Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and county in South West England. It is England's sixth and the United Kingdom's eighth most populous city, and the most populous city in Southern England after London. The city borders the Unitary Authority areas of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, with the historic cities of Bath and Gloucester to the south-east and north-east, respectively.
Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas were built near the confluence of the rivers Frome and Avon, and around the beginning of the 11th century the settlement was known as Brycgstow (Old English "the place at the bridge"). Bristol received a royal charter in 1155 and was in Gloucestershire until 1373, when it became a county. From the 13th to the 18th century, Bristol was among the top three English cities after London (with York and Norwich) in tax receipts. Bristol was surpassed by the rapid rise of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution.
Bristol was a starting place for early voyages of exploration to the New World. On a ship out of Bristol in 1497 John Cabot, a Venetian, became the first European since the Vikings to land on mainland North America. In 1499 William Weston, a Bristol merchant, was the first Englishman to lead an exploration to North America. The Port of Bristol has since moved from Bristol Harbour in the city centre to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Dock.
Bristol's modern economy is built on the creative media, electronics and aerospace industries, and the city-centre docks have been redeveloped as centres of heritage and culture. The city has two universities, the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol and a variety of artistic and sporting organisations and venues including the Royal West of England Academy, the Arnolfini, Spike Island, Ashton Gate and the Memorial Stadium. It is connected to London and other major UK cities by road, rail, sea and air by the M5 and M4 (which connects to the city centre by the M32), Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway mainline rail stations, and Bristol Airport. One of the UK's most popular tourist destinations, Bristol was selected in 2009 as one of the world's top ten cities by international travel publishers Dorling Kindersley in their Eyewitness guides for young adults. In 2014 The Sunday Times named it as the best city in Britain in which to live, and Bristol also won the EU's European Green Capital Award in 2015.
Bristol is a vibrant city in the southwest of England, known for its beautiful harbor, rich history, and lively arts and music scene. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, choosing the right area to stay in can make all the difference in your experience. Here are some of the best areas to stay in while visiting Bristol.
Clifton: Clifton is one of the most desirable areas of Bristol, known for its elegant Georgian architecture, leafy streets, and independent boutiques and cafes. It's also home to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge and offers stunning views of the city. This area is perfect for those who want a quiet, upscale retreat that's still close to the city center.
Harbourside: The Harbourside is the heart of Bristol's maritime history, with a picturesque waterfront and a bustling mix of restaurants, bars, and shops. It's a great area for those who want to be in the midst of the action, with easy access to the city's cultural attractions like the M Shed museum and the Arnolfini contemporary arts center.
Bristol City Centre: If you want to be in the thick of things, then the city center is the place to be. Here you'll find a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. The city center is also home to many of Bristol's main attractions, including the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, St. Nicholas Market, and the Bristol Hippodrome.
Redcliffe: Redcliffe is a historic district just south of the city center, known for its red-brick buildings and charming narrow streets. This area is quieter than some of the other central neighborhoods, but still within easy walking distance of many of Bristol's top attractions. It's also conveniently located near Bristol Temple Meads railway station, making it a good option for those arriving by train.
Stokes Croft: Stokes Croft is a trendy, bohemian neighborhood just north of the city center, known for its street art, independent shops, and lively nightlife. It's a great option for those looking for a more alternative vibe, with plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to choose from. The area is also home to the Bristol Old Vic theater and the popular Banksy mural, "The Mild Mild West."
No matter which area you choose to stay in, you're sure to find plenty to see and do in Bristol. From its fascinating museums and galleries to its vibrant music and food scenes, this city has something for everyone.