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Bristol Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Bristol
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Bristol Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Bristol - The River Avon winds picturesquely through the
bustling city centre of Bristol in the south west of England, and
has played a key role in the development of the city as a major
English commercial port. Surrounded by charming hilly landscape and
the spectacular ice-carved Avon Gorge, Bristol is an interesting
mix of history, commerce and culture.
The city
contains a mish-mash of architecture spanning over 400 years, much
of which has been rebuilt, destroyed, relocated or vandalised over
time. The City Fathers seem to have had a constant need to
modernise and today, few of the city's earliest treasures remain,
particularly after Bristol was severely blitzed during World War
II. Although there is little or no remnant of Bristol's
11th-century origins, the city is not devoid of character by any
means and there has been an attempt to restore the remaining
jewels, evident in the beautiful Queen and Portland Squares. There
are still plenty of Georgian and Victorian churches, buildings and
monuments to be seen and the city's strong maritime history can
still be explored. Bristol's busy city centre
contains a number of excellent museums, galleries, parks and
churches, including the Bristol Cathedral. The city receives over
nine million visitors a year and as one of the current top ten UK
destinations, its tourism industry is rapidly expanding. Its
thriving music scene is still dominated by trip-hop (also known as
the Bristol Sound), which emerged in the city in the 1980s and
1990s, and with two universities, Bristol has a thriving nightlife,
plenty of restaurants and shops. Bristol's green
lung has long been the Downs. Over 400 acres of grassland stretch
from Avon Gorge to the Victorian-built suburbs of the city and
locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy the peace and quiet they
offer. A favourite in the city is also the Bristol Zoo and Gardens
and the Bristol Clifton Observatory and caves, near the
eye-catching Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The diversity and muddled history of the city make it well
worth the visit, and it is also a convenient distance from the
nearby city of Bath, as well as the fascinating
Stonehenge.
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Bristol
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Bristol Zoo Gardens
Clifton
www.bristolzoo.org.uk |
What is it? The Bristol Zoo Gardens was founded in 1835
and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Spread over 12 acres,
the zoo has been an immensely popular Bristol attraction since its
inception and is a fun-filled experience for young and old alike.
The zoo focuses on conservation and scientific research, as well as
entertainment, and some of the fascinating exhibits include Gorilla
Island, the Zona Brazil, Bug World, and the Monkey Jungle. The zoo
plays host to various exciting events and programmes throughout the
year and visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the covered picnic
area, or a snack at the Pelican Restaurant. The Terrace Theatre
offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some of
the zoo's smaller inhabitants in Animal Encounters, running every
day on the hour from 12pm to 4pm in peak season and 12pm to 3pm
off-peak.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 5.30pm (peak season); 9am to 5pm
(off-peak). Last admission is an hour before closing. Closed
Christmas Day
Phone:(0)117 974 7399 |
2. Bristol Cathedral
Park Street on College Green
www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk |
What is it? In roughly 1140, the Abbey of St Augustine
was founded by Robert Fitzhardinge. Over the years, the Abbey was
altered, eventually becoming the model of the Hall Church style in
England. When the Abbey was finally dissolved in 1539, the Nave was
demolished and rebuilt, and became what is now the landmark Bristol
Cathedral. The original Abbey Gatehouse and the Chapter House,
which dates back to 1165, remain and visitors can enjoy the beauty
and peace of this ancient holy site and its surrounds. The
Cathedral also hosts free music recitals at certain times of year.
Public guided tours of the Cathedral are available in the summer
season, every Saturday at 11am.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm; Saturdays 8am to 5.30pm;
Sundays 7.30am to 5pm
Phone:(0)117 926 4879 |
3. Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
Queens Road
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What is it? The Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery is an
impressive collection of exhibits, objects and artwork, housed in a
beautiful Edwardian Baroque building. As well as the permanent
exhibits of regional, national and international artefacts, the
museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and has a variety of
different periods of artworks on display in its galleries. From
natural history to the World Wildlife Gallery, decorative arts
collections and archaeological displays, the Bristol City Museum
and Gallery has something for everyone. The museum and gallery also
plays host to various special events, workshops and children's
activities throughout the year.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 5pm
Phone:(0)117 922 3571 |
Bristol
holidays - Top Events
1. Discovery Channel International Balloon Fiesta
From 2007-08-09
To 2007-08-12
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What is it? Every year the Ashton Court Estate and the
skies of Bristol are transformed into a colourful riot of hot air
balloons. Mass balloon launches of over a 100 balloons at a time
take place in amongst a host of family orientated activities.
Funfairs, music, stunt shows, camel racing, international food
stalls and more form part of this free, four day fiesta. One of the
highlights of the fiesta is the Special Shapes Rodeo, where
anything from a giant bag-pipe playing highlander to a floating
orange slice can be seen taking to the skies. Balloon launches are
usually at 6am and 6pm each day, but it is worth noting that the
launches are subject to the weather and times can change. For more
information, call (0)117 953 5884 or consult the Fiesta
website.
Where is it? Ashton Court |
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