Bristol, places to visit?

Blend of modernity and old traditions

This British city, slightly off the beaten track in terms of United Kingdom destinations, is however worth discovering for its intriguing blend of modernity and old traditions originating from its rich historic past. An old maritime city, Bristol has reintroduced important attractions from times gone by, including historical regattas and a hot air balloon festival.

The charm of the past can be found in the Medieval Old City, with its streets - still with their cobblestones - lined with period houses that have remained unchanged in appearance over the centuries. In this area, brightly coloured stands sell fresh food from the surrounding countryside.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge

The city is however an important centre of forward-thinking British culture and also surprises for its numerous monuments that trace its history.

One of the best known is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which, at the time of its construction, was the longest bridge in the world. It is still in operation today and is crossed each year by four million vehicles. The SS Great Britain, the first propeller-driven transatlantic ship in the world, is another important attraction. Both these masterpieces were the work of the brilliant Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

For families a must-see destination is the Bristol Zoo Gardens, which has over 450 species of animals, while Explore-at-Bristol is an important scientific centre with a wonderful planetarium that offers over 170 interactive experiences. A trip not to be missed is the one on board the Bristol Ferryboat Company to enjoy the scenic views of the Harbourside from the sea. Cabot Circus is a new city district, which opened in 2008 and is devoted to shopping and free time.

The Cabot Tower

Bristol was already in existence in the eleventh century, and one of the most imposing castles of southern England was built when the city was under Norman rule. In 1497 it was the starting point for Sebastian Cabot’s journey to North America, and it was in the seventeenth century that, thanks to the development of British colonies there, the city saw further growth and an increase in trade, including that of slaves. The Cabot Tower, 32 metres tall, was built in honour of Cabot in the public park of Brandon Hill. It offers a wonderful view over the city and the surrounding countryside.

The City Museum and Art Gallery

The abundance of history is also perceived in the City Museum and Art Gallery, which is housed in a majestic Neoclassical style building. The museum offers various sections - from geology to natural history - as well as collections by famous artists; particularly interesting are the collections of Chinese glass and ceramics dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties - from the seventh to the thirteenth centuries - and the collection of blue Bristol glass.

Bristol is known throughout the world for its production of card, including high quality cardboard and card paper, such as the famous ‘Bristol card paper’, used by many for letters and refined greeting cards.

A trip to the nearby spa city of Bath is highly recommended. This city has the only natural thermal baths in the United Kingdom, known since Roman times. Attractions worth visiting include the Roman Baths, the grandiose Gothic Abbey and the spectacular Circus.

With regard to the cuisine, there are numerous restaurants offering local specialities: fish lies in first position, which is cooked fried, in salad, and almost always served with potatoes, as well as very fresh shellfish. Meat dishes include beef steak or lamb either roasted or in stew, as well as chicken curry.

The Bristol’s Cheddar cheese

Bristol’s Cheddar cheese is Britain’s most popular cheese, but the one produced in this area is considered the best in the United Kingdom. Another well known food in Bristol is the Pieminister Pie, a small pie stuffed with various ingredients such as mixed vegetables, meat gravy, eggs and cheese, and always made with one hundred percent natural ingredients from local producers. Enjoyed hot or cold, these Bristol pies are considered the best in the world.

Text by Anna Glik

Updated by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos: Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Video: visitbristol.co.uk

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www.visitbristol.co.uk

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WHERE TO GO IN BRISTOL

Monuments in Bristol

SEE NO EVIL

Before 20 August 2011, Nelson Street in Bristol city centre was a nondescript corridor of bleak, grey buildings. Now it hosts the most ambitious permanent street art project ever to take place in the UK, See No Evil. The project was the brain-child of street artist Inkie. Leading street artists from around the world in Bristol have transform the facades of ten multi-storey buildings along the street over the course of a week - and in doing so they made Nelson Street one of the world's largest outdoor art exhibitions.

CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE

The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864. Designed in the early 19^th century for traffic, it still meets the demands of 21^st century commuter with 11-12,000 vehicles crossing it every day. Symbol of Bristol, the Bridge, drawing thousands of visitors a year.

Museums in Bristol

BRISTOL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, inside the beautiful Edwardian building at the top of Park Street and the bottom of Whiteladies Road, tells the story of Bristol in every display to the present day. Nineteen galleries over three different floors reveal fascinating cultures, ancient civilisations, human invention and creativity. With thousands of amazing objects on display, one visit just isn't enough. The Museum display collections of art, archaeology, geology and natural history. The Museum also has dynamic exhibitions and events programme throughout the year.

AT-BRISTOL SCIENCE CENTRE

At-Bristol Science Centre is a interactive science centre offering an amazing world. At-Bristol involves people of all ages in an incredible journey through the workings of the world around us. The chrome-plated, futuristic sphere in Millennium Square is where you'll find the Planetarium, where you can sit back and take a trip to the stars beneath a domed screen. With action-packed exhibits, live shows and the Planetarium, At-Bristol really is one of the UK's most exciting interactive science centres.

Excursions in Bristol

BRISTOL AQUARIUM

The spectacular Bristol Aquarium in Bristol's historic Harbourside area is a real undersea safari. Bristol Aquarium showcases are designed to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world from the British coast through warmer waters to exotic tropical seas. Highlights include a life-size recreation of a sunken ship and a Bristol harbour scene. The Bristol Aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular underwater gardens of the Mediterranean and the stunning beauty of tropical waters, which are home to everything from sea horses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks.

BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

A visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens is an adventure into an exciting animal kingdom, all set within 12 acres of beautiful gardens. Visitors will come face to face with over 400 species of exotic, endangered animals. Visitors to Bristol Zoo can see the family of gorillas, including gorilla baby, Kukeña, stroll through the tropical Butterfly Forest or become immersed in the impressive Penguin Coast. Some other Zoo favourites include: Monkey Jungle, Reptile house, Asiatic lions and the Aquarium.

SANTA'S LAPLAND

Santa's Lapland specialises in short breaks (3 or 4 day) to see Santa in Lapland. These magical holidays are a once in a lifetime chance to take the kids to experience this amazing Arctic winter wonderland and enjoy a private meeting with Santa. The classic short break or the slightly longer break to visit Santa in Lapland include flights from Bristol, and a transfer at the other end.

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