Bristol Attractions and Entertainment

You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions in Bristol, whatever your passion, Bristol has plenty to satisfy – from the works of Isambard Kindom Brunel, such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge or ss Great Britain, to the arts of the Arnolfini Art Centre or Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery to the a show at the glorious Bristol Royal Theatre or maybe even a shopping spree at one of Bristol’s many shopping centres – there really is so much to do, you’d only better hope you have enough time!

1. Bristol Museums
2. Bristol Entertainment and Arts
3. Bristol Historic Building and Monuments
4. Bristol Attractions and Activities for the kids
5. Attractions in the Bristol Area
6. Bristol Shopping

Bristol Museums

Bristol has an impressive selection of Museums, from the City Museum and Art Gallery, with its many fine artifacts to The Exploratory with its hands on introduction to the sciences; there really is something to suit everyone.

• The Exploratory:
  A hands-on Science Centre giving visitors the chance to conduct some of the 150 experiments themselves. Housed in Bristol Old Station this museum is fun and interesting for everyone.
• City Museum and Art Gallery:
  located on Park Street in west Bristol, this site is houses in a spectacular 19th century building. A must see if you are interested in the history of Bristol.
• Clifton Observatory:
  over the Clifton Suspension Bridge at Durdham Downs is the Clifton Observatory with a Camera Obscura giving spectacular views of the city.
• Maritime Heritage Centre:
  located on the quayside of the Great Western Dock next to ss Great Britain is where you can find all of Bristol’s maritime history.
  
  
• SS Great Britain: *Must-See Attraction*
  Brunel’s SS Great Britain is the world’s first ocean liner and the first large ship to be built of iron and driven by a propeller, influencing the design of all modern shipping.
  
  Starting life as a high-speed transatlantic passenger liner, she carried thousands of emigrants to Australia and troops to the Crimean War, before becoming a store ship in the Falklands. She was salvaged and returned ‘home’ to Bristol in 1970.
  
  The ss Great Britain Trust, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is undertaking a mammoth programme to conserve and interpret the ship, from the first-class dining saloon and newly gilded stern, to a state-of-the-art horizontal glass ‘sea’ that will protect her from future deterioration.
  
  Come and see the exciting work in progress and learn what life was like for her passengers and crew in the Maritime Heritage Centre!
  
  Log on to www.ss-great-britain.com for information on events and activities.
  
  
• Blaise Castle House Museum:
  located at Henbury, this is a Georgian mansion containing displays of everyday life in Bristol.
• The Red Lodge:
  located at Park Row, this building was originally a Tudor house, and contains countless fascinating artifacts and fine oak-paneled rooms.
• Bristol Industrial Museum:
  located at Prince’s Warfe, this museum contains transport, maritime and slavery galleries.
• The Georgian House:
  found in Great George Street this was a West Indian merchant's house of 1791 and is furnished in the style of the period.

Bristol Entertainment and Arts

As well an impressive selection of private galleries where art can be viewed and bought and the Famous Royal Theatre where you may wish to “take in a show” Bristol’s strength lies in its nightlife with its relaxed atmosphere and fabulous music – why not go to a live gig and experience the “Bristol Sound” first hand.

• The Arnolfini Arts Centre:
  located on the banks of the Floating Harbour, the Arnolfini is housed in a Victorian warehouse and has great examples of contemporary art with a great reputation for art, photography, sculpture, music dance and film.
• City Museum and Art Gallery:
  located on Park Street in west Bristol, this site is houses in a spectacular 19th century building. The gallery exhibits a collection of fine art and also the biggest collection of Chinese glass outside China.
• Theatre Royal:
  this Grade I listed building Scheduled Ancient Monument was first opened in the 1760’s and has since played host to names such as Peter O’Toole and David Garrick and is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sarah Siddons to this day.

Bristol Historic Building and Monuments

• Bristol Cathedral:
  located on College Green, Bristol Cathedral dates from the 12th century. The Cathedral has a spectacular interior which has undergone restoration to recondition it to its original splendor.
• Clifton Suspension Bridge:
  built in 1864, by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Bristol’s most famous landmark spans the Avon Gorge and sits approximately 250ft above the river’s high water level.
• John Wesley Chapel:
  located off Horse Fair, this was the world’s first Methodist chapel where John Wesley himself preached during the 1930’s.

Bristol Attractions and Activities for the kids

Fabulous country and coastal views can be enjoyed just a little out of Bristol City Centre – what better way to enjoy an afternoon than a leisurely walk or pick nick – or perhaps even a visit to the zoo!

• Bristol Zoo:
  set in 12 acres of landscaped garden the nationally renowned Bristol Zoo at Clifton houses over 1000 species of animal – a must see for children.

Attractions in the Bristol Area

• Lundy Island:
  this island is only ¾ mile by ¼ mile and is situated in the Bristol Channel. A great day out for wildlife spotting.
• Grand Pier:
  A great fun family day out at Weston-Super-Mare.

Shopping

• Cribbs Causeway Regional Shopping Centre
  The Mall, Patchway, Bristol
• Yate Town Shopping Centre
  43 North Walk, Yate, Bristol
• Broad Walk
  Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Brsitol
• Whiteladies Road
  Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Bristol
• The Galleries Shopping Centre
  Union Gallery, Broadmead, Bristol