Whether you’re heading to Bristol for business or leisure, this is one city with a fascinating past and vibrant diverse culture. Bristol is all about the water, from its pirate past and days of heavy trade to the modern harbour front where city slickers’ wine and dine, there are many opportunities to hop on a boat and take in the sights by water.
If you feel like getting active, Bristol has seven hills to navigate. Whilst not so easy on the legs, it does give the city a unique charm and some amazing spots for a picnic with a view. A must-do is climbing the spiral stairs on Brandon Hill to the top of Cabot Tower to get a glorious panorama of the entire city in one go.
When the weather warms, one attraction not to be missed is the swanky Bristol Lido, built in 1850 and re-opened in 2008 after full restoration and the addition of a café and restaurant. Located in the Clifton area of the city, you can go for a swim, get a massage, help yourself to some tapas or visit the restaurant complete with viewing gallery. For flights to Bristol from Airports in Ireland, visit https://irelandwestairport.com/
Bristol is famous for its street art and graffiti scene, with one of the world’s most famous street artists hailing from the area. Places to see include Stokes Croft, Dean Lane Skatepark and under the M32 flyover for huge works of art by local and visiting street artists.
Much of the centre of Bristol was destroyed during WWII bombing but one building that survived was the old 18th century Exchange in St Nick’s market. It is the last remaining building of its kind in the country and is today home to independent traders selling all manner of goods. The Glass Arcade attached to the Exchange is the ultimate foodie’s paradise with cuisine from across the globe on offer. Whether you’re in the mood for Kurdish, Moroccan, Caribbean or Indian – the fresh, delicious produce is a joy to behold.
For those fascinated by the supernatural, there’s plenty of supposed ghostly goings on as the city is steeped in centuries of history. Try a ghost tour, running every Friday night from College Green to hear all about the creepy tales of coaching inns, cinemas, hotels and houses along the route. From monks to highwaymen, TV show locations and movie spots, you’ll learn a huge amount about this city and its apparitions!
Escaping the rush of the city is easy in Bristol as they have The Downs. This huge expanse of greenery helps Bristolians feel miles away from the city and is popular with dog walkers, joggers, families and just about anybody who wants a bit of fresh air. The Sea Wall is a must-visit area to the southwest of The Downs, where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the iconic Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a global icon of engineering mastery. It first opened in 1864 designed by Brunel, is now a Grade I listed structure and considered to be Brunel’s greatest accomplishment. It’s an incredibly inspiring and jaw-dropping sight, so be sure to cross Bristol’s most famous bridge.
