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Bristol Information and Bristol Tourism
(Bristol, England)



Bristol is the largest and most lively city in the south-west of England and Bristol's waterside location, lined with historic buildings, tourist attractions, boats and restaurants, makes a visit to Bristol quite unforgettable. The city of Bristol is full of energy and excitement, and Bristol has been nominated as a European Centre of Culture.

Every year, Bristol has an exceptional programme of events and festivals, which include balloon fiestas, kite flying, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, open-air concerts and street carnivals, reflecting Bristol's diversity and style. There are numerous Bristol tourism and tourist information outlets in and around the central Bristol. These Bristol tourism and tourist information outlets provide useful tourism and tourist information, such as information about Bristol's tourist attractions, landmarks, restaurants, travel, maps of Bristol, Bristol sightseeing and general Bristol tourism and tourist information.




Accommodation in Bristol can be a little expensive, but there are certainly a large number of hotels to choose from, including many well-known hotels brands and also a number of independent hotels. Bristol is a thriving financial city and therefore hotel rates are often high during the business week. However, there are some excellent value hotel deals to be found, even in the heart of Bristol city centre, particularly when you book in advance.

Bristol has a large river that weaves its way through the city centre, the River Avon, and this forms part of a system of waterways that made Bristol a great inland port, bringing tremendous wealth to Bristol city. The Harbourside area of Bristol has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right, with boat trips, cafés, restaurants and walking trails. Other tourist attractions in Bristol include Bristol Zoo and Gardens - awarded the prestigious title of 'Zoo of the Year' by the 'Good Britain Guide' in 2004, Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge - created in the mid-19th century by Victorian engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain - the first large iron ship to be driven by a screw propeller, powered by steam, Bristol Cathedral - founded in 1140 as an Augustinian monastery, this grand cathedral is full of history, the famous Bristol Old Vic Theatre - home to one of the country's best known and most successful theatre companies, the Bristol Hippodrome - with many regular West-End theatrical productions and musicals, the Colston Hall - Bristol's largest concert venue attracting many famous pop and rock artists, the Bristol Clifton Observatory and Caves - featuring a viewing platform with spectacular views across the Avon Gorge, and the Bristol Blue Glass Factory - which has been manufacturing handmade glass since the 17th century. More information on Bristol Tourist Attractions and Bristol Landmarks.

The award-winning 'At Bristol' family attraction is one of Bristol's newest tourist attractions and is situated in the heart of Bristol's harbourside area. Funded by the National Lottery and opened in 2000, At Bristol cost in excess of GBP 100 million and has a number of different, impressive attractions for tourists and visitors in Bristol. The large At Bristol complex also features many special events throughout the year. Attractions include the Explore area, the IMAX cinema, the Wildwalk, a Planetarium, cafés, bars, restaurants, a large car parking area, and many exciting, interactive displays and exhibits.

Other attractions close to Bristol include Bath - one of England's most beautiful, elegant and historic cities, full of spectacular architecture and Georgian streets, Stonehenge - a most remarkable and intriguing monument, known throughout the world, Westonbirt Arboretum - containing a world-class collection of trees and shrubs, Castle Combe Race Circuit - a popular motor-racing circuit with a racing school, Dyrham Park - owned by the National Trust, with a grand mansion that dates back to the 17th century, Stourhead House and Gardens - less than one hours' drive from central Bristol, featuring some of the most spectacular landscaped gardens in the west country, and numerous small, picturesque villages.

Bristol is a truly cosmopolitan city and has numerous excellent art galleries museums in Bristol city centre, providing interesting information on the history of Bristol and many other exhibitions. Some of the major museums in Bristol include the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery - one of Bristol's most popular and important art galleries and museums, Bristol's Watershed Media Centre - located in the Harbourside area of Bristol and is home to many different attractions, including two large art galleries, photographic exhibitions, films, digital media, and numerous regular events , the Bristol Industrial Museum - with many interesting exhibitions about Bristol's important maritime past, the Georgian House - which provides an interesting insight into 18th-century Bristol life, the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum - with 16 themed galleries explaining the history behind Britain's empire, and nearby, the International Helicopter Museum situated in the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare - featuring more than 50 helicopters and aircraft.

The university city of Bristol has grown into an important financial city and there are an enormous number of large office blocks and headquarters for many of England's leading companies in Bristol. These businesses include banks, telecommunications, insurance companies, law firms, software companies, printing, publishing and more besides. Many of these are located in the centre of Bristol or nearby, close to the Bristol Temple Meads train station and on the outskirts of Bristol, in the districts of Avonmouth, Bishopsworth, Brislington, Clifton, Cotham, Fishponds, Frenchay, Henbury, Horfield, Knowle, Redland, Shirehampton, Stapleton and Westbury on Trym.

There are many different guided tours of Bristol available, such as bus tours, boat tours and walking tours. Hot-air balloons regular ascend from Bristol's Ashton Court Park, close to Bristol city centre, and offer some of the best possible views of the beautiful and friendly city of Bristol.

Bristol International Airport (BRS) Guide - useful Bristol International Airport (BRS) information.

More Bristol Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: England
• Location: north-east Somerset
• Area: 110 square kilometres / 42 square miles
• Population: 420,000
• Language: English
• Currency: pound sterling (GBP)
• Time zone: GMT / UTC and BST (British Summer Time), 5 hours from Eastern Standard Time
• Country dialling code: +44
• Telephone area code: 01225
• Religion: various religions
• Average daily January temperature: 7ºC / 45ºF
• Average daily July temperature: 22ºC / 72ºF

 
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