Situated on the western side of southern England at the mouth of the river Avon, Bristol is a big city with a well-developed arts and music scene, as well as the largest shipping port in England. Like most British cities, Bristol features numerous historical buildings and is famous for its suspension bridge designed by the well-known engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The bridge hangs over the Avon gorge at a height of 75m and was completed in 1864.
Renowned as a prosperous, fashionable city, Bristol is an attractive metropolis of theaters and galleries with a recently refurbished harbor. The waterfront is home to another famous Brunel concoction, the SS Great Britain, the world’s first iron-hulled propeller and steam-driven liner dating back to 1843. Old Bristol features the Corn Exchange, a former bustling market, along with the most celebrated theatre in the city, the Old Vic, among other attractions. The nearby Llandoger Trow is a legendary drinking hole first opened in 1663 that has seen all manner of characters over the years, including Robert Louis Stevenson during his time writing the classic Treasure Island.
Bristol is the best place for shopping in the whole of England’s southwest with numerous centrally-located and out-of-town mall complexes. Bristol’s restaurants are varied and unparalleled in the south of England outside of London – with Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, South American and Afro-Caribbean fare among the many varieties of cuisine that can be found here. Corn and King streets are the best places for a drink and other after-hours entertainment.
Highlights
SS Great Britain: is another Brunel masterwork fully restored in Bristol’s dry dock. This remains one of England’s favorite tourist attractions.
Clifton Suspension Bridge: is one of the most iconic structures in Britain. It features great views of the Avon gorge 75m below.
Llandoger Trow: is a drinking venue steeped in history, having served thirsty locals for nearly 350 years.
St Paul’s: this Afro-Caribbean district of the city boasts a famous carnival as well as lively reggae pubs and Asian eateries and markets.
Bristol Old Vic: is one of the most famous theaters in England and can be found in the city center.