Did you know that Bristol was named the best place in to live in the UK in 2017 and the happiest place to live in the UK in 2019? What is it about our city that makes it so great? Characteristics of a great place to live include plenty of outdoor space, history and culture to enjoy, great places to eat & drink and great shopping – all of which Bristol has in abundance. Above all its our friendly, quirky, independent and creative culture that makes us a great place to live and visit. From bars on boats to art galleries in former toilets, there are a lot of things that make Bristol great including;
Beautiful Outdoor Space
Bristol is often described as a city in the countryside. We enjoy an abundance of green spaces, ideal to spend an afternoon lazing with friends or an action-packed day with the little ones. There are over 400 gardens and parks in Bristol, so you’ll never be far from a green space to take a breather from the bustling city. Bristol doesn’t have its own beach – even a city as great as ours can’t have it all! We are situated in the south-west of England meaning some of the UK’s best countryside is right on our doorstep. We’re fantastically close to the countryside of the Cotswolds and the beaches of Weston-Super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead.
Fantastic Shopping
Bristol is known as the shopping capital of the Southwest. From high street and high end to independent and unique, it’s hard to know where to start. Most shoppers are drawn to shopping in Bristol because of its eclectic mix of independent shops and boutiques in places like Clifton and the sprawling Gloucester Road in Bishopston. Gloucester Road must have more independent shops than any other street in the UK! We’re fiercely proud and protective of our local trade, we’ve even created our own community currency called The Bristol to encourage people to spend their money with local, independent businesses in Bristol. Head to Bristol Shopping Quarter and flit between High Street names and one-off wonders.
Culture and Nightlife
We are a thriving city of business and innovation but it’s not all work in Bristol. The city’s cultural heritage and nightlife are two of the best things about us. From world-renowned street artist Banksy to the creator of Wallace and Gromit, the city is a cultural hub. On the other end of the spectrum, The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and Royal West of England Academy are popular attractions for young and old. Street art adorns many street corners and brightens up disused spaces across the city, making the city a giant open-air canvas. You’ll find pubs, clubs and more unusual venues like theatres, museums, installation spaces and boats turn into buzzing night-time spots with something for all tastes. There’s a little of what you fancy in Bristol.
History and Heritage
Although Bristol is a very modern UK city, its history goes back thousands of years. This is visible in the mix of building along our streets from contemporary designs to listed architecture. Enjoy architecture through the ages from the ruins of the Norman castle in Castle Park to the gothic masterpieces of Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe, just a couple of examples of Bristol’s broad history and heritage. One of the highlights of your cultural trip is sure to be a visit to the beautiful Clifton Suspension Bridge, from which the views of the city are unrivalled.
Festivals and Events in Bristol
You’ll always find something to do here. During the summer months, you’ll be spoiled for choice with some fantastic festivals and events happening simultaneously! From music festival, ‘Love Saves The Day’ in Castle Park to ‘Mayfest’ which brings theatre to unusual venues there is something to satisfy creatives, young and old. Enjoy over 100 events during the Bristol Food Connections festival, a large-scale citywide celebration of food. We also host big names from across the globe in Bristol Hippodrome and other venues There’s something amazing going on in the city every single day, whether you’re into music, art, food or outdoor fun.
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