Is Bristol Any Good?
Discussion
Sorry for the non-car related post but I know a lot of south west PHers are based in Bristol.
Basically, is it any good for a weekend visit? Shopping, food, things to see etc?
I'm planning on taking the other half away end of November and was looking at options. We're in plymouth so we've done a far bit to the west in Cornwall and wondered about going East instead?
Would rather not go to London for obvious reasons and was thinking about train up, bit of shopping, nice hotel, maybe some sort of spa place? And then dinner/show etc in the evening?
That near to Xmas is there much on? Xmas market and the like?
Basically, is it any good for a weekend visit? Shopping, food, things to see etc?
I'm planning on taking the other half away end of November and was looking at options. We're in plymouth so we've done a far bit to the west in Cornwall and wondered about going East instead?
Would rather not go to London for obvious reasons and was thinking about train up, bit of shopping, nice hotel, maybe some sort of spa place? And then dinner/show etc in the evening?
That near to Xmas is there much on? Xmas market and the like?
MiniMan64 said:
Sorry for the non-car related post but I know a lot of south west PHers are based in Bristol.
Basically, is it any good for a weekend visit? Shopping, food, things to see etc?
I'm planning on taking the other half away end of November and was looking at options. We're in plymouth so we've done a far bit to the west in Cornwall and wondered about going East instead?
Would rather not go to London for obvious reasons and was thinking about train up, bit of shopping, nice hotel, maybe some sort of spa place? And then dinner/show etc in the evening?
That near to Xmas is there much on? Xmas market and the like?
i love the idea of going to Bristol because you fancy going east! Basically, is it any good for a weekend visit? Shopping, food, things to see etc?
I'm planning on taking the other half away end of November and was looking at options. We're in plymouth so we've done a far bit to the west in Cornwall and wondered about going East instead?
Would rather not go to London for obvious reasons and was thinking about train up, bit of shopping, nice hotel, maybe some sort of spa place? And then dinner/show etc in the evening?
That near to Xmas is there much on? Xmas market and the like?
(i'm devonian too, so i understand)
With your criteria I think you'd be better off having a weekend in Bath. There is always a winter market, excellent selection of places to eat and drink, plenty of shops (better range of independent shops than Bristol) and of course the Therme spa. Loads of museums, interesting buildings etc too.
MG511 said:
With your criteria I think you'd be better off having a weekend in Bath. There is always a winter market, excellent selection of places to eat and drink, plenty of shops (better range of independent shops than Bristol) and of course the Therme spa. Loads of museums, interesting buildings etc too.
I did consider it but I know even less about Bath than Bristol!Just want a nice chilled weekend away together plus it's her birthday and I owe her a decent one!
Mud_ said:
I'm from Bristol, go to Bath 
I'll leave you to research both, but it's only a brief train ride between them if you wanted to stop into Bristol to see the Clifton suspension bridge and SS Great Britain, etc.
Cop out! I'll leave you to research both, but it's only a brief train ride between them if you wanted to stop into Bristol to see the Clifton suspension bridge and SS Great Britain, etc.
I came here to have you lot make all decisions for me!
(I'm great at ideas but crap at execution!)
In other unsurprising news , Bath is bloody expensive!
I live pretty much between Bristol and Bath.
My knowledge and experience of Bristol is out of date as I loathed it so not been there for shopping, nights out or 'visiting' for many years. Back then it was wise to be cautious where you went weekend evenings in particular, it got quite rowdy at times. Plenty like that kind of thing - not me. The few times I've been there recently it looks better than it did and I understand there are some nice areas, Clifton Village obviously but down by the waterfront it's supposed to be quite good.
I go to Bath via P&R for shopping these days and the occasional night out. Because I'm used to it I can relax there. Some decent independent shops as well as the usual high street names. Plenty to see and do, though Bristol has SSGB, Museum and Art Gallery, etc.
My knowledge and experience of Bristol is out of date as I loathed it so not been there for shopping, nights out or 'visiting' for many years. Back then it was wise to be cautious where you went weekend evenings in particular, it got quite rowdy at times. Plenty like that kind of thing - not me. The few times I've been there recently it looks better than it did and I understand there are some nice areas, Clifton Village obviously but down by the waterfront it's supposed to be quite good.
I go to Bath via P&R for shopping these days and the occasional night out. Because I'm used to it I can relax there. Some decent independent shops as well as the usual high street names. Plenty to see and do, though Bristol has SSGB, Museum and Art Gallery, etc.
LordGrover said:
I live pretty much between Bristol and Bath.
My knowledge and experience of Bristol is out of date as I loathed it so not been there for shopping, nights out or 'visiting' for many years. Back then it was wise to be cautious where you went weekend evenings in particular, it got quite rowdy at times. Plenty like that kind of thing - not me. The few times I've been there recently it looks better than it did and I understand there are some nice areas, Clifton Village obviously but down by the waterfront it's supposed to be quite good.
I go to Bath via P&R for shopping these days and the occasional night out. Because I'm used to it I can relax there. Some decent independent shops as well as the usual high street names. Plenty to see and do, though Bristol has SSGB, Museum and Art Gallery, etc.
Spooky, I live between Bristol and Bath, can't remember the last time I had a night out in Bristol, go to Bath when I eat and drink out, go shopping in Bath on the P&R etc. Bath is a much nicer place to go for a weekend with the wife, Bristol would be better for a stag weekend etc.My knowledge and experience of Bristol is out of date as I loathed it so not been there for shopping, nights out or 'visiting' for many years. Back then it was wise to be cautious where you went weekend evenings in particular, it got quite rowdy at times. Plenty like that kind of thing - not me. The few times I've been there recently it looks better than it did and I understand there are some nice areas, Clifton Village obviously but down by the waterfront it's supposed to be quite good.
I go to Bath via P&R for shopping these days and the occasional night out. Because I'm used to it I can relax there. Some decent independent shops as well as the usual high street names. Plenty to see and do, though Bristol has SSGB, Museum and Art Gallery, etc.
I'm bias but I'll stick up for Bristol, loads to see and do, even free stuff like a wander through Ashton Court via the suspension bridge is nice in the winter. The Harbourside is worth exploring, as is Clifton. It has some great resturants, brilliant independent/small theatres and the lido is the perfect place to waste an afternoon... You can easily avoid the clubbing etc in bristol and stick to the nice bars too
Bath is lovely sure, nice georgian architecture, shops, bars etc but its either full of tourists or dead as a dodo, neither of which appeal personally and yes its bloody expensive because Bath. There is a christmas market but its the same generic stuff you will see at any other, though to be fair that could be said about the one in Bristol too.
Bath is lovely sure, nice georgian architecture, shops, bars etc but its either full of tourists or dead as a dodo, neither of which appeal personally and yes its bloody expensive because Bath. There is a christmas market but its the same generic stuff you will see at any other, though to be fair that could be said about the one in Bristol too.
To be fair, both Bristol and Bath are great cities, but for me they have a different character. Bristol is full of life, great bars, good food, young and vibrant. Bath is a bit more chilled out, again terrific food, fab pubs / bars and a bit more cosey and maybe a bit more 'grown up'
For a few days away with the better half I would pick Bath. Good boutique shopping and some great places for snacks and lunch while hoofing around town. In the evening, really good spread of restaurants right in town.
Bear in mind a lot of hotels / B&B's in Bath will only take Sat + Sun bookings. So if you're considering Bath, try and book accommodation sooner rather than later. Same is true for the restaurant side of things, the good places will get booked up ( consider the Marlborough Tavern, maybe The Circus restaurant or Hudson Steak House + many others of course!)
For a few days away with the better half I would pick Bath. Good boutique shopping and some great places for snacks and lunch while hoofing around town. In the evening, really good spread of restaurants right in town.
Bear in mind a lot of hotels / B&B's in Bath will only take Sat + Sun bookings. So if you're considering Bath, try and book accommodation sooner rather than later. Same is true for the restaurant side of things, the good places will get booked up ( consider the Marlborough Tavern, maybe The Circus restaurant or Hudson Steak House + many others of course!)
I'll stick up for Bristol too. I love it, and have had about 6 long weekends there in the past three or four years (I live in Devon too).
We get a train to Templemeads, and stay in the Brigstow Mercur (which is bang slap in the centre).
There's loads of superb restaurants within walking distance (lunch in one of the many eateries in St Nicks), Cabots Circus for high end shopping, lots of great bars (Brewdog is literally next door), Clifton for the suspension bridge and the museum on the way back.
I would go so far to say it is one of my favourite English cities.
We get a train to Templemeads, and stay in the Brigstow Mercur (which is bang slap in the centre).
There's loads of superb restaurants within walking distance (lunch in one of the many eateries in St Nicks), Cabots Circus for high end shopping, lots of great bars (Brewdog is literally next door), Clifton for the suspension bridge and the museum on the way back.
I would go so far to say it is one of my favourite English cities.
RCBRG said:
MiniMan64 said:
Sorry for the non-car related post but I know a lot of south west PHers are based in Bristol.
Basically, is it any good for a weekend visit? Shopping, food, things to see etc?
I'm planning on taking the other half away end of November and was looking at options. We're in plymouth so we've done a far bit to the west in Cornwall and wondered about going East instead?
Would rather not go to London for obvious reasons and was thinking about train up, bit of shopping, nice hotel, maybe some sort of spa place? And then dinner/show etc in the evening?
That near to Xmas is there much on? Xmas market and the like?
i love the idea of going to Bristol because you fancy going east! Basically, is it any good for a weekend visit? Shopping, food, things to see etc?
I'm planning on taking the other half away end of November and was looking at options. We're in plymouth so we've done a far bit to the west in Cornwall and wondered about going East instead?
Would rather not go to London for obvious reasons and was thinking about train up, bit of shopping, nice hotel, maybe some sort of spa place? And then dinner/show etc in the evening?
That near to Xmas is there much on? Xmas market and the like?
(i'm devonian too, so i understand)
MG511 said:
Spooky, I live between Bristol and Bath, can't remember the last time I had a night out in Bristol, go to Bath when I eat and drink out, go shopping in Bath on the P&R etc. Bath is a much nicer place to go for a weekend with the wife, Bristol would be better for a stag weekend etc.
I have to be honest and say I tend to agree with that. Also it does to some extent depend on your age! If you are 18 to say 35 then go to Bristol, 50+ maybe Bath would be better for you. This thread may help sway you one way or another!! http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...pablo said:
I'm bias but I'll stick up for Bristol, loads to see and do, even free stuff like a wander through Ashton Court via the suspension bridge is nice in the winter. The Harbourside is worth exploring, as is Clifton. It has some great resturants, brilliant independent/small theatres and the lido is the perfect place to waste an afternoon... You can easily avoid the clubbing etc in bristol and stick to the nice bars too
Bath is lovely sure, nice georgian architecture, shops, bars etc but its either full of tourists or dead as a dodo, neither of which appeal personally and yes its bloody expensive because Bath. There is a christmas market but its the same generic stuff you will see at any other, though to be fair that could be said about the one in Bristol too.
Persuasive!! OMG now I agree with this too!! They are both great!! Flip a coin or do a day and night in both. Have fun, stay safe!!Bath is lovely sure, nice georgian architecture, shops, bars etc but its either full of tourists or dead as a dodo, neither of which appeal personally and yes its bloody expensive because Bath. There is a christmas market but its the same generic stuff you will see at any other, though to be fair that could be said about the one in Bristol too.
Jesus I wish I could make decisions!
Bath looks a bit posher and more what I had in mind all be it to break the bank along the way!
I had looked at the Mercure in Bristol initially as they've got a pool spa bit too. I've got to consider it'll be deepest darkest November and if it's pissing down were not going to want to wander around town!
So I guess it's...
Bath vs Bristol?
Spa day vs Shopping/Wandering
£££££ vs £££
Bath looks a bit posher and more what I had in mind all be it to break the bank along the way!
I had looked at the Mercure in Bristol initially as they've got a pool spa bit too. I've got to consider it'll be deepest darkest November and if it's pissing down were not going to want to wander around town!
So I guess it's...
Bath vs Bristol?
Spa day vs Shopping/Wandering
£££££ vs £££
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