|
 Bristol: When John Betjeman referred to one of the two great western cities as "the most beautiful, interesting and distinguished in England" he was refering to Bristol. The Clifton suspension Bridge (left) was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-59) but was completed after his death. It towers above the river Avon joining the limestone cliffs of the Avon Gorge and is well worth a visit. Clifton is a Georgian suburb of Bristol with Bristol Zoo nearby (roughly 300 species of wildlife). Harry Potter was based on a boy that author J K Rowling met in Bristol as a child.
 Bristol Harbour: The history of Bristol is inextricably linked to the harbour and in celebration of the Millenium £97 million was spent on it's redevelopment (the harbour now has all the latest attractions including discover cetres, cinema, nightspots and restaurants). In the 15th-century John Cabot set sail, from Bristol harbour, on his voyage of discovery of Newfoundland (a replica of his ship The Matthew is beside the Maritime Heritage Centre). Brunel features strongly in the harbour's history as it was from here that he launched his famous ships. Brunel's SS Great Britain (right) has been restored and is open to the public at the Great Western Dock. The Bristol Industrial Museum is on Pricess Wharf.
 Bristol's Museums: Brunel features strongly here again and in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, tours of the, recently restored, Old Bristol Station (designed by Brunel and pictured left) began in the Spring of 2006. The museum can be found at,Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH, England [For further information and bookings telephone 0117 925 4980 or email bookings@empiremuseum.co.uk site: www.empiremuseum.co.uk]. The museum charts 500-year history of the rise and fall of the British Empire and the emergence of the modern Commonwealth with ultra-modern interactive exhibits & displays.
 Historic Bristol: The church of St Mary Redcliffe (right) is a magnificent 14th-century building that was described by Queen Elizabeth I as the "fairest church in England". The church is well worth a visit and has a cafe (with home cooked lunches severved 12-2pm). Also worth a visit is Bristol Cathedral which is much more than a fascinating building, it is a centre of Bristol's history, civic life and culture. Founded as an abbey in 1140, it became a cathedral in 1542 and developed architecturally throughout the ages. It is one of the finest examples of a 'hall church' anywhere in the world. Bristol Cathedral has developed architecturally throughout the ages. The cathederal has a host of facilities (wheelchair access, picnic area, gift shop, restaurant etc.).
 Sports & Activities: For the more active there is absolutely loads to do in and around Bristol, riding, karting, driving, skiing, skating, cycling and canoeing. For the more adventurous there is rock climbing in the Avon Gorge, mountain biking and canoeing. Bristol is the United Kingdom's ballooning capital so why not take a romantic flight across the city and surrounding countryside while sipping champagne? Like many cities across England, Bristol offers a wide selection of "experiences" such as being a zoo keeper, driving classic cars, steam train driver and much, much more.
|