Scotland

It has been a while since I posted a blog here as I have been busy working on a new travel related site which covers the whole of the United Kingdom and focuses on providing the most comprehensive bed and breakfast accommodation listings on the Internet (well that is the aim). Today I took a look at the town of Bristol which I have not visited since my mid teens. I remember it clearly as a gorilla escaped from the amazing Bristol Zoo while I was staying with family. These days I have no family there so I will have to stay in Bristol bed & breakfast so finding the cheapest available has been my main aim. In the blog below I introduce the  reader to the wonderful city of Bristol, a great place for a family vacation but also highly suitable for a wild weekend break:

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

The city of Bristol has a rich and varied history, making it an ideal city to visit. At one time Bristol was amongst the top three medieval towns after London. The city was also one of the most important trading ports in England, and during the 1300’s handled most of England’s trade with Ireland. In 1373 Bristol became a county in it’s own right, and it was during this time that the city became a hub of shipbuilding and manufacturing. It is Bristol’s rich cultural history that makes it one of the most exciting cities in England today.

Bristol has a very diverse arts scene, and has bred some very talented and famous artists throughout the years. Did you know that Wallace & Grommit started their life in Bristol, and that Cary Grant also hailed from Bristol. Banksy also created his most famous works of art in Bristol. The City Museum & Art Gallery is a free attraction worth visiting, and contains precious works of art, natural history, ancient artefacts, archaeology and a continually changing range of exhibitions and events. For a truly unique arts centre experience then visit Spike Island. This centre concentrates on the production and exhibition of the contemporary visual arts, which incorporates many aspects from painting and printmaking to multimedia and moving images. If you prefer a more traditional art gallery, then The Royal West of England Academy would be ideal. It was Bristol’s first art gallery and has over 1200 works of art dating from the 19th century to the present day.

There are plenty of tourist attractions for youngsters in Bristol too. Why not visit Bristol Zoo Gardens which houses over 450 different species of animals. The zoo is also helping in the conservation of mammals, amphibians, and insects from all over the world. If horses are your favorite animal then a trip to Horseworld would be ideal. At horseworld you can meet rescued ponies, donkeys and horses, and also take part in hands-on feeding. Another two attractions of interest in this genre are Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm and Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park. Both of which provide everything you will need for a great family day out.

Bristol can boast about the fact that it is the UK’s first Cycling City. There are fantastic facilities and cycling routes all over the city, which are for the use of locals and visitors. Bristol is also one of the few cities that can claim a Fair Trade Status in the UK, and is also a tribute to green living and sustainability, due to its support of local food producers and growers over a long period of time.

Travelling to and from Bristol should not pose any problems as it has wonderful rail, road and air links. Bristol is located 105 miles west of London, and 44 miles east of Cardiff. Within a short travelling distance of this vibrant city one can find the peaceful towns, villages, and rolling green hills of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and North Somerset countryside.

If you are looking for accommodation in Bristol then we hope you will find the following sites useful:

Bed & Breakfast in Bristol – http://www.bedandbreakfastdir.co.uk/uk/bristol.php 

Hotels in Bristol – http://bristol.hotelreservationhelper.com/

Apartments in Bristol – http://www.bedandbreakfastdir.co.uk/uk/bristol_apartments.php