Bristol is a City status in the United Kingdom, unitary authority area and Ceremonial counties of England in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009,
and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone (LUZ) with an estimated 1,006,600  residents,
 
it is England's sixth, and the United Kingdom's eighth most populous city, one of the group of English Core Cities Group and the most populous city in South West England.
 
Bristol received a Royal Charter in 1155 and was granted County status in 1373. From the 13th century, for half a millennium, it ranked amongst the top three English cities after London, alongside York and Norwich, on the basis of tax receipts, until the rapid rise of Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester during the Industrial Revolution in the latter part of the 18th century. It borders the Ceremonial county of Somerset and Gloucestershire, and is also located near the historic cities of Bath, Somerset to the south east and Gloucester to the north. The city is built around the River Avon, Bristol, and it also has a short coastline on the Severn Estuary, which flows into the Bristol Channel.
 
Bristol is the largest centre of culture, employment and education in the region. Its prosperity has been linked with the sea since its earliest days. The commercial Port of Bristol was originally in the city centre before being moved to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth; Royal Portbury Dock is on the western edge of the city boundary. In more recent years the economy has depended on the creative media, electronics and aerospace industries, and the city centre docks have been regenerated as a centre of heritage and culture. There are 34 other populated places on Earth List of places called Bristol, most in the United States, but also in Peru, Canada, Jamaica, Barbados, and Costa Rica, all presumably commemorating the original.
 

Why visit?

  • Bristol is known for its delicious local cuisine. Sample some of the region's best seafood dishes, or try some of the city's famous cider.
  • Bristol is home to a vibrant harbourside area, full of history and culture. Take a stroll along the waterfront and explore the many attractions, including the SS Great Britain, the Matthew, and the M Shed museum.
  • Bristol is the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds. Take a day trip to the nearby villages and enjoy the rolling hills and picturesque countryside.