1. Bristol

2. Geographic Location:
City Of Bristol, South West, England, United Kingdom, Europe
geographical coordinates: 51° 27' 0" North, 2° 35' 0" West

3. Climate
Bristol is one of the warmest cities in the UK, with a mean annual temperature of 10.2–12 °C (50–
54 °F).[81] It is also amongst the sunniest, with 1,541–1,885 hours sunshine per year.[82] The city is
partially sheltered by the Mendip Hills, but exposed to the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel,
Annual rainfall is similar to the national average, at 741–1,060 mm (29.2–41.7 in). Rain falls all year
round, but autumn and winter are the wettest seasons. The Atlantic strongly influences Bristol's
weather, maintaining average temperatures above freezing throughout the year, although cold
spells in winter often bring frosts. Snow can fall at any time from mid-November through to mid-
April, but it is a rare occurrence. Summers are drier and quite warm with variable amounts of
sunshine, rain and cloud. Spring is unsettled and changeable, and has brought spells of winter
snow as well as summer sunshine.
Getting to Bristol
Bristol is one of the most easily accessible cities in the UK, with excellent road, rail and air links.
Bristol has a large international airport, with operators flying into Bristol from 112 different
countries
Bristol is ideally situated for road access from London as well as from the north and east of
England, it being situated at the intersection of the M4 and M5 motorways
Bristol Temple Meads railway station is the largest rail hub in the west of England, with direct
services available from London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham
Main Sites
There are several world class attractions in Bristol, from Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, its
most iconic suspension bridge, the world’s fifth oldest zoo, one of Europe’s leading interactive
science centres to an outstanding network of free city museums.
Top Bristol attractions:
Bristol Zoo Gardens
A visit to this city zoo is your passport for a day trip into an amazing world of animals, exhibits and
other attractions
Brunel's ss Great Britain
Award-winning attraction showing the world's first great ocean liner and National Brunel Archive,
voted UK Large Visitor Attracion of the Year
Bristol Aquarium & IMAX 3D Cinema
Spectacular aquarium in the Harbourside area that provides an amazing underwater adventure
from the British coast to exotic tropical seas
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Museum and art gallery exhibiting some outstanding collections of art, archaeology, Egyptology
and natural history in a magnificent building
At-Bristol
21st-century science and technology centre, with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and a
whole load of fun for all the family
M Shed
M Shed is an exciting and innovative new flagship museum for Bristol

4. Clifton Suspension Bridge
The world famous bridge and the iconic symbol of Bristol, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel
in 1831 and completed in 1864 after his death
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Arboretum with over 16,000 rare and beautiful trees, all set in 600 glorious, easy-to-stroll
Cotswold acres
Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle is a beautiful and historic Castle, begun in 1117 and still remains the home of the
Berkeley family. It is a great day-out for...
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
A great day out for the whole family in a beautiful river-based park, offering a truly all-weather
entertainment centre
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
Get hands on and meet a variety of animals, including giraffe, rhinos, tigers and lions, then relax
while the kids use the 12 play areas
Old Down Country Park
Park with plenty of animals to see that is easily accessible from Bristol, Thornbury and the
M5/M4/M48 motorways
Cheddar Caves & Gorge
Discover one of the UK's most famous beauty spots with the largest natural Gorge and two
beautiful stalactite caverns. RockSport offers Caving...
Avon Valley Railway
Railway that's much more than your average steam train ride, offering a whole new experience for
some or a nostalgic memory for others
Wookey Hole Caves & Papermill
Britain's most spectacular showcaves, with many activities and exhibitions, and home of the
infamous Witch of Wookey
Bristol city centre shopping
With nearly 500 stores, two separate covered shopping centres, more than 50 cafes and
restaurants, and easy access and parking, Bristol’s city centre offers the biggest and best choice of
shopping in the South West.
Best Bristol theatre, cinema and entertainment
Watershed
Enjoy a lively programme of independent film, digital media and events at this fantastic media
centre in the heart of the Harbourside
The Bristol Hippodrome
One of the country's top provincial theatres, which proudly continues to stage major West End
and Broadway productions

5. Jongleurs Comedy Club
Comedy club in the centre of Bristol. providing food, drink, laughs and dance you can be sure to be
entertained all night
The Tobacco Factory
A popular theatre and café bar in Bedminster, with a programme of touring and in-house
productions, childrens' and music events
Karaoke-Me!
Rock the night away with your friends in your own private, soundproofed, state-of-the-art karaoke
room
Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Britain's oldest working theatre, renowned for excellent repertory programme and host to some
of the best local/national theatre companies
Showcase Cinema De Lux
With 13 screens and 3,000 seats, this cinema offers you an experience that's unrivalled in both size
and luxury
Arnolfini
One of Europe's leading centres for the contemporary arts, with free entrance to the galleries and
an exquisite arts bookstore on site
Nightlife
What can we say about nightlife in Bristol? Well, without a shadow of a doubt it’s the region’s
most happening place, famed for its energy and atmosphere, a beacon for revellers travelling from
across the region. Packed with great theatres, concert venues, cinemas, clubs and pubs, the city
has an unrivalled buzz throughout the year.
The highest concentration of Bristol’s nightlife is to be found in the city centre area, in the Old City,
on Harbourside and along Park Street and Whiteladies Road. A more chilled out vibe can be
enjoyed in Clifton Village and for those in the know, there’s a number of outstanding bars,
restaurants and even one or two of the city’s best live performance venues in the Southville and
Gloucester Road areas.
Although the city is famed for inventing ‘trip hop’, courtesy of iconic bands such as Massive
Attack, Roni Size and Portishead, Bristol is also a hot-bed for diverse musical genres and can boast
some of the best music venues in the country, offering anything from dubstep to jazz, indie rock to
opera.
Just so you know - Bristol is the undisputed ‘clubbing’ capital of the South West, with the
region’s widest selection of party venues. Not your scene? Then enjoy an unrivalled range of
award-winning restaurants and fantastic pubs, from delightful riverside hostelries to traditional
city pubs offering a great selection of locally sourced food and drink.
In 2010, Bristol city centre was awarded Purple Flag status in recognition of the safe, pleasant
quality of its nightime environment.
Live music
Bristol is home to an impressive mix of musical talent and attracts a great number of well-known
musicians from outside the area. From major stadium concerts, rock bands and jazz nights, to
classical performances, solo singers and acoustic entertainment, Bristol has a huge number of live
music venues each boasting an exciting line-up of forthcoming events to entertain you during your
time in the city.
Sport and adventure
If you’re looking for a sporting break in Bristol, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide choice of
sports and adventurous activities to try, such as speed car racing at Castle Combe Circuit or rock

6. climbing in the Avon Gorge. For a more relaxing activity, why not enjoy a boat cruise along Bristol’s
ancient harbour, float above the city in a hot air balloon or join local fans at a football match?
Bailey Balloons
Location: Bristol & Bath
Offering a range of different hot air balloon flights launching from Bristol, Bath and South Wales,
with a glass of champagne on touch down
Drive-Tech Ltd.
Location: Castle Combe
Driving Activity Centre specialising in outdoor go-karting, skid control and 4x4 off-road
experiences. Exhilarating and fun – Go for...
Adventurous Activity Company
Location: Central Bristol
Activity provider offering a range of outdoor activities, like mountain biking, climbing, abseiling,
canoeing and orienteering
Bristol Ice Rink
Location: Central Bristol
Enjoy ice skating with the whole family, book a group session or hire the entire rink and go ice
karting with friends or colleagues
Bowling at The Lanes
Location: Central Bristol
A American-style bowling alley with a difference, this venue also features live music, comedy,
private karaoke and diner food
ACF Hospitality
Location: North Somerset & the Mendips
Racing Minis, 4x4 Range Rovers, Military Vehicles, Honda Pilots, Quad Bikes, Rally Driving,
Shooting, Archery, Teambuilding etc.
Castle Combe Circuit
Location: Castle Combe
Drive a souped-up car or watch a race meeting at one of the UK's fastest racetracks, which has
been in operation for 60 years
Ashton Gate Stadium
Location: Ashton
Home of one of Bristol's two professional football clubs, which is also involved with a wide range
of community activities
Bristol Balloons
Location: Central Bristol
Imagine seeing the historic city of Bristol from a completely different perspective, all with a hot air
balloon ride

7. Bristol City Football Club
Location: Ashton
Professional football club based at Ashton Gate Stadium, which is also involved with a wide range
of community activities
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Location: Keynsham
A great day out for the whole family in a beautiful river-based park, offering a truly all-weather
entertainment centre
Centre for Sport, Exercise & Health - University of Bristol
Location: Central Bristol
A first class indoor health/fitness suite with over 100 pieces of equipment, two studios and 38
different classes
Coombe Dingle Sports Complex (University of Bristol)
Location: Central Bristol
Superb sporting facility, which provides a wide range of outdoor and indoor opportunities for all
the family
Tours
Free MP3 Audio Tours
Discover Bristol at your own pace with our free MP3 audio tours available to download from
this website. Take your pick from The Bristol Quayside Adventure or The Bristol Heritage
Walk, plus many more. Visit our audio tours section to find out more.
Walking and Guided Tours
The Bristol Blitz iPhone app takes you back in time, with an audio tour using archive photos
and film to show you what old Bristol was like before the arrival of the Luftwaffe.
Treasure trails are a unique way to discover the city. Armed with a Treasure Trail booklet,
available from the Tourist Information Centre, you can head out on your own Bristol-based
mission. An ideal way for families with a sense of adventure to explore the city.
Bristol and South West Tour Guides offer groups a wide variety of informative and
entertaining walking and coach tours in Bristol and Bath, The Cotswolds, The Wye Valley and
Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon. Regular guided walks include the Bristol Highlights walk,
Bristol's Historic Wine Merchants, the Clifton Walk and Medieval Bristol.
Bristol Highlights Walk - Discover the harbour, old town and city centre every Saturday from
April - late September. Meet at 11am at the Tourist Information Centre. Other walks
available by arrangement for groups include Clifton, Redcliffe, and the slave trade trail.
Bristol Pirate Walks - Join Pete the Pirate for a 2 hour guided walking tour of Bristol's historic
harbourside. Learn about Bristol's 16th, 17th and 18th century maritime past and its history
of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy. Walks take place at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays
from the black beetle statue in Anchor Square.
Bristol Photography Walks - Join Graham and the popular Bristol 'blue badge' guide Liz
Gamlin for a walk around Bristol, designed to provide a greater understanding of your digital
camera & at the same time you can also learn about Bristol - past & present.
Clifton Suspension Bridge - Enjoy an entertaining guided tour and walk of Brunel's great
Clifton Suspension Bridge. Free guided tours are provided on Sunday afternoons from Easter
to the end of October. Meet/start at 3.00pm at the Clifton toll booth.

8. Arnos Vale Cemetery – A historic cemetery featuring 45 acres of beautiful landscape, which is
home to a diverse range of wildlife as well to the graves of hundreds of famous social
reformers, celebrities, religious pioneers, nautical and military heroes. Guided tours
available.
Vacation England - Personalised small group tours for a maximum of five people, including
day trips to major heritage sites as well as those little-known places off the beaten track.
Tours available throughout Wales and the South West of England.
Haunted and Hidden Bristol - A fun tour around old Bristol and its ghostly buildings every
Friday evening.
View a full schedule of guided walks in Bristol.
Boat and Ferry Tours
Bristol Ferry Boat Tours - Choose from a range of themed cruises and tours along the Avon
Gorge, including Afternoon Cream Teas, Wildlife Experience specials or a special evening
cruise to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge illuminated in all its splendour. River trips last
between 2-4 hours and regular ferries operate throughout the day.
The Bristol Packet Boat Trips - Enjoy a guided cruise around Bristol's harbour, along the river
to Bath or along the Avon Gorge under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Boats depart
from Brunel's ss Great Britain, city centre, Watershed and Welsh Back (near Bristol Bridge).
The Matthew - Enjoy a gentle cruise around Bristol's historic harbour on The Matthew - a
modern recreation of the square rigged caravel in which John Cabot sailed from Bristol to
Newfoundland in 1497. Trips last 1 hour and leave at various times throughout the day.
Booking is essential.
Number Seven Boat Trips - Operating a fleet of four spacious, comfortable boats, this popular
passenger ferry service runs private charter trips around Bristol and along the River Avon. A
fantastic way to explore the city and surrounding countryside.
Avon River Cruises - Take a ride on a luxury cruiser from Bristol harbour in winter and from
Bath to Bristol in the summer. A great venue for any occasion - parties, private charters,
business meetings, family celebrations, weddings and other special events catered for.
Excellent hot or cold food can be prepared by the chef in the on-board kitchen.
Tangaroa - An impressive 82ft long wooden sailing ship, the Tangaroa offers harbour
tours and trips from the centre of Bristol along the Avon Gorge to Portishead, Cardiff,
Cornwall, Devon and France. Try your hand at sailing or simply sit back and enjoy the
atmosphere of a classic tall ship. Trips last from 2 hours to several weeks, with both public
trips and private charters available.
Waverley and Balmoral Cruises - Cruise in style aboard the paddle steamer Waverley or
the motor vessel Balmoral - the last remaining ships of their kind. Both ships are part of the
National Core Collection of Historic Ships, and at over 200ft long, they're perfect for a stroll
along the promenade sun decks, viewing the gleaming engine rooms, or relaxing with
refreshments in the dining saloons and bars.
Bus and Coach Tours
City Sightseeing Open Top Bus - See the sights of Bristol from the famous open top City
Sightseeing Bus, which runs from April to the end of October each year. Hop on and off as
many times as you like, with stops available at key locations throughout the city.
Vacation England - Personalised small group tours for a maximum of five people, including
day trips to major heritage sites as well as those little-known places off the beaten track.
Tours available throughout Wales and the South West of England.
Building Tours

9. Bristol Cathedral Tours - Enjoy a guided tour around the inside of the beautiful cathedral of
Bristol, taking a look at the architecture, history and remarkable contents of this ancient
building. Tours are held most Saturdays from May to October. Special conducted tours are
also available.
Doors Open Day (September) - For one day only, you have the opportunity to see inside
some of Bristol's most important and impressive buildings, many of which are not normally
open to the general public. Some buildings may need to be pre-booked to view - the event is
free of charge.
You can find out more about all guided tours, walks and trips around Bristol and the
surrounding region by contacting the Bristol Tourist Information Centre.
Sightseeing
Bristol has several amazing sights to see during your visit to this magical and historic city. From
engineering masterpieces like the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel’s ss Great Britainto
Bristol’s historic churches and cathedrals. And although the best way to see Bristol is from a hot air
balloon, we also recommend a City Sightseeing tour or Bristol Ferry Boat tour.
Banksy Graffiti Frogmore Street
Bristol's home-grown and anonymous graffiti artist Banksy is known all across the world for his
satirical, anti-establishment and thought-provoking street art. Several pieces remain in various
locations around Bristol, so you can see his amazing work firsthand.
Banksy’s Frogmore Street artwork is actually on the side of a sexual health clinic, with the best
views being had from the small bridge on Park Street that crosses Frogmore Street.
Bristol Pirate Walks
Bristol Pirate Walks are run by Pirate Pete and consist of one-hour guided walking tours of Bristol's
historic Harbourside. The walks cover Bristol's often grizzly 16th, 17th and 18th century maritime
history, including discovery, trade, slavery and piracy.
On the walk, you’ll discover Long John Silver’s treasure chest in the smugglers cave, visit Treasure
Island’s Spy Glass Inn where the press gangs roamed and find Blackbeard’s Lair in the medieval
port.
Walks start at 2.00pm on Saturday and Sunday from outside At-Bristol in Millennium Square and
at any time, by appointment, during the week for parties of six people or more.
Bristol Pirate Walks can be booked at the Tourist Information Centre or via Pirate Pete.
Bristol Cathedral
Bristol’s beautiful and historic Cathedral is located on College Green in the West End of the
city. A church has almost certainly stood on the site for over a thousand years, but it came to
prominence in 1140 when Robert Fitzhardinge founded the Abbey of St Augustine. The Chapter
House and Abbey Gatehouse remain clear to see, and the other remains are to be found within
Bristol Cathedral School.
The eastern end of the Cathedral, especially in the choir, gives Bristol Cathedral a unique place
in the development of British and European architecture. The nave, choir and aisles are all the
same height, making Bristol Cathedral the major example of a hall church in Great Britain and one
of the finest to be found anywhere in the world.
Bristol Cathedral is open to the public from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 7.20am to
5pm on Sundays. Guided tours are available on Saturdays, or as arranged directly through the
Chapter Clerk.

10. City Sightseeing - The Bristol Tour
City Sightseeing’s ‘The Bristol Tour’ offers the best way to see the city of Bristol. On our
distinctive bright red open top buses you can visit many of the city’s best attractions (and shops!)
as well as just sitting back and relaxing while one of our experienced local guides provides you
with an insight into the city’s fascinating history. So hop on board and join us; let us show you our
city!
We’ll take you to Brunel's ss Great Britain, the world's first transatlantic liner, see the
spectacular Avon Gorge and Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge. We can drop you at Bristol Zoo
Gardens, At Bristol and The Bristol Aquarium or show you Clifton Village, the expansive ‘Downs’
and pick you up later, or just stay on board and enjoy the full 1 hour and 15 minute tour and we’ll
return you to the stop where you joined us.
Our popular ‘Hop on, Hop off’ tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase, and
your ticket will also entitle you to discounts with other attractions and eating establishments; a
great way to save money!
Child travelling with a fare paying adult travels free! Free children’s packs are available on the
bus with pens, competitions and prizes inside.
The red open top buses (as well as classic buses) are also available for private-hire. A wide
range of group trips are available; from a selection of guided tours, travel from A to B, weddings
and conference transport. We also tailor-make trips to suit your requirements!
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.
Work actually began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial
difficulties, and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned. Brunel died
aged only 53 in 1859, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial. Designed
in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic, it still meets the demands of 21st century
commuter with 11-12,000 vehicles crossing it every day.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it
the defining symbol of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of
the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond.
What's more, a Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre can be found on the Leigh Woods side
of the Bridge, which opens daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm.