Bristol youth guide
About Bristol
In size and vivacity, Bristol is unmatched in southwest England. It offers an urban thrill unrivalled elsewhere in the region – sometimes unfairly overshadowed by nearby Bath, so make sure you don’t miss it on your way south. Bristol is best-known for its naval heritage, wonderfully preserved for visitors today.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain and John Cabot’s ship the Matthew are two examples of the city’s living history. With a range of excellent museums, galleries and modern attractions, there’s plenty to do during the day, but it’s the buzz after sundown that really kicks.
Bristol is an artistic incubator that’s spawned musical trendsetters such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky, Nellee Hooper, Roni Size and Kosheen, and animated heroes Wallace and Grommit (assisted by plasticine maestro Nick Parks). There are loads of bars, clubs, cinemas and restaurants in which to fuel that midnight oil-burning.
Contact Bristol Tourist Information Centre (www.visitbristol.co.uk/) for more information or visit our Bristol city guide.
Seeing
Must Do
Bristol’s Millennium Square plays host to @Bristol, a complex of interactive museums and an IMAX big-screen cinema.
Another new museum, the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum (www.empiremuseum.co.uk/) tells the story of 500 years of British exploration in a series of permanent displays and special exhibitions.
Off The Beaten Track
On Durdham Downs, overlooking the bridge, a rather tatty observatory houses a fascinating camera obscura which offers some incredible views of the suspension bridge – and an illuminating insight into what folks did for entertainment in the days before television.
Idyllic England does exist and you can visit. Blaise Hamlet, a cluster of thatched cottages designed for estate servants in 1811 by John Nash, with its neatly kept green and flower-filled gardens, is everyone’s fantasy of a ‘medieval’ English village. Take Bus No 43 (45 minutes) from the city centre.
Insider Tips
The much-photographed 75m-high Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Brunel, spans a dramatic stretch of the Avon Gorge and is both elegant and intriguing, with elements seemingly inspired by ancient Egyptian structures. Those in the know head to the terrace bar of the Avon Gorge Hotel for the best view of the Bridge over a pint or two.
Eating
Head down to the waterfront area for a picnic or the pick of the city’s eating options.
St Nicholas Market (Mon-Sat)
Behind St Nicholas St you can feast on cheap, quick grub such as bangers and beans, jacket spuds and toasties for less than £3, or pick up tasty olive bread and cheese for a picnic.
Rocatillos
Cool café-diner, perfect for hangover-cure breakfasts, burgers and Tex-Mex staples. + 44 117 929 7207; 1 Queen’s Row.
Mud Dock
Over a bike shop, Mud Dock serves ciabatta and meze in a converted warehouse with a balcony terrace overlooking the wharf. (+ 44 117 934 9734; 40 The Grove).
Nightlife
The fortnightly listings magazine Venue (www.venue.co.uk) gives the lowdown on what's on in Bristol and Bath.
Old Fish Market
Excellent draught ales and a wonderful mural depicting the fish market. For the peckish, there’s a renowned range of pies. Tel: +44 117 921 1515; 61 Baldwin Street.
Thekla
House and drum‘n’bass dominate the main floor of this trawler moored next to Riverstation. Tel: +44 117 929 3301; The Grove.
Lakota
Long-time Bristol favourite, just off Stokes Croft, dishes up house with acid inclinations. Tel: +44 117 942 6208; 6 Upper York Street.
Sleeping
Accommodation in Bristol can be a bit pricey though there are two large, well-appointed hostels.
Bristol Backpackers
An excellent place in the old city. Rates include free tea and coffee and there’s cheap Internet access, a bar and discounts on many attractions. Tel: +44 117 925 7900; 17 St Stephen's Street.
Bristol YHA Hostel
A converted warehouse across the harbour from the happening Waterfront nightlife area and close to all attractions. Tel: 0870 770 5726 UK only; Hayman House, 14 Narrow Quay.