Bristol: Party and Market Town

My weekend trip to Bristol was kind of a last minute decision. But it sure did make for a great weekend!

To get there check out the train and bus routes from London:
Train: nationalrail.co.uk
Here you are looking at around 2hrs travel time depending on where in London you depart from.

Bus: travelinesw.com
Here you journey will be closer to 3hrs.

One thing I highly recommend is to make accomodation plans early! Bristol is a party town on the weekends and the hostels fill up super quick. I managed to squeeze into Bristol Backpackers. a fantastic hostel run by an ex-South African. Perhaps on your initial entry you might think it seems a little run down, but with internet, cable, comfy beds, a bar downstairs and taking into account it is just round the corner from a great outdoor market, ton of bars, restuarants and pubs, it is in the perfect location and has a fantastic atmosphere.

Not to mention the steller fridge set-up, its the best I have ever seen! Even took a photo, much to the amusement of fellow backpackers (unfortunately it didn’t turn out). There were also quite a few young travelers who were staying there long term while working in Bristol.

My favorite part was roaming through the large market just up the street. With numerous outdoor stalls and a large covered section you can find everything from nuts and bolts to imported silks from Asia to restuarants featuring menus from around the world. My find of the day was a store selling all the wonderful goodies I remember from South Africa.

So if there are any fellow expatriates out there be sure to swing round to the “Southern African Shop in Bristol”, you can pick up everything from the latest CD to marmite and candies. They also have free newspapers in English and Afrikaans.

The one thing that most people told me to go see was the Clifton Suspension Bridge, built 150yrs ago by Brunel and is the symbol of Bristol. Unfortunately due to fairly ominous weather threatening the meager rain protection I had brought, I was unable to take the 30minute walk along the river to see it. Hopefully the rest of you have better luck or take better rain gear.