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 Shape up your visions |
Narrow Quay Bristol BS1 4QA United Kingdom +44 117 922 1540 |
The Architecture Centre is housed in an eighteenth century building, once the workplace of sail-makers, and was opened in September 1996 with the aim of increasing people's enjoyment of the built environment. It also provides a meeting place and resource for members of all professions involved in architecture in some way. You don't need to be an architect or have any particular knowledge of the subject, however, to enjoy a visit. The Centre's programme includes exhibitions on a wide variety of related themes, guided tours, visits to interesting buildings, discussions, workshops, evening classes and lectures, including a range of activities for children. A selection of books relating to architecture and interior design are sold at their small shop, plus jewellery and some wonderfully complex colouring books. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gregory Cowan |
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Innovative arts in the heart of the harbour |
16 Narrow Quay Bristol BS1 4QA United Kingdom +44 117 929 9191 http://www.chicuk.net/bristol/... |
Housed in a large 1830s building, formerly a tea warehouse, the Arnolfini was founded in 1961 and is now an internationally-renowned arts complex. Situated on the harbour, it's made up of a cinema (showing art house and foreign-language films), visual art galleries (the only place in the city large enough to cater for major artists), a cafe-bar and a small bookshop. You can also find performance art, children's art sessions and author events going on every so often. The cafe-bar is particularly popular, attracting an arty crowd who share the communal benches with various trendies and professionals. Snacks and main meals, all with a Mediterranean flavour, are available noon-3pm and 5pm-8pm daily. It's especially wonderful in the summer when Bristolians like nothing better than to buy a pint from here and drink it on the quayside outside, legs dangling over the water. For exclusive offers and privileges, please visit ChicUK at: www.ChicUK.net Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 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) |
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Water views of the city |
Perry Road Welsh Back Bristol BS1 4SP United Kingdom +44 117 927 3416 http://www.bristolferryboat.co... |
The best way of getting around the watery city of Bristol is on the city's blue and yellow ferry boats. You are guaranteed an excellent and unusual view of the city, glimpsing sights you could miss by other means of transport. Departure sites include the city centre (opposite The Watershed, Bristol Bridge, Temple Meads Train Station train station, the SS Great Britain and Hotwells). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ralph Hoyte |
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Exercise in the lap of luxury |
College Green Bristol BS1 5TS United Kingdom +44 117 925 5100 |
This gorgeous facility, in the basement of the luxurious Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, one of Bristol's most prestigious establishments, is open to non-residents during the week at £17 a day and is well worth a visit. With a 15 metre swimming pool (not over-chlorined and crowded but a beautiful mosaic area), full weights gym, sauna, steam room, sunbed, jacuzzi, plus beauty treatments, massage, hair salon, aerobics, body conditioning and even tea by the pool and the daily papers on sun loungers - this really is a wonderful place for a day of pampering. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sail along the River Avon |
Gasferry Road Bristol BS1 6UN United Kingdom +44 117 926 8157 http://www.bristolpacket.co.uk |
Being such a watery city, what better way to explore it than by boat. Packet offers various tours on the city's waterways in one of three boats - the historic Narrowboat Redshank, The Tower Belle and the Flower of Bristol. You can either go on a one hour tour around the historic harbour, or take a trip as far afield as the city of Bath, taking in Beese's Tea Garden and the Chequers Inn on the way. Alternatively, you can choose the dramatic scenery of the Avon Gorge Cruise or become a salty sea-dog on their evening tours of dockside pubs! Advance booking for these popular tours (from March-October and with extra trips during school holidays) is recommended and the full timetable is to be found on their website. There is no disabled access as such, but assistance can be given on and off the boats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Camilla Stacey |
 Photo: Camilla Stacey |
 Photo: Chakib El Idrissi |
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For all the information you'll need on your visit |
Park Row Harbourside Bristol BS1 5DB United Kingdom +44 117 926 0767 http://www.visitbristol.co.uk |
This centre, in the middle of the exciting, new At-Bristol complex, on the harbourside, offers a number of services including accommodation booking, theatre tickets, boat trip tickets, and National Express tickets. The staff can also tell you all about the city's attractions (and those further afield) and the themed walks which take place around the city. You can take away a range of tourist leaflets, local guide books and maps. Post cards and a small selection of souvenirs and gifts are on sale. If you can't go in person, they operate a comprehensive automated telephone answering system, designed to answer most routine queries - it gets extremely busy, so to avoid congestion, phone before 11am or after 4pm Mon-Sat, or on Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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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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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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 |
 Photo: newfoundland_rcmp |
 Photo: Neil Hobbs |
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 Photo: Treasures of England |
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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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The small but beautiful Lord Mayor's Chapel |
Lewins Road Bristol BS1 5BT United Kingdom |
Bristol is unique among cities in the UK in owning this civic chapel, which has been used as the Corporation's official place of worship since 1722. It was originally the chapel of the hospital of the Gaunts, founded in 1220 and was granted by King Henry VIII to the Corporation in 1541 (as part of the infamous Dissolution of the Monasteries) for the sum of £1,000. No other hospital buildings remain. It's particularly noted for its fine, 16th century stained-glass windows and an intricately fan-vaulted roof, as well as for a wealth of monuments that chronicle the city's history. But best of all, it's a wonderfully peaceful oasis amidst the bustle and hurry of the city centre just outside. Its a place to sit quietly and soak up the atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ian.goods |
 Photo: erika'ka'ka |
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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 |
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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 |
 Photo: www.msmoll.co.uk |
 Photo: Sarah Clarke |
 Photo: sleepychinchilla |
 Photo: khaosproductions |
 Photo: theyactasflippers |