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Bristol Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Bristol

    The settlement of Bristol began in Anglo Saxon times between the rivers Avon and Frome, and was known as Brigstowe – which means settlement by the bridge. The Normans built a castle in the area known as Castle Park, and remains of this can be seen today. Bristol traded with countries all over the world from its port. Merchants began to build houses further away from the docks...Read more area, and this new area became Clifton. In the 19th century Isambard Kingdom Brunel was responsible for designing the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Temple Meads station, both of which still stand today. Read less

  • 2. Now in Bristol

    The old dock area has been redeveloped into Bristol Harbourside with museums, galleries, arts centres, shops, wine bars, pubs and restaurants. A lot of the old architecture still remains in Bristol, sitting alongside modern buildings and shopping centres. The Harbourside area of the city now houses the Arnolfini arts centre and the Watershed media centre. Bristol University ens...Read moreures the student scene is a big part of the city’s identity. Read less

  • 3. Events in Bristol

    Pride Bristol is the festival for the gay community in Bristol and runs for a week in the summer with music, comedy, book, film, theatre and sport. Bristol VegFest UK takes place in the city every year and aims to promote a vegan and eco-friendly way of life. The three-day event includes live music and entertainment. The Upfest festival is held in Bristol every year and is a ce...Read morelebration of urban painting and the graffiti culture. This event runs for two days. We, The People Festival is a live music event that took place in the Bristol Harbour area of the city. The event lasts for two days. The Bristol Shakespeare Festival is held every July with open-air and indoor performances. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Bristol

    Bristol Zoo Gardens has 400 species of animal, including exotic and endangered animals. The zoo also offers an adventure play area, a water play area, animal talks and more. Brunel’s ss Great Britain sits in the city’s Harbourside and allows visitors to peek back in time as they climb aboard and find out what life was like for the Victorian passengers. Bristol Museum and Ar...Read moret Gallery has three floors of exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to hands-on discovery areas. At-Bristol is an interactive science centre based in Millennium Square. It also features a planetarium. Bristol Aquarium includes a ‘walk-in’ seahorse display, a coral seas display and a life-size recreation of a sunken ship. It also boasts an IMAX cinema. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Bristol

    There is plenty of sightseeing to be done in Bristol. Churches, cathedrals and the Clifton Suspension Bridge are among the many historic sites to visit. Tourists can check out some of the artwork of the city’s famous graffiti artist Banksy as they walk around Bristol. Open top bus tours, ghost tours and hot air balloon rides are other ways to see the city of Bristol. The Bris...Read moretol Pirate Walks are popular. Read less

  • 6. Business in Bristol

    The aerospace industry has always been a big part of business in Bristol, and it still is today. The Bristol Aeroplane Company was founded in the city in 1910 and Concorde was built in Bristol in the 1960s. It is a popular relocation spot for business and investment, and regeneration of the waterfront areas is still ongoing. There are two main indoor shopping centres in the cit...Read morey centre and the outdoor streets are packed with the usual mix of designer, high street and independent names. There are more than 50 cafes and restaurants in the city centre. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Bristol

    Bristol Airport has flights to cities in the UK and all over the world. Bristol Temple Meads train station has direct links to London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham. The M4 and M5 motorways serve Bristol, giving easy access by road.

  • 8. Entertainment in Bristol

    Bristol Old Vic Theatre is Britain’s oldest working theatre and stages classics, new works and shows for families. The Watershed media centre shows film, digital media and events as well as live music and themed events. The Tobacco Factory is a studio theatre that shows a variety of performances. The Bristol Hippodrome is the venue to see West End and Broadway productions in ...Read morethe city. Live music venues include Ashton Gate Football Stadium, St George’s Bristol, the Victoria Rooms, Colston Hall Bristol and Arnolfini. Big screens in Millennium Square show free performances of opera and ballet during the summer Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Bristol

    Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge and is a Grade I listed structure. The Severn Bridges sit in the Avonmouth area of Bristol. There is a visitor centre at the site.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Bristol

    Famous pirate Blackbeard is said to have come from Bristol.

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  • Plan designer honoured

    A plaque that celebrates the achievements of aircraft designer Captain Frank Barnwell has been unveiled at his former home. Captain Barnwell is famous for the aircraft that he designed including the Bristol Scout, the Bristol Fighter, Bristol...

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  • Plenty to cheer about with trophy success

    A Mangotsfield cheerleading squad is celebrating after winning nine prizes at the  British Cheerleading Association’s Midland Classics competition. The Phoenix Allstars won a host of awards but were most pleased about the award that they won for...

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  • Music Festival a thank you for friends

    A group of charitable musicians are organizing 24 hours of live music to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Sadie Fleming, Rebecca Cullen and Lindsay Bullamore planned the event after their friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age...

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  • Semi-finals success for magnificent seven

    A group of talented local performers have made it to the semi-finals of Bristol’s annual Search for a Star contest. The seven semi-finalists are: Sophie Hayes, Mitchell Hodges, Corey Rumble, Tracey Jones, Brian Dimery, Jake and Beckie Leigh and Martin Williamson....

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