The city of Bristol in the South West of England has long been a popular destination for day trippers and tourists, and an attractive option for young professionals wanting to live and breathe this city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Famous for its long standing heritage as a major port, modern day Bristol is extremely versatile as a travel destination, whether it’s the city’s historical curiosities or enticing mix of shops, bars and restaurants that most catches your eye.
Things to Do in Bristol: City Attractions
As stated previously, the history buff will find plenty to keep himself occupied in Bristol, which expanded rapidly from its port origins in the 11th century to become one of the largest settlements in the UK four centuries later. it was during the onset of the 15th century that Bristol began to develop a global reputation as a hotbed of trade.
The city became the starting point for a number of major trade expeditions as trading links expanded into the Atlantic. As the port rapidly expanded, the city became a centre for smuggling and piracy, a topic that still piques the interest of tourists to the city to this day, many of whom choose to take Pirate Walks or visit the Hole in the Wall pub, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Treasure Island.
Aside from its trading roots, Bristol is known throughout the world for its feats of engineering, predominantly influenced by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Brunel, is one of the city’s most famous sights, which has arguably become the symbol of the city since it first opened in 1864. The engineer’s finest achievement was the Great Western Railway, which for the first time connected London with the South West of England by rail.
For those longing to sample a broader mix of history, the Bristol Museum is a must-visit, famous for housing numerous Egyptian artefacts, and for nature lovers, Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Blue Reef Aquarium often prove popular attractions.
For those looking to enjoy nothing more than a spot of retail therapy, Bristol has a number of major shopping centres and a strong cafe culture. Opened in 2008 adjacent to Broadmead, another popular Bristol shopping district, Cabot Circus is the city’s premier shopping destination, with over 120 shops, 2 department stores and a cinema.
Finally, after a day enjoying the city’s many sights, the evening provides another chance to savour Bristol’s culture, with this city highly-rated for its underground music scene and wild nightlife. Considering all the above, it’s perhaps no surprise that average prices have remained steady when it comes to houses for sale in Bristol, even taking into consideration the challenging economic climate.
