Why Bristol?
Bristol consistently ranks as one of the best cities to live in the UK, and it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors too. Famous as the hometown of Banksy, it has a thriving arts and music scene, stunning harbour architecture, and one of the best food cultures in England.
Getting There
Bristol Temple Meads station is 1 hour 40 minutes from London Paddington. Bristol Airport has flights from many European destinations. The city is also a natural base for visits to Bath (15 minutes by train), the Cotswolds, and South Wales.
Street Art
Bristol's street art scene goes far beyond Banksy, though his works remain the main draw. The Stokes Croft and Nelson Street areas are outdoor galleries of ever-changing murals. The annual Upfest festival attracts street artists from around the world. Walking tours are the best way to see the highlights and understand the stories behind the art.
Harbourside
Bristol's floating harbour is the heart of the city. Highlights include:
- SS Great Britain: Brunel's revolutionary steamship, now a museum
- M Shed: A free museum telling Bristol's story through its people
- Arnolfini: A contemporary arts centre on the waterfront
- Cargo at Wapping Wharf: A collection of restaurants and shops in shipping containers
Food and Drink
Bristol's food scene is excellent and diverse. St Nicholas Market has been a food destination for centuries. The city has a strong independent restaurant culture, multiple craft breweries, and a growing natural wine scene. Gloucester Road is the longest street of independent shops in the UK.
Music
Bristol has a legendary music heritage spanning trip-hop (Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky) to drum and bass. Live music venues, from intimate pubs to larger venues like the O2 Academy and the Marble Factory, host acts every night of the week.
Discover Bristol
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