Bristol, England | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Bristol will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where I studied, worked, and fell in love. Although I have moved back to Texas, I will always consider Bristol to be one of my homes.
Less than two hours away from London by train, and just 15 minutes past Bath, Bristol is a fantastic destination. The city is just big enough to allow the freedom of exploring without getting completely overwhelmed. If you have the chance to visit, I highly suggest you do!

QUICK FACTS Time Zone | Greenwich Mean Time Zone
Average Summer Temperature | 16 - 20 degrees Celsius // 60 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit Average Winter Temperature | 3 - 7 degrees Celsius // 37 - 44 degrees Fahrenheit
Transportation | First Great Western Bus, 3 pounds for a day pass

Main Train Stations | Bristol Temple Meads, approx 1 mile away from City Centre
Bristol Parkway, approx 8 miles away from City Centre
Average Hotel Price Per Night | $100 (£67)
Average Meal Price | £12 - 18 Average Drink Price | £3 - 6

HISTORY
The earliest settlements in Bristol date back to the Middle Paleolithic period.
The city of Bristol itself was given Royal Charter in 1155.
Bristol was strategically founded a few miles inland to protect the city from attack by water. The only way to access Bristol's port was up the Avon River, which posses the second highest tidal ranges in the world.
In medieval England, Bristol was the second largest port in the country, trading with Ireland and Iceland frequently.
In 1497 John Cabot sailed from Bristol on the Matthew, and discovered Newfoundland. (side note: I actually lived on the same street John Cabot lived, St. Nicholas Street)
Bristol, along with Liverpool, were the major English ports associated with the Triangular Trade.
During the 19th century Bristol saw the effects of the industrial revolution. The creations by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel can be seen across the city today, ranging from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the ss Great Briatin.
Bristol was the fifth most bombed city in the UK during World War II.
Today you may recognize Bristol from shows such as Skins, and Wolf Hall.

LANDMARKS AND SIGHTS
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Website | Location
Admission - Free
Designed by I.K. Brunel, Clifton Suspension Bridge is Bristol's most iconic landmark.

Cabot Tower
Location | My Post
Admission - Free
Built in celebration of the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland, this late 19th century tower provides a 360 degree view of Bristol.

Arnos Vale Cemetery
Website | Location
Admission - Free
Established in 1837, Arnos Vale is hoem to over 300,000 souls. The overgrown and rugged cemetery is perfect for a quiet and peaceful walk.

St. Mary Redcliffe
Website | Location
Admission - Free
One of England's most beautiful Gothic buildings.

MUSEUMS
The ss Great Britain
Website | Location
Admission - 13.75 (ticket valid for one year)
Designed by I. K. Brunel, the ss Great Britain is one of the world's most important ships. Launched in 1843, she spent almost 100 years as a passenger and cargo ship, before being left for ruin in the Falkland Islands. In 1970 she was brought back to Bristol and now sits in the exact spot where she was built.

M Shed
Website | Location
Admission - Free
Interested in getting to know Bristol a little better? The M Shed is a museum that showcase's Bristol's unique history. From Roman settlements to medieval voyages to WWII, this museum covers it all.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Website | Location
Admission - Free
From dinosaurs to modern art, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has it all! This museum if perfect for an afternoon with no plans. There's so much to see, you might just have to take two trips to see it all!

Red Lodge Museum
Website | Location
Admission - Free
The Red Lodge Museum is the perfect example of a Tudor house. One of Bristol's oldest homes, the Red Lodge Museum hosted Queen Elizabeth I during her visit to Bristol 400 years ago.

WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast | Boston Tea Party
Lunch | The Burger Joint
Afternoon Tea | The Tea Birds
Dinner | El Puerto

THE MOST INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS
Stokes Croft
Harbourside
Brandon Hill
Bristol Cathedral

Just having a stroll around Bristol Cathedral. #Bristol #England #Cathedral A photo posted by S a r a D a v i s (@sararosedavis) on May 16, 2014 at 9:33am PDT