Bristol is a city that bursts with life. Whether you’re an avid historian wanting to learn more about the city’s maritime past, or aiming to throw yourself into the cutting-edge music scene, you’ll find plenty to occupy yourself with in this jewel of the south-west.
A city of boats and bridges
Bristol is home to the SS Great Britain, one of its most popular attractions. You’ll find it down on the docks where, standing in its shadow, you’ll appreciate the epic scale of this famous boat. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843, it’s considered to be the template for building modern ships and spent over 40 years as a passenger liner. You can take a fascinating tour that allows you to take in the size of the ship and the technology used in its development, which was ground-breaking and experimental at the time.
Head up to Clifton Suspension Bridge while you’re in Bristol. It spans the Avon Gorge and treats you to incredible views of the city. It’s a striking piece of engineering and has become an iconic part of the Bristol landscape.
Go west
Take the A370 from Bristol Airport and in 30 minutes you’ll be in Weston-super-Mare. This wonderful seaside town has a proud Victorian history that can be seen in the architecture across the seafront and throughout the town. The pinnacle of the town has to be the Grand Pier, which stretches out across the beach, into the sea, and is home to many fantastic places to eat and play. Here, you’re also very close to many other excellent Somerset attractions, including Glastonbury Abbey, Bishop’s Palace and Exmoor.
Meander by car to the incredible Cornish coast, a mixture of rugged coves and sandy bays. It’s around 150km to Torquay, a handsome seaside resort and harbour filled with independent shops and delicious restaurants – this is an area known as the English Riviera. It’s just one of the charming towns to visit in the region, home to many star attractions including the Eden Project – a community of enormous biomes housing an epic rainforest.
Filled with family fun
Bristol is a fantastic city to visit if you’re arriving with the whole family in tow. Bristol Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and has grown to be a huge attraction. As well as a wide range of different animals, you can also enjoy an activity centre and aquarium filled with fascinating sea life. You can find it easily via the A38 from Bristol Airport in just over 20 minutes.
A stone’s throw from the Cotswolds
If you want to appreciate more of England’s natural beauty, there are few places as striking as the Cotswolds. Take the M5 and in just over an hour you’ll arrive in the heart of this graceful region. Towns here have a charm straight out of the past. Head for Chipping Campden, with its gorgeous market square, shops and tea rooms, or just drive through an area that has few peers when it comes to natural, understated glory. Car hire at Bristol Airport opens up this quaint and unique corner of the world to you.