The port of Bristol, built on the River Avon, was a major trading centre from medieval times and reminders of Bristol's maritime history can be found throughout the city. From the grand Georgian houses of Clifton, the Merchant Venturers could look down upon the docks and see their ships returning from the 'triangular trade'. Today visitors can follow the 'Slave Trail' and compare the genteel life of a merchant at the Georgian House with the brutal reality for the slaves at the Industrial Museum and Maritime Heritage Centre.
The docks are now a tourist attraction. A ferry tour of the harbour stops at the SS Great Britain, the first iron passenger ship. Moored alongside is a reproduction of Cabot's 15th century ship, The Matthew, in which he discovered Newfoundland. @ Bristol has an interactive Science centre, Imax cinema and Wildscreen.
Clifton is the site of the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge. Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it spans the dramatically steep Avon Gorge. Perched on the hill above, the Observatory, a former snuff mill, contains the Camera Obscura. A tunnel beneath the Observatory ends in a cave halfway up the rock face.
Bristol Cathedral was founded in 1140 as the Abbey Church of St. Augustine. St. Mary Redcliffe Church was described by Queen Elizabeth 1st as one of the finest in England. Ruined in the war, the 15th century Temple church has a leaning tower. John Wesley's Chapel is the oldest known Methodist chapel.
Glimpses of the past can be seen in Christmas Steps, King Street, St. Michael's Hill and Clifton. The 17th century Red Lodge has fine plaster ceilings, carvings and stone fireplace. Outside the Corn Exchange are the bronze 'nails' from which the phrase 'cash on the nail' originated. In and around the Corn Exchange is St Nicholas' Market. The 18th century Bristol Old Vic is the oldest working theatre in the country.
The City Museum and Art Gallery has an interesting permanent collection. It also has temporary exhibitions, as does the Arnolfini, Watershed and Royal West of England Academy.
Bristol Zoo and Botanical Gardens are on the edge of the grassy Downs. Other green spaces include Blaise Castle and Ashton Court which has acres of parkland and a deer park. There are walking and cycle trails in Leigh Woods. The green oasis of Brandon Hill has Cabot Tower on its summit. Dedicated to the explorer, the landmark has splendid views.
Bristol was heavily bombed in World War Two and the Broadmead shopping centre was built in the1950's and 60's. There is an out of town mall and more individual shops can be found on Park Street, Perry Road, and in Clifton Village. Bristol has two universities. Home to the BBC Natural History Unit, Wallace and Gromit and the 'Bristol Sound', Bristol is as vibrant a city now as it has always been.
Outside Bristol is the dramatic Cheddar Gorge with stalagmite filled caves, Westonbirt Arboretum and Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Clevedon has an elegant Victorian Pier, and there are traditional seaside attractions at Weston-super-Mare.
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