Bristol is full of surprises – it’s maybe not what you always thought of it as – a medium size city, 10th largest in the UK, not known for anything much but aircraft building especially Concorde.

But that’s not about the city centre. No, to tempt visitors to a city it must have a vibrant and exciting centre. Well, Bristol city centre is full of surprises, believe me!

First of all, the centre is one of the most advanced of all city upgrades outside London. Not wasted here was the decade of economic boom preceding the bank and general economic crisis. The centre, by which I mean the area through which visitors will usually wander, is very smart. Historic and characterful buildings are retained and in pristine condition. Poor areas of architecture and derelict docklands are replaced by a coherent set of stylish public and commercial buildings and, of course, apartments designed for quality living taking advantage of the surroundings instead of providing hen batteries.

Unless I’m mistaken the theme is for a crescent shape for the modern buildings which certainly adds another dimension to the essential requirement of a set of boxes. The planners must be congratulated with apparently deciding the style of urban restoration and sticking to their guns.

Perhaps Bristol’s greatest asset is its waterways. The Floating Harbour was created from the original tidal one at the start of the 1800’s. To the east the river Avon was diverted to the south of the harbour with a lock connecting the two. At the west end of the harbour, some 6 kilometers away, the diverted Avon meets the Floating Harbour at a mighty system of two locks before heading further west under Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and onward to the Severn Estuary. As a result of this feat of engineering, ships could enter the harbour at high tide and remain afloat there as the tide receded instead of sitting precariously on the hitherto exposed mud of the drained harbour. And that’s how it is today although, like other former dockland areas, now used largely for pleasure purposes.

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And pleasurable it certainly is! The sites along it are engaging especially if you walk but also if you take a trip on the many pleasure boats or the frequent ferry boats that take you anywhere in no time at all. You’ll see Brunel’s SS Great Britain a magnificent feat of his engineering, (as all are!), and the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic, which she did in 1845, in a time of 14 days. The ship is superbly restored and maintained.

But what is really great is the way the Floating Harbour, this fantastic geographical asset, has been use to the full. There are many attractive places where you can sit and watch the comings and goings. There are a staggering 260 restaurants of all types both land and boat based including the largest in Europe the Za Za Bazaar with 1000 covers! All this creates a great atmosphere for tourists.

Other places to visit are the green spaces in the central area Queen’s Square at harbour level and the elevated Castle Park and Brandon Hill both with super views over the city. If you’re feeling energetic you can climb the 105 feet Cabot Tower perched on the top of Brandon Hill for superb panoramic views. Another must is St Nicholas Market, with stalls selling unusual and unique goods and a place to linger for snacks with a difference. Also there are several museums in the central area including the M Shed, a very large 1950s transit shed on the harbour side, telling Bristol’s story in its own way.

Finally, mention must be made of the magnificent Temple Meades train station. Initially Brunel built it in 1840 and this building still stands alongside the magnificent high domed roof (to accommodate steam locos) of today’s station which was built in 1870. The station is on a curve and has 15 platforms – a sight to be seen.

I have to say, my enthusiasm for this city has no bounds and I can’t wait to return for a few days.

Below is a Gallery of the centre of Bristol.

You can view the centre of Bristol in this Google Map in a separate page.

Brunel’s Clifton Suspension bridge.

Entrance Lock – the western passage into the Floating Harbour.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain.

SS Great Britain from the stern.

Colourful and modern, the new apartments coexist well with all nature of boats.

Leading up to the M Shed museum are dock cranes, relics of the glory days now curiosities for visitors.

The M Shed (right) is directly opposite the entrance to St Augustine’s Reach (left).

Like giant automatons the cranes hold their heads high – soldiers of import and export for England.

Looking west from the M Shed shows the curve of the harbour and the grandeur of one of the crescent shaped buildings.

A closer look at St Augustine’s Reach showing some of the restaurant/bars on the left bank. ZA ZA Bazaar is in the middle distance. The splendid cathedral on the left seems to keep a watchful eye over current day indulgence.

Some of the major achievements of Bristol are exhibited.

Refreshements along St Augustine’s Reach. There are some fine modern buildings among the well preserved historic ones.

Water feature at Centre Promenade leading north from the end of St Augustine’s Reach. A favourite spot to take a seat and watch or take a boat trip.

Pero’s Bridge over St Augustine’s Reach with Za ZA Bazaar centre.

Enjoying the sun at Central Parade.

Entering the city streets reveals historic alleys lifted by splendid tall historic buildings.

Steps up to Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill….and this before you attempt the spiral climb within it!

View south from Cabot Tower – from the left Council House, Cathedral, Floating Harbour, M Shed.

The towering cathedral close up.

Millenium Square near the Cathedral.

St Nicholas Market a place to shop and snack.

St Nicholas Market a place to shop and snack.

Nondescript Nelson Street transformed by street artists from around the world – the See No Evil project.

Temple Meades shopping – showing Bristol as a bicycle city.

Castle Park alongside the Floating Harbour.

King Street – one of many where the old buildings have gained new life amongst the modern ones.

Insisde Temple Meades station with it’s “steam friendly” roof and elegantly curved tracks. This is a through station.