Living in Bristol
Bristol has just about everything. Located in the South west of England just 90 minutes from London and 60 from Cardiff, Birmingham and Exeter, the city is served by an extensive network of motorway routes, train, air and coach services. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is within easy reach of coastal resorts and national parks such as the Cotswolds, Exmoor and the Brecon Beacons.
An exciting city, overflowing with intriguing, traditional and occasionally off the wall things to do and see, its harbourside location lined with attractions, boats, restaurants and museums makes it unforgettable. But what really makes it special is its energy, the mix of historic and new, and, having been designated a European Centre of Culture, the city continues to celebrate in style with a year round calendar of events and festivals.
The selection of restaurants, cafes and bars provides something for every taste and budget, and you’ll enjoy some of the best shopping in Britain, especially with the new Cabot Circus centre opening, which house a range of high street and designer stores. There are also markets and an incredible range of independent shops, galleries, boutiques and antiques.
Sport and Activities
Whether you’re looking to get fit, join a team, support your team, have fun with the kids or just relax – dive in. Bristol has it covered.
Keep up with the professional clubs in Bristol sport or find your own sport – whether to watch or participate. Sports facilities in Bristol are better than ever.
Leisure time is precious so make the most of it. Rock climbing, walking, cycling, an evening at the cinema or even ballooning, there’s plenty to do and some unique experiences to be had.
Bristol is truly an international location for sport. With two football teams and an international standard cricket ground, the city is at the forefront of sport provision within the locality.
Bristol Attractions
There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Bristol and its surrounding areas, and the range of attractions is second to none. If you’re looking for ideas for days out or want to plan your short break, there is something for everyone.
Attractions include many museums, galleries, theatres, historic houses, gardens, architecture, family attractions and much more besides. Award winning attractions include Bristol Zoo Gardens, @ Bristol, British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, and Brunels engineering marvels - the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain.
Bristol Shopping
Bristol’s shopping offers a kaleidoscopic choice that caters for the most eclectic of tastes. With the new opening of Cabot Circus, there is now more choice than ever, as the city continues to grow and evolve into one of the UK's leading shopping and leisure destinations.
Alongside Cabot Circus, there is also the elegant shops of Bristol’s West End, Whiteladies Road and Clifton Village are unmissable for those looking for designer clothes, art and crafts, antiques, jewellery or something out of the ordinary. Bristol’s east side is full of specialist stores selling food, fabrics and crafts of Asian and Caribbean influence.
The Old City’s grand dignified buildings surround the Corn Exchange and St Nicholas Markets, where you’ll find an intriguing choice of stalls and small shops not to mention regular street markets.
In the centre of Bristol, Broadmead and the Galleries boast an enticing range of shops with all the familiar high street names and specialist independent stores. On the outskirts, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is at Junction 17 of the M5. It is an ultra convenient shopping friendly complex with over 160 shops, cafes and restaurants, all under one roof.
Eating Out / Pubs and Bars
Eating Out – Bristol has a huge variety of pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes with something to suit everyone’s taste buds and budgets. Dining out in Bristol offers a wide selection from local specialities to ethnic cuisine, and the city is always highly praised in good food guides.
Pubs and Bars - Traditional pubs lie at the end of cobbled alleys and hidden lanes in the genteel suburb of Clifton. In the country, village pubs serve real ales and ciders in picture perfect settings.
Bristol’s Harbourside pubs and inns are little changed from the days when they were once the haunt of sailors, adventurers and pirates. Alongside these waterfront taverns crowd modern bars and late night venues. Harbourside, Corn Street and Whiteladies Road play host to a late night atmosphere unmatched anywhere else in the West Country.
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