called it the "fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England." To get the full story of its illustrious history, take the guided tour or buy the guidebook from the small gift stall inside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Kisby |
 Photo: Gill Harvey |
 Photo: Ray O'Hara |
 Photo: Mark Ynys-Mon |
 Photo: Kenneth Tindall |
 Photo: jajesi's pics |
 Photo: Helen Munzer |
 Photo: Thomas Duesing |
 Photo: Derek Hollier-Day |
 Photo: Adam Tinworth |
 Photo: paul cripps |
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 Country matters in the heart of the city |
Philip Street (Bedminster) Bristol BS3 4EA United Kingdom +44 117 963 3252 |
Established back in 1976, this working farm was the first outside of London and is just half a mile from the city centre. It is a good choice for those of you with kids—they love it here and it's enjoyed by tens of thousands of them every year. In addition to the hands-on experience of a wide range of animals (including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, rabbits and poultry, with some rare breeds), children are particularly attracted by the adventure playground, and family playroom, which is billed as "a creative and safe place for young children." The Farm specifically aims to help people understand the practicalities of food production, and to present a balanced view of sustainable lifestyles. There is also a conservation area, a lovely little cafe and a farm shop, selling some delicious organic food. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Owen Haberfield |
 Photo: shipscompass |