Bristol, British city on the rise

Despite its far-flung location from London on the west coast of England, Bristol is the 13th most visited city in the UK.

In 2014, The Sunday Times declared Bristol the best city to live in Britain, and in 2009 an Eyewitness guide for young adults named it as one of the top ten cities in the world. There were several good reasons for these conclusions.

For starters, the city is steeped in beauty. Visitors have the opportunty to admire over 4300 Grade-listed buildings located in the city - historically and architecturally significant locations of real elegance and charm. Surrounding Bristol all around is the famous West Country; an undulating ocean of lush, green hills of exceptional beauty. To protect this beauty, Bristol has taken the lead in the UK in environmental friendliness, being named the green capital of the EU in 2015 as well as Britain's most sustainable city by Forum of the Future.

A finalist for best cultural city in 2008, Bristol is swamped by cultural heritage, the most famous example of which is the artist 'Banksy', whose famous graffiti can be observed all over the city. From the Bristol Old Vic theatre to the Arnolfini art gallery to an array of music venues catering to all tastes, it is unlikely that any cultural persuasion will go without while making the most of what this city has to offer.

Bristol boasts one of the richest historical heritages in the whole of the UK. Once known as Britain's 'second city', Isambard Kingdom Brunel built its iconic Suspension Bridge, while Winston Churchill was the Chancellor of the University of Bristol from 1929 to his death. Bristol is also remembered for its naval trading heritage, and visitors are able to learn about its long and varied history in a large collection of museums.

If you are considering visiting the UK, make the most of your visit by taking the road to Bristol; you won't regret it.