Where the city's building blocks are regarded as a masterpiece of human creativity.
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Begin the exploration of this unique city with this splendid museum which shows how a sleepy provincial town was transformed into the world famous Georgian Spa and a paragon of urban design.
The city’s enduring world reputation is largely down to the vision of architect John Wood. His lasting legacy was not only the beautifully designed buildings but their positioning within the green landscape of the city.
Stroll through the city (up Hay Hill and Alfred Street) past the Assembly Rooms - the centre of Georgian social life - to the magnificent John Wood designed Circus.
Before entering the museum, take a moment to marvel at the sweeping elegance of the Royal Crescent, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the world which has been virtually unchanged since it was built in 1767.
Inside, explore the house which recreates how Georgian daily life was spent, both for the fashionable members of society upstairs and those toiling below stairs.
Travel down Bartlett Street and the pedestrianised Milsom Street, and window-shop as you pass by the wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants.
William Herschel and his sister Caroline lived in this modest Georgian terraced house when in 1781, using a telescope of his own construction, he discovered the planet Uranus and subsequently became the first President of the Royal Astronomical Society.
The house has now been fully restored to its original 18th century condition and celebrates the wide-ranging Herschel family achievements in astronomy, science and music.
A day with Isambard Kingdom Brunel: 'the man who built modern Britain'.
Start the day at M Shed, the museum housed in a dockside warehouse, that tells the 2,000-year-old story of Bristol and its people in a thought-provoking and fun way. Using everyday and rare objects, films, photographs and music, learn about the history and building blocks that make up this unique city.
On the weekends there is usually a chance to see the old docks working once again with steam trains and a chance to climb into the cranes - check the M Shed website for details.
Walk or cycle along the harbour and stop off for one of Brunel's Buttery's famous bacon sarnies and a cup of tea.
Brunel was part genius, part showman, and at this museum visitors can discover not only the key to his successes but also his mistakes. Sitting as part of the beautifully-restored SS Great Britain, Being Brunel houses six galleries with over 150 personal artefacts, evoking the sense of wonder and invention associated with this brilliant engineer. Enjoy an audio visual - and (with the waft of cigar smoke) smellable - experience of his life and work. This is an opportunity to get inside the head of Brunel - literally!
Outside the SS Great Britain take the very short ferry crossing to the other side of the Harbour (£1), then walk 10 minutes to St. Augustine’s Parade from where the No 8 bus goes to Clifton.
Designed by Brunel but not completed until after his death, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is Bristol’s most iconic landmark. Spanning the Avon Gorge, the views over the city are stunning.
Walk over the Bridge to the Visitor Centre and find out about this famous landmark's history and the people who built it. The Visitor Centre offers guided tours and opportunities to explore the Bridge’s huge vaults.
Finish the day in this famously opulent area of Bristol, where elegant streets are with lined with bustling cafes, fine dining restaurants and traditional pubs - try the Coronation Tap, a ciderhouse and Bristol institution.
The region has been a centre for the aerospace industry since the very beginnings of powered flight. (Note: this itinerary requires driving).
The stunning centrepiece of this museum is the first ever supersonic airliner, Concorde, designed, built and tested in Bristol. Stepping inside the huge hangar where it is now housed really does take the breath away.
In another aircraft hangar is an excellent hands-on display of the history of aviation in Bristol, including planes, missiles and satellites, from the earliest flimsy contraptions to sleek examples of the supersonic jet age and space exploration.
Take a short drive down the M5 to the coast at Clevedon, a charming Victorian seaside town.
This beautiful example of Victorian engineering, the only Grade 1 listed pier in the country, was built with iron left over from one of Brunel’s railway ventures. It’s a wonderful spot for lunch with the glass walled Tiffin restaurant offering far-reaching views over the sea.
From one seaside town to another - travel down the coast towards Weston-super-Mare.
Just before reaching Weston-super-Mare, turn off at the airport roundabout for The Helicopter Museum - a unique collection of over 80 aircraft. Highlights include the American Huey used in Vietnam, and a Russian gunship seen in the skies in Afghanistan, plus the 30 foot ‘Bristol Bloodhound’ Missiles made just down the road in Banwell shortly after WW2. There’s a hands on feel with regular open cockpit days that give you a chance to climb aboard and have the controls explained to you by an expert.
No visit to the English coast is complete without fish and chips on the beach!
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, BS8 3PA
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