Bristol sights and sounds
We aren’t talking about Bristol Palin and neither are we talking about the other 34 places on Earth named Bristol. We’re talking about Bristol in England. There’s something about England that appeal to the majority of the population here on earth. England, London and the British Monarchy have been mentioned, used and portrayed in many, many ways through popular culture and much of Britain has been seen through the lenses of a camera, TV and even movies by people in Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro and practically everywhere people have access to communication means. Every city in England has its very own appeal and attraction and you have to be living in these cities to truly experience the culture uniqueness of it. Though that, a taste of life in these places can be experienced by short visits such as to Cambridge, Leeds, Bristol Salisbury and Manchester.
Bristol must be on your agenda
Bristol is one city that is a must-visit to anyone touring England. The city needs no expansive introductory to the outside world as the city ranks seventh as UK’s most popular destination for foreign tourists, with over nine million visitors annually. This shows that Bristol is indeed on the ‘must-visit’ list of foreigners.
Bristol is known for certain exclusive things: the thriving British Aerospace industry and the Rolls Royce. If you are a fan of the Rolls Royce, then visiting its city of birth is a must, even if you don’t own a Rolls Royce. The city of Bristol is the largest and most dynamic city in the South West of England and is home to about half a million of people compromising a colourful ethnicity from whites, blacks, Asian and other mixed races. Synonymous with luxury and prosperity, Bristol sits between Somerset and Gloucestershire with Avon and Frome as its rivers providing its population with scenic views, picturesque settings and interesting flora and fauna. A trip down to Brandon Hill Park climbing the 105-foot Cabot Tower will give visitors a truly breathtaking panoramic view. Cabot Tower was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to America.
The history of Bristol
Before all that, Bristol is a seafaring town that once was home to Port of Bristol, a thriving maritime port with rich history in shipbuilding. This city with the largest culture, employment and education in the South West region, Bristol was second after London for at least half a millennium ever since the 13th century. This city’s glory as a famous port was expertly chronicled by the Maritime Heritage Center. When Bristol is mentioned, the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Ship are associated to the city as both these attractions are designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a local legend of the city. Other must visit places in Bristol include Berkely Castle, Clevedon beach, Dyrham Park and the ever popular Weston-Super-Mare resort.
Music, film and culture in Bristol
There is more to Bristol than just cars and ships as the city also boasts a strong presence in the world of music and film. In 2008, Bristol was named as the European Capital of Culture with organizations such as the Bristol Old Vic and the Theatre Royal founded in 1946 and 1766 respectively. The Theatre Royal is the oldest and continuously operating theatre in England and is a grade I listed building. Apart from these two famous landmarks in arts and culture, Bristol is also home to the Bristol Hippodrome which is a large theatre that can seat up to 1981 seats and is host to national touring productions. Of course, Bristol also has numerous other theatres that has become the training ground and the raison d’être of its naming as the Capital of European culture from the Tobacco Factory, QEH, Redgrave Theatre as well as the Show of Strength Theatre Company.
Eating and drinking in Bristol
So during the day you tour the city. Apart from the many place of interest to visit, the restaurants that Bristol houses is also a must go if you want to taste the cuisine of this rich city. Yes Bristol has its usual scene of chain restaurants and fast food franchises but as someone new to the city; branch out your horizons to sample the locally owned restaurants that offer a wide variety of comfort food, international flavours as well as upscale dining rooms.
For pubs, check out the Slug and Lettuce that is popular among the city’s young as it personifies modernity. The airy city wine bar has food with a twist such as organic sausages with potatoes and leeks. Want to dine overlooking the harbour? Then head over to The Cottage Inn and sit outside the patio, watch harbour ships go by while feasting on fish, steak and traditional stout pie and washing it all down with good old original beer. The Boston Tea Party gives you a more fashionable dining experience as you can sample some freshly brewed original gourmet coffee. At the Boston Tea Party, fresh is the main goal here as they serve coffees, teas, and delicious roast cod with pasta and chilli sauce that is all fresh and aromatic to the senses.
Bristol nightlife
For a city with half a million people, you’d think there was no nightlife? Bristol offers locals and tourists alike a wide range of clubs and pubs with a variety of styles, music and concepts. Fancy live music? Then head over to Fiddles Club for your dose of live music presented to you by Fiddlers’ regular musicians as well as groups from all England and all around the world. This is the place to go to rest your weary feet after hours of touring the sights and sounds of Bristol. Fiddlers Club is known for its laid back ambiance – combined with their good drink selection and good music, it’s a good place to mingle with the folk in Bristol.
Bristol has quite quirky names for their clubs and bars such as Fleece and Firkin, Bristol Bierkeller and Lakota. Lakota is one of Bristol’s hottest and most popular dance clubs that normally has famous DJs playing a blend of the eclectic, modern and funky sounds that get the crowd cheering as the night goes on. Bristol Bierkeller on the other hand is in a class of its own. Apart from live DJs spinning the hottest hits in town, Bierkeller also attracts crowd by staging comedy acts and live bands. It is a combination of live and fun entertainment that makes your Saturday nights always fun.
So when in England, drop by in Bristol to experiences the city’s culture, its people and the lifestyle as Bristol is one place that needs your involvement to have fun!