Bristol – West Country hub

Bristol has a history every bit as long and illustrious as Porto.

It is now a centre for the aerospace industry (Airbus) and home to many IT companies. However, its history is still evident when walking around the city.

There are excellent markets and historic sites. St Mary Redcliffe was described by Elizabeth I (1533-1603) as “The fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England.”  
It is very much worth a visit.

Unfortunately, much of the old part of Bristol was destroyed during WWII, but there is still much that remains of interest. The Llandoger Trow pub dates from 1664 and Christmas Steps dates from 1669.

The old port of Bristol was converted into a cultural space housing restaurants, educational resources and a centre for cinema, as well as much else. Bristol is also home to Aardman Animations, makers of ‘Wallace and Gromit’.

The construction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Great Western Railway (know, when built in 1833, as ‘God’s Wonderful Railway) linked Bristol to London and all towns in between.

Brunel also designed the famous Suspension bridge over Clifton Gorge, but died before it was finished. His SS Great Britain, the largest ship in the world when launched (1843), is still moored in Bristol and is now a worthy visitor attraction.

Open to Bristol Oporto Association website: