Bristol Area Guide
The Sunday Times named Bristol the best place to live in 2017, Helen Davies the Home Editor said “The city is a worthy winner thanks to its ideal combination of extraordinary culture, impressive schools, buzzing culinary scene, exciting redevelopment and community spirit,”
Bristol is truly unique, and not just on a macro level but each neighbourhood has its own sense of style, when it comes to deciding where to live makes it quite a tough choice.
The city began life as a town called Brigg stow, which means the meeting place at the bridge in the old Saxon language. Being the largest city in the south west of England and is located just 120 miles west of London, 12 miles east of Bath and 45 miles across the Bristol Channel to Cardiff in Wales.
Situated on the River Frome and River Avon, Bristol is a buzzing, diverse and multicultural university city of 686,000. There are at least 45 religions, 187 countries of birth and 91 main languages spoken in Bristol. With more than 400 parks and gardens, including Durham Downs commonly known as the Downs which offers approx. 400 acres (160ha) of green public space for all to enjoy.
Brunel’s famous Clifton suspension bridge, is not only spectacular but provides gateways to the Ashton court estate with woodlands and grasslands perfect for outdoor activities including walking trails and mountain biking.
The city has excellent amenities include independent shops, restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars as well as many independent schools, public schools and two universities. Bristol was named the most artistic city in the UK due to its amount of theatres, museums, music scene and high quality of street art. Bristol born Banksy, a famous graffiti artist has showcased his creations at many sites across the city.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of history’s most ground-breaking engineers found his home in this forward-thinking city and created some of his most memorable masterpieces here, including Brunel’s SS Great Britain and of course the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Clifton and the surrounding areas are amongst the most sought after locations in this city with its Charming Victorian and gorgeous Georgian architecture and its village atmosphere. Incredible views over the Avon gorge to the graffiti-covered streets of Stokes Croft and the colourful waterfront, Bristol is as diverse as its inhabitants, with its notable alumni ranging from Banksy to the creators of Wallace and Gromit. The thriving independent business community – is home to the longest stretch of independent shops in the UK – it’s no surprise that Bristol has a strong sense of individuality.