5 Things You Should Know About Bristol, England
One of the first things I like to do when visiting a new place is to take a guided tour to acclimate myself with the city, its history, and a local’s view on all the good spots to eat. Being in England, it seemed only appropriate to take one of the red double-decker bus tours. And in typical English fashion, it was only appropriate that we would be rained on during the entire tour. Nothing like feeling like a local from day one. Here’s the bare-bone-basics that will give you a jump start to touring like a local in Bristol.
Getting Around
In NYC, our iconic taxi is yellow. In Bristol, the taxis are blue, taking after the famous “Bristol Blue” glass. This was decreed by the council so that the good people of Bristol could tell the difference between private hire cars and a proper British taxi, or “hackney carriage”. Unfortunately, all the drivers had to pay for the paint job themselves.
The Smurf Taxis (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Being very much a city of the water, Bristol has another sort of taxi as well: The Bristol Ferry Boat. The boats stop at all the major sites, and allow you to jump on and off as you please.
If taxing isn’t your thing, have no fear: Bristol is an extremely walkable city. Word of caution to ladies in heels: be wary of the cobblestone.
Bristol Ferry Boat (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
The Symbol of the City
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is to Bristol what The Empire State Building is to NYC and the Eiffel Tower is to Paris: the defining symbol of the city. Set at the top of the city amongst the cliffs, visitors can enjoy a stroll across the bridge, taking in the majestic beauty of the Avon Gorge below and the spectacular vistas of lush, rolling green hills in the distance. I guess there’s something to be said for all that English rain, after all.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Fabulous Annual Festival
Bristol is known for being the hub of the largest annual hot air balloon festival in Europe, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Taking place every August, the event attracts over 500,000 visitors during the four day show, and is free to attend.
The Balloons at the M Shed Museum (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Claim to Fame
Bristol is home to no shortage of celebrities, including the legendary Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, animated film favorites, Wallace and Gromit, and one of my favorite actors of all time, Cary Grant. In fact, Mr. Grant had his first theatrical role in Bristol’s very own theater, the Hippodrome.
The Hippodrome Theater (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
The Art Scene
Like any distinguished city, Bristol has its share of graffiti. However, the difference is, Bristol actually invited the artists to spray on the sides of buildings. A huge graffiti exhibition (the largest street art project in Britain, in fact) was held on Nelson Street, and artists from all around the world were invited to come share their creative genius. Who needs sunshine with color splashes like that?
Nelson Street (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
By: Jessica Tiare Bowen
A very special thank you to the folks of City Sightseeing Bristol, especially our very knowledgable and entertaining guide, Andy!
That’s it. After reading all of your articles, I’m booking my trip to Bristol right now
Yay! That’s what we like to hear!;-)
My sister suggested a trip to Bristol when I was there last year but we didn’t get a chance to go.
That balloon festival sounds lovely. Even the cobblestone streets!
InsideJourneys recently posted..Weekly Photo Challenge: Sun
Definitely check it out if you get a chance! The entire town was completely charming:-)
The balloon fiesta sounds amazing!
Roy Marvelous recently posted..Are You “Lucky” Enough To Live The Life You Want?
I know! A fabulous time to check out Bristol:-)
This is a beautiful article and photographs are amazing. Taxis. Are so cute so is Bristol. Love the comparison points with NYC .
Thanks Bella! It really was a very charming city, and I loved the fact that you can walk everywhere. It’s such a great way to get to know a city when you don’t have much time to spend there!
I would love to see the balloon Festival! It sounds amazing!!
Seriously! Guess this just means another trip to Bristol is in order:-)
Great tips on Bristol, Jess! The balloon festival looks fun, and that graffiti is awesome.
Thanks so much, Andi! Yes, the entire street was lined with graffiti, such a cool concept!
How neat with the cabs! And how funny that the even the ferry is the same blue
I had never heard of that balloon festival either. We’ve been to one somewhat close to us here though (the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM) and that was really cool, so I’d totally check it out in Bristol too.
Ahh, I’ve heard the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is supposed to be amazing, too! I would love to check them both out!;-)
it looks so rainy and cloudy!! by definition bars and drinks must be good!
Ha, yes, we didn’t luck out with the weather that day;-) But it makes slipping into the corner pub for a cider that much better!