Latest reviews for Sightseeing & Attractions in Bristol, United Kingdom

The King's Hall - a well-kept secret by Yabe

Yabe — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:06:54 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 3.00The King's Hall incorporates the remains of the former banqueting hall that was part of Bristol Castle. The Castle itself was a large, Norman structure situated on a large mound and complete with a big wall, battlements, towers and a moat.

The Castle's banqueting hall must have been the scene of some lively and noisy events between the 11th and 16th Centuries. We can only guess what its full size and capacity may have been, as only a few walls and a porch entrance now remain.

These remains have been incorporated in an existing building that is managed by the City of Bristol. It is located in an elevated position in Castle Park, close to Castle Street. From the outside, little of its ancient history is apparent. The large windows offer a glimpse of several spaces and rough, stone walls and arches. Inside are various modern office furniture items - the remnants of public events and functions that the Council has organised in the Park in the past perhaps?

The King's Hall is rather vulnerable and could become prone to vandalism, so let's hope that the few remains of the old banqueting hall are kept safe.

Close to the Hall is a much more visible (and much more modern!) castle: a large children's playground built on the theme of a large, wooden castle.
Great fun too!The King's Hall incorporates the remains of the former banqueting hall that was part of Bristol Castle. The Castle itself was a large, Norman structure situated on a large mound and complete with a big wall, battlements, towers and a moat.

The Castle's banqueting hall must have been the scene of some lively and noisy events between the 11th and 16th Centuries. We can only guess what its full size and capacity may have been, as only a few walls and a porch entrance now remain.

These remains have been incorporated in an existing building that is managed by the City of Bristol. It is located in an elevated position in Castle Park, close to Castle Street. From the outside, little of its ancient history is apparent. The large windows offer a glimpse of several spaces and rough, stone walls and arches. Inside are various modern office furniture items - the remnants of public events and functions that the Council has organised in the Park in the past perhaps?

The King's Hall is rather vulnerable and could become prone to vandalism, so let's hope that the few remains of the old banqueting hall are kept safe.

Close to the Hall is a much more visible (and much more modern!) castle: a large children's playground built on the theme of a large, wooden castle.
Great fun too!

Bristol Castle - Norman remains by Yabe

Yabe — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:04:12 +0000

Review by Yabe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 922 3719

Website: http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk

This is a tourist attraction that may not interest the average visitor to Bristol, but it is an important part of understanding the history of Bristol. Most people only see Castle Park as a nice, green oasis in which to have a picnic or rest from shopping in Broadmead and Cabot Circus. But there's some real history here....

Castle Park is a large, public open space in the heart of modern day Bristol. It was built on the site of the former Bristol Castle and incorporates the remains of the old Castle, which was first built in the 11th Century and mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Bristol Castle was built in typical Norman style in a strategic location, between the rivers Frome and Avon and played a major role in the subsequent civil wars. It was a big complex, situated on a vast mound, strengthened by a big wall and battlements, and came complete with towers and a moat.

The moat has been covered over, but very little is left of the Castle buildings and walls, except for some foundations and a few small pieces of wall. The remains of the banqueting hall have been preserved and incorporated in an existing building in Castle Park.

Apart from its interesting history, today's Castle Park is a brilliant place to catch the sun, eat a sandwich or go for a stroll. It is a 'green lung' in the middle of an increasingly choked, busy city. A lovely spot!
This is a tourist attraction that may not interest the average visitor to Bristol, but it is an important part of understanding the history of Bristol. Most people only see Castle Park as a nice, green oasis in which to have a picnic or rest from shopping in Broadmead and Cabot Circus. But there's some real history here....

Castle Park is a large, public open space in the heart of modern day Bristol. It was built on the site of the former Bristol Castle and incorporates the remains of the old Castle, which was first built in the 11th Century and mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Bristol Castle was built in typical Norman style in a strategic location, between the rivers Frome and Avon and played a major role in the subsequent civil wars. It was a big complex, situated on a vast mound, strengthened by a big wall and battlements, and came complete with towers and a moat.

The moat has been covered over, but very little is left of the Castle buildings and walls, except for some foundations and a few small pieces of wall. The remains of the banqueting hall have been preserved and incorporated in an existing building in Castle Park.

Apart from its interesting history, today's Castle Park is a brilliant place to catch the sun, eat a sandwich or go for a stroll. It is a 'green lung' in the middle of an increasingly choked, busy city. A lovely spot!

SS Great Britain - by vegegrow

vegegrow — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:42:24 +0000

Review by vegegrow

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 929 1843

Website: http://www.ss-great-britain.com

although we visited the ss Great Britain on a very cold damp new years holiday it was still reasonably busy so it must get packed during the summer holidays. A magnificent ship beautifully restored in dry dock right in the middle of Bristol. It has several options for an audio guide giving you the chance to tour the ship with information from different type of passenger and crew 1st class 3rd class and the ships engineer being some of the options, this was very informative with different members of the family taking different options and telling other members about different aspects of the ship. It has been set up with cabins furnished to portray different classes, showing the cramped conditions of the poorest passengers and the rich decor of the first class. when you have toured the ship you get the chance to go inside the dry dock (you are underneath a roof covered with water)and look closely at the exterior of the hull Its well worth a visit.although we visited the ss Great Britain on a very cold damp new years holiday it was still reasonably busy so it must get packed during the summer holidays. A magnificent ship beautifully restored in dry dock right in the middle of Bristol. It has several options for an audio guide giving you the chance to tour the ship with information from different type of passenger and crew 1st class 3rd class and the ships engineer being some of the options, this was very informative with different members of the family taking different options and telling other members about different aspects of the ship. It has been set up with cabins furnished to portray different classes, showing the cramped conditions of the poorest passengers and the rich decor of the first class. when you have toured the ship you get the chance to go inside the dry dock (you are underneath a roof covered with water)and look closely at the exterior of the hull Its well worth a visit.

The Cabot Tower - Stunning views and great exercise by bristle

bristle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:50:56 +0000

Review by bristle

Rating: 4.00Forgotten the nr of steps to the top viewing platform, but worth the effort.
The views are magnificent and you can walk around and view Bristol's skyline from every angle.
The tower commemorates the 'discovery' of Nth America by John Cabot, who sailed from Bristol. But what about the Vikings? They beat old John to it by a few centuries!!

Brandon Hill nature reserve, at the base of the tower, is worth a visit in its own right. It is alleged to have common lizards, but I've not managed to spot any (yet).
This little oasis also makes a perfect picnic spot - great views, great walks (especially up-hill) and lots of grassed areas.
All you need then is a bit of sunshine ;-)Forgotten the nr of steps to the top viewing platform, but worth the effort.
The views are magnificent and you can walk around and view Bristol's skyline from every angle.
The tower commemorates the 'discovery' of Nth America by John Cabot, who sailed from Bristol. But what about the Vikings? They beat old John to it by a few centuries!!

Brandon Hill nature reserve, at the base of the tower, is worth a visit in its own right. It is alleged to have common lizards, but I've not managed to spot any (yet).
This little oasis also makes a perfect picnic spot - great views, great walks (especially up-hill) and lots of grassed areas.
All you need then is a bit of sunshine ;-)

Bristol Cathedral - A serene oasis by bristle

bristle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:44:30 +0000

Review by bristle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 926 4879

Website: http://www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk

Beautiful building with an outstanding nave and impressive acoustics.
Still not too commercialised, free-or-donation entry, in superb condition. You can tell how wealthy Bristol must have been in its former sea-faring days just by looking at its cathedral!
A lovely, hidden gem is the Refectory at the rear. Not just great home-cooked food, but you can eat out in the pretty church yard if the weather is good (which occasionally it is in Bristol).
Adjacent to a lively secondary school, so it gets rather noisy at lunchtime.
Of particular note is the magnificent organ - the free lunchtime organ recitals are wonderful.
Avoid the place during official events/services. At all other times this is a beautiful, quiet, oasis of calm in a busy city.Beautiful building with an outstanding nave and impressive acoustics.
Still not too commercialised, free-or-donation entry, in superb condition. You can tell how wealthy Bristol must have been in its former sea-faring days just by looking at its cathedral!
A lovely, hidden gem is the Refectory at the rear. Not just great home-cooked food, but you can eat out in the pretty church yard if the weather is good (which occasionally it is in Bristol).
Adjacent to a lively secondary school, so it gets rather noisy at lunchtime.
Of particular note is the magnificent organ - the free lunchtime organ recitals are wonderful.
Avoid the place during official events/services. At all other times this is a beautiful, quiet, oasis of calm in a busy city.

At-Bristol - endless fun by bristle

bristle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:25:59 +0000

Review by bristle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 915 5000

Website: http://www.at-bristol.org.uk

Explore - at - Bristol is a great place for any 8-14 year old, and even most others who are young at heart.
It is the best hands-on science exhibition outside of London and it's hard not to be totally absorbed in the many experiments you can get your hands on.
This is not a place for the faint hearted - noise levels are high, the pace is fast, but the fun-factor is very high.
The venue itself is close to the harbourside and within easy walking distance from Temple Meads railway station, the centre of town, bus links and other useful destination places.
We found that it will easily take 3-4 hours to try and explore every item and exhibit.
The Planetarium is a brilliant 'bonus' (and gives you a chance to sit down and recover a bit from the hustle-bustle!)Explore - at - Bristol is a great place for any 8-14 year old, and even most others who are young at heart.
It is the best hands-on science exhibition outside of London and it's hard not to be totally absorbed in the many experiments you can get your hands on.
This is not a place for the faint hearted - noise levels are high, the pace is fast, but the fun-factor is very high.
The venue itself is close to the harbourside and within easy walking distance from Temple Meads railway station, the centre of town, bus links and other useful destination places.
We found that it will easily take 3-4 hours to try and explore every item and exhibit.
The Planetarium is a brilliant 'bonus' (and gives you a chance to sit down and recover a bit from the hustle-bustle!)

Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground - Come on the 'Shire! by johngas7

johngas7 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:26:22 +0000

Review by johngas7

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 910 8000

Website: http://www.glosccc.co.uk

Gloucestershire's reputation has enhanced over recent years, especially with the successful one day exploits a few years back.

With the imminent return of John Bracewell to the fold - the man who oversaw the recent one day successes, there is every reason for optimism and that the County Ground can again play to host to many a successful Gloucestershire side.

Gloucestershire is not the biggest cricketing venue in terms of capacity, but for big games they do bring the temporary seats to increase the capacity from approx 4,000 to 18,000.

The ground is pretty quiet for lower key games but atmospheric and relaxing nonetheless, whilst big games see tension and heightened atmosphere, especially for Twenty20 games.

So, first class cricket in a nice, homely venue, definitely worth a visit.

COME ON THE 'SHIRE!Gloucestershire's reputation has enhanced over recent years, especially with the successful one day exploits a few years back.

With the imminent return of John Bracewell to the fold - the man who oversaw the recent one day successes, there is every reason for optimism and that the County Ground can again play to host to many a successful Gloucestershire side.

Gloucestershire is not the biggest cricketing venue in terms of capacity, but for big games they do bring the temporary seats to increase the capacity from approx 4,000 to 18,000.

The ground is pretty quiet for lower key games but atmospheric and relaxing nonetheless, whilst big games see tension and heightened atmosphere, especially for Twenty20 games.

So, first class cricket in a nice, homely venue, definitely worth a visit.

COME ON THE 'SHIRE!

Bristol Zoo Gardens - Lots to see and do by johngas7

johngas7 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:13:26 +0000

Review by johngas7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 973 8951

Website: http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Get an annual pass for about Â£45 and you can go there at will for a year. Otherwise approx Â£12.50 for the day is a bit pricey so in that case, make sure you make the most of it.

Features include the new walk through Butterfly area where you can get up close and personal with these colourful creatures. It does get busy in here at times though, but nice and atmospheric. Another feature is the penguin area where you can walk underneath them and see them swimming etc from under the water, which is a good experience.

There is now an armadillo which we've yet to find but it's only a matter of time until we track the little blighter down! Other animals include Okapi, gorillas, hippos, sand cats - but the most obvious omission is the elephant which is rather disappointing.

Still, an excellent day out with food facilities and displays etc, well worth a visit.Get an annual pass for about Â£45 and you can go there at will for a year. Otherwise approx Â£12.50 for the day is a bit pricey so in that case, make sure you make the most of it.

Features include the new walk through Butterfly area where you can get up close and personal with these colourful creatures. It does get busy in here at times though, but nice and atmospheric. Another feature is the penguin area where you can walk underneath them and see them swimming etc from under the water, which is a good experience.

There is now an armadillo which we've yet to find but it's only a matter of time until we track the little blighter down! Other animals include Okapi, gorillas, hippos, sand cats - but the most obvious omission is the elephant which is rather disappointing.

Still, an excellent day out with food facilities and displays etc, well worth a visit.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge - Timeless classic... but 'steep' though! by johngas7

johngas7 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:06:21 +0000

Review by johngas7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 974 4664

Website: http://www.clifton-suspension-bridge.org.uk

I wash driving a mate from Northern Ireland past the bridge a few years back and was surprised when he gasped, "Woah, the Suspension Bridge!". It was then that I realised that the bridge is renowned not just in Bristol, but on an international scale.

A great testament to Brunel and his superb engineering and building abilities, this timeless bridge is synonymous with Bristol's heritage and tradition.

You can either leisurely stroll across the bridge - not sure whether there's a charge for that, or drive across the bridge for 50p, which does seem a bit steep for what could be less than a minute's drive.

Highly recommended if you are in or near the Bristol area.I wash driving a mate from Northern Ireland past the bridge a few years back and was surprised when he gasped, "Woah, the Suspension Bridge!". It was then that I realised that the bridge is renowned not just in Bristol, but on an international scale.

A great testament to Brunel and his superb engineering and building abilities, this timeless bridge is synonymous with Bristol's heritage and tradition.

You can either leisurely stroll across the bridge - not sure whether there's a charge for that, or drive across the bridge for 50p, which does seem a bit steep for what could be less than a minute's drive.

Highly recommended if you are in or near the Bristol area.

Bristol Shoguns & Rovers - Up the Gas! by johngas7

johngas7 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:00:45 +0000

Review by johngas7

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0117 311 1461

Website: http://www.bristolshoguns.co.uk

Well call me biased, but The Mem, as The Memorial stadium is affectionately known, is a humble, homely venue which comes to light when packed to the rafters.

Rovers attract approx 7,000 fans on an average matchday, which rises to 12,000 capacity for big games.

I've rarely seen any trouble, in fact the police presence is usually enough to thwart any boisterous beings from any erroneous activity! I will definitely take my kids to watch the gas (Rovers) when they are old enough and the quality of football served up has improved since we've gained promotion to league 1 (third tier or the English professionl league).

The atmosphere is excellent, especially when the strains of Rovers them tune 'Goodnight Irene' throng from the Gasheads with fervour!

I highly recommend the Memorial Stadium for Rovers games - it's been years since I watched a Rugby game there so can't really comment on that. So come to watch the mighty gas, you won't be disappointed!Well call me biased, but The Mem, as The Memorial stadium is affectionately known, is a humble, homely venue which comes to light when packed to the rafters.

Rovers attract approx 7,000 fans on an average matchday, which rises to 12,000 capacity for big games.

I've rarely seen any trouble, in fact the police presence is usually enough to thwart any boisterous beings from any erroneous activity! I will definitely take my kids to watch the gas (Rovers) when they are old enough and the quality of football served up has improved since we've gained promotion to league 1 (third tier or the English professionl league).

The atmosphere is excellent, especially when the strains of Rovers them tune 'Goodnight Irene' throng from the Gasheads with fervour!

I highly recommend the Memorial Stadium for Rovers games - it's been years since I watched a Rugby game there so can't really comment on that. So come to watch the mighty gas, you won't be disappointed!

Explore - Fun day out for all ages by skoona

skoona — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:01:14 +0000

Review by skoona

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 915 5000

Website: http://www.at-bristol.org.uk

Explore @ Bristol is a great place to while away a few hours with the little ones. Itâ¬"s rather like the Science Museum in London, but not quite as fun, and not free (in fact itâ¬"s quite expensive in my opinion). Itâ¬"s actually highly educational, cleverly hidden under the guise of play - thereâ¬"s loads of buttons to press, things to poke and stuff to build; in fact youâ¬"ll probably have more fun than the kids ;-) Thereâ¬"s parking nearby, just off Anchor Road, or you could take the train, and make the day even more exciting for the children. Have a great day out!Explore @ Bristol is a great place to while away a few hours with the little ones. Itâ¬"s rather like the Science Museum in London, but not quite as fun, and not free (in fact itâ¬"s quite expensive in my opinion). Itâ¬"s actually highly educational, cleverly hidden under the guise of play - thereâ¬"s loads of buttons to press, things to poke and stuff to build; in fact youâ¬"ll probably have more fun than the kids ;-) Thereâ¬"s parking nearby, just off Anchor Road, or you could take the train, and make the day even more exciting for the children. Have a great day out!

Travel Bristol Info Centre - travel sorted by psychosmartie

psychosmartie — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:10:11 +0000

Review by psychosmartie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0117 904 7252

Website: http://www.travelbristol.org

Tags: travel service

this place will help you with all your travel needs in the city.
they have timetables for all the major bus routes, and can give you mre detailed information if you require it!
as the city centre contains manymany bus stops if you are unsure you can enquire here and they will point you in the right direction.
I've only found one member of staff in there to be less than friendly, and i use this place regularly to purchase advanced month bus tickets.
You can also use here to book national express routes from bristol and anything they can't do here travel wise, they will tell you where can help youthis place will help you with all your travel needs in the city.
they have timetables for all the major bus routes, and can give you mre detailed information if you require it!
as the city centre contains manymany bus stops if you are unsure you can enquire here and they will point you in the right direction.
I've only found one member of staff in there to be less than friendly, and i use this place regularly to purchase advanced month bus tickets.
You can also use here to book national express routes from bristol and anything they can't do here travel wise, they will tell you where can help you

University Tower - uni landmark by psychosmartie

psychosmartie — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:05:43 +0000

Review by psychosmartie

Rating: 2.00also known as wills memorial building, it is a major landmark in Bristol and one of the most fampous parts of bristol university.
A tall grand building at the top of park street, it houses many university offices and lecture theatres, along with a library and the great hall.
However, whilst the building is important to students, visitors are only allowed just inside, so there is not much to see unless you are a real fan of architecture.

However the city museum is next door, so worth popping your head in if you are in the area anyway!also known as wills memorial building, it is a major landmark in Bristol and one of the most fampous parts of bristol university.
A tall grand building at the top of park street, it houses many university offices and lecture theatres, along with a library and the great hall.
However, whilst the building is important to students, visitors are only allowed just inside, so there is not much to see unless you are a real fan of architecture.

However the city museum is next door, so worth popping your head in if you are in the area anyway!