Bristol, United Kingdom

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Coordinates : 51.447800, -2.597763 (Open in Google Maps)

Subjects : Bristol is one of England's largest cities (the largest in the south west) and was one of the oldest sea-trading ports - its wealth was built on the importation and trade of goods from all over the Caribbean and the Americas. Ships such as Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world's first Atlantic steam-powered iron cruiseliner, operating from 1845 to 1933, are now fully restored and a major visitor attraction. Brunel's other masterpiece, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a handsome bridge spanning the cliff-like Avon Gorge, built in the 1830's, a huge technical achievement for that time. This has become an icon of Bristol and is known throughout the world and attracts visitors from far and wide. Bristol, located on the edge of the Mendip hills has colourful terraces of houses, tenaciously clinging to the hillsides, there are views from the Cabot Tower and there is a wonderful, slightly bohemian arty feel to the place, with street art (the world famous Banksy started in Bristol) actively encouraged in some specific areas and rather than being derided.. The Floating Harbour, which is actually a diverted and controlled part of the River Avon, is full of maritime historical interest, wonderful walks along it, has cruises, is one of my favourite parts. Bold and imaginative new architecture fits in with the old in central Bristol, so there is much to photograph, as well as a Cathedral and many other fine municipal buildings.

Recommended equipment : Standard kit for city walkabout. I like long lenses too, to compress the colourful houses or pick out a tower on a hill. Bristol looks great at night too, so a tripod for that.

Best months : Bristol's Balloon Festival is internationally known and is in second week in August. They launch at sunrise and often can be seen floating high above as far afield as Bath Spa, and beyond. They have balloon glows at night, too. Otherwise, all year, like any city. Bristol has a large student and creative industry population, this gives a buzz of youthfulness and tolerance.

How to get there : Bristol has its own airport and the M4 from London, then the M32 takes you right into the city centre. I go by train, Bristol Temple Meads is the main station, about 1km to the east of the city centre. Plenty of buses and taxis at this station but it's not far to walk.

Visits : As mentioned, Bristol Balloon Festival (hot air balloons, that is) is one of the biggest and important in Europe and is in August. The SS Great Britain is in the old harbour area costs about 20 Euro but ticket lasts a year. The area this ship is situated in is the most interesting to walk around too, so you can make a whole afternoon of it. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is free to cross as a pedestrian and to photograph - the views can be incredible too (depending on the weather). It is in an area a few kms west from Bristol city centre, buses, or as I do, walk. The Cabot Tower is on the hill above the cathedral and is free to climb up. Bristol also has a zoo, but zoos are a no-no for serious wildlife photography of course! Check in at St Nicholas's covered Market for a large array of stalls and the many international items and foods on sale.

Notes : I love Bristol. There is so much to see and of such variety. In parts naturally beautiful, among the hills, others hints of history with dockside warehousing. There is a very wide multi culturalism and one an area saw race riots in the 1980s. There is an air bohemian freedom and is not too heavily taken over by commercialism. It's just great at dusk, too.

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