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 Bristol's three newest attractions |
Anchor Road (Harbourside) Bristol BS1 5DB United Kingdom +44 845 345 1235 http://www.at-bristol.org.uk |
At-Bristol is the collective name for the new, lottery-funded area around the harbourside, which houses the IMAX cinema, and the Wildwalk and Explore science centers. Since opening, these attractions have already won a Best Family Attraction award. Cafes are located inside the complex, with bars and restaurants nearby. The harbourside itself is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Gibson  |
 Photo: Fred Dawson |
 Photo: Dave Chandler |
 Photo: seawead |
 Photo: skittzitilby |
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Journey back to the age of steam |
Bath Road, Bitton Station Bath Road, Bitton Bristol BS30 6HD United Kingdom +44 117 932 7296 http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org |
Situated at Bitton Railway Station on Bath Road, Willsbridge (midway between Bristol and Bath), this stretch of track has been restored by steam enthusiasts and is a real treat for train-lovers - kid's especially love it here. Locomotives run four mile round trips every Sunday, and on selected dates when they hold special occasions such as Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine Day and a Santa Special service. The Steam Centre, housed in the restored Midlands Railway station is also open and includes a collection of steam and diesel engines and assorted rolling stock, dating back to the 1920s. There are also refreshments, toilets, and a shop. Although the site and trains are accessible to wheelchair users, there are no disabled toilets. Tickets for the train rides (excluding the special events) cost £3.50 for adults, £2 for children and £10 for a family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen |
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A look at how life used to be |
Henbury Road Henbury Bristol BS10 7QS United Kingdom +44 117 903 9818 http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk... |
This museum is set in a beautifully restored 18th century, country house on the outskirts of the city in Blaise Castle Estate, some of Bristol's finest parkland. It contains a folk collection and gives a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the past. Children in particular enjoy visiting as a lot of the exhibits are geared towards them - there's a charming assortment of children's toys, dolls and model trains, plus a mock-up of a Victorian schoolroom. There are also examples of Victorian household equipment, such as wash tubs, mangles etc. and a costume collection. Perfect for showing the little ones how easy they've got it these days! Although there is disabled access to the ground floor, the upper floors remain inaccessible to wheelchair users. Admission is free. Fifteen minutes walk away is the 18th Century sham castle itself - although not open, it's a pleasant stroll. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Edmond Holland |
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Go on an aerial journey |
Winterstoke Road Bristol BS3 2NP United Kingdom +44 117 963 7858 |
Hot air balloons are big in Bristol - this is the home of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta after all - so, if you've got a head for heights, then why not see the city and surrounding areas by air. The flights last about an hour (allow two-three hours for the whole experience) and you're given a bottle of champagne to ease your journey and help with any nerves! When you land, the ground crew bring you back to the starting point. Tempted? Call ahead for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Stowey |
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Watch blue glass being blown |
14 The Arcade Redcliffe Bristol BS1 3JA United Kingdom +44 117 929 8900 http://www.bristol-glass.co.uk |
Glass blowing has been synonymous with the city since the mid 17th century and you can watch it being done, just as it was many years ago, in this combined shop and factory. Bristol Blue (this name first arose in the 1760s when a local dealer decided to use a particular kind of cobalt oxide in the process), Bath Aqua and Exmoor Cranberry glass are created here - vases, jugs, goblets, plates and bowls. They aren't cheap - a small vase costs upward of £20 - but all are hand-crafted and very beautiful, making them ideal souvenirs. The pieces are also sold at Bristol Hand Made Glass in the city centre. Don't leave without visiting the studio, where you can watch the glass creations come to life - hand-blown by craftsmen using the same authentic techniques that were used three century's ago. A slice of living history and definitely worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Hegarty |
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A mini Cheddar Gorge |
Burrington Cheddar Bristol BS27 United Kingdom |
Located on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills, four miles north of Cheddar and 13 from Bristol, are these towering craggy cliffs - perfect for a rather dramatic walk in the countryside. The spectacular setting also features pot holes and caves such as Avenline's Hole, which were used as shelters by Stone Age people around 12,000 years ago. Another popular attraction is a cleft in the rock which formed the inspiration for Augustus Toplady's famous hymn "Rock of Ages". From the top of the gorge there are views over Blagdon, the Chew Valley Lake, Bristol, and (on a clear day) the hills of Wales - so if it's a sense of space and a panorama you're after, you can't go far wrong here. There is a large car park and a public house in the combe, which makes a good start and end point for your walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Step into a brighter, cleaner world |
Smeaton Road Spike Island Bristol BS1 6XN United Kingdom +44 117 929 9950 / +44 117 925 0505 |
This complex down by the riverside, is all about ecology and the issue of environment—in particular recycling. It's got big plans—watch this space—but at the moment its theory sadly surpasses its delivery. There are a few educational exhibits, such as a hands-on journey through the challenge of waste and recycling, and computer access to global environmental information, but frankly it's all looking rather shabby and few of the exhibits actually work. Much better to concentrate on its Eco-home—definitely the most successful part of the whole place—built using advanced architecture, and a testament to how salvaged, recycled, and natural materials can be combined with energy-saving systems to benefit almost every home. Another plus is the rather lovely cafe, overlooking the River Avon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Baines |
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A glimpse of Dickensian Bristol |
College Green Bristol BS1 5BS United Kingdom |
This short but steep thoroughfare in the city centre has a unique Dickensian feel, with its old-fashioned street lamps and uneven cobbles. The steps were actually constructed in September 1669 and were paid for solely by a wealthy wine merchant, Jonathan Blackwell. Today, it makes a lovely place to stroll and shop and there are a number of small but high quality specialist shops as well as a couple of cafes along the Steps (some of which are closed on Mondays) - including onCoffee.net (an internet cafe), a natural shoe store, an old stamp shop and a wonderful fish and chip shop right at the bottom - sit at their tables outside and try our national dish! Wheelchair users and those with pushchairs are advised that whilst there is a great view from either the top or bottom, unfortunately there is no access to the actual steps themselves. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Arts and crafts at affordable prices |
Moor Lane, Clevedon Clevedon Bristol BS21 6TD United Kingdom +44 1275 34 2114 |
Located on the outskirts of the Victorian seaside resort of Clevedon—worth a day trip alone—this complex is a good place to head if you're into all things crafty. There are 10 studios, housed in 17th century farm buildings, each of which contains a crafts person exhibiting traditional skills and products related to goldsmith art, leather work, glass-engraving, hand-painted house signs, silk and dried flowers and even garden furniture. You're invited to wander among them just observing, asking questions or snapping up their original works. There's also a tea room (open during the summer and at weekends) where you can grab a bite to eat and a pottery gallery with some interesting exhibits, also for sale. After you've finished shopping, take a walk around the rural setting where the ducks, chickens and geese are more than happy to let you feed them! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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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 |
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Bringing science to life |
At Harborside Bristol BS1 5DB United Kingdom +44 117 909 2000 http://www.at-bristol.org.uk |
This GBP100 million project, recent winner of a "Family Attraction of the Year" award, is all about discovering how science and the world around us works and is fully hands-on, making it perfect for kids. There are a huge range of exhibits, including displays on the human brain, sound and music, communication technologies and scientific curiosities. Check out the amazing Orange Imaginarium (planetarium)—a stainless steel sphere in which you sit in darkness and watch star shows. There's also the "Move It" feature, which uses a whole host of pumps, levers and pistons, to show how we have harnessed nature through technology. Another star attraction is the display that allows you to experience what it's like to enter the eye of a tornado—a big favourite with children! There are two other attractions in the At-Bristol complex. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tracy |
 Photo: Rob Brewer |
 Photo: Niall Oswald |
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A Sacred Sight |
Magdalene Street Bristol BA6 9EL United Kingdom +44 145 883 2267 http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/ |
Set in the quaint town of Glastonbury, the legendary ruins of Glastonbury Abbey draw tourists to take a trip back in time as they roam the grounds of this centuries-old site. Still a living church, the Abbey has served as an important epicenter for Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years. From April to October, the Abbey's Living History characters are present to aid visitors in creating a vision of life at the Abbey hundreds of years ago. The Abbey has an orchard, lily pond, and herb garden, and legend has it that the grave of King Arthur lies somewhere on the Abbey grounds. Various concerts, performances, and workshops are held at the Abbey throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Not your ordinary film experience |
Anchor Road, Harbourside Bristol BS1 5DB United Kingdom +44 117 915 1000 http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/i... |
What is an IMAX cinema? Well, the name comes from the type of film and projector used, called "Image Maximum". This basically means that everything is 10 times as big as in a normal cinema and when you're seated in the 350 capacity auditorium, you feel as though you're inside the film itself - thanks to the massive screen and digital surround sound system. Truly amazing - a bit on the expensive side but definitely worth a visit. Films shown vary, but there is usually something about dinosaurs (the kids' choice), a natural history type film and probably one about technology of some kind. Whatever film is on, remember you're going for the whole spectacle of the thing - plot and acting are secondary. With everything being so life-like and large, certain films can be scary for youngsters, so check beforehand. Admission: adults £6.50, children £5.50, concs £4.50, family £19. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.msmoll.co.uk |
 Photo: corbs83 |
 Photo: Nick Tonkin |
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The world's largest dedicated helicopter museum |
Locking Moor Road Weston-super-Mare Bristol BS24 8PP United Kingdom +44 1934 63 5227 http://www.helicoptermuseum.co... |
More than 60 exhibits are housed in this award-winning collection , so it's perfect for rainy days. Aircraft have been collected from all over the world including America, Europe and the Soviet Union and it's possible to watch enthusiasts as they work on the aircraft and even have a try on the flight simulator. A new addition is the Heli-Adventure Area, playground for kids. There is also a shop stocking a large range of kits and books, a cafeteria and free parking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Step back in time |
36 The Horsefair Bristol BS1 3JE United Kingdom +44 117 926 4740 |
John Wesley would not have approved - as town planning would have it, his chapel surrounded by the temple to Mammon that is Broadmead! But that's even more of a reason to visit - when tramping round all the shops in this consumer paradise gets too much, step inside the calm environs of the old preaching rooms and take a step back into a less worldly atmosphere. It may be incongruously placed, but this is actually the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world, having been built in 1739 and preserved today just as it was in the 18th century. It's existence is thanks to the vision of John Wesley, combined with the skills of architect George Tulley, and its purpose was to provide a space where Wesley could preach to the poor of Bristol. The rooms above are where he stayed, along with other visiting preachers - you can visit these, perfectly preserved in period style, by advance arrangement. There is unfortunately only partial wheelchair access. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Camille Reynaud |
 Photo: Stuart Thorn |
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Replica of 15th century ship |
Gasferry Road Hotwells Bristol BS1 6TY United Kingdom +44 117 922 5737 http://www.matthew.co.uk/ |
This impressive wooden ship is a replica of the vessel in which John Cabot sailed across the Atlantic to discover Newfoundland in 1497 - the event that cemented Bristol's association with all things nautical. Standing on board this version of the ship, which re-enacted the crossing in 1997, really gives you a sense of the past, and the attention to period detail on the boat is second to none. In the summertime you can even take a short trip around the floating harbour on the boat, which is a great way to view the city from a different and rather wonderful perspective. Book early as these two-hour trips are very popular. A visit here also includes entry to the adjacent SS Great Britain and Maritime Heritage Centre, where you can find out even more about Bristol's sea faring past. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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Celebrating contemporary engineering feats |
Severn Road, Pilning And Severn Beach Bristol BS35 4HW United Kingdom +44 1454 633 511 |
Situated on the Severn Way Coastal Footpath, and adjacent to the second Severn crossing, this centre celebrates the engineering achievements of the two outstanding bridges that take you across the water into Wales. Opened in 1996 the second bridge is the longest bridge in the UK and also boasts the longest cable-stayed span. The first was, in 1966 when it was built, the seventh longest suspension bridge in the entire world. You can find out more about the history behind the bridges in the education centre and buy mementos in the shop. Or, if the weather is good (the place is closed in inclement conditions), walk along the new sea wall, and walk a fraction of the long distance Severn Walk. There is free parking at the site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ted Green |
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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 |
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Internationally famous seaside resort |
Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare Weston-super-Mare Bristol BS23 1AL United Kingdom +44 1934 62 0238 |
With miles of golden sand, this coastal resort has been a firm favourite with tourists for centuries and is a great example of the quintessential English seaside town. The beach is impressively clean and comes complete with donkeys - go for a ride on one for the full seaside experience! There are plenty of shops on the seafront where you can buy buckets and spades to keep the kids happy. The pier itself has been attracting visitors for around 100 years. There is a train which can ferry people from one end of the pier to the other. At the seaward end, there is an entertainment complex with a wide range of attractions, including go-carts, dodgems, a big wheel, haunted house and a rumpus room for tots. Yes, this is beach-life English style, brash, sometimes tacky but full of charm! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian. T. Davis |
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A journey through the natural world |
Harbourside Bristol BS1 5DB United Kingdom +44 117 915 5000 / +44 845 345 1235 http://www.at-bristol.org.uk |
Bristol is very proud of this place and rightly so. It's a state-of-the-art centre which takes you on an amazing journey through the natural world. Kids love it and it's the perfect place to keep them amused on a rainy day - it won a "Family Attraction of Britain" award last year, just four months after it opened. Inside, you can find out all about the diversity of species, look at the microscopic life in a drop of water, explore the living tropical rainforest (complete with free-flying birds and butterflies), experience what it's like below the sea and find the answer to questions such as "how many mites live in an average bed"! Make sure you take a look at the "ARKive" library - the world's first ever digital library of photos, sound and film of endangered species. Admission: adults £6.50, kids £4.50, family £19. Or, you can also visit all three of the attractions of At-Bristol for £15.50 each. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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