Overview:

Step out in eco-style in super-sustainable Bristol, the West Country's unofficial capital, birthplace of trip-hop and home of guerilla graffiti artist Banksy. The city is big and brash and caters for a whole host of themed entertainment, activities and pub crawls. There is a large amount of history that is embedded in the culture underneath the façade of recent investment and redevelopments. Having taken over 3 years to build and costing in excess of £500m, Cabot Circus has propelled Bristol into the top 10 list of UK shopping destinations. Shopping brings the women and the women attract the stag do! Bristol gives a full range of products that combines value for money and freedom of choice…

Getting Around:

Bristol is best explored by foot with the bulk of the cities attractions accessible to a pedestrian with other forms of transport proving to be time consuming and taxi’s particularly expensive. For a relaxing change, take the ferry between the city and Temple Meads or Hotwells for £1.50 one-way, or £6 for a day pass.  All-day travel is quick and convenient with a First Day 1-day bus pass, valid on all Bristol buses for £8.30 peak/£7.80 off-peak.

Must See/Must Do:

• Cabot Circus
• Meander through the Slow Food market
• Banksy art spotting
• Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Sample cider at The Apple's floating cider bar
• St Paul's Carnival (July)

History and Culture:

For centuries until the industrial revolution, Bristol was among the top three cities in England.  Suffering set -backs after devastating bombing attacks in World War II, the city long had a reputation for being the less-classy neighbour of picturesque Bath.  But this rough-around-the-edges atmosphere – coupled with an increasingly multicultural population – has bred some of the UK's best-known cultural exports.  Trip-hop pioneers Portishead, Massive Attack and Tricky and drum 'n' bass mainstay Roni Size, collectively with other Bristolian artists, popularised the 'Bristol Sound' in the 1990s.  The city itself became the canvas for mysterious artist Banksy's political and cultural satire.  Today, Bristol has taken a number of environmental initiatives and is campaigning to be recognised one of the EU's Green Capital cities. 

Nightlife:

Oceana and the Syndicate are the main two mega clubs in the city. Oceana being very popular with a lot of Stags! 02 Academy is pretty big and regularly has top acts/DJ's. Many of the smaller, legendary clubs have either gone or are under threat of going due to the ongoing redevelopment of the city. However, Bristol is still nationally known as being one of the front runners of the underground club and rave scenes; raves still go off here, but naturally not quite the same as they did in the 80's. There is a host of bars that line the harbour side and gives great choice to an already vibrant nightlife. There is a lot to entertain for all tastes in Bristol!  

Eating & Drinking:

With such a diverse multicultural population, there's no end of delicious dishes to try.  Start local with a cider at floating cider bar The Apple or an ale at 17th Century pirate pub Llandoger Trow, then sample cheeses, sausages and pies in the glass arcade at St. Nicholas' market or meander through the monthly Slow Food market – the largest in Bristol.  Let your tastebuds venture further a field at One Stop Thali Cafe, specialising in vegetarian Indian food, or at the many and varied ethnic cafes in Easton.

Sport:

Bristol has a rich history of sport and the aspiring West Country rugby team knows how to party. Whether a Friday night match or a Saturday afternoon is your preference then get your cider hat on and enjoy everything the memorial stadium has to offer!