Bristol
WHERE IS BRISTOL?
Bristol is the largest city in the southwest of England. The River Avon runs through the city, with the historic City Docks as a focal point.
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HOW FAR IS BRISTOL AWAY FROM LONDON AND OTHER CITIES?
Bristol is 120 miles west of London (which is approximately a 2-hour drive from London). Other neighbouring cities include Bath and Cardiff (the capital of Wales, which is just opposite of Bristol across the Bristol Channel). Bristol is a city that has excellent road and rail connection with most of the UK, as well as having its own International Airport.
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HOW BIG IS BRISTOL AS A CITY?
Bristol has a population of over half a million. Bristol has been one of the most important trading center in the United Kingdom since the 12th century, as Bristol is a leading international port even to this day. Bristol is a transportation hub and is also the second largest commercial and economic centre in the United Kingdom. Some other large industries in Bristol includes general and nuclear engineering, and the design and manufacture of aircraft.
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WHAT KIND OF CITY IS BRISTOL?
If you are looking for a place which is not as congested and complicated as large cities like London, but rather a friendly yet lively place to live - Bristol is the ideal city for you! Bristol is surrounded by lots of beautiful suburb areas as well as historical buildings. The modern side of Bristol is enriched with leisure and cultural activities in threatres, cinemas, night-clubs, restaurants, bars and pubs.
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WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN BRISTOL?
The climate in the South West of England is temperate and mild, but rather unpredictable and changeable. Winter months (between November and February) can be very cold and wet, where the average temperature is around 4＜C. It is best to wear waterproof coats and strong footwear during these few months, as well as carrying a strong umbrella at all times. Summer months will be much warmer and damp, having the average temperature of 18＜C.
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WHAT IS THE AREA DIALLING CODE?
It is 0117 (i.e. 0117 xxx xxxx).
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WHAT ARE THE LANDMARKS OF BRISTOL?
1. ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH
It was built in the 14th century, and is known for its fine architecture. Queen Elizabeth I once referred to it as 'the fairest, goodliest and most famous Parish Church in England'.
2. THE CATHEDRAL
The origins of Bristol Cathedral lie in the abbey founded in 1140, which was dedicated to St Augustine the Great. In the 16th century, the abbey church became the Cathedral of Bristol, with the dedication changed to The Holy and Undivided Trinity.
3. CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE
The Clifton Suspension Bridge was built in 1864 by Brunel, a Victorian engineer. THe bridge is 702 feet long and 245 feet high, spanning across the River Avon and its Gorge. It looks over the Severn Estuary to the hills of Wales.
4. BRISTOL UNIVERSITY
The Wills Memorial Tower of Bristol University 215 feet tall, is constructed from Bath and Clipsham stone. Officially opened by King George V in 1925, the Wills Tower has been called the last great Gothic building to be constructed in England.
5. SS GREAT BRITAIN
The SS Great Britain was designed by Brunel (design engineer of the Great Western Railway and the Clifton Suspension Bridge) and built in Bristol, and was the first ocean-going propeller-driven iron ship in the world. The 322 feet steam-powered passenger liner was brought back to Bristol in 1970, and is restored and conserved against the Dry Dock.
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DRAMA?
1. THE HIPPODROME
The Hippodrome is Bristol's largest theatre. The grand theatre puts on musicals, concerts, pantomimes, West End Shows, Welsh National Opera and the English National Ballet throughout the year.
2. THE BRISTOL OLD VIC (THEATRE ROYAL)
Being the oldest living theatre in the country, it is a fine example of the elegant buildings of the Georgian era. The beautiful Georgian interior can provide seating for 600 people, presenting both classical and contemporary plays.
3. QEH THEATRE & THE REDGRAVE THEATRE
These two are smaller modern theatres in Clifton for professional touring companies and local amateurs.
(Tel: 0117 925 0551 & 0117 315 7600)
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WHAT ABOUT MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES?
( Museums in Bristol all have free admission.)
1. BRISTOL CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Being one of the most important museums of the West of England, the City Museum is situated next to University buildings - showing exhibitions on Egyptology, minerals, archaeology, natural history, art galleries as well as temporary exhibitions.
(Tel: 0117 922 3571)
2. BRISTOL INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM
Next to the Harbour is a museum of Bristol's industrial past, showing antique vehicles and aircrafts, maritime and slavery galleries.
(Tel: 0117 925 1470)
3. THE RED LODGE
Built at the end of the 16th century, it is an fine example of an Elizabethan interior with oak-panelled rooms along with ornate woodcarving, stone chimneypiece and plaster ceiling. It also has a Tudor-style knot garden.
(Tel: 0117 921 1360)
4. THE GEORGIAN HOUSE
This is a wealthy merchant's house built in the 18th century, furnished and kept in the style of that period.
(Tel: 0117 921 1362)
5. BLAISE CASTLE HOUSE MUSEUM
This is a Georgian mansion containing displays of everyday life in Bristol.
(Tel: 0117 903 9818)
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I WANT TO GO SHOPPING!
1. THE OLD CITY & ST NICHOLAS MARKETS
The Corn Exchange and St. Nicholas Market near Broadmead shopping centre is an 18th century building full of stalls selling fresh food, antiques and other interesting things.
2. QUEEN'S ROAD/ PARK STREET
These are two of the main shopping streets in Bristol, and are a close walking distance from the main University buildings. On these two streets are bus stops, major banks, post office, supermarket, bookshops, small clothes shops, as well as many restaurants, bars and cafes.
3. WHITELADIES ROAD/ CLIFTON DOWN SHOPPING CENTRE
The busy street of Whiteladies is lively day or night! There are more than 30 restaurants, take-aways and bars along the street. The Clifton Down Shopping Centre have parking available, making it convenient to shop in the supermarket, book store, drug store and other small shops in The Centre.
4. BROADMEAD
This is the biggest shopping centre in the middle of Bristol. Broadmead is easily accessible by car (with abundant parking spaces) or by bus. There are over 400 stores in the large pedestrianised area and indoor centre of Galleries. The first Methodist Chapel in the world, the John Wesley's Chapel, is also situated in Broadmead.
5. CRIBBS CAUSEWAY
It is the largest out-of-town shopping centre in the West of England, with more than a hundred top name stores as well as two main stores - John Lewis and Marks & Spencer. There is plenty of free car parking, and a bus station next to the shopping centre.
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