Bristol holiday packages

Reinvented Bristol: From Historic Trading Port to Counter Culture Hub

Its long history as a trading port has seen Bristol exporting wool and importing various goods, from fish, wine and grain to plantation products. In the present day the city is better known for its vehicle and petroleum imports, as well as for being a quirky, gritty city with its finger firmly on the pulse of contemporary culture. Art collectives, music venues and community cafes are dotted around its colourful streets and, as one of the UK’s most accessible cities, Bristol is a joy to locals and visitors alike. Sprawled across the River Frome and River Avon, Bristol is also a city that is in touch with nature and wildlife. Whether you want city action or you crave to get back to nature, Bristol is a great place to visit.

Know Before You Go

Take a flight to Bristol and you will land just eight miles south of the city. Simply take a taxi, coach or bus, and you will be in the city centre in no time. Members of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can travel to the UK without a visa, though members of other nations may need to apply for a visa, particularly for stays of more than six months. The UK uses British Pound Sterling, so those taking flights from Dublin to Bristol or flights from Cork to Bristol should remember to change up their Euros. Bristolians speak English, though visitors may have trouble understanding the unique accent of the city. Don’t worry: Bristolians are a friendly bunch and you are sure to find enough people to communicate with!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Bristol

As one of the UKs warmest and sunniest cities, Bristol is a place that can be comfortably visited at any time. But those taking city breaks in Bristol during the summer months will be treated to an extravaganza of events. Between May and September the city’s streets come to life and there is plenty to keep even the fussiest newcomer occupied.

Bristol is a city famed for its festivals. The popular food festival, Vegfest, is held each May, and the calendar sees a whole host of other alternative festivals from the summer Folkfest to the lively St Paul’s Carnival, held in July. Do come prepared though, Bristol is also relatively wet and those taking their package holidays in Bristol, even during the summer months, should expect a bit of rainfall.

What Is There To Do In Bristol?

Bristol is perhaps best known for its nightlife. Comedy clubs, cool student bars and rave venues exemplify this energetic city, so if you take a flight and hotel to Bristol, make sure you stay long enough to enjoy some of its top night spots. But Bristol is a city of many faces. Take a guided ferry tour or enjoy cuisine from around the world. Get back to nature with a walk on the Downs or while away the hours in one of many independent cafes or breweries. Bristol is indeed a city for everyone, and even those spending a weekend in Bristol will leave feeling as though they’ve discovered a new way of living.

What Can You See In Bristol?

Those taking a flight and hotel in Bristol won’t regret it. Here are some top places to visit.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain: Discover the famous steamship that was once the world’s longest passenger ship explore
Arnos Vale: explore this fascinating secret Victorian garden cemetery.
Banksy: Explore the city’s narrow streets and find hidden gems by the acclaimed street artist.
Tickenham Hill Nature Reserve: Enjoy the views of Nailsea Moor and beyond from this picturesque park.
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park: Treat the family to a day out and meet Highland cattle, ponies, pigs, donkeys and other animals.
Bristol Cathedral: Offering free entry, this cathedral is one of Bristol’s landmarks.
Clifton Suspension Bridge: Check out one of Brunel’s most iconic works, the bridge he sadly died before completing.
The harbour: Once the most important landmark in Bristol, the harbour side is now home to chic boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.

Whatever you choose to do, spend a weekend in Bristol and you’ll come home feeling refreshed.

Eating Out In Bristol

Visitors taking city breaks to Bristol will be amazed at the city’s cuisine. With new restaurants and gastropubs springing up everywhere, Bristol is truly a city for foodies. Traditional food and drinks mingle with fusion food to create an eclectic gastronomy. You will find vegetarian and vegan restaurants galore, as well as some more traditional fare, like freshly baked scones and clotted cream. Wash it all down with some local hand-crafted cider or ale, or a locally distilled gin.

What Can You Bring Home From Bristol?

Take your package holidays to Bristol and you will want to bring home a souvenir. You will find plenty of handcrafted items. Jenny Urquhart has made the city’s very own colouring book, which is the perfect gift for many, or how about some postcards with pictures of Bristol landmarks? Head to the Bristol Shopping Centre to find all the high street shops you would expect or browse the more interesting independent outlets in Clifton Village. Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft are home to yet more trendy, independent shops and you will find local produce, including fruit, vegetables and flowers for sale in Bristol’s many markets.