Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +44 for England
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +44 (0)120 229 3357. Open from 7am-midnight seven days a week.
Taxi :
Checker Cars operate directly from Bristol International Airport. A journey to the city centre costs £20 for four people (Tel. 01275 475 000. www.checkercars.com).
Airport Bus :
The Bristol International Flyer connects the airport to Temple Meads train station, Bristol Bus Station and Clifton, with stops around the city. Tickets: £6 single; £8 return (www.bristolairport.co.uk).
(70 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton. Tel. 0117 973 4343) A quirky mix of a studio, gallery and coffee bar, run by potter Jen Hamilton. Stop here for a cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee and a slice of cake.
(221-223 Cheltenham Road. Tel. 0117 907 793 214) A vibrant restaurant boasting an eclectic array of Caribbean cuisine to suit any and every palate. Bright and colourful art adorns the white walls, evoking an exotic ambience. Choose from island staples, such as jerk chicken and curried goat.
(Thistle Hotel, Broad Street. Tel. 0117 929 1645 ) This sleek, elegant Rosette-winning restaurant and bar serves a delicious range of international cuisine. Don't miss the super Sunday carvery.
(Tortworth Court Hotel, Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge. Tel. 01454 263 000) An opulent dining option located in the stunning main house of Tortworth Court. The restaurant is set in the old library, amid bookshelves, extensive oak panelling and sumptuous curtains. Expect exquisite cuisine and attentive service.
(Arnolfini Arts Centre, Narrow Quay. Tel. 0117 917 2335) A popular spot with city workers and art students. Get in with the locals and enjoy a drink by the quayside.
(12 St Stephens Street. Tel. 0117 376 3100) Hire your own private state-of-the-art room, pick your favourite tune, then sing your heart out. Bristol's newest karaoke venue is a big hit.
(40 Corn Street. Tel. 0117 930 0181 ) This lively Australian bar chain, unusually set in a converted bank, is guaranteed to provide the perfect location for a fun night out.
On the ground
Shop
Spend a morning browsing St Nicholas Market in the old city, established in 1743. Inside, you'll discover everything from books, records, pictures and fossils to candles, jewellery and clothing. The Glass Arcade offers food from around the world.
Insider Tip
Join Pete the pirate for a guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Learn about Bristol's maritime past and its history of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy. Walks start at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday from outside Explore-At-Bristol (www.piratewalks.com).
Key Area
Queen Square is a magnificent restored Georgian square set in a peaceful and relaxing green space, animated by locals enjoying the sunshine.
This month
This is a fantastic month for art enthusiasts. The Southbank Bristol Arts Trail (www.sbaweb.co.uk) takes place in South Bristol from 10-11 May, while the Affordable Art Fair (www.affordableartfair.com) is on at the historic Passenger Shed in the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum from 16-18 May.
Day Tripping
Cheddar
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Known for more than just the cheese, this picturesque Somerset village is also home to Britain's biggest gorge, fascinating caves (including Gough's Cave, with the UK's biggest underground river) and a host of shops and restaurants. Climb Jacob's Ladder for stunning clifftop walks. Just 40 minutes from Bristol.
No way!
Hollywood legend Cary Grant (real name Archibald Leach) was born in Bristol. Today, there's a life-sized bronze statue in Millennium Square to commemorate the actor's achievements.
