Added: 05/09/2006 |
Places of Interest in BristolBristol is the largest city in the south west of England. Its population is approximately half a million. This town is entitled the City and County of Bristol. Bristol has rich history: it was a major trading port in the 19th century; it is the motherland of John Cabot who 'discovered' the 'new continent' (Canada/U.S.A.) in the Matthew in 1497. The Cabot Tower is one of Bristol's best-known landmarks. Designed by the architect, William Venn Gough, 105 feet high tower is so to say a reminder of John Cabot's voyage to America in 1497 (he discovered Newfoundland).
A spiral staircase leads up inside to a balcony which offers splendid views over the city. The foundation stone was laid in 1897, for the 400th anniversary of the John Cabot's voyage to North America, and was opened on the 6th September 1898. The tower was constructed owing to public subscription and cost over $3,000,000 dollars.
In Bristol there are plenty of historical areas to visit including the suspension bridge, designed by Brunel. This bridge is known as Clifton Suspension Bridge (Bridge House, Sion Place, Clifton Bristol BS8 4AP). Built in 1864, it crosses the Avon Gorge. Originally it was designed primarily for horse-drawn transportation. The solidity of the 1830s design is amazing when take into consideration that today, over four million automobiles drive on it per year. The nighttime illumination is particularly lovely.
In the streets of Bristol you can see many Victorian & Georgian period buildings. One of them - the Georgian House - is the museum (7 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR). It was built in 1790 for John Pinney, a sugar merchant. Many rooms of this museum retain the original elegance and fashionable splendor. This entire house is the "eye-witness" of the relationship between the original owner merchant and his servants. The contrast is gobsmacked. Admission is free.
Another place of interest in Bristol is Kings Weston Roman Villa (Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, Bristol 1179223571). The 3rd century Roman Villa was discovered in 1947 during the construction of Lawrence Weston housing estate and named after the house on whose land it was sited. The work began on Long Cross, a road run straight through the Villa and which partially destroyed it in the process. Two buildings were revealed but only one, the Eastern Building, was fully excavated (1948-50)*. Excavated areas of the dwelling include a bathe suite, living rooms with mosaic floors, and a court.
In Bristol you can visit the Maritime Heritage Centre (Gas Ferry Rd. Bristol BS1 6UN) - over a thousand years shipping building taking the visitors from the beginning days of sailboats to the innovation of diesel sea transportation. Another one sight of Bristol is dating back over 400 years Red Lodge (Park Row, Bristol BS1 5JL). The Red Lodge was originally a lodge connected with the Great House where Queen Elizabeth I stayed. The lodge has an amazing room made of oak and an interesting knot garden outside.
Bristol has a variety of highlights include the Cresent in Clifton village and Queen Square near the waterfront.
Queens square is considered to be the second largest and probably one of the most popular squares in Europe and includes the first American Consulate. In Bristol you can visit superb Bristol Zoo Gardens (Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA). Over 300 species of wildlife inhabit the wonderful garden setting. There you'll be able to see desert inhabitants such as a blind naked mole rat and bats as well as polar inhabitants such as seals and penguins.
In Brandon Hill Park (Off Great George Street Bristol) you can relax and take pleasure in a fabulous view of the city. It is one of the oldest park areas in Bristol. Cabot Tower and a children's playground are within the park limits.
It was there that the British Concords were manufactured and one of them is presently on display at a museum on Airbus territory. Rolls Royce also makes engines there. Bristol is also home to some great nightlife.
Bristol welcomes all comers!
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
