Bristol

Bristol

The rich and eventful history of Bristol as a port stretches back over many centuries. The original town was listed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 1051 as a port trading regularly with Ireland. Bristol played an extremely important role in sea trade for hundreds of years following this, but as the scale of business and trade grew in the city, so did the need to develop the narrow and relatively small harbour. 

The geography of the land and the huge tidal range of the Avon had always caused problems for ships docking in Bristol. As the water in the river ebbed back towards the sea, the ships anchored in the harbour would rest on the river bed and be subject to immense pressure from the weight onboard, often causing considerable damage to the timbers. As a result, Bristol-built ships were constructed using the finest materials and most skilled techniques, and quickly became famous for their sturdy craftsmanship. Sailors visiting the port would comment on this, spawning the famous saying 'shipshape and Bristol fashion'.

Getting there and away

Bristol is easily accessed whichever direction you are approaching from. By rail, Bristol hasseveral  stations, but it is Bristol Temple Meads that you need in order to connect by Coach Service to the airport which takes approximately 25 minutes.

If you are approaching by road, you can use either the M5 or M4 to get close, and then depending on your direction of approach will depend on where you exit.

Please click here to see a local map of the area.

Accommodation

We do not have any particular hotel or B&B that we can recommend, but there are plenty to choose from. We would advise that if you do not know the area then you go through the Tourist Information Centre.