The City of Bristol.

Only 12 miles from Bath, Bristol is a city of many contrasts contributed from medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern times. There are varied opportunites for half or full day tours.

The Maritime Heritage Centre reminds us of Bristol's great maritime history. There is a replica of the explorer John Cabot's 15th century ship, the Matthew (trips can be made around the harbour), and the on-going restoration of the first iron-built passenger liner, SS Great Britain, built in 1843 and designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

This Victorian engineering genius also gave Bristol the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the gorge created by the River Avon. He built the Great Western Railway from London to Bristol and so gave Bristol the oldest railway terminal at Temple Meads Railway Station, with first train from London arriving in 1841.

Bristol has strong links with the development of Methodism and visits can be made to John Wesley's chapel, the oldest Methodist building in the world and to Charles Wesley's house.

The Church of England Cathedral was originally founded in 1140. The present Roman Catholic Cathedral was completed in 1973. St Mary Redcliffe Church was once described as 'the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in the country'. Bristol is the only city with a civic church, the Lord Mayor's Chapel. All these inspirational buildings show the diversity of needs for religious worship.

Other attractions include the Bristol Industrial Museum, British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, Harveys Wine Cellars and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.

For children of all ages there are the delightful Bristol Zoo and Gardens adjacent to the Downs and the Georgian village of Clifton.

One of the latest attractions is @Bristol, a new £97 million Millenium Landmark project on Bristol's Harbourside, is also for children of all ages. New public squares and arenas link Explore@Bristol, a hands-on science centre for the 21st century, Wildscreen@Bristol, a journey through the history and variety of life on earth, and the IMAXtheatre@Bristol, the biggest cinema screen in the west.

Let Bath Parade Guides help you make the most of your visit to Bristol.

Local Links.

> Visit Bristol (Tourist Bureau Site)
> @ Bristol
> Charles Wesley's House
> Clifton Observatory and Camera Obscura
> Clifton Suspension Bridge
> Bristol Cathedral
> British Empire and Commonwealth Museum
> Bristol Industrial Museum
> Bristol Zoo Gardens
> SS Great Britain
> The Matthew
> Virtual Reality Tour of Bristol