1. Entertainment



Bristol has a number of theatres, ranging in size from the intimate New Vic up to the relatively large Bristol Hippodrome and Colston Hall. These feature plays and concerts all year round, so there's likely to be something of interest during your stay in the city but you will need to book early for the more popular events.

2. Nightlife

With a thriving university, Bristol has no shortage of pubs and clubs to visit if you can keep up with the pace. There are also many different cinemas including the more "art house" films at the Watershed, a relatively new development located next to a harbour near the centre of the city.

3. Sports and Leisure

Bristol is home to two League football clubs: Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, so you may be able to watch a match during your stay. They are also the home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for those who prefer their sport in a more leisurely fashion.

4. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Early birds will be rewarded during August when this festival features mass ascents of up to 100 hot air balloons at a time. The sight of these balloons has been known to stop traffic on nearby roads as the balloons come in all different shapes and sizes. If you don't rise early enough for the morning part of the festival, all is not lost as the evening night glow display is truly spectacular.

5. Engineering Feats

The Clifton Suspension Bridge links the area of Clifton across the tidal Avon Gorge to Leigh Woods. It is one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's most distinctive works and is illuminated at night, making for a nice photo opportunity. Or you could walk or drive across it and witness first hand the skill and detail that went into the construction of one of the world's earlier suspension bridges.

6. Concord

Bristol's area of Filton was one of the major players in the construction of the supersonic airliner Concord, now sadly no longer flying. The city still has a major aeronautical influence and is home to companies such as BAE, Airbus and Rolls-Royce. On a slightly less high-tech note, it is also home to the prolific manufacturer of hot air balloons, Cameron Balloons.

7. Parks

The Downs covers around 400 acres and bordering the Clifton Suspension Bridge. However, it is dwarfed in size by the Ashton Court estate which is more than double the size of The Downs. Here you can experience horse riding, a deer park or pedal your mountain bike along one of the many trails. It is also host to one of Bristol's many conference centres, located inside the mansion house in the park.

Whether you are going to Bristol for a business trip or to enjoy one of the many cultural events in this city, there are plenty of places to stay, from small family run establishments through to large chain hotels.