Tobacco Factory Theatres produces and presents a jam-packed programme of

diverse and exciting shows including classic and contemporary theatre, theatre for

families, comedy, dance, music, opera, puppetry and fi lm. Highlights include the

exceptional season of Shakespeare and classic drama, a wonderful opera season

and warm hearted, inventive shows for all the family at Christmas time. Situated in

the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville, it’s bar stocks a range of quality drinks and

snacks and there are numerous restaurants and bars in the surrounding area.

Box Offi ce 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Tobacco Factory Theatres

www.visitbristol.co.uk

Credit: Destination Bristol

City Centre and Old CityThe city centre and surrounding streets of the Old City off er a real taste of culture, history and some of the best shopping in Bristol. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Harbourside, the Old City is burst-ing with character featuring cobbled streets and alleyways lined with incredible old buildings and relics from the past. The area is full of charm includ-ing the colourful market stalls in St Nicholas, the network of streets in the historic Christmas Steps Arts Quarter.Castle Park, Queen Square and Park StreetCastle Park and the elegant Queen Square off er a peaceful retreat, perfect for picnics and sitting out in the sunshine. For unique shopping, Park Street is lined with Geor-gian buildings all home to a variety of independent shops, cafes and funky bars. Banksy’s famous graf-fi ti art can be spotted on the side of a building at the bottom of Park Street opposite City Hall.Just off Park Street is St George’s Bristol, one of

Britain’s leading concert halls, famous for its fi ne acoustics. Beyond is Brandon Hill, the oldest park in Bristol, featuring the striking Cabot Tower, off ering amazing views of the city. At the bottom of Park Street is the magnifi cent Bristol Cathedral.

World-class Theatre and MusicBristol has a reputation for fi rst-class music and theatre with an ever-changing programme of shows. Bristol Hippodrome welcomes hit shows fresh from London’s West End and off ers behind the scenes tours. Bristol Old Vic, built in 1766, is the longest continuously-running theatre in England and off ers exceptional performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Just south of the centre is Tobacco Factory Theatres who off er everything from Shakespeare to contemporary productions and comedy in a unique and intimate setting. More entertainment including stand-up comedy, festi-vals and music concerts can be enjoyed at Bristol’s largest concert hall, Colston Hall.

Elegant Georgian Clifton and stylish city centre shopping compliment the spectacular regenerated

Harbourside, which is also home to many award-winning attractions, including Brunel’s ss Great

Britain. Famous theatres and a fascinating maritime history topped off with sumptuous West Country

food and drink make Bristol a great city for groups.

Welcome to Bristol - the cosmopolitan capital of the South West

Bristol Tourist Information and souvenirs

The Tourist Information Centre is conveniently located on the Harbourside (next to the Watershed), off ering maps, selling tour and bus tickets and off ering advice to plan a day out as well as those all-important souvenirs.

i

Clifton and the Suspension Bridge, credit Image Release

Where to stay?For information about group accommodation in Bristol, go to www.visitbristol.co.uk/groups or call 0117 946 2209.Insider tip: Booking shoulder nights (Fridays and Sundays) can often result in great availability and more competitive rates.

www.visitbristol.co.uk

CliftonElegant, leafy and a prime target for foodies and boutique shoppers, Clifton is one of Bristol’s most exclu-sive suburbs. The area is best known for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol’s most iconic structure, which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in December 1864. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is free to walk across and off ers magnifi -cent views of the Avon Gorge and surrounding countryside. On the far side of the bridge a new visitor cen-tre (opens December 2014) is open daily and displays the history of the structure and the Avon Gorge. Group tours of the bridge are available.

Clifton VillageBeautiful Georgian buildings make Clifton Village one of Bristol’s most attractive areas with its mix of independent shops, cosy cafés and key attractions. For an unusual shopping experience the Victorian Clifton Arcade houses some of the most unique shops in the city selling everything from vintage costume jewellery to classic home interiors. A short drive from Clifton you’ll fi nd the wonderful University of Bristol Botanic Garden which is perfect for

those with a keen interest in plants. The world’s fi fth oldest zoo also resides in Clifton and is set within 12 acres of landscaped gardens. Bristol Zoo Gardens features over 400 spe-cies of exotic animals from around the globe including a family of goril-las, Asiatic lions, tropical butterfl ies, reptiles and monkeys. Tours are available of the zoo and the gardens.

Clifton TriangleThe Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (more details p.5) and the Royal West of England Academy of Arts (RWA) are both located between White-ladies Road and Park Street, on the Clifton Triangle. Exhibitions at the RWA celebrate the best of historic and contemporary British art, including artists from Turner and Constable to Fedden and Nash, not forgetting the celebrated annual Open exhibition, a major date in the artistic calendar of the region for over 160 years.On nearby Whiteladies Road is BBC Bristol, home to popular shows like Antiques Roadshow and the BBC’s Natural History Unit. Tour groups can get a glimpse behind-the-scenes to fi nd out how these programmes are made and even create a radio drama of their very own.

Top 5 EVENTS for groups Bristol Food Connections, May Bristol Harbour Festival, July Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, August Cary Grant Festival, October German-themed Christmas Markets, November/December

For more details and full events listings go to: www.visitbristol.co.uk/events

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, credit BMAG

Top 5 TOURS for groups Behind the scenes tour of BBC Bristol

Historic walking tourBoat tour around the HarboursideClifton Suspension Bridge guided tour

Bristol Pirate Walks For more information about guided tours go to: www.visitbristol.co.uk/groups

Boat Trips

One of the best ways to embrace Bristol’s maritime

culture is by taking to the water.

Bristol Packet Boat Trips, Bristol Ferry Boats, Number

Seven Boat Trips and Avon River Cruises all off er a

variety of cruises at diff erent times of the year. Among

those available are seasonal afternoon tea trips in the

summer, Avon Gorge trips and journeys along the

river to Bath. Avon River Cruises promote a package

deal with nearby Avon Valley Railway for a fuller itiner-

ary from Easter to the end of September.

The Matthew is a replica of the English ship that

discovered North America in 1497 and makes waves

wherever it goes. The stunning vessel is moored

alongside the M Shed museum and can take groups

of up to 40 people out on tours around Bristol Har-

bour and along the River Avon. Cream tea sailings,

fi sh and chip trips or a four-hour trip along the Avon

Gorge to Pill and back are among the experiences

that can be arranged.

Brunel’s ss Great Britain

Designed by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel

and launched into Bristol’s Floating Harbour in 1843,

the ss Great Britain was the world’s fi rst great luxury

passenger liner. Now a fi rst class visitor attraction,

Brunel’s ss Great Britain is perfect for group visits.

Be transported by 18th century sights, sounds and

smells as you investigate life on board the most

extraordinary time machine. You can discover the

ship’s story and dress up like a Victorian passenger

in the Dockyard Museum; explore the ship’s cabins,

galley, Victorian dining saloon and down below the

spectacular glass sea in the dry dock. Recently named

‘Best Heritage Venue’ at the Rough Guide to Acces-

sible Britain Awards, Brunel’s ss Great Britain is fully

accessible, with lifts on board the ship.

There are many off ers and benefi ts for pre-booked

groups of 20 or more including tour guide who will

tell you stories about people that travelled on board.

Ample coach parking facilities are available on site.

Millennium Square

Home to bars, restaurants and a line-up of events

throughout the year including the Harbour Festival

and Bristol Food Connections, Millennium Square is

also home to a life-sized bronze statue of Hollywood

actor Cary Grant. Born in a suburb of Bristol, the ac-

tor’s fi rst role in theatre was working at the nearby

Bristol Hippodrome. An annual Cary Grant festival

takes place in October.

Harbourside

© Brunel’s ss Great Britain

No visit to Bristol is complete without taking in the city’s vibrant, historic Harbourside. Nestled amongst the city’s former docks, the Harbourside played a vital role in sea trade for hundreds of years. Today it is home to a rich mix of award-winning attractions, museums, galleries, events, cafes, bars and restaurants; making it one of Europe’s leading leisure hot spots.

The Matthew on the Harbourside, credit Destination Bristol

Beyond the CityHeading South

Just south of the city is the fabulous National

Trust property and gardens of Tyntesfi eld and

nearby is Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (see p.6). Just 40

minutes from Bristol you will fi nd the natural

wonder of Cheddar Gorge and the attractive sea-

side towns of Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare.

Heading North

The Wild Place Project is a new family attraction

from the people behind Bristol Zoo Gardens,

right on junction 17 of the M5. Heading further

up the motorway and into the Cotswolds you

will fi nd Berkeley Castle, Slimbridge WWT and

Westonbirt Arboretum who all welcome groups

and are each ideal for a half-day visit or com-

bined for a full day tour.

www.visitbristol.co.uk

Pirates and explorers

In 1497, John Cabot, sailed from Bristol in a small ship

called the ‘Matthew’ to discover Newfoundland in

North America, a replica of which can be experienced

in the Harbourside today (see p.4). Countless voyages

of exploration and trade followed the settlement of

the Americas and led to the darkest period of Bristol’s

history when slaves were traded by Bristol merchants

between West Africa and the colonies.

As a port, Bristol was involved in piracy and famous

pirate, Blackbeard, was allegedly born in the city. Leg-

end has it that another of Bristol’s infamous pirates,

Alexander Selkirk, became the inspiration for Daniel

Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and Benn Gunn in Robert

Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’.

Sacred Bristol

Bristol’s magnifi cent churches and places of worship

have helped to make the city a place of signifi cant

religious importance. St Mary Redcliff e has been

standing on its site for over 800 years and features

hallowed walls, beautiful stained glass and a world

famous organ. In 1574, Queen Elizabeth I proclaimed

St Mary Redcliff e “the fairest, goodliest, and most

famous parish church in all England.”

Nearby on College Green is the stunning Bristol Ca-

thedral which became prominent in 1148 when Rob-

ert Fitzhardinge founded the Abbey of St. Augustine.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church,

worked and preached in Bristol and his statue is

located outside the New

Room in Broadmead

– the fi rst Methodist

Chapel ever built.

Arnos Vale Cemetery, lo-

cated on the Bath Road

is a classic example of

Victorian extravagance

in a tranquil setting.

Museums

Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives is made up of

fi ve sites: the fl agship Bristol Museum & Art Gallery,

bringing the world to Bristol; the M Shed museum

on the stunning Harbourside which tells the amazing

story of the city and its culture; plus there are three

historic houses, often referred to as Bristol’s hidden

treasures - The Red Lodge Museum, The Georgian

House Museum and Blaise Castle House Museum. All

welcome group visitors.

For several centuries, Bristol was one of most important ports in the world and only sec-ond in the country after London. The city’s existence was fi rst chronicled in 1051 and by the 15th century it had become a centre of exploration, discovery and commerce.

John Wesley’s Chapel, credit The New Room

Mshed, credit Quentin Lake

History & HeritageBristol Cathedral Garden, credit Bristol Cathedral

Shopping for Groups

Bristol Shopping Quarter is home to over 500 stores, where shoppers can indulge in style at fl agship department stores and high street favourites. It combines the shopping centres of Cabot Circus, The Galler-ies and Broadmead, as well as Quakers Friars, the European-style open-air piazza, home to the South West’s fi rst and only Harvey Nichols.

The area is packed with places to unwind and

refuel during a shopping trip too. Favourites

include Brasserie Blanc, which is ideal for group

gatherings. Also popular is Azuza Coff ee Shop,

located in Almshouses dating from 1701, off er-

ing a range of aff ordable light lunches.

Each year in November and December the

popular German-themed Christmas market

returns in quaint wooden chalet-style stalls to

the pedestrianised area of Bristol’s Shopping

Quarter at Broadmead. Unique gift ideas, original

homemade crafts and German-themed food and

drink like Glühwein, Bratwurst and Lebkuchen

are on off er.

Bristol’s Old City is bursting with character: Flat-

topped pillars, or ‘nails’, where merchants used

to bargain and inspired the phrase ‘to pay on the

nail’ remain outside the award-winning St Nicho-

las Market to this day. The colourful market stalls

are the ideal spot for tasting the city’s locally

produced goods (Pieminister pies are a particular

favourite) and perusing local souvenirs. A weekly

farmer’s market on Wednesdays and weekend

markets fi ll Corn Street outside ‘St Nick’s’ with

smells, colours and fl avours from the south west.

The thriving hub of Clifton Village features pretty

streets lined with boutiques and fi ne places

to eat. Shoppers can peruse a treasure chest

of items in the Victorian Clifton Arcade which

houses some of the most unique shops in the

city selling everything from vintage costume

jewellery to classic home interiors.

Park Street is an attractive street of clothes shops

and eateries such as Jamie’s Italian, mixed with

some great independent shops like The Guild, for

trinkets, cards and jewellery.

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is a stylish, contem-

porary covered shopping destination located to

the north of Bristol at junction 17 of the M5. It of-

fers high street and designer shopping with over

500 top brands all conveniently laid out over two

fl oors with free parking.

Home of the Big Zoo Animals and 12 indoor and outdoor play areas, Noah’s Ark Zoo

Farm is a great day out for groups, all day in all weather. Groups can enjoy free daily

events including the ‘Animal Show’ and the ‘Big Cat Talk and Feed.’

With ample free coach parking and free entry and cafe voucher for coach drivers, why

not bring a group to Bristol’s award-winning 120 acre attraction?

Book in advance and quote ‘Destination Bristol’ to receive the discounted rate of £6 per

person for groups of 10 or more paying people!

01275 852 606 www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

www.visitbristol.co.uk

Bristol Shopping Quarter, credit Destination Bristol

Central Bristol Coach Parking Map

Longer Stay Coach Parking

Operational 24 hours/seven days a week unless otherwise stated. No fee unless stated.

1. Cabot Circus Coach Park, Central Bristol, BS2 9AB

Security.

bookings in future as awareness grows.Within five minutes driving time of all centralBristol pick up and set down points.

2. NCP, Dalby Avenue, Bedminster, BS3 4HH

Within five minutes driving time of all centralBristol pick up and set down points.

3. Cumberland Road, Central Bristol, BS1 6SG

Within 10 minutes driving time of all central Bristolpick up and set down points.

4. Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate,BS3 2EJ (A3029) Winterstoke Road

0614) in advance to agree access arrange-ments, waiting restrictions and fee. Secure off street coach parking within 15 minutes driving time from City Centre.

5. Parry’s Lane, The Downs, (B4054) off Westbury Road (A4018)

Within five minutes driving time from Bristol

the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Short Stay and No Waiting Operational 24 hours/seven days a week unlessotherwise stated. No fee unless stated.

On street coach parking places can be identi-

down takes place on yellow lines.

On street coach parking places can be identified by white bay markings. Pick up and set down takes place on yellow lines.

6. Bond Street, Broadmead, Central Bristol, BS1 3LX

Nearby attractions: Broadmead, The Galleries and Cabot Circus shopping centres.

7. Colston Street, Central Bristol, BS1 5AR

Nearby attractions: Colston Hall, City Centre and Christmas Steps.

8. Holland House, Redcliff Hill, BS1 6SQ

wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting.Nearby attractions: Mercure Holland House

Hotel and Spa, St Mary Redcliffe Church and Ramada Bristol City Hotel.

9. At-Bristol, Explore Lane, Harbourside,Central Bristol, BS1 5DB

Nearby attractions: At-Bristol, Bristol Aquarium

10. King Street, Central Bristol BS1 4ED

wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers areboarding or alighting.

Queen Square, Old City, St Nicholas Market andTourist Information.

11. Ibis Hotel, Explore Lane, Harbourside,Central Bristol BS1 5TY

wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting.

12. Maritime Heritage Centre, Gas Ferry Road, Central Bristol BS1 6TY

and Maritime Heritage Centre, Floating Harbour and ferry boat services.

13. Berkeley Place, Central Bristol BS8 1EH

wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting.Nearby attractions: Bristol Museum and Art

Street shops.

14. Guthrie Road, Clifton BS8 2EZ

wait on yellow lines but only whilst passengers are boarding or alighting.Nearby attractions: Bristol Zoo Gardens and

www.visitbristol.co.uk