Bristol Things To Do - Attractions & Must See

Bristol has a rich and storied history. Visit some of these landmarks to get a sense of her historical value.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is the symbol of the city of Bristol. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel he never lived to see it completed. He died prematurely at age 53 in 1859. The Bridge was completed as his memorial and finally opened in 1864.

The Floating Harbour was opened in 1809. It covered 80 acres of tidal river and allowed visting ships to stay afloat all the time. The harbour became a busy port and continued until its closure in 1975. Now renovated, the harbour is home to business and leisure as well as private property.

This was the first vessel of her kind. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, she was built in 1843. The Great Britain was the first steam-powered ocean liner, and the first one driven by Brunel's new innovation--the propeller. She was 322 feet long, and carried up to 252 passengers and 130 crew. Many years ahead of her time, this great ship is a must-see for anyone interested in the sea.

A church has stood on this site for over a thousand years. In 1148 the Abbey of St. Augustine was founded. The abbey was dissolved in 1539 by Henry VIII's commissioners and the nave destroyed. It then became the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in 1542. In the 19th century the nave was rebuilt and two towers added.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Bristol.