Clifton Suspension Bridge. In the foreground there are trees and a riverside landscape, while the district of Clifton, with its colorful houses, extends on a hill in the background.

Bristol

Published: 16 January 2025, 13:30

Innovative port city with tradition

The old port city of Bristol in South West England is both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in its British traditions. Art and culture play a central role here. The world-famous street artist Banksy comes from Bristol – no wonder the city's streets look like an open-air gallery. The Bristol Museum houses an impressive collection of historical artworks, while the legendary steamship Great Britain presents a fascinating piece of maritime history. The imposing Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Georgian architecture in the Clifton district are also among the highlights of the city on the River Avon. You can end the day in a relaxed manner in the Harbourside district. Where traders and merchants once set sail, you will now find a large selection of trendy restaurants and traditional pubs, as well as shops and accommodation.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: - one hour
Population: 483,000
Official language: English
Currency: British pound (GBP)

From street art to historical architecture

backyard with light-coloured brick walls decorated with graffiti and wall art, including a portrait of a girl. On the right, there is a brown brick wall; on the left, a door with four steps adjacent to it.

Banksy, Banksy: the best way to find out where the works of the famous street artist can be found is on a guided tour through streets and backyards. © Electric Egg Ltd./stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a Gothic cathedral with rich decorations and small towers, surrounded by lush greenery. In the foreground, there is a fountain with purple and white flower arrangements.

England's most beautiful hall church: Bristol Cathedral, built in the 12th century, impresses with its Gothic architecture. © Photo Vojo/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a row of colourful houses on a hill above a river. On the bank, there are modern apartment buildings with balconies. People can be seen walking on a footbridge and a small boat is sailing on the river.

A stroll during the day, a night on the town: the Harbourside district is a trendy place on the waterfront with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs. © Terence Bowler/stock.adobe.com

The image shows a large, illuminated bridge spanning a calm river. There are houses and lights on the right bank, while a wooded hill complements the image on the left.

Particularly beautiful in the evening: the Clifton Suspension Bridge, built in the 19th century over the Avon Gorge, is one of the most famous bridges. © Stephen Davies/stock.adobe.com

The image shows a tower on a green hill, surrounded by trees, well-tended gardens and a small pond in the foreground. To the left of the pond is a small house.

England is known for its well-kept parks and gardens. Bristol has a few – one of them is Brandon Hill Park with the Cabot Tower, a tower with a view. © Marco/stock.adobe.com

South West England: between Somerset and Gloucestershire

Magical places, impressive cathedrals, well-kept gardens and parks, stately homes and pretty villages with quaint pubs: Welcome to South West England, one of the nine English regions! Bristol is located on the border of the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire and is also one of the largest cities in the region. From Bristol, numerous exciting destinations can be easily reached, including the mystical stone circle of Stonehenge, the historic spa town of Bath and the imposing cathedral of Salisbury. In between, the varied landscape with its quiet coves, wild moors and green heathland is sure to impress. The best way to experience British culture is in a pub, chatting with the locals, who often speak with the characteristic West Country accent. Even if you don't understand every word, you're guaranteed a warm and humorous encounter with the people of Bristol.

South West England: magical places and historic cities

The picture shows a historic bridge spanning a river. The bridge is surrounded by old stone houses, trees and a riverside promenade. A tiered waterfall is integrated into the river.

Bath: Just 15 minutes by train from Bristol, the spa town is famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © mrnai/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows an arrangement of massive, upright stones, some of which are bridged by horizontally lying stones. The huge boulders are surrounded by a green meadow, the landscape in the background is flat and expansive.

Stonehenge: Myths and legends surround this magical stone circle. It is thought that it was built for religious rituals around 4,500 years ago. © Donald/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows an aerial view of an imposing cathedral with a striking tower in the middle of a green landscape, surrounded by trees, meadows and old houses.

Salisbury: A visit to Stonehenge can be wonderfully combined with a stop in this city. Salisbury inspires with its impressive cathedral. © Lightning Strike Pro/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a large green hill with the ruins of a historic tower, surrounded by a green landscape. In the background, you can see a sunset with impressive cloud formations.

Glastonbury: This small town is known for its mystical atmosphere. The gate on the hill is considered a spiritual centre associated with the legend of King Arthur. © gary/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a Gothic cathedral with elaborate decorations. It is surrounded by well-kept green spaces and old houses in a rural setting.

Wells: The smallest city in England is famous for Wells Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with beautiful architectural details and stained-glass windows. © Alexey Fedorenko/stock.adobe.com