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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 |
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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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Must-see museum with something for everyone |
Queen's Road Bristol BS8 1RL United Kingdom +44 117 922 3571 http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk... |
This is an extremely popular museum and a great place to go to on a rainy day (there are quite a lot of those in Bristol). It houses fine arts, natural and human history, marine wildlife, a freshwater aquarium, archaeology, Oriental art, and temporary exhibitions. In fact, there are over four million objects on display, making this a great place to discover the exciting world of arts and sciences. Particularly popular with kids are the large glass cases containing stuffed animals. The Museum Shop contains Egyptian reproductions, books, cards and Bristol Blue Glass. There's also a cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. Disabled access is through the entrance on University Road, just after Browns bistro. Unfortunately, the second floor is not accessible. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Keith Ramsey |
 Photo: Keith Ramsey |
 Photo: Dr Broadchurch |
 Photo: Richard Buck |
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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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Learn about the construction of a masterpiece |
Bridge House Sion Place Sion Place Bristol BS8 4AP United Kingdom +44 117 974 4664 http://www.clifton-suspension-... |
Once you've walked across the marvelous bridge itself, come here, just five minutes walk away, to learn all about its chequered history. Creating something so beautiful was a struggle and there were plenty of set-backs and arguments before Brunel's favorite project - he called it "My first child, my darling" - was finally completed, sadly six years after his death. There's a superb scale model, a large selection of photographic archives, showing the stages of construction of this great engineering project until it opened in 1864, plus memorabilia from the time. You can also learn about its current maintenance, how it's illuminated and how it has been adapted for modern commuter traffic. There is also a shop selling souvenirs, books, postcards and prints. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Julian Harris |
 Photo: JonCombe |
 Photo: Phil Lacey |
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A towering achievement |
Queen's Road Wills Memorial Building Bristol BS8 1RJ United Kingdom +44 117 928 9000 |
This place is a bit of a curiosity - although it's in the heart of the city, because it's inside a university building, the general public tend to assume they can't go in. Well, they can! You just have to ask the porters inside for permission, expressing an interest in natural history at the same time of course. The collection is available to view any time the building is open, which is usually 9a-5p M-F in university term time. So, what's inside? A notable collection of natural history exhibits, that's what, including a fantastic sabre-toothed tiger skeleton. But, even if stuffed animals don't appeal to you, check out the building itself. The Wills (or University) Tower in which the collection is housed was completed in 1925, having been commissioned by local tobacco magnates GW and HH Wills in memory of their father. Looming above the city at 215 feet high, it contains a 10 ton bell known as Great George and is one of Bristol's most famous landmarks. 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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Remembering an eminent, but little-known Bristol family |
Begbrook Park Frenchay Bristol BS16 1SZ United Kingdom +44 117 957 0942 http://www.frenchay.org/museum... |
The Tuckett family of Frenchay were a prominent Quaker family with many pioneering members. FF Frenchay was an alpinist (many lodges in the Alps are named after him), his father lived through the Bristol Riots of 1831 and chronicled the turbulent time in his letters and his sister was a respected artist. This new museum, contains various artifacts (such as their travel journals, climbing axes and ropes and paintings) and is located in the grounds of Frenchay Hospital (to the north east of the city). It also commemorates two of Bristol's other famous sons - JS Fry, the chocolatier and Frederick Dennison Maurice, who started the Christian Socialist Movement. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 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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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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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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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 |
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Celebrating the world of make-believe |
Cantocks Close Woodland Road Cantocks Close Bristol BS8 1UP United Kingdom +44 117 928 7832 http://www.bristol.ac.uk/theat... |
This important, but little-known collection looks at everything theatrical - perfect for a city which has such a strong thespian tradition. Inside the rather unprepossessing building there's a wealth of archive publications including theatre programmes and reviews, plus a wide variety of original costumes and exhibitions that illustrate the art of theatrical design, ranging from sets to posters. The personalities who played their part in bringing their roles alive are deservedly also commemorated here - they have a particularly good archive on the late Joyce Grenfell - and the history of the theatre is also portrayed and put into social context. You've probably worked out by now that this place is really for adult theatre-goers, kids would probably be bored out of their minds in here as it's ever so slightly esoteric. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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