Head into Bristol city centre and prepare for a sensory overload as the sights, sounds and aromas one of the UK's most cosmopolitan cities combine to deliver quite the punch. Cabot Circus serves up probably the best shopping in the city as a whole, while the Harbourside is the place to go for sublime eateries and lazy afternoon cocktails. Most visitors begin their tour with a stroll around the Old City district, which is for the most part exactly as it was many centuries ago. Its quaint cobbled streets, historical buildings and traditional boutique shops really do take visitors back in time, though the jump from medieval simplicity to modern vibrancy is literally one of just a few yards.
Away from the bustle of the big city experience, it is worth making the trip to take in the stunning Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864. The bridge is an iconic symbol and is often used as the backdrop for films and television programmes. Bristol is also located tantalisingly close to The Cotswolds and Bath, opening up a world of opportunities for those looking to further their exploration into one of the UK's most gloriously rural areas.
