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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 |
 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 |
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Ancient, fortified manor house and gardens |
Tickenham Road Clevedon Bristol BS21 6QU United Kingdom +44 1275 87 2257 http://www.clevedon.gov.uk |
Located some 12 miles from Bristol city centre, this National Trust property is one for the more cultured and architecturally-minded amongst you, and is where you can see various styles from throughout the ages, all coming together rather beautifully in one place. It's actually a 14th century Manor House, but contains and is particularly noted for its large 12th century tower and 13th century Great Hall, along with its terraced garden, a fine example of 18th century style and taste. A fine collection of Nailsea Glass is on display, and many examples of Eltonware vases and pots are also exhibited. Those interested in literature might also like to know that Alfred, Lord Tennyson and W M Thackery stayed here. To get a proper feel for the place and discover more, ask for a guided tour (these must be pre-booked). Unfortunately, only parts of the ground floor are wheelchair accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Lydon |
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Nature reserve and ancient monument |
Doleberrow Bristol BS25 5PP United Kingdom +44 117 926 8018 |
Located approximately 15 miles from the city center, this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument - serious history buffs will love it (the less esoteric can ignore all that and just enjoy a great countryside walk here). Dolebury fort is an exceptional example of an Iron Age hill fort and has an adjacent Celtic field system, approximately 2,000 years old and there is also a medieval rabbit warren - a definite contender for "strangest attraction of the year award"! The best time of year to see the wildflowers and 29 species of butterflies on this limestone heath is from late May to August. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Georgian House |
7 Great George Street Bristol BS1 5RR United Kingdom +44 117 921 1362 http://www.bristol.gov.uk/museums |
This Georgian house was built in 1790 for John Pinney, a sugar merchant. Many of the rooms have been restored to the elegance and fashionable splendor of their original condition, including the first floor drawing room, which would have enjoyed extensive views over the city and docks. The basement kitchen, housekeeper's room and laundry contrast sharply with the master's chambers and reveal the world "below stairs." Exhibits detailing the relationship between the original owner merchant and his black servant, Pero are a fascinating insight into Bristol's slave trade past. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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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Underground cellars containing a fascinating history |
12 Denmark Street Bristol BS1 5DQ United Kingdom +44 (0)117 927 5036 |
If you want to explore these fascinating, underground, 800 year-old cellars, either get together with a group of friends, or try and tag onto an existing group—they are only open to groups of 20 people or more. It's worth the effort though—you'll be shown all around the museum, occupied by Harveys since 1796 when the family started trading as wine merchants. This is followed by a sherry (which Harvey's is famous for), wine or port tasting. The whole experience takes around two and a half hours, costs from £8 each and is available day and evening, seven days a week by prior arrangement. Their wine shop is outstanding and stocks an extensive selection of over 250 wines from around the world. There's also an award-winning restaurant (Harvey's), which in addition to exceptional cuisine, boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in the country—well, what would else you expect! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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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Splendid medieval town house and museum |
The Square Axbridge Bristol BS26 2AF United Kingdom +44 1934 73 2012 |
History-lovers will appreciate this rather special place. Not only is it educational but it exudes an atmosphere of bygone ages. Using your imagination, you can get an idea of what everyday life was like in the 1500s, just by wandering around this spectacularly timbered, early Tudor, merchant's home. The building also houses the local museum whose exhibits provide an insight into other, earlier times, including prehistoric, Roman, and medieval eras. Features include the Axbridge Nail and an example of early criminal punishment in the stocks. There is also a continually changing programme of temporary exhibits and events. Only the ground floor is accessible to the disabled. There is parking at a council car park just two minutes walk away. Admission is although donations are welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The remains of an ancient Roman villa |
Long Cross Lawrence Weston Bristol BS11 0LP United Kingdom +44 117 922 3571 |
If you're into archaeology then you'll definitely want to make a trip to this place. It was built towards the end of the third century AD (so the experts say) and its discovery is purely fortunate - it was found during the construction of a housing estate in 1947. A full excavation was carried out in 1948-50. No one really knows what the villa may have been, (although it is assumed that it was the centre of an estate associated with farming), nor why it was abandoned. The remains consist of the bath suite, the living quarters with wonderful mosaic floors, the porch and gravelled court and the east wing. A key to the site must be obtained from either Blaise Castle House Museum during its open season (1st April-31st October) or from Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery any other time. It can be collected from 10am, but must be returned the same day and there is a returnable £10 deposit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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At home in Elizabethan Bristol |
Park Row Bristol BS1 5LJ United Kingdom +44 117 921 1360 http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk... |
The entrance to this lodge appears uninviting because it is at the rear of the building, with the true façade facing downhill. Within, however, it offers a fascinating glimpse into life in Elizabethan Bristol. Built around 1590, it contains the last surviving suite of 16th century rooms in Bristol, particularly notable for the carved oak paneling, stone chimney-piece, and plasterwork ceiling. Other rooms feature 17th and 18th century portraits, and exquisite walnut and gilt furniture. Once the home of Lady Byron, the poet's widow, it is now owned by the City Council, and the Tudor gardens have recently enjoyed a programme of restoration. Look out for their "living history days" when actors dress up in period costume and really bring the house to life. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gillian Jack |
 Photo: Alastair Smith |
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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 |
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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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An ancient mystery waiting to be solved |
6 miles south of Bristol Bristol BS18 United Kingdom |
This small, rural village, nine miles from Bristol, clusters around some nationally important archeology dating to over 4,000 years ago. Three stone circles seem to make a series of alignments with a number of outlying standing stones, but their purpose is a mystery. Apart from the two smaller circles there is also a megalithic "cove" which is located in the garden of the local pub, the Druid Arms - a lovely place for a pint. A straight line drawn from the cove, through the centre of the large circle, hits the centre of one of the smaller circles. Remains of a substantial wooden structure have recently been found, making the complex much larger and more significant than already thought! The stone circles lie on private land - seek permission from the landowner before entering. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Voyage to an isolated, historic island |
Bristol Road Bristol BS14 0 United Kingdom |
The more adventurous among you might like to try this day trip with a difference. Steep Holm is a small island which lies five miles offshore from Weston-super-Mare, and enjoys spectacular views in all directions. It's only recommended for people who are reasonably active however—there is a zigzag climb to the island's plateau, some 250 feet above sea level. Apart from rare plants and vegetation, there are colonies of seabirds and even a small herd of Muntjac deer that graze the island. A medieval priory was established here in the 12th century, and the island was fortified in Victorian times, with the barracks now used as a Visitor's Centre. Sailings are determined by the tide but are made on most Saturdays throughout the year. There are also Wednesday sailings during Jun, Jul and Aug—ring for details of ferry prices and times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bristol's own leaning tower! |
Temple Street Bristol BS1 6HT United Kingdom |
Like Pisa's famous leaning tower, the instability of the soil is to blame for the lean of this tower. Local legend says that the tower was built with foundations made of bales of wool and there's a grain of truth in this - the wealthy wool and weaving industry donated funds towards the building of the church. Most of the ruin is 15th century although the chancel is 14th, but in the ground are markers showing the location of an even earlier church. The church was reduced to its present ruinous condition on November 24th, 1940 due to a German bombing raid. When the local soldiers/engineers inspected the building they mistook the lean as being caused by the bombs and nearly demolished it to make it safe! You can't go inside, so visit for a look anytime of day or night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phil Wilson |
 Photo: Adrian Jessup |
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Historical and elegant concert/conference venue |
Queens Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1SA United Kingdom +44 117 954 5032 |
Designed by Bristol architect Charles Dyer (noted for his classical and Gothic designs), the Victoria Rooms were built in the first half of the 19th century in the Greek Revival style - one of its most notable features is its octostyle (eight columned) Corinthian portico. The building has belonged to the University of Bristol since the 1920s and now houses the Music Department. As such, there is no entry, except during the concerts and in any case, the building is much more imposing from the outside. Lunchtime concerts are held throughout the year and there are classical concerts also. Tickets are available from the building itself (ask at the Porter's Lodge) or from the university bookshop on nearby Tyndall's Avenue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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