Fantastic 4 Graffiti
Innovative, Creative, Multicultural and Historic – Bristol Has It All and More
In the age of weekend city breaks, low-coast airfares and decreasing carbon footprints, finding new and enticing destinations without going too far has become a more and more attractive option. Cities like London, Manchester and Glasgow have always been popular for their dynamism, but there are countless other buzzing cities, towns and retreats in the British Isles that are bursting with highlights all year round, like Bristol.
Formed almost 1,000 years ago as an ancient trading port, today this mid-sized city is as bustling and as forward-thinking as they come, with its past still present in everyday reminders, like the Customs House in Queens Square and many of the other buildings around the harbour which were built during the city’s prosperous maritime era.
The 6th largest city in England, Bristol is a multi-cultural and cosmopolitan centre for architecture and new technology, being designated a ‘Science City’ in 2008 and even being given the European City of the Year Award in 2008 by the Academy of Urbanism. A great deal of arts and culture thrive in Bristol too, making it simple to plan and book a getaway around a particular carnival or festival.
Bristol is famous for its film and music industries, earning it a place as a finalist in the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and boasts several famous faces as both past and present residents, from genre defining acts such as Portishead and Massive Attack to the successful graffiti art bandit Banksy, children’s favourite J K Rowling, actor Cary Grant and even Wallace & Gromit. However, a visit to Bristol isn’t complete without visiting the Old Vic; opened in 1766, this Grade 1 listed building is the oldest continually working theatre in England and offers visitors the chance to follow in the footsteps of countless theatre greats who have graced its stage.
Visit the city’s newly developed and prosperous Harbourside district and a world of cultural opportunities open up throughout the day and evening, as the old trading docklands have now re-emerged as the place to be seen for the city’s best retailers, restaurants and upscale bars; as the former warehouses are now bustling wine bars and contemporary art. If you’re looking for the heart and soul of Bristol just two minutes walk from the city centre, and a fantastic choice of eateries, this is the place to come. Internationally recognised centres for art have made their base here too, most famously the Spike Island contemporary art space and the Watershed Media Centre.
There are several hotels in Bristol which provide a great base from which to discover this vibrant city for yourself and, at only two hours from London, it couldn’t be easier to spend a weekend soaking up the atmosphere.
Jonathan Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
About the Author
Jonathan Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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