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United Kingdom : Bristol - July 2009

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With high temperatures predicted this summer, Bristol is set to sizzle in July, but the lush green spaces that punctuate the urban landscape will provide moments of respite. This is an exciting month for the city, with many cultural highlights, including the spectacular St Pauls Carnival on 4 July. Sarah Ellis sambas to Soca rhythms in the sun

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 ever-expanding centre pulsates with energy, and this vitality’s there for the taking come summer, with plentiful spots to take time out in the midday sun.

Sleep soundly – The old Jurys hotel has been taken over, restyled and transformed into The Bristol Hotel (Prince Street, tel. , doylecollection.com, rooms from €98/£85), a waterside bolthole with rooms done out in cool neutrals.

Culture vultures – Climb the spiral staircase inside Cabot Tower (Brandon Hill, Great George Street) for glorious views over the city, then try to find a space on the surrounding slopes to catch some rays.

Must eat – Opened on the site of the old Bocanova, relative newcomer The Wild Wood (90 Colston Street, tel. ) has done something new with the space. A chilled out, unpretentious atmosphere is coupled with a simple menu of a high standard. The pea and mint risotto is a great summer dish. On chillier days, go for slow-cooked duck leg with pak choi and star anise purée. Boston Tea Party (75 Park Street, tel. ) is a fabulous café. There’s a great outdoor space at the back and plenty of board games – perfect for whiling away the hours with friends.

Must drink – Goldbrick House (69 Park Street) has an elegant champagne and cocktail bar on the first floor. Try a ginger julep – a modern twist on Gatsby’s favourite drink.

CABOT CIRCUS

Since opening last September, this shopping mall has changed the face of the city centre.

Sleep soundly – The four-star Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre (2 Lower Castle Street, tel. , marriott.co.uk, rooms from €111/£96) is just around the corner. For the best views, make sure you request a Parkside room when booking.

Must eat – The arrival of Raymond Blanc’s latest venture Brasserie Blanc (Bakers & Cutlers Halls, The Friary Building, Quakers Friars, tel. ) is a real coup for Bristol’s culinary scene. Opt for Burgundian snails, followed by a rack of spring lamb – it’s close to perfection. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss Patisserrie Valerie (George White Street, tel. ), where the chocolate mousse cake is well worth a taste.

Shop til you drop – The Circus is a retail paradise. Head to Harvey Nichols (1 Philadelphia Street) for capsule designer collections, Urban Outfitters (Concorde Street) for graphic T-shirts and Radley (7 Quakers Friars) for beautifully crafted leather bags. You can also hire a personal stylist to maximise your experience.

ST PAULS

On the first Saturday of July, this district is the only place to see and be seen.

Sleep soundly – The Penthouse suite of the boutique Portland Apartments (26 Portland Square, tel. , portlandapartments.co.uk, apartments from €110/£95) is the most luxurious place to watch the carnival procession go by. If you’re on a budget, head for The Full Moon Backpacker Hotel (Stokes Croft, tel. , fullmoonbristol.co.uk, beds from €21/£18), where you can choose dorms or private rooms, There’s also an excellent pub here called the Attic Bar.

Culture vultures – Try The Pierian Centre (27 Portland Square) for other cultural events in July. Presided over by the fabulous June, the centre is a positive oasis. Pay a visit on a Wednesday for acupuncture.

Dance the night away – St Pauls Carnival takes over the streets on 4 July with a dazzling array of sights, sounds and smells, including stages displaying the best of Bristol’s talent. Head to the Ghetto Force Sound System as the sun goes down, where Selecta Watson draws the crowds.

Compiled by Sarah Ellis