Bristol, which is the principal city of South West England, serves as the gateway to some of the UK’s most scenic locations. Having the fifth largest population in England, as well as a rich and eventful history, Bristol has more recently transformed into a modern, vibrant European city packed with places to go and things to see to suit every kind of visitor .
The original town was listed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 1051 as a trading port and the city’s maritime heritage is highlighted by the achievements of Bristol’s most famous son, the great Victorian inventor Kingdom Brunel. He was responsible for the SS Great Britain, which was the first iron-hulled, propeller-driven ship to cross the Atlantic and, of course, the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge with its breathtaking view of the city.
For those who like shopping, the new Cabot Circus shopping complex has moved Bristol into the top 10 list of shopping destinations in the UK. With over 100 new shops, in addition to restaurants and cafes, and a state-of-the-art 13-screen Showcase Cinema de Lux, this impressive construction brings a whole new dimension to shopping in Bristol.
Walk a short distance from the central shopping areas and you will find yourself surrounded by the enchanting old buildings of the past in Bristol’s original Old City. The cobbled streets of Broad Street, Corn Street, King Street and St Nicholas Market remain much the same today as they were hundreds of years ago. Do not miss the majestic Corn Exchange or the quirky old Llandoger Trow pub on King Street.
Undoubtedly one of the most significant changes to Bristol over recent years has been the transformation of the city’s harborside from a bustling commercial dock to a modern development filled with restaurants, bars, shops and a range of hotels to suit every visitors pocket. Key attractions to look out for include Explore-At-Bristol and The Hippodrome. Hop on a Bristol Ferry for a great way to see the harbor and extended city boundaries from a different perspective.
Or, why not walk up Park Street towards Clifton village, which has a great range of classy restaurants and boutique clothing stores. For something a little different, you can pay a visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens, which is home to over 450 rare and endangered species, and provides plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
Then, there are also a variety of forms of entertainment to take in. One good option is the shows and musicals that take place in the theatres there, where you can catch both traditional and modern performances. For sports fan, Bristol is home to two soccer teams and one rugby team, so there it is likely that there will be at least one game taking place whilst you are in city.
All in all, Bristol offers something for everyone, and that is why it attracts so many tourists, both from the UK and abroad, every single year. It may not yet be one of the first places that come to mind when considering where to visit in England, but it soon will be!
Cheap Hotel Chains price compares all latest cheap hotel deals across the world, ensuring you find the very best deal for your chosen hotel and destination. This month we are running a feature on Bristol, England’s gateway to the South West. We currently have 144 cheap hotels in Bristol featured on our website.
