Things To Do in Bristol

The Bristol Harbour, its rough-and-ready days of the 19th century a memory of the past, is rapidly being recycled as it moves deeper into the 21st century. Beautiful architecture, wonderful hotels, excellent restaurants, and good shopping await visitors today along with bistros, wine bars, and art centers. The harborfront's two major attractions, if you need a goal for your sightseeing, are At-Bristol and the SS Great Britain .

Guided walking tours are conducted each Saturday at 11am April to September and last about 2 hours. Walking tours cost £3.50 per person and depart from the Beetle Statue at Anchor Square. Consult the Tourist Information Centre for more information.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, has become the symbol of the city of Bristol. Originally conceived in 1754, it was completed more than 100 years later, in 1864. The architect, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, died 5 years before its completion. His fellow engineers completed the bridge as a memorial to him.

The biggest shopping complex is Broadmead, mainly pedestrianized with branches of all High Street stores, plus cafes and restaurants. Many specialty shops are found at Clifton Village, in a Georgian setting where houses are interspaced with parks and gardens. Here you'll find a wide array of shops selling antiques, arts and crafts, and designer clothing. Even if you don't purchase anything, you'll enjoy strolling about the old, tree-shaded streets. Less impressive than Clifton Village, and only if you have the time, is St. Nicholas Markets, which opened in 1745. They are still going strong, selling antiques, memorabilia, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and haberdashery. The West End is another major shopping area, taking in Park Street, Queen's Road, and Whiteladies Road. These streets are known for clothing outlets, bookstores, and unusual gift items from around the world, as well as wine bars and restaurants. The best market for antiques is the Bristol Antique Centre, at Brunel Rooms, Broad Plain, which is open daily, including Sunday.

On a cultural note, Bristol Old Vic, King Street (tel. 01179/877877; www.bristololdvic.co.uk), is the oldest working theater in the country, known for its performances (often Shakespeare) that were first launched in 1766. The theatrical grouping uses different theaters for its shows; some performances are staged at other venues such as the new Vic Studio and the Basement Theatre. Music lovers gravitate to the performances at St. George's, Great George Street, off Park Street (tel. 01179/294929; www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk), a converted church from the 1700s. Today instead of gospel you will hear everything from jazz concerts to classical musical performances. At lunch, concerts are a regular feature.

Bath may be more stiff and formal, but Bristol clubs and pubs are more laid-back, drawing more working-class Brits than yuppies. One of the best pubs along King Street is Trow, 5 King St. (tel. 01179/260783), with its mellow West Country ambience.

Acid jazz and other types of music rain down in Thekla (tel. 01179/293301; www.thekla.co.uk), a converted freight steamer moored on the Grove. The other leading venue for jazz is the Bebop Club at the Bear, Hotwell Road (tel. 01179/877796; www.thebebopclub.co.uk). The leading comedy club is Jester's, 142 Cheltenham Rd. (tel. 01179/096655; www.jesterscomedyclub.co.uk). Covers range from £5 to £20 but can vary depending on the entertainment offered.