Four years ago I had the opportunity to visit Bristol, in April. I was accepted for an engineering school at Bristol University which ended with a conference held at the MShed museum😉.
For my first visit to UK, I admit that I would have preferred to go to London cause I didn’t know much about Bristol, beside the fact that is located in the southwest England, so I started reading and I found a wonderful place full of history.
I left my country prepared for an unfriendly whether, but I was surprised to find a nice atmosphere for the end of April, with short rains, partly cloudy skies but comfortable temperatures.
Hmmm I don’t really know what to put at the top of the list because I fell in love with this city. There isn’t just one great thing about Bristol, there are lots and lots…starting with the cultural hub, the 19th-century Harbour side crowded with restaurants, shops and cultural institutions such as contemporary gallery the Arnolfini and MShed museum, continuing with the docks, the SS Great Britain (the ship designed by Isambard for the Kingdom Brunel and rescued from the Falklands Islands in the 1970s) and finishing with the Bristol University and the greatest shopping area. Also there is a steam train you can go on but you can simply walk around and admire the boats or do some window shopping.
I spent four days in Bristol and it was lovely..peaceful, clean…a great atmosphere..I loved it and enjoyed all morning walks along the dockside from the hotel to the MShed or to the Bristol University.
A few main attractions that should not be missed and some information you’ll find below:
Bristol Cathedral
“Bristol Cathedral, located near the Bristol library and town council building, dates from 1140 and was originally an abbey, dissolved in 1539, it might have been demolished like many others but it became one of Henry VIII’s new cathedrals because of Bristol’s importance as a port.” Now the cathedral is used for many musical and community events. The cathedral inside is magnificent, with stained glass and long wooden pews. No doubt, the place is one of the best form of spiritual and historical mix you can ever wish, taking into consideration for the architectural design and construction.
Wills Memorial Building tower
I climbed the Wills Memorial Building tower to see Great George, the University’s impressive cast iron bell and the spectacular views of the city and local environs. While the details about the university’s history and famous alumni is interesting, this is most worthwhile if you bring your camera on a sunny day to get those fabulous shots. This magnificent building celebrates Bristol University and its place in the city of Bristol. Located next to the art gallery and museum (to which there was once a connecting door), only the entrance hall is accessible by visitors during the working week, but there are guided tours available which are worthwhile. The building reminds us of the historic importance of the relationship between the university and the city, which is as important today as it ever was. The building is impressive even just to look at, but it is even more fascinating when you go inside and full of history and beautiful architecture, in particular the entrance hall and the Great Hall, where graduation ceremonies are held for UB graduates. This is one of Bristol’s definite must-sees!
MShed
M Shed is a quite modern museum with a great overview of the people and history of Bristol, that helped me to learn more about Bristol. There you can find something for all the ages and it seemed quite popular with many families looking for kids’ activities in a rainy day. The entry is free, they suggest a donation to keep it going of course but there is also a little shop…
From the M-Shed I got some great views…
Love Cabot circus
Great atmosphere, great shops, great views, great restaurants and has crazy golf what more could you ask for. I spent a lot of time here, after my engineering school. All the usual shops, plus a large showcase cinema and a very good variety of restaurants I found there. Everything you need from a shopping centre! This was actually the place where I spent most of my time after my clases. Near the Cabot Circus I found T.J Maxx store…from the Marmaxx Group…which became my favorite outlet store…
Bristol aquarium
Bristol aquarium is great for little trip out. I went with a colleague as we didn’t want to spend the whole day shopping we were in there longer than we thought we would be. Lots of different fish, sharks etc to see. If you want something to get you out of the rain this is the place to go.
College Green
College Green is surrounded by wonderful buildings, Bristol Cathedral, the Council House and just a short walk from St Augustine’s Parade and the foothills of Park Street with its great shops and it is very close to Bristol Centre and the harbourside. People sit on the green grass at lunchtime and soak up the sun or just enjoy the peaceful ambiance!
Bristol nightlife is legendary…
It’s a tight music scene. Luckily, Bristol is home to a huge range of nightlife, and whether you’re a Jungle junkie, an acid house hipster, or a chart-fan, you needn’t look far for your favourite fix.
There are also a lot of major DJs who live here and who are pioneers of certain styles. You could easily go to a club night and see someone you’ve admired for a long time DJing in a really small venue.
Bristol is a place for everybody! Don’t miss it!
