Car Hire Bristol - Mini guide to Bristol
Bristol has become one of Britain’s most happening city’s, with a lively university atmosphere and revived town centre. This city, which one played an important role in the industrial revolution, sits on the Avon river and is a good spring board for visiting Bath, the Costwolds, Western English coast and the lovely rolling downs of Somerset.
The awe-inspiring Clifton suspension bridge exemplifies the engineering spirit of both the city an its designer, the great I.K. Brunel. It is one of the most striking icons in this part of the UK and the visitors centre describes the fascinating story of Brunel and the bridge. Also on site is the SS Great Britain – the world’ first great ocean liner.
Bristol can easily be explored on foot, particluarly along the Avon river. Dotted across the city are excellent examples of creative designs from past generations. These include the Bristol Byzantine decoration on the dockside buildings and the sweeping Georgian crescents and squares of Clifton, as well as John Wesley's New Rooms (the world's oldest Methodist chapel), the magnificent Bristol Cathedral (dating from 1140) and St Mary Redcliffe Church – one of England’s best examples of medieval architecture.
The city also has an abundance of excellent museums, including: the City Museum and Art Gallery, the British Empire and Commonwealth museum and Bristol Industrial museum. The excellent At-Bristol exhibition charts the city’s contribution to the industrial revolution and engineering over the past two centuries.
Some lovely nearby attractions include: the peaceful Chew Valley, the quaint seaside town of Portishead and Victorian town of Clevedon, as well as the beautiful city of Bath and lovely Somerset countryside.
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The major suburbs in Bristol are: Brislington, Clifton, Fishponds, Horfield, Kingswood, Knowle, Leigh Woods, Long Ashton, Stapleton and Westbury on Trym.
