The City Of Bristol – Attractions : Free Zone Vacations

Awarded the European City of the Year in 2008, a Centre of Culture and a Science City, Bristol can fulfill whatever your expectations might be for a weekend or holiday adventure. It is a multicultural city that used to be one of the greatest ports in the UK. With a population of nearly half a million, Bristol is the largest city in southwest England and it is full of surprises.
On offer for visitors and natives alike is the city’s history, architecture, theatres, museums and park land, festivals, carnivals, clubs, film and music, technology, business and financial services, even a balloon fiesta!
For all sorts of reasons like being the best city in the UK and Ireland according to the Academy of Urbanism and being the place where the world’s first chocolate bar was made - in the late 1720's by Joseph Fry (now Cadbury), Bristol had been voted one of the most popular places to live in Britain.

In Saxon times, Bristol developed where the Frome and Avon rivers meet. The name Bristol comes from Brycgstow (Old English), and means ‘the place at the bridge’. Notwithstanding the Clifton Suspension Bridge, it’s still a good description of Bristol because it is a bridge to experiences, careers, history and culture, the landscape and of course, the future.

Pirate Walk
Stretching over many centuries, the port of Bristol has a rich and colourful history.
Did you know that some of the most famous pirates were sons of Bristol? Better known as Blackbeard, Edward Teach was born near Bristol’s old harbour. Between 1717–1718 he terrorised the eastern coast of the American colonies and the West Indies as the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Teach was killed during a ferocious battle at sea on 22 November 1718.

Although born in Pembrokeshire in Wales, Bartholomew Roberts, another famous pirate sailed from Bristol on merchant ships. Better known as Black Bart, he was perhaps the most successful pirate during the Golden Age of Piracy (1650-1722). He is said to have plundered more than 470 ships in four years. He is quoted as having said, “A merry life and a short one shall be my motto.” And it was – he was only 40 years old when he died on the 10th of Feb. 1722.

To find out much more about the 17th and 18th century pirates and the part they played in the history of Bristol, take a guided tour – the Pirate Walk – around the harbour. A virtual walk is also available. For more information go to piratewalks.co.uk

The Floating Harbour
This year Bristol celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Floating Harbour. Two hundred years ago, to improve the port facilities, lock gates were installed on a tidal stretch of the River Avon thereby providing a tidal by-pass for the river in the centre of the city.

Today the Floating Harbour is a significant tourist attraction with the former warehouses and workshops converted into restaurants, bars and clubs, museums, galleries such as the Arnolfini, and floating exhibitions such as the SS Great Britain, the masterpiece of one of Bristol’s most famous sons Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

A replica of the Matthew, the ship in which John Cabot sailed to American in 1497 is also moored there. Also in the Floating Harbour area, Explore-At-Bristol, the hands-on, interactive science and technology centre is a must see for all ages.

By the way, the Floating Harbour is called that because, due to the lock gates, the harbour isn’t affected by the state of the tide and the water level in the river remains constant.

St Nicholas Market
What’s the best kept secret in Bristol? St Nicholas Market was established in 1743 for selling fruits and vegetables and is now a wonderful quirky collection of independent retailers and Bristol’s oldest and best loved market. The market, set beneath the spectacular glass roof, is only a short walk from central Bristol.

In the heart of the Old City, you’ll find wonderful Georgian architecture filled with fantastic stalls offering a wide variety of goods, including foods from all over the world and close to home as well.

The Glass Arcade at St Nicholas Markets has recently been restored to its former glory. Its quirky ambience is buzzing and vibrant but relaxed enough to entice you to browse its stalls which sell a unique selection of products. You can do a bit of people watching and stay to eat at one of the cafes.

Visit the 'Nails' Market, named after the four unique flat topped brass pillars still located on Corn Street. In past times when a transaction was agreed merchants would strike one of the Nails. That’s were the expression “to pay on the Nail” comes from.

History is everywhere in Bristol and it appears the first of the 'Nails' dates from the reign of Elizabeth I or James I. The dates of 1630, 1625 and 1631 are inscribed in the other Nails. Although the sacks of corn and wheat of the original market have been updated to clothing, photography and art work, hand crafted jewellery and pottery, come see the past and the present in this wonderful place.

Balloon Fiesta
The next Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will happen from the 12-15 of August 2010.
Don Cameron, of Cameron Balloons, created the first Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 1979. The Balloon Fiesta is now a global hot air balloon event drawing balloonists and balloon lovers from all over the world. Last year there were over 130 balloons and half a million people showed up to watch and enjoy the balloons, the arena and aerial entertainment as well as all the stalls selling all sorts of things.

During the Fiesta, at 6 am and 6 pm when the balloons are launched en masse, the skies over Bristol come alive with colour. As one lady said of the event, “...seeing over 110 hot air balloons flying over Bristol in the early mornings and evenings, causes the commuter traffic to come to a standstill”.

As well as watching the balloons, you can join them by booking a flight with companies like Bailey Balloons. Some of their special balloon rides allow you to take pictures up close and personal to some of the most fantastic balloons in the world.

During the four days of the Fiesta, there are Night Glows and fireworks. Tethered balloons, usually around 30, light up the night sky. Choreographed sequences are set to music and the evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display. What a way to spend a weekend!

If all of that doesn’t get your heart racing, come to Bristol and check it out what else there is to see and do. While you’re there, be sure to look for the graffiti done by Banksy - dotted around the city.

By: Monika Nolte
http://www.articledashboard.com