Cheap flights to Bristol are available throughout the year. Regional and international flights to Bristol arrive at Bristol Airport. Taxis can be hired from the booking office just outside the terminal building. The Airport Flyer Express Link offers shuttle services to Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Bristol Bus Station. The service also stops at a number of popular hotels within the city centre. Tickets for the Flyer are available through the Bristol Airport website and the ticket machine in the arrivals hall of Bristol Airport. The 121 bus also operates services to Weston-Super-Mare and Bristol Bus Station.
Bristol is a compact city and it is relatively easy to get around the city centre by foot or on bike. First Bristol operates most of the bus services in the city. Check the First Bristol website for routes and timetables. Single tickets can be purchased from the bus driver. FirstDay tickets offer unlimited journeys within a single day – tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or a Travel Shop. The Bristol Ferry Boat Company runs a network of ferry services around the harbour. Multi-stop tickets are good for unlimited travel on all ferry services during a one day period. Tickets can be purchased on board the ferries or through the Bristol Ferry Boat company website.
The 19th century Clifton Suspension Bridge that traverses Avon Gorge is an architectural marvel as well as a popular attraction. Those without a phobia of heights can cross the bridge on foot and visit the visitors’ centre to learn more about its history. The wide open spaces of the Clifton Downs are nearby, as well as an observatory and camera obscura. Step onto Brunel’s SS Great Britain to discover life on board one of the world’s first ocean liners. Keep the kids entertained with a visit to At-Bristol. The futuristic science centre features plenty of interactive exhibits that make science fun.
Cabot Circus is a relatively new shopping hub in the city centre. The gigantic shopping centre has a large selection of high street brands, as well as a number of restaurants, a cinema and even an adventure golf centre. The bustling lanes of St. Nicholas Market houses a mix of independent retailers selling clothes, music, food and more. There is also a farmers’ market every Wednesday as well as a monthly Slow Food Market. The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill is run by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, and serves traditional steakhouse fare in an elegant setting. Café Maitreya is a popular restaurant with a menu full of vegetarian and vegan offerings. Head to the Harbourside area for an after-dinner drink. The Thekla is a nightclub with a rather unique location on a boat by the harbour.