Although not a well-known tourist destination, Bristol – the largest city in southwest England – is well worth a visit. There are the showpiece attractions of the SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Georgian House, Bristol Cathedral and St. Mary Redcliffe. Also, there are many shopping opportunities at The Galleries, Cabot Circus and the more eccentric St. Nicholas Market. Then, there are the downright quirky Spike Island and Arnolfini art galleries, the Folk House and Circomedia.
Depending on your time, start your visit with an open-top bus tour around the city. It may be a bit naff and your passengers may be anything from slightly dotty old-age pensioners to very loud North Americans, but it is a great way to get orientated quickly.
Next head for the top end of the Watershed for the Heritage Trail. Don’t panic , it is only a three-mile walk and will take no more than two hours. Maps and guide leaflets are available from the Tourist Information center quite close to the Watershed. It is a great way to see the city and you can amuse yourself by trying to find all the conveniently placed numbered plaques on the pavement, but note that one is missing!
Highlights of the circular walk are: the Arnolfini Gallery – full of modern art; Queen square – the scene of the reform riots in the 1830s; St Nicholas Market; Corn Street – “pay on the nail”; St John’s Gate – the city's sole surviving medieval gateway; Christmas Steps – virtually unchanged since 1670; The Red Lodge; The City Museum next to the University Tower – both iconic buildings and worth going inside; Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill – has a panoramic view across the City from the top; College Green and the Cathedral; ending back at the Watershed.
If you managed all that without too many stops for tea, coffee and cakes, reward yourself by visiting the Watershed Café. The Nachos Grande with extra chilli and jalapeños has been enjoyed by several generations of Ravenscrofts – and you have to try the hot chocolate with extra flake. Don’t worry about the diet – you have walked three miles.
If you still have time, walk or take a ferry along the waterfront to the SS Great Britain. It is everything you would expect from an engineering genius such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Whilst you are there inquire if there are any river trips planned during your stay. By far the best is the evening supper trip under the Suspension Bridge – what could be more romantic than fish & chips, the sunset and that bridge!
So much for culture. Now, for the essentials – where to eat – head for Clifton Village for a wide range of Italians, Indians, French, Thai, Chinese food and – of course – fish and chips. For good value cheap options, try Bauhinia (Thai) or Pizza Provencal (Italian) or any of the local pubs. Other restaurants are to be found at the top of Park Street and on the Triangle – La Tasca offers an all-you-can-eat tapas buffet for £10 per head – the record is 42 dishes set by the Ravenscroft family.
Whilst nightlife is not my area of expertise, I am told by my hipper, younger friends that the Academy, Evolution and the Thekla are all worth a visit – for the older generation, try Tantric Jazz or the Prom – both are a strange mix of old, young and play anything from jazz and blues to garage – whatever that is!
Whatever you choose to do, you will enjoy it. If not, Bath is only a 20-minute train ride away, but that is another story.