Living and Working in Bristol

Bristol is the largest city in the south west of England, with a population of approximately half a million. The city lies between Somerset and Gloucestershire and has been politically administered by both counties in part at various times. However, Bristol is historically a county in its own right and is properly entitled the City and County of Bristol.

Bristol has enjoyed a rich and eventful past, and many parts of the city are much as they were hundreds of years ago. From medieval town to cutting-edge cultural city, Bristol continues to move forward and lead the way in its own unique style.

We are a Fairtrade City Bristol is one of only a few UK cities that can boast Fair Trade status; a claim that is truly deserved following the city’s long-running commitment to sustainability, green living and supporting local food producers and growers. Bristol also stands proud as the UK’s first Cycling City, with fantastic cycling routes and facilities for locals and visitors alike. All of this, along with over 450 parks and green spaces and a real commitment to sustainable living, makes Bristol a truly Green City.

Things to do in Bristol

For the family: Bristol Zoo Gardens - Get up close with over 450 species of animals and see how this incredible zoo is working to conserve mammals, amphibians and insects around the world.

Explore-@-Bristol - Discover a whole world of science and technology through intriguing exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

Bristol Ferry Boat Company - Hop on a ferry and enjoy a relaxing trip along Bristol’s ancient harbour, stopping at key points throughout the city.

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park - Located just a few miles from Bristol, this exciting adventure park has everything you’ll need to enjoy a great family day out.

Wildfowel and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge - Walk amongst the resident species of geese, ducks, birds and swans and take part in exciting activities such as the Canoe Safari and Flamingo feeds.

Cheddar Caves & Gorge - Marvel at the incredible rock formations found underground at Cheddar and learn about the eerie history of these intriguing caves.

Avon Valley Railway - Take a ride on an authentic steam train through the rolling hills of the Avon Valley, with great family events on throughout the year.

Bristol Blue Glass Factory - Take a tour of the factory to see how Bristol’s most famous export is created and have a go at blowing your own glass bubble.

Bristol Ice Rink - Get your skates on and have a go on the ice at Bristol’s centrally-located ice skating rink.

Horseworld - Meet rescued horses, ponies and donkeys and take part in hands-on feeding activities and fun games for all ages.

Blue Reef Aquarium & IMAX 3D Cinema - Over 40 naturally themed habitats take you on a magical journey from the British coast, through warmer waters and tropical rainforests to exotic coral seas. Enjoy close encounters with seahorses, sharks, stingrays, giant octopus and thousands of incredible aquatic creatures.
History and Culture: Bristol was once one of the most important trading ports in England, and the city’s links with the ocean span hundreds of years. Much of Bristol’s rich history is still evident today, acting as a lasting tribute to the brave adventurers and merchants who once set sail from the city docks. Find out more about the history of Bristol and how it has helped shape it into one of the most unique and exciting cities in the country.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain - Take a trip back through time as you explore the authentically-restored decks of Brunel’s great propeller-driven ship.

City Museum and Art Gallery - Enjoy free entry to this impressive city museum and art gallery containing ancient artefacts, precious works of art and an ever-changing schedule of events and exhibitions.

Clifton Suspension Bridge - Enjoy an entertaining free guided tour of Bristol’s most famous landmark and take in the incredible views of the Avon Gorge and the sprawling city beyond.

Cabot Tower - Towering 105 feet above the city, this impressive monument was built in 1897 to commemorate John Cabot's voyage from Bristol.

Old City - Explore the narrow cobbled streets and magnificent buildings of Bristol's original old town. Don't miss the Llandoger Trow on King Street or the Corn Exchange in Bristol's old financial quarter.

Berkeley Castle - Explore over 900 years of history at this impeccably-preserved medieval fortress.

Blaise Castle Estate - Wander the splendid grounds and folly castle of this romantic estate.

Ashton Court Estate - Historic park and country home covering 850 acres of woods and grassland just minutes from Bristol’s centre.

Bristol Cathedral - One of the UK’s finest hall churches, Bristol Cathedral plays host to regular choirs, concerts and special services throughout the year.

St Mary Redcliffe - Explore the centuries-old gothic arches and beautiful stain glass windows at this fine English church.

John Wesley’s Chapel ‘The New Room’ - Step back in time and visit the world’s oldest Methodist building as it was in the 18th century.

Glastonbury Abbey - Marvel at the mysterious ruins of this world-renowned Abbey, said to be the burial place of King Arthur.

St John the Baptist’s Church – The only surviving church built on the 12th century Saxon wall of Bristol’s old inner town.
Film, Music and the Arts: Arnolfini - Situated in a prime position on Bristol’s harbourside, Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts

Watershed - Watch unique world cinema and attend intriguing events at this trendy media centre and café bar on Bristol’s harbourside.

Bristol Old Vic - Bristol’s oldest working theatre, the Bristol Old Vic has continued to draw in crowds for over 200 years.

St George’s Bristol - One of the country’s top concert halls hosting the very best in classical, chamber, world, folk, blues and jazz.

Spike Island – A unique art centre and gallery space hosting art exhibits ranging from paintings and sketches to multi-media and moving images.

Paintworks - Bristol’s new creative quarter featuring an impressive gallery and art space and a packed schedule of events and exhibitions.

Royal West of England Academy of Arts - Bristol’s most boasted art gallery featuring 5 magnificent naturally-lit galleries and a new commercial art space.

Tobacco Factory - A contemporary café bar and working theatre staging new and classic touring productions.
Activities and Adventure: The Adventurous Activity Company - Offering flexible full and half day packages including activities such as mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and canoeing.

Bailey Balloons and Bristol Balloons - Enjoy a champagne balloon flight over Bristol with someone special or buy vouchers for a great birthday or Christmas present

Rocksport at Cheddar Caves - Take part in high-adrenaline activities such as caving and abseiling at Cheddar’s famous limestone gorge.

Playaway Weekends - Let the professionals arrange your group visit or hen and stag weekend in Bristol.

Carefree Cycling Tours - Ever thought of having a guided cycling tour in or around Bristol? Let the professionals at Carefree Cycling Tours lead the way.

Drive-Tech Ltd - Get behind the wheel and have a go in a range of different cars, vehicles and karts at Castle Combe Circuit - great for group outings or stag and hen parties.

Undercover Rock - the South West's biggest climbing centre! Featuring 12m climbing walls, Undercover Rock provides a great environment for beginners, right through to experienced climbers.
Live Music and Entertainment: Colston Hall - Major live music and performance venue located right in the heart of Bristol’s bustling city centre.

Bristol Hippodrome - From world-class theatre and musicals to slapstick pantomime, the Bristol Hippodrome hosts a feast of different shows throughout the year.

Showcase Cinema de Lux - Catch the latest releases from Hollywood and enjoy the best in luxurious seating and facilities, including an in-seat ordering service and Directors' Lounge.
Shopping in Bristol: Cabot Circus - Bristol’s newest shopping development features over 120 new shops, including 15 major flagship stores. 25 cafes and restaurants provide ample choice for resting weary feet and a new 13-screen Cinema de Lux brings the best of Hollywood to the city.

Broadmead - Right next door to Cabot Circus you will find over 300 high street shops and department stores, plus banks, cafes, restaurants and plenty of city centre parking for shoppers.

The Mall Bristol - Nestled amongst the shopping avenues and arcades of Broadmead lies The Mall Bristol. Providing a huge selection of independent and high street chain stores, along with plenty of cafes and restaurants, this conveniently-located complex offers even more choice for city centre shoppers.

Park Street – Browse the great selection of trendy clothing shops, record stores and quirky fashion shops on one of Bristol’s most famous streets.

Clifton Village – Take your pick from the vast range of boutique clothes shops, jewellery stores and cosy cafes, restaurants and pubs in this beautiful part of the city, just minutes from the city centre. After lunch, take a stroll across Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and take in the stunning views of the Avon Gorge below.

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway - Just north of the city lies the sprawling Cribbs Causeway and the Mall at Cribbs, offering a huge selection of shops and plenty of restaurants. A great place for a day’s shopping offering thousands of parking spaces for visitors.
Food & Drink: Food-lovers will be spoilt for choice in Bristol. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or an indulgent seven-course meal, Bristol has an incredible selection of great quality restaurants, bistros and brasseries from which to choose. Take your pick from one of the many different cuisines available in the city, including European, South American, Asian, Caribbean and good old traditional English fare.

From Bristol’s weekly Farmers’ Market to the Soil Association’s famous Organic Food Festival, this thriving city has a packed calendar of food and drink events on throughout the year. The Bristol Wine & Food Fair, one of the city’s newest food events, features delicious produce and delectable wines from across the UK and the rest of the world.

Visit the Search Food & Drink page on the Visit Bristol website for further information
Pubs & Bars: Bristol’s busy nightlife scene is made just so by the great selection of pubs and bars located throughout the city. You can enjoy a fine glass of Chardonnay in one of Clifton’s chic wine bars, or a tasty pint of locally-brewed beer in one of the Old City’s quirky pubs. No matter what sort of tipple takes your fancy, you can rest assured that you’ll find exactly what you’re after in Bristol.

Bristol has an outstanding clubbing scene and regularly attracts top name DJs and acts. Bristol's main nightlife areas are around the harbourside, along Whiteladies Road and Park Street, and Corn Street and the Old City.
Coast & Countryside: Bristol enjoys a fantastic location in the West Country, with some of England's finest countryside stretching out in all directions from the city. From the regal Georgian architecture of Bath, to the honey-coloured houses and villages of the Cotswolds, there is so much to see and do within just a short distance of Bristol.

Days Out in Bath: Discover the Roman Baths, ancient cobbled streets and Georgian buildings of this World Heritage City.

Days Out in Somerset: Explore the famous Cheddar Caves and Gorge and find out where King Arthur was buried at Glastonbury Abbey.

Days Out in South Gloucestershire: Discover medieval towns and castles, glorious countryside and great shopping in South Gloucestershire.

Days Out in Wiltshire: Visit the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge or get the adrenalin pumping at Castle Combe racing circuit.

This information has been taken from www.visitbristol.co.uk – Bristol’s official Tourist Information website. Please visit their site for further information on any of the above areas.

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