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The Clifton SuspensionBridge, BristolOUT OF TOWN: BRISTOLBy Jo Cairdverlooked by the CliftonSuspension Bridge, 19th-engineering genius OcenturyIsambard Kingdom Brunel’s bestknown work, Bristol is a historic citywith a decidedly modern outlook.Begin your tour at The CliftonObservatory for an excellent viewof the bridge and Avon Gorge, andbe sure not to miss the extraordinarycamera obscura. It’s one of only ahandful in the country. Another Brunelhighlight is the ss Great Britain,once a luxurious passengersteam ship and now a fascinatingmuseum in the heart of Bristol’shistoric Harbourside.Also in the Harbourside you’ll findthe Arnolfini, an important centrefor contemporary arts that hosts artexhibitions, dance performances,concerts and more. It’s just one ofseveral highly acclaimed culturalinstitutions in the city that includethe Bristol Old Vic, the UK’s oldestworking theatre. A new adaptationof J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan – theultimate family show – is runninguntil 19 Jan. The Bristol MuseumAnd Art Gallery is also well worth avisit – its extremely varied collectionincorporates everything from ancientJapanese art to dinosaurs fossils.When it comes to visual art inBristol, however, all you really need todo is keep your eyes peeled as youwalk about – the city is a mecca forstreet art. Banksy, the graffiti artistwhose work now sells all over theworld, is this thriving scene’s mostfamous name.For a taste of history try M Shed,a museum dedicated to Bristol’sglorious past. It’s located in aformer 1950s transit shed and usesinteractive displays, quirky objects,films and photographs to explorethe city’s history, from its role inthe Transatlantic slave trade to lifein Bristol during World War Two,and more.To see how Bristolians lived in the18th century, there’s the GeorgianHouse Museum, a six-storeytownhouse in the city centre, or alittle way out of town is the charmingBlaise Castle House Museum,which includes the remains of theKings Weston Roman Villa.Back in the city, kids and adultsalike will enjoy themselves at BristolZoo, which occupies a five-hectaresite in Clifton, an area admired for itsgorgeous Georgian architecture. Timeyour visit to coincide with the penguinand seal feeding, and don’t miss theentertaining and educational talksthat take place throughout the day.And while you’re in Clifton,take advantage of the area’s greatshopping opportunities, from trendyboutiques specialising in independentfashion and jewellery, to the beautifulClifton Arcade with its range ofantiques and crafts shops.If all that sightseeing sounds likethirsty work, have no fear becausethe 10th Bristol Cider Festival istaking place on 25-27 Jan. Sample100-plus ciders and perries (cidermade from pears), and enjoy localentertainment in the atmosphericsurroundings of the Brunel OldStation, one of the oldest trainstations in the world.ss Great BritainTRAVEL INFORMATIONRail: Direct trains depart fromË t London Paddington, tot Bristol Temple Meads.Journey time is approximately90 mins.VISITOR CENTREE Shed, 1 Cannons Road, Bristol,BS1. 09067 112 191. visitbristol.co.ukMAIN PICTURE © ISTOCKPHOTO; SS GREAT BRITAIN © DAVID NOTON22| visitbritain.com|LONDON PLANNER|January 2013