Credit: Destination Bristol
Clifton and the Suspension Bridge, credit Image Release
Welcome to Bristol the cosmopolitan capital of the South West Elegant Georgian Clifton and stylish city centre shopping compliment the spectacular regenerated Harbourside, which is also home to many award-winning attractions, including Brunel’s ss Great Britain. Famous theatres and a fascinating maritime history topped off with sumptuous West Country food and drink make Bristol a great city for groups.
City Centre and Old City The city centre and surrounding streets of the Old City offer a real taste of culture, history and some of the best shopping in Bristol. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Harbourside, the Old City is bursting with character featuring cobbled streets and alleyways lined with incredible old buildings and relics from the past. The area is full of charm including the colourful market stalls in St Nicholas, the network of streets in the historic Christmas Steps Arts Quarter. Castle Park, Queen Square and Park Street Castle Park and the elegant Queen Square offer a peaceful retreat, perfect for picnics and sitting out in the sunshine. For unique shopping, Park Street is lined with Georgian buildings all home to a variety of independent shops, cafes and funky bars. Banksy’s famous graffiti art can be spotted on the side of a building at the bottom of Park Street opposite City Hall. Just off Park Street is St George’s Bristol, one of
Britain’s leading concert halls, famous for its fine acoustics. Beyond is Brandon Hill, the oldest park in Bristol, featuring the striking Cabot Tower, offering amazing views of the city. At the bottom of Park Street is the magnificent Bristol Cathedral. World-class Theatre and Music Bristol has a reputation for first-class music and theatre with an ever-changing programme of shows. Bristol Hippodrome welcomes hit shows fresh from London’s West End and offers behind the scenes tours. Bristol Old Vic, built in 1766, is the longest continuously-running theatre in England and offers exceptional performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Just south of the centre is Tobacco Factory Theatres who offer everything from Shakespeare to contemporary productions and comedy in a unique and intimate setting. More entertainment including stand-up comedy, festivals and music concerts can be enjoyed at Bristol’s largest concert hall, Colston Hall.
Tobacco Factory Theatres Tobacco Factory Theatres produces and presents a jam-packed programme of diverse and exciting shows including classic and contemporary theatre, theatre for families, comedy, dance, music, opera, puppetry and film. Highlights include the exceptional season of Shakespeare and classic drama, a wonderful opera season and warm hearted, inventive shows for all the family at Christmas time. Situated in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville, it’s bar stocks a range of quality drinks and snacks and there are numerous restaurants and bars in the surrounding area. Box Office 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com
www.visitbristol.co.uk
Where to stay? For information about group accommodation in Bristol, go to www.visitbristol.co.uk/groups or call 0117 946 2209. Insider tip: Booking shoulder nights (Fridays and Sundays) can often result in great availability and more competitive rates.
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Bristol Tourist Information and souvenirs
The Tourist Information Centre is conveniently located on the Harbourside (next to the Watershed), offering maps, selling tour and bus tickets and offering advice to plan a day out as well as those all-important souvenirs.
Top 5 EVENTS for groups t t t t t
Bristol Food Connections, May Bristol Harbour Festival, July Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, August Cary Grant Festival, October German-themed Christmas Markets, November/December For more details and full events listings go to: www.visitbristol.co.uk/events
Clifton Elegant, leafy and a prime target for foodies and boutique shoppers, Clifton is one of Bristol’s most exclusive suburbs. The area is best known for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol’s most iconic structure, which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in December 1864. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is free to walk across and offers magnificent views of the Avon Gorge and surrounding countryside. On the far side of the bridge a new visitor centre (opens December 2014) is open daily and displays the history of the structure and the Avon Gorge. Group tours of the bridge are available. Clifton Village Beautiful Georgian buildings make Clifton Village one of Bristol’s most attractive areas with its mix of independent shops, cosy cafés and key attractions. For an unusual shopping experience the Victorian Clifton Arcade houses some of the most unique shops in the city selling everything from vintage costume jewellery to classic home interiors. A short drive from Clifton you’ll find the wonderful University of Bristol Botanic Garden which is perfect for
Top 5 TOURS for groups t Behind the scenes tour of BBC Bristol t Historic walking tour t Boat tour around the Harbourside t Clifton Suspension Bridge guided tour t Bristol Pirate Walks For more information about guided tours go to: www.visitbristol.co.uk/groups
those with a keen interest in plants. The world’s fifth oldest zoo also resides in Clifton and is set within 12 acres of landscaped gardens. Bristol Zoo Gardens features over 400 species of exotic animals from around the globe including a family of gorillas, Asiatic lions, tropical butterflies, reptiles and monkeys. Tours are available of the zoo and the gardens. Clifton Triangle The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (more details p.5) and the Royal West of England Academy of Arts (RWA) are both located between Whiteladies Road and Park Street, on the Clifton Triangle. Exhibitions at the RWA celebrate the best of historic and contemporary British art, including artists from Turner and Constable to Fedden and Nash, not forgetting the celebrated annual Open exhibition, a major date in the artistic calendar of the region for over 160 years. On nearby Whiteladies Road is BBC Bristol, home to popular shows like Antiques Roadshow and the BBC’s Natural History Unit. Tour groups can get a glimpse behind-the-scenes to find out how these programmes are made and even create a radio drama of their very own.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, credit BMAG
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© Brunel’s ss Great Britain
Harbourside
The Matthew on the Harbourside, credit Destination Bristol
No visit to Bristol is complete without taking in the city’s vibrant, historic Harbourside. Nestled amongst the city’s former docks, the Harbourside played a vital role in sea trade for hundreds of years. Today it is home to a rich mix of award-winning attractions, museums, galleries, events, cafes, bars and restaurants; making it one of Europe’s leading leisure hot spots. Boat Trips One of the best ways to embrace Bristol’s maritime culture is by taking to the water. Bristol Packet Boat Trips, Bristol Ferry Boats, Number Seven Boat Trips and Avon River Cruises all offer a variety of cruises at different times of the year. Among those available are seasonal afternoon tea trips in the summer, Avon Gorge trips and journeys along the river to Bath. Avon River Cruises promote a package deal with nearby Avon Valley Railway for a fuller itinerary from Easter to the end of September. The Matthew is a replica of the English ship that discovered North America in 1497 and makes waves wherever it goes. The stunning vessel is moored alongside the M Shed museum and can take groups of up to 40 people out on tours around Bristol Harbour and along the River Avon. Cream tea sailings, fish and chip trips or a four-hour trip along the Avon Gorge to Pill and back are among the experiences that can be arranged. Brunel’s ss Great Britain Designed by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched into Bristol’s Floating Harbour in 1843, the ss Great Britain was the world’s first great luxury passenger liner. Now a first class visitor attraction,
Brunel’s ss Great Britain is perfect for group visits. Be transported by 18th century sights, sounds and smells as you investigate life on board the most extraordinary time machine. You can discover the ship’s story and dress up like a Victorian passenger in the Dockyard Museum; explore the ship’s cabins, galley, Victorian dining saloon and down below the spectacular glass sea in the dry dock. Recently named ‘Best Heritage Venue’ at the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards, Brunel’s ss Great Britain is fully accessible, with lifts on board the ship. There are many offers and benefits for pre-booked groups of 20 or more including tour guide who will tell you stories about people that travelled on board. Ample coach parking facilities are available on site. Millennium Square Home to bars, restaurants and a line-up of events throughout the year including the Harbour Festival and Bristol Food Connections, Millennium Square is also home to a life-sized bronze statue of Hollywood actor Cary Grant. Born in a suburb of Bristol, the actor’s first role in theatre was working at the nearby Bristol Hippodrome. An annual Cary Grant festival takes place in October.
Beyond the City Heading South Just south of the city is the fabulous National Trust property and gardens of Tyntesfield and nearby is Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (see p.6). Just 40 minutes from Bristol you will find the natural wonder of Cheddar Gorge and the attractive seaside towns of Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare. Heading North The Wild Place Project is a new family attraction from the people behind Bristol Zoo Gardens, right on junction 17 of the M5. Heading further up the motorway and into the Cotswolds you will find Berkeley Castle, Slimbridge WWT and Westonbirt Arboretum who all welcome groups and are each ideal for a half-day visit or combined for a full day tour.
Bristol Cathedral Garden, credit Bristol Cathedral
John Wesley’s Chapel, credit The New Room
History & Heritage For several centuries, Bristol was one of most important ports in the world and only second in the country after London. The city’s existence was first chronicled in 1051 and by the 15th century it had become a centre of exploration, discovery and commerce. Pirates and explorers In 1497, John Cabot, sailed from Bristol in a small ship called the ‘Matthew’ to discover Newfoundland in North America, a replica of which can be experienced in the Harbourside today (see p.4). Countless voyages of exploration and trade followed the settlement of the Americas and led to the darkest period of Bristol’s history when slaves were traded by Bristol merchants between West Africa and the colonies. As a port, Bristol was involved in piracy and famous pirate, Blackbeard, was allegedly born in the city. Legend has it that another of Bristol’s infamous pirates, Alexander Selkirk, became the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and Benn Gunn in Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’. Sacred Bristol Bristol’s magnificent churches and places of worship have helped to make the city a place of significant religious importance. St Mary Redcliffe has been
standing on its site for over 800 years and features hallowed walls, beautiful stained glass and a world famous organ. In 1574, Queen Elizabeth I proclaimed St Mary Redcliffe “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in all England.” Nearby on College Green is the stunning Bristol Cathedral which became prominent in 1148 when Robert Fitzhardinge founded the Abbey of St. Augustine. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, worked and preached in Bristol and his statue is located outside the New Room in Broadmead – the first Methodist Chapel ever built. Arnos Vale Cemetery, located on the Bath Road is a classic example of Victorian extravagance in a tranquil setting.
Museums Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives is made up of five sites: the flagship Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, bringing the world to Bristol; the M Shed museum on the stunning Harbourside which tells the amazing story of the city and its culture; plus there are three historic houses, often referred to as Bristol’s hidden treasures - The Red Lodge Museum, The Georgian House Museum and Blaise Castle House Museum. All welcome group visitors.
Mshed, credit Quentin Lake
www.visitbristol.co.uk
Shopping for Groups *URXSV ORRNLQJ IRU WKH XOWLPDWH UHWDLO H[SHULHQFH ZLOO Ă° QG LW LQ %ULVWRO ZKHWKHU WKH\âUH VHHNLQJ IDPLOLDU EUDQGV RU XQLTXH RQH RII LWHPV Bristol Shopping Quarter is home to over 500 stores, where shoppers can indulge in style at agship department stores and high street favourites. It combines the shopping centres of Cabot Circus, The Galleries and Broadmead, as well as Quakers Friars, the Europeanstyle open-air piazza, home to the South West’s ďŹ rst and only Harvey Nichols. The area is packed with places to unwind and refuel during a shopping trip too. Favourites include Brasserie Blanc, which is ideal for group gatherings. Also popular is Azuza Coffee Shop, located in Almshouses dating from 1701, offering a range of affordable light lunches. Each year in November and December the popular German-themed Christmas market returns in quaint wooden chalet-style stalls to the pedestrianised area of Bristol’s Shopping Quarter at Broadmead. Unique gift ideas, original homemade crafts and German-themed food and drink like GlĂźhwein, Bratwurst and Lebkuchen are on offer.
Bristol’s Old City is bursting with character: Flattopped pillars, or ‘nails’, where merchants used to bargain and inspired the phrase ‘to pay on the nail’ remain outside the award-winning St Nicholas Market to this day. The colourful market stalls are the ideal spot for tasting the city’s locally produced goods (Pieminister pies are a particular favourite) and perusing local souvenirs. A weekly farmer’s market on Wednesdays and weekend markets fill Corn Street outside ‘St Nick’s’ with smells, colours and flavours from the south west.
Bristol Shopping Quarter, credit Destination Bristol
The thriving hub of Clifton Village features pretty streets lined with boutiques and fine places to eat. Shoppers can peruse a treasure chest of items in the Victorian Clifton Arcade which houses some of the most unique shops in the city selling everything from vintage costume jewellery to classic home interiors. Park Street is an attractive street of clothes shops and eateries such as Jamie’s Italian, mixed with some great independent shops like The Guild, for trinkets, cards and jewellery. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is a stylish, contemporary covered shopping destination located to the north of Bristol at junction 17 of the M5. It offers high street and designer shopping with over 500 top brands all conveniently laid out over two floors with free parking.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Home of the Big Zoo Animals and 12 indoor and outdoor play areas, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a great day out for groups, all day in all weather. Groups can enjoy free daily events including the ‘Animal Show’ and the ‘Big Cat Talk and Feed.’ With ample free coach parking and free entry and cafe voucher for coach drivers, why not bring a group to Bristol’s award-winning 120 acre attraction? Book in advance and quote ‘Destination Bristol’ to receive the discounted rate of ÂŁ6 per person for groups of 10 or more paying people! 01275 852 606 www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
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Central Bristol Coach Parking Map
Longer Stay Coach Parking Operational 24 hours/seven days a week unless otherwise stated. No fee unless stated. 1. Cabot Circus Coach Park, Central Bristol, BS2 9AB t $BQBDJUZ VQ UP DPBDIFT t 0QFO IPVST t 0WFSOJHIU QBSLJOH t $$57 NPOJUPSFE CZ $BCPU $JSDVT Security. t /P CPPLJOH TZTUFN JOJUJBMMZ CVU NBZ UBLF bookings in future as awareness grows. Within five minutes driving time of all central Bristol pick up and set down points. 2. NCP, Dalby Avenue, Bedminster, BS3 4HH t $BQBDJUZ VQ UP DPBDIFT t 0QFO IPVST t 6Q UP GPVS IPVST b PWFS GPVS IPVST b t %SJWFST UPJMFU GBDJMJUZ Within five minutes driving time of all central Bristol pick up and set down points.
3. Cumberland Road, Central Bristol, BS1 6SG t $BQBDJUZ VQ UP DPBDIFT t 8BJUJOH MJNJU IPVST t /P SFUVSO XJUIJO POF IPVS PG EFQBSUVSF Within 10 minutes driving time of all central Bristolpick up and set down points. 4. Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate, BS3 2EJ (A3029) Winterstoke Road t $BQBDJUZ VQ UP DPBDIFT $POUBDU #SJTUPM $JUZ 'PPUCBMM $MVC 0614) in advance to agree access arrangements, waiting restrictions and fee. Secure off street coach parking within 15 minutes driving time from City Centre. 5. Parry’s Lane, The Downs, (B4054) off Westbury Road (A4018) t $BQBDJUZ VQ UP DPBDIFT t /P XBJUJOH MJNJU Within five minutes driving time from Bristol ;PP (BSEFOT 5IF %PXOT $MJGUPO 7JMMBHF BOE the Clifton Suspension Bridge. 4FU %PXO BOE 1JDL 6Q 1PJOUT o Short Stay and No Waiting Operational 24 hours/seven days a week unless otherwise stated. No fee unless stated.
On street coach parking places can be identiĂśFE CZ XIJUF CBZ NBSLJOHT 1JDL VQ BOE TFU down takes place on yellow lines. On street coach parking places can be identified by white bay markings. Pick up and set down takes place on yellow lines. 6. Bond Street, Broadmead, Central Bristol, BS1 3LX t $PBDI QBSLJOH QMBDF DBQBDJUZ UISFF DPBDIFT t8BJUJOH MJNJU NJOVUFT t /P SFUVSO XJUIJO POF IPVS PG EFQBSUVSF Nearby attractions: Broadmead, The Galleries and Cabot Circus shopping centres. 7. Colston Street, Central Bristol, BS1 5AR t $PBDI QBSLJOH QMBDF DBQBDJUZ POF DPBDI t8BJUJOH MJNJU NJOVUFT t /P SFUVSO XJUIJO POF IPVS PG EFQBSUVSF Nearby attractions: Colston Hall, City Centre and Christmas Steps. 8. Holland House, Redcliff Hill, BS1 6SQ t $BQBDJUZ DPBDI t 1JDL VQ BOE TFU EPXO POMZ o DPBDIFT NBZ wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting. Nearby attractions: Mercure Holland House
Hotel and Spa, St Mary Redcliffe Church and Ramada Bristol City Hotel. 9. At-Bristol, Explore Lane, Harbourside, Central Bristol, BS1 5DB t $BQBDJUZ UISFF DPBDIFT t8BJUJOH MJNJU NJOVUFT t /P SFUVSO XJUIJO NJOVUFT PG EFQBSUVSF Nearby attractions: At-Bristol, Bristol Aquarium XJUI % *."9 DJOFNB BOE 5PVSJTU *OGPSNBUJPO 10. King Street, Central Bristol BS1 4ED t $BQBDJUZ UXP DPBDIFT t 1JDL VQ BOE TFU EPXO POMZ o DPBDIFT NBZ wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers areboarding or alighting. t 0QFSBUJPOBM o .POEBZ UP 4BUVSEBZ /FBSCZ BUUSBDUJPOT #SJTUPM 0ME 7JD 5IFBUSF Queen Square, Old City, St Nicholas Market and Tourist Information. 11. Ibis Hotel, Explore Lane, Harbourside, Central Bristol BS1 5TY t $BQBDJUZ POF DPBDI t8BJUJOH MJNJU NJOVUFT t 1JDL VQ BOE TFU EPXO POMZ o DPBDIFT NBZ wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting.
12. Maritime Heritage Centre, Gas Ferry Road, Central Bristol BS1 6TY t $BQBDJUZ TFWFO Pò TUSFFU CBZT t8BJUJOH MJNJU NJOVUFT t %SJWFS NVTU TUBZ XJUI UIF WFIJDMF BU BMM UJNFT /FBSCZ BUUSBDUJPOT #SVOFM T TT (SFBU #SJUBJO and Maritime Heritage Centre, Floating Harbour and ferry boat services. 13. Berkeley Place, Central Bristol BS8 1EH t $BQBDJUZ POF DPBDI t /P XBJUJOH BU BOZ UJNF t 1JDL VQ BOE TFU EPXO POMZ o DPBDIFT NBZ wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting. Nearby attractions: Bristol Museum and Art (BMMFSZ #SBOEPO )JMM $BCPU 5PXFS BOE 1BSL Street shops. 14. Guthrie Road, Clifton BS8 2EZ t $BQBDJUZ TJY DPBDIFT t /P XBJUJOH BU BOZ UJNF t 1JDL VQ BOE TFU EPXO POMZ o DPBDIFT NBZ wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting. Nearby attractions: Bristol Zoo Gardens and 5IF %PXOT
www.visitbristol.co.uk