Online Information for Backpackers about BRISTOL!

Bristol is a distinctive English city. It is a former seaport that was the setting for the start of Robert Louis Stephenson’s ‘Treasure Island’. Today you can move from the busy city centre into countryside within 15 minutes. The sea isn't that far away either! Variety in scenery is matched by the multitude of things to do. Bristol really comes to life in spring and summer time giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights and architecture.

Start your day with a coffee at the waterfront, a friendly place with plenty of boats for you to admire. Follow this with a trip to Cathedral Square and see the most famous hall cathedral in Europe. Make your way up Park Street, a young, trendy area, with lots of little shops and restaurants.

At night the city comes alive. Live music is in abundance as well as a diverse mix of clubs and pubs. This classy city caters for all weathers and moods, with so many things to do. The only problem is making sure you have enough time to take it all in!

by Elspeth Dransfield

DON'T MISS :

Explore-At­Bristol • Bristol Cathedral • SS Great Britain

The Georgian House • Arnolfini • Watershed • St Nicholas Market

Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery • Clifton Suspension Bridge

camera obscura

To see some of the best views of Bristol head to Clifton Downs. Here you can climb up the old ‘Snuff Mill’, a building which was originally an old windmill. Partially destroyed by a fire caused by the excessive turning of the windmill’s sails during a gale, the building was converted into an observatory in 1829. Now home to the only camera obscura open to the public in England. The observatory allows for some spectacular views out across Brunel’s Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge.

After taking in the sights, why not take a stroll into Clifton Village? This quaint area of Bristol has a genuine village feel with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It's home to some high class boutiques for if you're feeling flush as well as fantastic charity shops for snapping up bargains.

There are a number of quirky cafés and true British style pubs. You cannot fail to spend a lovely afternoon pottering around ‘The Village’.

by Elspeth Dransfield

sightseeing tour

A great way to explore Bristol is from a city sightseeing open-top bus! A 24 hour hop-on/hop-off tour ticket takes you through all major historical sites of Bristol. Save your legs from the many hills by taking this more leisurely form of transport.

From your unique bus-top perch, you can see the renaissance of the city today as well as hearing the fascinating history of this city. There is no better way to pick out which of Bristol's various attractions you might wish to discover in more depth!

the explore at bristol experience

Explore-At-Bristol.... an amazing world of hands-on discovery.

Science is brought to life in Explore, a 21st century science centre combining hands-on exhibits with special exhibitions, presenter-led shows and events, and daily star shows in the iconic Planetarium.

New for 2008 is Inside DNA, an exciting new exhibition all about you ­ your health, your identity and your evolution. It is a unique interactive exhibition investigating developments in the fast-moving field of human genomics, and the ethical issues that they raise. Man or monkey? Girl or boy? A little DNA can make a big difference.

LoveSport, an interactive investigation into the science of sport, is also now open. Challenge your body and mind, and find out what it takes to be a record-breaking competitor.

These special exhibitions are in addition to over 170 permanent interactive exhibits, exciting live shows, exclusive ‘meet the expert’ events, and the immersive experience of the Planetarium, where you can sit back under a domed screen and take a trip to the stars with our seasonal night sky shows.

Explore-At-Bristol ­ truly one of the UK’s most exciting hands-on science centres!

Inside DNA was developed by At-Bristol on behalf of Ecsite-uk, with funding from the Wellcome Trust and support from the Sanger Institute.

Discounts available for students with proof of ID.

FESTIVAL GALORE

Venn Festival: 5th-8th June - Four days of music, art and creativity taking place at various venues around the city.

Bristol Festival of Nature: 7th-8th June - Celebration of the natural world with talks, shows, music, food and fun.

Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride: 22nd June - Starting from Millennium Square and ending in Southville. There is a choice of five routes ranging from 9 to 38 miles.

Saint Pauls Carnival: 5th July - A parade of colourful costumes and floats around the St Pauls area.

EDF Energy Bristol Harbour Festival: 1st-3rd August - Music and dance, street theatre and water displays all down at Bristol's docks.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta: 7th-10th August - Bristol’s popular balloon fiesta celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Let's hope the sun shines!

THE CAFE CULTURE

Bristol's café culture is booming! Coffee drinking and people-watching are fast becoming a national pastime and there are now an array of funky cafes to choose from. They all serve tasty food and offer interesting environs! The hard part is picking which one to pay a visit. Venture to the outskirts of Bristol as well as sticking to the city centre. The following all come highly recommended.

The Folk House, City Centre

Mud Dock Café, City Centre

Boston Tea Party, City Centre

Primrose Cafe, Clifton Village

Blue Juice, Cotham

Café Kino, Stokes Croft

The Bristolian, Montpelier

La Ruca, Gloucester Road

Café Delight, Gloucester Road

The Thali Café, Easton

St Werburghs City Farm, St Werburghs

The Better Food Company, St Werburghs