Today folks I leave you in the very safe and capable hands of Katie Deighton who offers us her essential guide to Bristol, famous for –
Bristol is a port city known as the “Birthplace of America”.
The infamous pirate Captain Blackbeard once had a hideaway cave under St. Mary Redcliffe church. His original birthplace and childhood home still stands on Bristol’s harbourside.
Hollywood legend Cary Grant (Archibald Leach) was born in Horfield, Bristol. Grant’s first role in theatre was working at The Bristol Hippodrome.
The oldest dinosaur so far found in Britain, and one of the oldest discovered anywhere in the world, was unearthed in Bristol
The world’s first commercially produced chocolate bar was made in Union Street Bristol by Fry’s in 1847
Bristol is beginning to gain a reputation as a mini-London. From the new shopping Mecca of Cabot Circus, to grimy reggae nights down in Stokes Croft, to private art galleries and Lidos in Clifton, Bristol truly has something to offer for everybody. And what’s more, everything is in walking distance. Here is Clothes Make the Man’s guide to Bristol: the capital of the West.
Top 5 things to do
5. 
Take a tour around the newly, ahem, ‘renovated’ Nelson Street – the largest street-art display in the UK. Soon to be as iconic as the numerous Banksys dotted around the city, the See No Evil project has been recognised worldwide as a real challenge to the notion of ‘graffiti,’ especially as it manages to cover over some particularly ugly high-rises and car parks.
4. Stroll around Clifton village, taking in the abundance of independent boutiques, antique stores and award-winning delis and cafes.
3. Forget the gym, grab a bike and take advantage of Bristol’s status as the UK’s first cycling city. The Bristol-Bath cycle path is a particular gem.
2. Get your hair cut at Mr. Swanton’s. The Victorian decor – alongside the controversial ‘no ladies beyond this line!’ mark of demarcation – offers a barbershop experience like no other.
1. Head on up to Clifton Down with a blanket and a bottle of chilled champagne, and watch the sun set over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Eat
The Clifton Sausage – The perfect place to enjoy exquisitely cooked West Country favourites (including cider!) in a warm and cosy setting. http://www.cliftonsausage.co.uk/clifton/
Sleep
The Avon Gorge Hotel – Near-perfect service coupled with panoramic views of the Avon Gorge. http://www.theavongorge.com/
Drink
Hyde and Co. – A 21st century speakeasy and home of the best cocktails in Bristol. Get there early as the exclusive space = no guaranteed entry! http://www.hydeandcobristol.net/