A weekend in BRISTOL

From spectacular medieval buildings, through the engineering wonders of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to the modern street art of Banksy, Bristol blends riveting history with contemporary cool. While nearby Bath might pull most of the tourists, there are plenty of reasons this vibrant city should top your list for a weekend getaway.

- ZACHARY SWEENEY-LYNCH

Starting out

Begin your tour at Bristol’s cobbled harbourside – once an industrial centre but now a thriving cultural hub.

Picturesque coloured houses teeter over the harbour, while steely cranes dot the waterfront. For centuries, these docks were a hive of shipping activity. Today, the warehouses are filled with museums and galleries. M Shed is dedicated to Bristol history and is well worth a stop.

Where to wander

Cross the harbour by ferry and take a stroll (or bus) to a hilltop Clifton, Bristol’s chicest neighbourhood. Elegant Georgian townhouses line the leafy streets, and stylish boutiques and cafes bustle with trendy locals.