Bristol's climate is unpredictable, much like the
rest of the United Kingdom. Situated in the southwest of the
country and sheltered largely by Exmoor and the Mendip Hills,
Bristol is in fact one of the UK's warmest cities.
Summers are usually sunny and warm, while winters
are cold and wet. Summer days, however, can start out overcast and
damp, clearing later. In summer, temperatures average between 53°F
(12°C) and 71°F (22°C); and in winter, temperatures average between
37°F (3°C) and 48°F (9°C). Rain is possible in any season, but
late-autumn and winter are the wettest seasons.
The best time to travel to Bristol is during the
summer (June to August) when it is usually warm and sunny. Winters
are wet, but comparatively mild temperature-wise. A good time to
plan a short break in Bristol is at the end of July when the
popular Harbour Festival takes place, one of the largest free
events in England with music on five stages, street theatre,
markets, and a fireworks display.
Bristol International Airport
Location: The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of
Bristol city centre.
Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and
the last Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
Bristol Airport Flyer Express buses depart for the city centre
(including the train station) around the clock, every ten minutes
during peak hours, and every 30 minutes off-peak. It costs around
£8 for a one-way ticket. Taxis are also available outside the
terminal. Uber, and other similar mobile app-based taxi services
are also available.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and National,
among others.
Airport Taxis:
Arrow Cars taxis are available all day and night at the airport,
located outside the terminal building. Passengers can visit the
booking desk where they will be quoted a fixed fare and allocated a
taxi. Payment can be made by card at the booking desk, or by cash
to the driver.
Facilities:
Facilities at Bristol Airport include a bureau de change, ATM,
bars, restaurants, shops, an executive lounge, and tourist
information desk. Disabled facilities are good; those with special
needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
Parking
There is short and long-term car parking available. Spaces can
be pre-booked via the airport website. The short stay and pick up
parking lot costs £2 for the first 20 minutes and £7 for the first
hour. The Silver Zone car park is the cheapest long-stay option, if
you book online it can cost as little as £3.75 per day.
Bristol is an easy city to negotiate on foot, with plenty of
attractions close to one another. There are, however, taxis,
trains, and an extensive bus network, and Uber and similar mobile
app-based taxi services are also available.
There are plenty of car rental agencies as well, though the city
centre can get congested and hiring a car is probably only
worthwhile if travelling beyond the city. Bristol is a popular
place for cyclists and, despite plenty of hills, the city has
excellent urban bike routes. The Bristol Ferry Boat is a fun and
relaxing way to explore the city; it offers leisure and commuter
services in the harbour.
Bristol has something to offer visitors of all
ages, but will particularly appeal to families and
twenty-somethings keen on the vibrant street culture. Younger
travellers will enjoy the nightlife of this lively university
city.
Bristol's busy city centre contains a number of
excellent museums, galleries, parks, and churches, including the
Bristol Cathedral. As a hub of creativity and alternative culture,
exhibitions and projects are always on the go, and the city's
tourism industry is rapidly expanding for good reason. Known as the
birthplace of trip hop, which emerged in the 1990s, Bristol's music
scene is still thriving with a variety of events for all
tastes.
Bristol's green lung has long been the Downs. Over
400 acres of grassland stretching from Avon Gorge to the
Victorian-built suburbs of the city, and locals and visitors alike
flock to enjoy the peace and quiet they offer.
Other great sights in the city include the Bristol
Zoo and Gardens, and the Bristol Clifton Observatory, near the
eye-catching Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge. The diversity and
muddled history of the city make it well worth the visit, and it is
also a convenient distance from the nearby city of Bath, as well as
the fascinating site of Stonehenge.