Bristol is great for just a weekend break or a longer vacation and the variety of sights and attractions the area has to offer is long. Apart from hanging out at the numerous bars, clubs, restaurants and shopping venues, there are science and nature exhibits, parks and gardens, adventure and wildlife parks, historical architecture, caves and gorges, museums and art galleries, castles and stately homes, churches and cathedrals. Whatever your interest in the city there is no way you will be bored. Here is just a sample of the diverse range of things to do in Bristol.

One of the first things you will notice about Bristol is its historic maritime port and its connections to the sea are to be seen everywhere.  The area around the harbourside is an interesting place to spend some time as there is so much activity going on. Relax at a restaurant or café here and just soak up the exuberant mood of the environment around you.

Brunel’s ss Great Britain has won major awards as a tourist attraction and is within easy walking distance from Bristol city centre. The world’s first ocean liner, it was built in Bristol in 1843 and has been restored to its former glory, climb aboard and experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board as it must have been for Victorian passengers and crew. The story of Captain John Gray ended in tragedy as, after suffering ill health, suspected depression and kidney disease, he just disappeared on the return voyage from Australia in 1872. His cabin window was found open, but he had vanished.

You can’t stay in Bristol and not visit the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it poses beautifully above the Avon gorge. An elegant and inspiring feat of engineering it has become a symbol of Bristol. Its total length is 1,352 ft and each year it carries 4 million vehicles from one side to the other.

The Old City is a historical area where the cobbled streets and buildings have been preserved from centuries ago. The layout of the mediaeval city is nearly identical to how it was back then. A fascinating and exciting place to explore, it is home to St. Nicholas Market, The Corn Exchange and The Nails. Just follow the winding alleyways past the old buildings that have been transformed into bars, restaurants and cafes.

Llandoger Trow Pub is on King Street and has been around since 1664; it is one of the only timber-built buildings still to be seen in the city and retains many of its original features. Beautifully preserved, the pub’s landlord and locals can tell you a few tales about how pirates and smugglers used it for their illegal activities.

Built over 700 years ago, Bristol Cathedral has to have a mention here as it remains one of the finest buildings in the city. Its tall Gothic windows and architectural features make it unique, and it is a fine example of a ‘Hall Church’, a rare find in the UK. Feel free to wander around inside and soak up the atmosphere or join in a service.

For an awe-inspiring view visit Cheddar Caves & Gorge, a major tourist attraction it is easy to see why with limestone cliffs soaring 450 feet above the gorge. Once underground the silence and atmosphere is almost eerie with immense caverns lit by stalactites and stalagmites. These caves have been around for at least 40,000 years and are actually million-year-old Ice Age river beds. Some of the wildlife that lives here includes Rare bats, dormice, Peregrine falcons and water voles.

If you do happen to have bought the family with you then you should take them to Explore-At-Bristol. This is a hands-on science exhibition with interactive exhibits, live shows and a planetarium. You don’t have to be into science to appreciate this place as it is fun and will keep you all amused for hours.

For an adrenalin rush then Bristol is perfect. Caving and abseiling at Cheddar Caves, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, orienteering are all adventure sports to give you the hit you are looking for. There is even driver training in skid control & off-road driving and kart racing available.

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