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United Kingdom : Bristol - September 2008

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Summer’s sporadically warm temperatures cool down in September, but this in no way detracts from the fun to be had in Bristol, a place big enough to warrant its city status yet small enough to retain its own sense of quirky originality. Sarah Ellis bids a fond farewell to summer

Getting around

Bristol International Airport

Bus: The Bristol International Flyer connects the airport to Temple Meads Rail Station and Bristol Bus Station, with drop-off points around the city centre including Clifton. Services run every 15-20 minutes between 5am and 12.10am from Temple Meads. A return ticket costs €10/£7.
Taxi: A single journey from the airport to the city centre costs around €23/£16 and takes about 30 minutes.
Tourist information: The central tourist information is at Wildwalk-At-Bristol, Harbourside (tel. , visitbristol.co.uk).

CITY CENTRE

The central area of Bristol is a gorgeous combination of history and modernity, where listed buildings sit side by side with fashionable bars and cutting-edge clubs.

Sleep soundly – The beautifully restored sugar houses are home to the Hotel Du Vin. This is a luxury option – stunning rooms in former warehouses.

Must eat – Housed in the former stock exchange, Old India (34 St Nicholas Street, tel. ) has a real colonial feel. Head for the Bristol branch of Loch Fyne (51 Queen Charlotte Street, tel. ) and, for something spectacular, order a seafood platter.

Must drink – Dating back to 1664, The Llandoger Trow (King Street) is one of Bristol’s oldest drinking holes and is rumoured to be where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island.

Dance the night away – A relative newcomer, Native (15 Small Street) has quickly established itself as one of Bristol’s best clubs – Western Soul on a Saturday night is a consistent winner.

Shop til you drop – The arrival of Cabot Circus this month heralds a new dawn for the city’s shopping. A plethora of shops are opening here, including Harvey Nichols. Careful, this place could be hazardous to your wallet! Attend the opening on 25 September for special deals and a giddy atmosphere

HARBOURSIDE

The waterside fills up quickly when the sun shines, but there’s still tons to do when the weather can’t be relied on.

Sleep soundly – The Hotel Ibis Bristol Centre (Explore Lane, Harbourside, tel. , ibishotel.com, rooms from €62,44/£49.95) is great value and has a fabulous location. Otherwise, Bristol Harbour Homes (Ferryman’s Court, Queen Street, tel. , bristolharbourhomes.com, apartments from €124/£99) are self-catering flats by the water.

Culture vultures – The SS Great Britain (Great Western Dockyard) is one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s historical treasures, moored in the docks where it was originally built. For something more contemporary, try the CREATE centre (B-bond, Smeaton Road). Visit the Ecohome for tips on sustainable living.

Must eat – Bristol’s fantastic Organic Food Fair takes residence at the Harbourside on 6-7 September.

EASTON

A diverse, colourful corner of the city that’s quickly becoming a cultural hub.

Culture vultures – Originally the Holy Trinity Church, the Trinity Arts Centre (Trinity Road, Old Market, ) now stages dance classes, media courses and gigs – Bon Iver from Wisconsin appears here on 12 September. There’s also a fruitful community garden here.

Must eat – Saint Marks Road is unmissable for more adventurous gastronomes. Try Café Maitreya (89 St Marks Road, tel. ) for award-winning vegetarian cuisine or The Extraordinary Travelling Thali Café (64-66 St Marks Road, tel. ), near the mosque, for delicious thalis, now with a fabulous fish option.

Compiled by Sarah Ellis