1)      The city of Bristol is the economic capital of the south West and it is the seventh largest city in England, outside of London.

2)      The city is known for its excellence in knowledge-intensive and creative industries and houses nearly 17,500 businesses.

3)      Some of the top companies have their premises in this area such as Toshiba Research Europe, Rolls-Royce, BBC, Hewlett Packard, Orange, Airbus in the UK, and Garrad Hassan.

4)      Bristol is the birthplace of many famous people and some among them are Michael Redgrave, Cary Grant, Allen Lane and J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter.

5)      It is believed that J.K Rowling has based her character Harry Potter, on of a young boy she knew while growing up in Bristol.

6)      Toby Gard, who created Lara Croft, the famous video game character, is a native of Bristol.

7)      For the 2008 European Capital of Culture award, Bristol was barely beat by Liverpool.

8)      The Academy of Urbanism in the year 2008 has awarded Bristol as the “Best City in the UK and Ireland.”

9)      During the year 1720, Joseph Fry has invented the first chocolate bar in the world. Under the name “Cadbury,” his company still produces candies and treats.

10)  Opened in the year 1766, the Theatre Royal Bristol is the oldest continuously running theatre in Britain.

11)  Floating harbour is one of the most famous areas in Bristol.

12)  Robert Louis Stevenson has used Bristol as a backdrop for his novel “The Treasure Island.”

The major car hire companies operating its services in Bristol are Enterprise, National, Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

A significant rise in the status of the Bristol Airport is enabling most of the holiday makers to make bookings for the airport hotels as early as possible.

The Bristol Airport is anticipated to be exposed as one of the fastest growing airports in the United Kingdom, when the statistics of the Civil Aviation Authority was published later this month.

The aviation director of the Bristol Airport Shaun Browne has said that “This summer, the airlines by initiating additional capacity is responding accordingly and the demand for both business and leisure travel is also increasing. In addition, the Glastonbury Festival is also one of the reasons for generating a major number of inbound visitors to this place during the last month.”

He also advised the passengers for arriving at least two hours ahead to schedule during the busy season.

This southern travel hub, in contrast with many of the major UK airports has been reported to have gained an increase of 8.52 percent in the passenger numbers during the last month when compared with the same month last year.

Also the scheduled international services have registered an increase of 13.2 percent which was the largest growth at the airport in the last month.

In the beginning of the month a new service to the Irish town of Shannon was commenced at the Bristol Airport that runs six times per week.

Major car hire companies found at the Bristol airport are Europcar, National, Hertz, Avis and Enterprise.

Stop Bristol Airport Expansion (SBAE) on the launch of its new fundraising campaign, has said that the plans for the fight against the major expansion at the Bristol Airport is far from over.

In order to continue its confront for the inconsistent decision of the airport’s expansion, SBAE for paying the legal costs, is asking the public for the donations to a fighting fund.

Bristol airport’s application is now been referred to the Secretary of the State, Eric Pickles and the campaigners are planning for a legal challenge on the basis that no current policy is available to support the decision and to approve the plans, if the Secretary does not grant the public enquiry.

It has been advised to the SBAE that the Bristol airport application is geared up for the legal challenge as it is based on the 2003 Government aviation policy, ruled by a high court judge as out of date and because it is not congruent with the 2008 Climate Change Act.

Hilary Burn, the spokesperson of SBAE has said that “according to our legal adviser, we have left everything to fight for and as it is important for maintaining the legal support, we are asking for more financial assistance from the public.”

“If this expansion and development plan goes ahead, then we have to tackle with more problems like the huge noise and traffic impacts caused by the airport flights.”

“The North Somerset councilors, despite of submitting strong verification, is paying no attention for over 5000 individual objections, objections from Bristol City and B&NES councils, local health authorities and many other significant organizations,” claimed the spokesperson.

There are a lot of things tourists can do in Bristol all year long. Tourists, who have been to many places or just know a lot about places, may find Bristol to be a mix of Boston, San Francisco and Britain. With its friendly locals and exciting events, one will surely be amazed with the unique Bristol experience.

• The Bristol Arts

Art lovers can check out the works of great artists like Bansky, Garsborough and Courbet at the Bristol City Art Gallery. Exhibits are displayed all year round. So you can take a peek on its collection anytime.

Since 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge has remained a symbol for Bristol. Its views will leave tourists with unforgettable memories of Bristol. The views have that inspiring and uplifting touch to it.

In Clifton, you do not have to spend a coin to spend and enjoy your time. Having been built by affluent tobacco merchants, it hosts large markets and cafes where tourists can walk and appreciate its historic sites.

• How Glass Figures Are Made

If you have never seen the art of glassblowing and are curious about it, visit the Bristol Blue Glass Factory. This is where exquisite glass collectibles are molded. You just might be inspired to try it if given the chance.

• Long Live The Queen’s Dwelling

Come visit the Red Lodge where Queen Elizabeth used to live. 400 hundred years and a restoration have passed and it still has its luster. On sunny day, people go there for picnics. This is one of Bristol’s priced treasures.

Bristol is one of England’s hidden treasures. It is the opposite of a Pandora’s Box. Once you have discovered it, you would be inspired and changed. To get down to where Bristol matters, hire a cheap car. With friendly price deals, you will not have to spend much for trips down its roads. Just know where you want to go, be on your hired car and you are in for some unusual fun. GP

Bristol is the pride of South West England. It has attractions that are fun for nature lovers, the family and the curious cat in you.

For a relaxing but exciting day, smash some pins at The Lanes. It is a retro bowling place right at the city center. Play games while enjoying munches on burgers and sips on milkshakes at a friendly price.

• An Oasis In Britain

An Oasis in Bristol is quite an interesting idea. Not really a true oasis, this pool is definitely worth a dive. Wave machines, chutes and slides are among its many attractions. You can not help but smile while splashing on its waters.

Ride down to the Oasis by car. The place does not charge for parking cars. It has large rooms that are good for the family and a restaurant right on site.

• Take Your Shopping Outside

Just recently, Bristol has opened yet another tourist location on a grand scale. The Cabot Circus, a large outdoor shopping center, attracts waves and waves of tourists who are in for some outdoor shopping spree. The place has many restaurants and bars so shoppers can always take a bite whenever a little pang of hunger kicks in or when the sweet tooth is craving for some yummy stuff.

• Of Balloons And Kites

In the city is a large 850 acres park called Ashton Court. Balloon and kite festivals are regularly done in this place. Golf courses are available and cars can park on-site. This public park is serene place of Zen for nature lovers.

Bristol is a major contributor to England’s tourism efforts. It is home to festivals, parks, shopping sprees and family fun. Tour around and discover Bristol’s treasured places and be entertained by the city’s attractions on a car.

Hiring a car is perfect for long trips to the city and within the city. You can stop by certain places whenever you want for some shutter galore. At a cheap price, you can tour the city without punching a hole on your pocket.  GP

Bristol is a cosmopolitan city that makes for a good day trip. Having a modern face, it has a long history behind it. Many landmarks and attractions fill Bristol for its visitors. Some of these are to die for.

• The Famous Bridge In The Movies

The Suspension Bridge is the city’s most iconic landmark. Bristol will never be Bristol without the suspension bridge, so to say. The bridge connects Bristol to North Somerset. A walk or a ride over the bridge is sure to delight tourists with stunning views.

Another local attraction is the SS Great Britain. It has been preserved for tourists to come and see its imposing splendour. Today, it houses a coffee shop and a museum for those who would like to stay aboard longer. The ship holds witness to Bristol weddings, too.

• Gorilla Island And More

There is no other zoo in the Southwest that could compare with the Bristol Zoo. There are many animals to see within it including gorillas who have their own island. To entertain visitors, animals are put on feed and talk shows. Although admission comes with a hefty price, it is all worthwhile. You can even stay there for the day.

There is also something cool for the kids. At-Bristol is a science exhibit where kids can enjoy learning science in a fun way. If you have young children, then At-Bristol is a great day out.

• Spelunking Paradise

Cheddar George is Bristol’s second best attractions. Its natural lime-stone caves will bring tourists to an exciting new view of the underworld. It is open all year round, whatever the weather is.

Tour around Bristol and see its natural and architectural beauty on a hired car. Car hire does come cheap here. No money is wasted on hiring a car as it gives the utmost comfort and privacy for trips to certain hotspots. Whether you ride alone or with your family, there is always a car for you. GP