Bristol is the largest city in the southwest of England with plenty to offer the visitor. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has a large student population, thriving arts and media scene and plenty of historic sites. Bristol started out as a small Saxon village. In medieval times it was known as ‘Brigstow’. It’s position at the confluence of the River Frome and the River Avon and its proximity to the sea enabled Brigstow to develop strong trading links and become the thriving city of Bristol that we know today. Bristol was one of Britain’s major transatlantic ports and the place where John Cabot set sail in 1497 and discovered Newfoundland. Cabot Tower, towering 105 feet above the city was built in 1897 to commemorate the voyage.
Maritime trade was very strong, especially for tobacco, sugar, cocoa and slaves. The maritime trade eventually moved to Liverpool, and industry took over as the main business activity for Bristol. Perhaps the most famous Bristolian is the great Victorian engineer, Isambard Kindom Brunel who is responsible for both the world’s first iron steam ship, SS Great Britain, and the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge. The ship completed many journeys across the Atlantic but eventually ran aground in the Falkland Islands. The ship was recovered and restored to its former glory. Known as ‘the liner that shrank the world’ you can now tour her at the Great Western Dock. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is 702ft long and offers amazing views of city beyond and the Avon Gorge which it spans. It offers dramatic scenery both day and night. At night it takes on a different beauty, illuminated against the darkness. It has become the symbol of the city and is well worth a visit.
Overlooking the bridge, hundreds of feet above the river on Durdham Downs, is an observatory with a fascinating camera obscura. The building used to be a windmill known as the Snuff Mill but the machinery inside was destroyed in 1777 after a fire that was caused by the sails turning too fast in high winds. The observatory offers incredible 360degree views around the tower and across the suspension bridgend downs. The obscura itself is a forerunner of the modern camera – a box on top of the building that contains a convex lens and sloping mirror that reflects light down to a white surface in a darkened room, giving a true image of the surrounding area. The village of Clifton itself is the most elegant quarter of the city, and was once a spa resort. It has great views over the river below and boasts the longest Georgian crescent in the country. Bristol has much to offer the visitor and is well worth a trip. Not only will you find a city rich in history but you will also find a vibrant nightlife, thriving arts scene and many great places to eat and drink (including the Michelin star restaurant Casamia). There are many great places to stay in Bristol from budget to plush hotel. Grab yourself a guide to Bristol and make sure this is a city that you visit soon.
