Bristol is a famous seafaring port and the gateway to the South West of England. It is known for its rich heritage in trading and a darker past in slavery. All around the city are reminders of the history of this great city such as converted warehouses and the SS Great Britain which is a restored ship originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was the world’s first propeller driven ocean going iron ship.
Bristol is dominated by the imposing Clifton Suspension Bridge across Avon Gorge. Visit the Kings Weston Roman Villa to see some ancient history from the area, and the City Art Gallery and Museum for more archaeology and design. The Red Lodge is a beautiful Elizabethan house open to visitors. At Berkeley with its famous castle is the house of Edward Jenner who invented the smallpox vaccination. In nearby Yeovilton the Fleet Air Arm Museum has Europe’s largest collection of naval aircraft.