Bristol - Gateway to the South West of England

For many years until the industrial revolution, Bristol was the second largest city in the UK, and one of the most important ports in the whole of Europe. It was from this city that much of the slave trade was operated, and as a result, a vast amount of wealth came into the country, much of which was used in developing some of the philanthropic public buildings that still dominate the center of the city.

The city lies at the gateway to the southwest of England, and in recent years has become known as a great place to spend time. The modern city center is pretty and there are plenty of shops and museums available, along with the stunning modern cathedral, which was built after the original one was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War.

Bristol was at the heart of the British Empire for hundreds of years, and it was the place in which Victorian super engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel carried out some of his most important work. The SS Great Britain, the first steel hulled ship was built in Bristol, and is now a floating museum, additionally, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which many people consider to be one of the most stunning bridges in the world crosses the River Severn just outside the city.

Bristol is located within easy reach of a number of Britain's best beach resorts including Westward Ho! and Somerset also offers some beautiful landscapes. Stonehenge, perhaps the oldest piece of construction in the whole of Europe is a popular day trip from Bristol, and easily accessible by road from the city.

If you are planning to stay in Bristol itself during your visit to the city, then you will find a city that offers plenty of shops, great nightlife, and a number of large museums. One of the best of the exhibitions in the city can be found in nearby Filton, where the Bristol Aircraft Company was based. This company, which later became BAE Systems was instrumental in the construction of the beautiful supersonic Concorde Aircraft, and one of them is now permanently stored at the hanger so that future generations will be able to enjoy the plane on the ground.