Bristol is a cosmopolitan and attractive harbourside city, brimming with history, culture and award-winning attractions. There are so many places of interest to visit in and around Bristol you really will be spoilt for choice.

Home to Brunel’s world famous SS Great Britain which is moored in the harbourside, Bristol Zoo is situated in Clifton near to Bristol’s famous Durdham Downs, the Downs offers more than 400 acres of grassland stretching from the very cliffs of the Avon Gorge to the edges of the Victorian-built suburbs for everyone to enjoy. You can find numerous activities centre’s and water sports to enjoy down at the Harbourside and Bristol is also lucky enough to have the only ice skating rink in the area.

A short drive from Bristol you will find several working animal farms, here children can see a variety of animals and even bottle feed the new born lambs. The animal farms are open all year round and all have indoor play areas to combat our English weather.You can step back in time and vist Oakham Treasures at Portbury where you will find an historic a unique collection of memorabilia, tractors and farm equipment from days gone bye.

The Bristol Harbour Railway is Britain’s only dockside steam railway where you can ride on a Bristol-built locomotive and be transported back to the days of steam aboard the impressive steam train which chugs into action March through to October, a short drive away you will find The Avon Valley Steam Railway in Bitton which offers more than just a train ride it’s a real treat for the whole family!

In addition there are many beautiful gardens to visit, Castles and museums to explore.

The Bristol Harbourside is home to many annual fairs, dragon boat racing events and festivals and now with the newly opened M Shed Industrial Museum the waterfront is a buzzing vibrant place to visit with an added bonus entrance and events are free!

Bristol is hosts the world famous International Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the Bristol International Kite Festival both held at Ashton Court during August and September together with the Bristol Vegan Fair held in May and Brisfest, The Bristol Festival is held during September each year, there is Bristol ’s famous "Old Duke " pub in King Street which hosts an annual Jazz festival over the August Bank holiday where you can see live bands perform on a stage which is set up on the cobblestones outside of The Old Duke in 17th century King Street .

The annual North Somerset Show held at nearby Wraxall during May, the famous Bath & West Show in early June and not forgetting the Mid Somerset Show which takes place in August.

The Festival of Nature held in June,is the biggest event of its kind in the UK, this festival gives wildlife enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to explore, enjoy and get close to the natural world – all free of charge.

Bristol’s renowned St Paul’s Carnival which takes place in July.

Other unusual attractions in Bristol include the fascinating Redcliffe Caves, The Clifton Rocks Railway and the world renowned Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.Why not visit Horseworld in Whitchurch Bristol, whatever the weather every day at HorseWorld is a fun day! the charity HorseWorld which was established in 1952 saves the lives of working horses and is now one of the South West’s leading attractions and Equine Charities.

Nearby places of interest include the famous caves in Wookey Hole and Cheddar, along with not one but two aquariums, one in Weston Super Mare and one down at Bristol Harbourside, there is the Helicopter Museum in Weston and not forgetting the refurbished Grand Pier.

Just a short drive away is the world heritage city of Bath a world-class destination, rich in Roman and Georgian history.

Whether you are a history buff, sci-fi fan or architectural enthusiast, Bristol and the South West have an abundance of things to do and places to see, so you can be pretty sure that there is something for everyone.

If it’s interesting, worth visiting, it’s on ’Whats on’. Check out our calendar listings for full details of all the ’must see’ attractions.