4 Reasons Bristol Should Be Your Next City Break Destination
Bristol consistently ranks as one of the UK’s best places to live, but you don’t need to move there to appreciate all that the city has to offer — given how easily accessible and compact the city is, this is a city that makes for an outstanding city break.
Some nine million people visit Bristol each year, and that number is expected to grow in the coming years. Visitor numbers are surging by some 4.5% year-on-year, which is more than double the national average (1.9%).
Still not convinced that Bristol should be your next city break destination? We’ve put together a list of four reasons that might just convince you.
There are tons of attractions
When visiting Bristol for a weekend, it’s not a matter of figuring out what to do. You’ll need to figure out what you don’t do. This city has more attractions than you can shake a stick at, so you’ll need to be selective about which ones you visit and which you save for your next trip!
Some Bristol attractions highlights include Brunel’s SS Great Britain, an ocean liner (the world’s very first!) that dates back to 1843; Wake the Tiger, which is part interactive art gallery, part amusement park; and We The Curious, which is one of the best science museums in the country.
There’s plenty to do at night
You could very well do nothing at all during the day on your trip to Bristol, and still end up having a great time. The reason? Bristol’s nightlife scene is simply outstanding, offering a level of diversity that few other cities can match. However you enjoy spending your evenings, you’ll find that Bristol has just what you’re looking for. The 260-year-old Old Vic Theatre is the place to be if you enjoy seeing live shows on stage, while The Hen & Chicken in Bristol combines great food with live entertainment. Looking for a quintessentially Bristol experience? Head down to the harbour and enjoy a drink at one of the docked boat bars — it’s the perfect place to be on a summer’s evening.
There’s loads of nature nearby
Most city trips involve traipsing around concrete, but not Bristol. This is a very green city, and you never have to go too far when you want to spend time in a gorgeous park. Durdham Down and Leigh Woods are popular options within the city itself, though those visiting with a car who are looking for more serious nature walking will find plenty of trails located just outside the city. Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve, a 15-minute drive from the centre, offers a true disconnect from urban life.
It’s small enough to be walkable
Don’t want to spend your entire city break in vehicles moving from one place to the next? Bristol is highly walkable. It’s hilly, so you’ll need comfortable shoes, but virtually everywhere you’ll want to visit will be within walking distance — and there are plenty of cute bars and cafes to stop at when you need a rest.
Top photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
