Bristol is buzzing
Once known only for its industrial heritage, the city of Bristol now boasts trendy bars, interactive attractions and, from autumn 2008, the Cabot Circus shopping complex. Brenda Watkinson discovers why the city makes such a popular group break.
Bristol is the largest city in the south west of England, defined by 1,000 turbulent years of seafaring, industry, innovation and change. Its architecture, a rich maritime heritage, a wealth of attractions and beautiful estates and parkland are all reasons why your group will enjoy a short break in the city. Bristol has undergone a renaissance in recent years and now boasts a revitalised historic harbour lined with trendy restaurants, clubs and bars. This waterfront is also home to attractions such as the hands-on science centre, Explore-At-Bristol, and two of the most important ships from Britain’s seafaring past, Brunel’s ss Great Britain and The Matthew. Away from the water’s edge, you will find elegant parks and squares, fascinating Georgian architecture and the iconic landmark, Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge. To be completed in the autumn, the new £500 million city centre shopping expansion ‘Cabot Circus’ will be the icing on the cake for an already popular group destination.
Not to be missed
The name Brunel is synonymous with Bristol and, during the 1800s, this young prolific engineer did much to put the city on the map. One of the best ways to get an overview of Brunel’s Bristol is to arrange a city tour. These can be customised to suit your group interests and options include coach tours, guided walks, open top bus tours of the city and ferry boat tours. These can all include a focus on Brunel’s engineering feats
One example of these is The Great Western Railway and terminus, completed under Brunel’s guidance in 1840. Still in use today, this 19th Century railway terminus at Temple Meads is now home to the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, covering the history of Britain’s imperial past and the modern day Commonwealth. As well as permanent galleries, special exhibitions are also staged. The exhibition ‘Breaking the Chains’ takes a look at slavery, abolition and the making of modern Britain. The 18th century saw the rise of Bristol’s involvement in the slave trade and, as a result, ships returned to Bristol laden with goods from the New World, including cane sugar, tobacco, rum and cocoa. Entry to the exhibition is included within the normal museum fee. Group discounts apply to 10 or more people and guided tours can be arranged. For something different, groups can also pre-book ‘The Brunel Tour’, which includes a tour of the former working rooms and the underground vaults of the world’s first purpose built railway terminus. Unfortunately, it is now planned for the Museum to move to London, so please check before visiting. Both the Museum’s permanent galleries and ‘Breaking the Chains’ will remain open to the public until autumn 2008.
From railways, Brunel turned his hand to ships and one of his great iron vessels, the ss Great Britain is currently being conserved to reflect her original 1843 appearance in the very same dry dock in which she was built. Visitors can travel back in time as a passenger onboard the world first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship to discover what life was like for the Victorian passengers and crew with the aid of ‘audio companions’. Groups can tour the ship together using these or, alternatively, individual members can choose their own audio tour. Options for adults include ‘First Class’, in which Victorian passengers describe the adventure of luxury travel around the world, ‘Third Class’, in which emigrants travelling to Australia’s gold-fields endure the hardships of a two-month voyage in steerage, and ‘Explore the Ship’, learning about the design and construction of Brunel’s great ship. Discounts apply to groups of 20 or more on admission with audio tours included in the price. Admission also includes entry to the dry dock, museum and the replica of John Cabot’s ship, The Matthew, when she is in Bristol. John Cabot, an Italian financed by Bristol merchants, set sail from Bristol in 1497 in the Matthew hoping to find a passage to the spice islands. Instead he actually discovered Newfoundland.
One of the best ways to explore the city’s maritime heritage is by boat. The Bristol Ferry Boat Company offers a good choice of trips including Harbour Tours, Wine Tasting Trips, Booze Cruises, River Trips and Gorge Trips. Many of these options are offered during both the day and evening with on board catering available. Prices vary according to the length of trips and the size of group. Ferry services operate all year round.
The Bristol Packet also offers a variety of cruises for groups including an Avon Gorge cruise.
Bristol was an important port for many centuries and one of the most famous landmarks for merchants arriving and departing the city was the Church of St. Mary Redcliffe, located on the red cliffs above the harbour. Guided tours of this excellent example of medieval architecture can be arranged.
More ecclesiastical heritage can be explored at Bristol Cathedral, originally an abbey, founded by Augustinian monks in 1140. By the late 18th century the harbour was starting to become a problem, due to the huge rise and fall of the Avon, making it difficult for the increasingly big merchant ships. The main docks are now situated at Avonmouth to the west of the city.
On the regenerated harbourside, Explore-at-Bristol combines hands-on activities with the latest multi-media techniques to bring science alive. Visitors can explore five zones; Your Amazing Brain, Move It, Live Science Zone, Curiosity Zone and Space. Discounts apply to groups of 10 or more with free admission for organisers bringing 20 or more people. Groups can also learn about the night sky in the Planetarium. Two new exhibitions ‘Inside DNA’ and ‘LoveSport’ both open at the end of the year and run well into 2008.
Also on the waterfront, Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts, presenting new and innovative work in the visual arts, dance, performance and film. The centre houses five galleries showcasing regularly changing exhibitions, which are open daily. There is also a cafe bar with great harbour views, a reading room, cinema, and a bookshop specialising in the arts. Admission is free.
First made in the 17th century, Bristol Blue Glass is known throughout the world. This brilliantly distinctive glass is made by adding cobalt oxide to the glass process. Situated in St. Phillips, the Bristol Blue Glass Factory and Shop gives glassblowing demonstrations at the visitor centre where there is also a gallery shop selling the full product range, studio pieces and quality seconds with 20% off purchases for groups. Group tours and demonstrations can be arranged including evening visits.
Back on the Brunel trail, the Clifton Suspension Bridge has been the symbol of Bristol for almost 150 years. The Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitors Centre gives an insight into the design and construction of this bridge, built by Brunel to span the Avon Gorge. Admission is free although donations are gratefully received. Guided tours can be arranged for a set charge.
Clifton is also home to a number of noteworthy museums. Housed in a magnificent Edwardian baroque building, Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery has outstanding collections of art, archaeology and natural history. One of the highlights is the Egypt gallery covering Belief, Life, Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt. Admission is free.
Also of great interest is Bristol’s Georgian House, one of the most complete 18th century town houses surviving in the UK. Located just off Park Street, this was originally the home of the Pinney family, West India merchants. The house is furnished to illustrate life both above and below stairs, giving a glimpse into a Georgian family household. It also contains a rare cold water plunge bath. Admission is free and guided tours can be arranged for pre-booked groups.
Nearby in Park Row, the Red Lodge is a historic Elizabethan house, which has been ‘modernised’ and restored several times thoughout its 400 year history. Originally a lodge to the Great House where Queen Elizabeth I once stayed, the Red Lodge is often described as Bristol’s ‘hidden treasure’. A highlight is the walled garden, a re-created Elizabethan-style knot garden with herbaceous borders. All groups must be booked. Guided tours can be arranged.
Also in Clifton, one of Bristol’s most popular attractions is Bristol Zoo Gardens, situated on the Downs. Home to over 400 exotic and endangered species from around the world, highlights include the new Monkey Jungle, Seal and Penguin Coast, Bug World, Twilight World and the Reptile House. Discounts apply to groups of 10 or more. Also available exclusively to groups are one hour guided walks and talks focusing on a choice of subjects. These include The History of Bristol Zoo Gardens, The Role of the Modern Zoo, Conservation and Endangered Species, Plant and Animal Interaction and Creating the Colourful Garden. A set charge applies.
Shopping options
Over the last few years, Bristol has undergone a huge redevelopment in the Broadmead area and in autumn this year, the new Cabot Circus will open. As well as the anchor stores of House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols, there will be another 16 major stores and 104 smaller retail units, a Cinema Lux with 13 screens, 12 casual dining restaurants and commercial and residential accommodation. The shopping area will also be covered with a huge glass roof, protecting the streets below from the worst of the weather. Coach parking bays will also be available.
A short drive north of the city centre, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway offers all the top high street names. Around 130 top name stores and 15 cafes and restaurants are all under one roof. For smaller speciality shops, Clifton and Whiteladies Road are filled with antique shops and boutiques.
If your group enjoys browsing markets, they will not be disapponted. Established in 1743, Saint Nicholas Market is open six days a week and includes both indoor and outdoor sections. As well as a range of food such as fruit and vegetables, stalls sell second hand books, old clothes, records, pictures, fossils, candles and a huge range of unusual and speciality goods.
The Bristol Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday between 9.30am and 2.30pm and is held outside in Corn Street adjacent to Saint Nicholas Market while on Fridays and Saturdays, Corn Street is filled with the Bristol Gift Market, selling clothes, jewellery, food, pictures and plenty of great ideas for gifts. The UK’s first Slow Food Market is held on Corn Street on the first Sunday of every month and is a treat for real food lovers. Founded by the Italian Carlo Petrini, the Slow Food Association was created to protect ‘the pleasures of the table’ from disappearing due to the fast pace of life epitomized by fast food chains. On a similar theme, the Soil Association Organic Food Festival takes place annually in September on the harbourside.
Out and about from Bristol
Bristol makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Groups can choose to visit dramatic caves, country houses, castles and wildfowl centres, all within easy reach of the city.
To appreciate some of the natural beauty of Somerset, visitors to Cheddar Caves and Gorge can discover illuminated caves, dramatic cliffs and Britain’s biggest gorge. As well as discounted rates offered to groups of 20 or more, a free guided tour of Gough’s cave can also be arranged. A Group Senior Citizen Special gives access to Gough’s Cave followed by a Somerset Cream Tea in the Explorers Café-Bar.
Cheddar is of course also the home of cheddar cheese. The caves in the limestone are an ideal place to store and mature the cheese. Local produced cheese is on sale at many outlets in the village including the Caves.
Also in this area, Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill feature spectacular caves, a 19th Century papermill, cave museum, Victorian arcade and mirror maze. Discounts apply to groups of 12 or more. Tours of the caves and also the papermill can be arranged.
Also to the south of the city, The National Trust’s Victorian Gothic Revival estate of Tyntesfield was home to four generations of the Gibbs family. Restoration of this 19th century estate is still underway, with two new rooms, the Oak Room and the Morning Room, having been added to the visitor route in 2007. Demand is extremely high for group visits which take place on Tuesdays only.
To the north of Bristol in Gloucestershire, Berkeley Castle is England’s oldest inhabited castle. Visitors can discover the cell and dungeons where Edward II was notoriously imprisoned and murdered and stroll around the beautiful terraced grounds. Admission also includes the Butterfly House. Discounts apply to groups of 25 or more and guided tours can be arranged. For something special, a unique tour with Charles Berkeley, the heir to the Castle, can be pre-booked throughout the season, subject to availability. Morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea and homemade cakes can be arranged in either the Castle Tea Rooms or, for pre-booked groups of up to 60 people, a separate upstairs room, ‘The Old Laundry’, is available. A joint ticket with the nearby Jenner Museum can be purchased. Edward Jenner’s discovery of a vaccine made from cowpox against smallpox has now been developed into one of the most important parts of modern medicine.
A short drive north of Berkeley, the world famous conservation and education centre, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s Slimbridge Centre is home to the largest collection of waterfowl in the world. With an astounding array of wildlife from water voles to waders and hares to dragonflies, Slimbridge is the only place in the world where you can see all six species of flamingo. Groups can enjoy behind the scenes tours, horticulture tours, specialist talks and workshops and guided walks as well as many special events such as outdoor theatre, music festivals and Christmas markets. Discounts apply to groups of 12 or more on general admission.
Near Tetbury, Westonbirt – The National Arboretum is the largest arboretum in the UK featuring a historical collection of over 3,000 different trees and shrub species, many of which are rare or endangered. Discounts apply to groups of 16 or more. Guided walks through either The Old Arboretum or Silkwood can be arranged. Led by knowledgeable guides, this is an ideal way to find out about the history of the arboretum and the many unusual plants. Also available is the Holford Heritage Tour, which includes tea and coffee on arrival, a guided walk through certain parts of the Grade I listed house and grounds of The Holfords (now a private girls school), a hot meal at Maples Restaurant (at the National Arboretum) and a guided walk through the Old Arboretum. Westonbirt belonged to the Holfords, a wealthy Victorian family from 1665 until 1926.
Travelling along a six mile section of the former Midland Railway east of Bristol, the Avon Valley Railway offers passengers the opportunity to see the River Avon valley from a different perspective. Bitton Station, midway between Bristol and Bath, where the Railway is based, has been painstakingly restored from a derelict state to provide visitors with refreshment and toilet facilities, a railway shop, a pleasant garden and outdoor seating. As well as a number of themed trips, Avon Valley Railway is now offering a combined rail and boat trip to include a 40- minute scenic boat trip along the Avon valley on board the River Princess for a maximum of 60 people. Discounts apply to groups of 10 or more.
How to get there
For groups planning to travel to Bristol by train before the end of May 2008, First Great Western is offering offers discounts to groups of 10 or more travelling together. Adults receive a 26% discount. Group travel must be booked at least seven days before travel and can be booked up to two months in advance of the date of travel. First Great Western operates services to Bristol from London, Portsmouth, Southampton and South Wales.
By road, Bristol is easily reached via an excellent network of motorways; the M4 from London and South Wales, the M5 from the South West and the Midlands and the M6 and M5 from the North of England.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Kerrie Grist
Destination Bristol
53 Queen Square
Bristol BS1 4LH
Tel: +44 (0)117 946 2205
Fax: +44 (0)117 946 2225
Email: grouptravel@destinationbristol.co.uk
Web: www.visitbritol.co.uk/grouptravel