Bristol is easy to explore with its compact and vibrant city centre, attracting visitors for its world class live music, sport, culture, heritage and food and drink scene.
The Bristol Tourist Information Centre is situated near to the workshop venue and is open:
Monday - Sunday, 11.00-16.00
Highlights include:
SS Great Britain Museum – Our dinner venue, the SS Great Britain was rescued from rust and wreckage in 1970, and since lovingly restored to her Victorian hey-day. As well as the ship which you will be able to access during the dinner there is also the Museum which explores the history of the ship since its launch in 1843.
Art and Sculpture - It’s hard to miss the rich variety of artistic and creative talent at play throughout Bristol. With art galleries and museums ready to explore, the city also boasts an ever-changing programme of exhibitions focusing on fashion, animation, design, aviation, photography and dance to name a few.
Shopping - In the city centre,Bristol Shopping Quarter is home to Cabot Circus, Quakers Friars, The Galleries, Broadmead and St James Arcade, which together have over 500 stores. With two covered shopping centres, easy access and plenty of parking, Bristol's city centre is where you will find your favourite high street names and big brand fashions as well as over 80 unique independent stores, plus the South West's only Harvey Nichols and many cafés and restaurants.
Clifton Suspension Bridge - The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864. With a spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining symbol of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond.
Useful information
Money - Britain's currency is the pound sterling (£). Credit cards - especially Visa and Mastercard - are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. American Express and Diners Club cards are less commonly accepted. There are plenty of cash machines (also known as cashpoints or ATMs) dotted around Bristol.
VAT - Value-added tax (VAT) is a 20% sales tax levied on most goods and services except basic food items, books and children's clothing. Restaurants must, by law, include VAT in their menu prices. If you are travelling for leisure or business purposes, you may be eligible for a VAT refund. The VAT refund scheme is called the Retail Export Scheme or Tax-Free Shopping.www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/consumers/overseas-visitors.htm
Electricity - UK appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs that can be connected to the UK mains supply through wall sockets. Unlike the sockets in many other countries, these have a switch to turn the power supply on and off - make sure you've turned it on if you're trying to charge your appliance. UK power sockets deliver an average voltage of 230v, although in practice this can be slightly higher. To charge devices that are compatible with this voltage, simply buy the appropriate adapter from the airport or from high street shops. If your device runs on a lower voltage, however, then you will also need a converter to stop it from over-heating. Even if your country uses lower voltages, remember to check whether your device is dual-voltage (look for the 110-240v notation) before buying a converter.
Telephone - If you're visiting Bristol from abroad, don't forget that the UK dialling code is +44 (which replaces the 0) and to check your own country's code before you travel. Landline numbers in the Bristol area start with a '117' area code. If you are in the UK you would call Bristol by dialling '0117' if you are outside of the UK a Bristol number would start '0044 117'. If you are travelling to Bristol from abroad, using your mobile phone may cost you more than it does at home. Check your network's roaming charges before you travel.
Climate and weather - Bristol has a changeable climate, the average yearly low is 3°C (37°F) and average yearly high is 15°C (59°F). For the latest local BBC weather report click here.
Health services - The National Health Service (NHS) is the main healthcare provider in the UK. NHS treatment is free for UK residents. Overseas nationals are not eligible for free NHS treatment except if they need emergency treatment while in the UK. You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses. If you come from a country that holds a UK healthcare agreement, you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment if needed immediately for a condition that started after your arrival in the UK. If you're visiting from Europe, you need to carry a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in case you need immediate and necessary medical treatment in an NHS hospital. Without this you can be charged for treatment. Travel insurance is still advisable as it offers greater flexibility over where and how you're treated, and can cover expenses not paid for by the NHS. Find out more on the NHS website www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad
Emergencies - Visitors should be aware of their personal safety. Call 999 for the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) which is a free call from any phone. To report non-urgent crime, call the police on 101 from within the UK.
