• 03 Nov, 2009
• Business, Nature

One of the UK’s best short-break destinations, Bristol is a happening city that hits a high note with everyone from clubbers to culture vultures. On a typical day in Bristol you can take in cool cafes and gorgeous Georgian terraces, waterfront arts centres and monuments to the city’s rich maritime heritage as well as green spaces and great shopping. Then round it all off with a night out that’s as loud or laid-back as you want – the city is justifiably proud of its buzzing music scene but it also boasts many acclaimed restaurants.

The city’s treasure chest of culture and heritage glitters with the work of key historic figures like Isambard Kingdom Brunel as well as modern artists, musicians and animators. The thriving theatre scene also continues to delight and entertain.

Bristol Highlights

• Broadmead and Cabot Circus make up Bristol's city centre shopping area, with a massive selection of high street names, department stores, boutique shops and restaurants and cafes to choose from. In Broadmead, the Mall Bristol offers a vast range of different stores and eateries, all under one roof. Adjacent to this, a network of shopping streets and arcades make up the rest of the Broadmead area, which has recently been renovated to bring it up-to-date with its newest neighbour - Cabot Circus.

• The Bristol Hippodrome - Whether you prefer musicals, ballet, opera, concerts, comedians or children’s shows, the Hippodrome’s busy programme is bound to have something to suit every taste.The autumn season at the Hippodrome is packed full of shows and promises to ‘Rock’. The incredible West End smash hit We Will Rock You arrives at the theatre in September and October. The cast includes ex-Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, Jonathan Wilkes, X Factor finalist Brenda Edwards, actress Georgina Hagen, most recently seen in ITV’s Britannia High, and I’d Do Anything reality show contestant Ashley Russell.

• Brunel's ss Great Britain - Built and launched in Bristol in 1843, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s maritime masterpiece was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship.After a life as a luxury liner, troop ship, cargo vessel and floating warehouse, she was abandoned in the Falklands Islands in 1937. She was salvaged in 1970, towed back to Bristol and has now been restored to her former glory.The historic vessel is being conserved for future generations under a ‘glass sea’ in the very dockyard where she was built. Visitors are encouraged to experience what life was like for her Victorian passengers and crew, including a visit to the recently installed three-storey tall moving engine.

All this is set against a truly classic view – the River Avon and its dramatic gorge reaching almost into the heart of the city.

Tickets to Brunel’s ss Great Britain allow free and unlimited return visits for a year from the date of purchase. Tickets allow entry to the dry dock, museum, Maritime Heritage Centre, and the replica of John Cabot's ship The Matthew when she is in Bristol.
All this is set against a truly classic view – the River Avon and its dramatic gorge reaching almost into the heart of the city.

There are 4 flights a week to Bristol this winter from Ireland West Knock with Ryanair.  With fares from as low as €5 one way, there has never been a better time to explore Bristol!

Book now at ryanair.com

For further information on Bristol log onto www.visitbristol.co.uk