Bristol, Somerset
If you’re staying near Bristol on your large group holidays in the UK, head into the city for a day spent exploring the sights and sounds. The vibe is upbeat and there’s so much to see and do, so you’d be wise to plan it well and pack in as much as you can.
First off, if you like shopping, you’ll find plenty to keep you happy, from the big name stores at Cabot Circus and Bristol Shopping Quarter to the traditional feel of Bedminster and Southville where you’ll find several family run shops of the butchers, bakers and greengrocers ilk. And there are markets galore, from the eclectic stalls beneath the glass arcade of St Nicholas Market, to lively Sunday mornings at the Tobacco Factory, a Farmer’s and Producer’s market and Bristol Indie Market – the place to go for retro, crafts and vintage.
Wander along Gloucester Road with its colourful street art (spot the Banksy’s!), quirky shops, cafes and restaurants. Discover Christmas Steps where old buildings and charming little cottages stand among the studios and galleries in the narrow streets of the Arts Quarter. Go down to the Harbourside for waterside restaurants, museums, boat trips and watersports; take the kids to Bristol Aquarium or to climb the rigging onboard Brunel’s flagship, SS Great Britain.
Head up to Clifton Village where you’ll find enticing passageways among the elegant Georgian houses and shops; take a walk along Birdcage Walk and out onto Clifton Down where you can go to the Observatory or across the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge that spans the Avon Gorge.
On the outskirts of Bristol is the Ashton Court Estate where the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is held each year in August, and the other side of town, for something very different, is Arnos Vale Victorian Cemetery, now a nature reserve, with its Gothic beauty and tranquillity.
All information correct at the time of writing