The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
England’s major cities all have their idiosyncratic personalities. London is the Big Smoke and manic-paced business hub, Manchester is known as the creative media production hub as well as the world’s most famous football team, and Liverpool is known for its rough and tumble scousers and is also the birthplace of England’s favorite sons, the Beatles. On the western coast of England lies Bristol, a place that has its distinct personality and is best known for its contributions to shipping and is also a city of many firsts and discoveries. Today it’s been called the “coolest city in the United Kingdom’ which makes exploring Bristol England an excellent option for travelers to spend a few days while visiting this part of the UK.
The roots of Bristol and the shipping industry go hand in hand. You’ll see water everywhere with Avon Rivers that provides the city’s access to the Bristol Channel and the Celtic Sea. It also cuts through the city providing its riverside landscapes as well as its trendy riverfront shops and bustling bar and café scenes. Bristol’s wealth from the shipping trade is seen in the city’s architecture with grand buildings, museums, and grand Victorian churches. The city’s economy and infrastructure were later transformed during the Industrial Revolution with innovations in engineering, led by figures like Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the development of the Great Western Railway that further boosted the city’s growth. Over the decades, the city’s economy diversified, with a growing emphasis on aerospace, electronics, and creative industries. Today Bristol is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant contemporary culture.
Throughout the city, you’ll still see the merchant row houses with many of them hundreds of years old while others are from more recent times. The Avon River gives this city much of its personality and you’ll see tourist boats taking visitors on sightseeing tours as well as rowers out on the river for their daily workout.
Bristol has been transformed from and gritty industrial port to a vibrant cultural and recreational city. The waterfront, Wapping Wharf, and Harbourside are some of the city’s most popular destinations with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars, many with outdoor seating that allows visitors to soak up the atmosphere while enjoying views of the harbor.
Another must-have experience is a visit to St. Nicholas Market, as it is affectionately known as St. Nick’s. Established in 1743, this is the city’s oldest market and today has a rich array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and antiques and handmade crafts.
It may be most well known for its eclectic mix of food stalls, which serve up a full menu of international fare from spicy curries to freshly baked pastries to vegan treats. At lunchtime, the venue is packed with the city’s workforce taking their lunch break.
One experience that visitors will want to explore is the SS Great Britain Museum. This is the world’s first great ocean liner and carried passers from the UK to and from the US and as far as Australia. It was the first luxury ship and touring the ship gives an insight into what was then considered luxurious first-class cabins to the more modest steerage quarters as well. It is amusing to see what was considered a luxury back then compared to the cruise ships of today. The ship has four masts and was the first ship with an iron hull screw propeller, all innovations by its designer and one of the greatest inventors of his era, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Bristol’s riches go beyond its nautical past and engineering innovations. Throughout the city, you’ll quickly notice and then appreciate its rich street art. This is so much beyond graffiti; it is modern urban art and a public display of the city’s creative talent. In place of canvas the cement surfaces where some of the works would be seen as mere vandalism while others are brilliant. You’ll see many works that are thought-provoking and meant to address social, political, and environmental issues of the day. Bristol’s street art scene showcases a variety of styles, from large-scale murals and detailed stencils to freehand graffiti and paste-ups.
What the Beatles did for music in the 60s; one of England’s other favorite sons and Bristol native, Banksy, did for urban art. Throughout the city, the keen observer will spot gifts to the city such as “Mild Mild West” and “Well-Hung Lover,” in a style that is irreverent and cheeky with messages beyond the art.
A great way to take in Bristol’s rich street art is a guided tour that shares its most iconic works as well as the neighborhoods that show the spectacular as well as the mundane. Tours take guests to places such as The Stokes Crofts neighborhood which is the city’s cultural quarter and the central hub for street art in Bristol. There you’ll find a high concentration of murals, graffiti, and installations by both local and international artists. The Blackbeard to Banksy Street Art Tour will take you off the beaten path tucked away in alleyways, side streets, and unexpected places to discover hidden gems of art.
Beyond the central part of the city are neighborhoods that were once the regal homes of Bristol’s wealthy ship merchants. Clifton is a posh village sitting on a hill overlooking the Avon Gorge and a stunning valley cut by the River Avon. In the charming village, there are lovely boutiques, flower shoppes, and cafes that feel as if they are a world away from the buzzing pace of Bristol. Clifton is renowned for its stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, characterized by elegant terraces, and grand townhouses. The Clifton Downs is the village’s leafy park with an expansive grass lawn that is a perfect place for walking the dog or perhaps a picnic under a tree.
Its most iconic landmark is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel designed by Bristol’s most prestigious engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and completed in 1864. The suspension bridge spans the gorge and is a must for any visitor to the area to walk from one side to the other and take a few pictures of the valley far below.
There is a bridge museum that shares interesting facts, models, and artifacts on how the bridge was constructed, and on the other side, the Clifton Observatory provides more information on the bridge as well as panoramic views of the bridge and gorge.
Throughout the greater Bristol area, there are countless options of places to stay from which to take in all that this region has to offer. Staying in Clifton is an ideal to explore the charm of the village with Bristol a short drive away. Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin provides a perfect blend of historical charm, and modern luxury, in an ideal location in the heart of Clifton yet a short distance from the town center.
One of the standout features of Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin is its breathtaking views. The hotel overlooks the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and the dramatic Avon Gorge. Guests can enjoy the sight of the suspension bridge, which is especially stunning when illuminated at night, and the natural beauty of the gorge, with its cliffs and lush greenery.
The Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1898. The late Victorian architecture exudes elegance and sophistication, and many original features of the building have been meticulously preserved. From the intricate stonework to the grand staircases, the hotel allows guests to experience Bristol’s rich architectural heritage.
Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin offers a range of stylish rooms and suites, each designed with individual character and luxurious furnishings. The rooms combine classic elegance with modern amenities with bespoke furniture, and well-appointed bathrooms. Many rooms also feature stunning views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge. The Laurent Perrier Suite is the hotel’s most alluring accommodation elegantly designed in rich warm inviting tones with a large King size bed and a bay window with twin roll-top baths so you can both soak in the bubbles and soak up the view over the Clifton Suspension bridge.
Dining at the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin is a delightful experience, thanks in part to the on-site Bridge Café. The café provides a relaxed dining atmosphere with a menu that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all while taking in the spectacular views of the gorge and the suspension bridge. Another highlight of the hotel is the White Lion Bar, which boasts one of the best terraces in Bristol. The terrace offers unparalleled views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, making it a popular spot for both guests and locals.
About ten miles from the city, you’ll find yourself in the countryside surrounded by farms and woodlands. That’s also where you’ll find the Berwick Lodge a beautifully restored historic manor house and tranquil retreat in the English countryside. Berwick Lodge offers a unique combination of historic charm, luxurious accommodations, award-winning dining, and expansive grounds. The manor’s rich history dates back to the 1890s and today combines its heritage with modern comforts and creates a blend of elegance, comfort, and a peaceful stay. The retreat is set in 18 acres of private gardens and woodlands, including beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and forests where you’ll see the deer and other woodland animals dashing about.
The manor house has been meticulously restored to preserve its original charm. The architecture and decor reflect the period’s elegance, with features such as intricate woodwork, grand fireplaces, and stained-glass windows. Each room in the manor allows guests to step back in time into a bygone era while providing all the modern comforts expected in a luxury hotel.
The accommodations at Berwick Lodge are nothing short of spectacular. Each room and suite are individually designed, blending traditional decor with contemporary amenities to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. The rooms feature sumptuous beds, high-quality linens, and elegantly appointed bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable and restful stay. Many rooms offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, allowing guests to wake up to the beauty of nature every morning.
Dining at Berwick Lodge is a culinary delight, thanks to the on-site Hattusa restaurant. The restaurant has earned accolades for its fine dining experience, which focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy a range of options, from exquisite tasting menus to a la carte selections, all paired with an extensive wine list. The elegant dining room, with its period features and cozy atmosphere, provides the perfect setting for a memorable meal. Afternoon tea at Berwick Lodge is a delightful experience as well with a selection of freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, and exquisite pastries for leisurely afternoon indulgence.
Bristol is a destination rich in history and heritage as well as modern and contemporary arts and culture scene. It is a city with a personality that is at times cheeky and irreverent with its edgy expressions through its urban art and graffiti. Bristol has so much to offer which makes it the ideal place to visit during your travels in England.
