Bristol City Breaks

Bristol City Breaks - A Stone Age presence
There is evidence of settlement in the Bristol area from the Palaeolithic era, with 60,000-year-old archaeological finds at Shirehampton and St Anne’s. The town of Brycgstow (Old English, ‘the place at the bridge’) was in existence by the beginning of the 11th century, and under Norman rule acquired one of the strongest castles in southern England. During a city break here discover why Bristol became a centre for shipbuilding and manufacturing, and why the city was the starting point for many important expeditions, notably John Cabot’s 1497 voyage of exploration to North America. Bristol’s strong nautical ties meant that maritime safety was an important issue and in the 19th century Samuel Plimsoll, ‘the sailor’s friend’, campaigned for, and succeeded, a compulsory load line on ships. Soak up the history on a short weekend break in Bristol.

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Short Breaks In Bristol - Proud of its history
Bristol is in an area which runs from the Mendip Hills to the south and the Cotswolds to the north east. A weekend break uncovers Bristol’s emergence after World War II. See the restored St Nicholas church which houses a museum and a triptych by William Hogarth. The building also contains statues moved from Arno’s Court Triumphal Arch, and of King Edward I and King Edward III taken from Lawfords’ Gate of the city walls. Since the 1980s, the restoration of the Georgian areas has become a priority, as well as the demolition of the city centre’s post-war tower blocks. In more recent years the economy has been built on the aerospace industry, and the docks have been regenerated as a centre of heritage and culture. See for yourself on a Bristol city break.

Bristol City Breaks - The place to be!
A city break here will unravel Bristol’s position as a centre of culture, employment and education. The West End is where you’ll find the trendy bars and clothes shops, and beyond, up a steep hill, is Clifton Village with its boutiques and antique shops. Bristol’s East Side is where you’ll find all the best retro and second-hand clothes and furniture shops. The city centre boasts beautiful Georgian architecture, a vibrant quayside, dramatic views down the Avon valley and an abundance of historical sites for the weekend break visitor.