English Language Centre Bristol

WHAT'S ON?

Bristol is the cultural centre of the West of England and a lively university city. Many say that Bristol is the best city in England - there is so much to do and see. Have a look at Bristol's official tourist information site. There is something for everyone!

http://visitbristol.co.uk/

ELC Bristol is located close to the university in Clifton, the best part of town. In the following section there is information about the places and activities which are the most popular with our students

• Theatres - Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic and the Redgrave Theatre

• Cinemas - The most convenient cinemas are the Showcase cinema de lux at Cabot Circus (a large multiplex cinema in the Centre) and the Orpheus cinema in Henleaze (small local cinema close to many students' homestays).

• Music - Bristol is famous for its music scene. You could see a different band every night of the week. Local bands include Massive Attack and Portishead. Popular venues: Bristol O2 Academy, the Anson Rooms, the Cooler, Colston Hall and the Fleece. If you like jazz, head for the Old Duke. For classical music, go to St George's on Brandon Hill.

• Festivals - Great Britain, and Bristol and the local area in particular, have some amazing festivals in the summer. Click here to get a list of festivals this summer.

• Clubs - The two in Clifton which are currently most popular with our students are Yiamass (on Park Street) and Embargo (on the Triangle). Oceana, Panache and the Syndicate are much bigger and are in the city centre.

• Pubs - The Roo Bar is conveniently located betwen Pembroke and Abon House and is good for pool after school. You can also find some of our students there every night of the week! Channings - more traditional and 2 minutes from Pembroke House. The White Hart (at the top of Park Street) - popular with students - maybe because it is just £1.00 a pint on Mondays - students' night.

• Restaurants - Good value for money: Beijing Bistro (Park Street), Pizza Provencal (Regent Street - Clifton). If you want to impress your parents, try Browns (next to the City Museum)

• Museums - the City of Bristol Museum, the Red Lodge, the Georgian House - Free entrance to all of them!

• Art/Galleries - the Watershed Media Centre, the Arnolfini and the Royal West of England Academy

• Shopping - Cabot Circus is the city's major shopping area. There are also many interesting/designer shops on Park Street.

• Other attractions - SS Great Britain, Bristol Zoo, Clifton Suspension Bridge (visitor centre + observatory)

• Major events - those held throughout the year include the Balloon Fiesta and the Harbour Festival

• Spectator Sports - Football (Bristol City and Bristol Rovers), Rugby and Cricket

Bristol is a great city for sport. If you would like to take part yourself, plese click here.

Remember, as an ELC student you can also join any of the clubs or societies at the University Students' Union. It is the perfect way to have fun and make English friends. Click here for more information.

Sarah's weekend suggestions

If you wish to get out of Bristol, there are plenty of places you can visit by public transport or you could hire a car.

Day Trips by Public Transport

• Cheltenham - a Regency town that is full of beautiful architecture, award-winning gardens, shops and restaurants. It is in the centre of the Cotswolds and it is very famous for its horse racing. (40 minutes by train)
• Weston-Super-Mare - a traditional seaside resort that has a long sandy beach where you can do water-sports as well as have a traditional donkey ride or get a boat trip around the bay. There is also a SeaQuarium and the new pier will be completed in 2010. (40 minutes by train)
• Clevedon - a beautiful old seaside town on the Bristol Channel. It was a very popular holiday resort during the Victorian era and a lot of the buildings date from this time. It also has a beautiful old pier which was opened in 1869. (50 minutes by bus)
• Cheddar - is not just the home of Cheddar Cheese, it also has England's largest gorge giving spectacular views and it is home to Cheddar Valley Cider - delicious! (90minutes by bus)
• Exeter - a university city which is the capital of Devon. There are plenty of museums and art galleries to see as well as excellent shopping.
• Chepstow Castle - a Norman Castle situated in the south of Wales, it is quite magnificent and full of history. (90 minutes by train)

Day Trips by Car

• Cotswolds - a group of towns and villages of outstanding beauty. Some of these you can reach by public transport, but to get the most out of these beautiful places you need to travel by car.
• Mendip Hills - an area of outstanding national beauty. This is the perfect place to come if you wish to get some fresh air in the country and go walking. (About 1 hour's drive)
• Chew Valley - full of lots of beautiful villages and Chew Valley Lake, which is the largest lake in the South West and is great for water sports or going for a picnic. (about 45 minutes' drive)
  
• North Devon and Exmoor - there are plenty of villages and towns to visit here. They take between 1.45 hours and 3 hours to get to, so you may wish to stay there overnight or for a couple of days.
• South Devon - The scenery is very different in South Devon compared to North Devon, but one thing is the same - they are both beautiful. There is plenty to do here so you may want to spend the night.
• National Trust sites - this is an organisation that 'works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland'. There are several fantastic places to visit in the local area, including castles, manor houses and beaches. Perfect for a great day out.
• Quantock Hills - the first place in England to be classed as An Area of Outstanding National Beauty. It is a beautiful place to visit and explore on foot.