City break, Bristol, United Kingdom

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Beautifully Bristol

If you’re wondering why the city centre is such a town-planning monstrosity when the rest of Bristol is all Georgian loveliness, it’s because of bombing raids during WWII. Bristol was a major port and lots of the city centre was flattened and subsequently rebuilt. Badly. However, there are plans for major urban regeneration of its ugly concrete shopping arcades. There are other less obvious signs of the bombing too; check out the walls of Temple Meads station if you arrive by train and you’ll see the unmistakable imprint of shrapnel.

Don't go home without

A snoop around the shop at the Soma Gallery (0117 9739838) in the Clifton Arcade, which sells designer creations ranging from Soop ceramics to Tatty Devine kitschery.

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Getting there

City break, Bristol, United Kingdom

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Planes
The nearest airport is Bristol International, roughly half an hour’s drive from the city centre.
Trains
Trains arrive at either Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway. Temple Meads is nearer to the centre of the city.
Automobiles
The M4, followed by the M32 is the main route into Bristol from London. Journey time from the capital is two to three hours, depending on traffic. Try not to travel on a Friday night; this is a busy commuter motorway. For car hire, go to www.hertz.co.uk: Smith cardholders get a ten per cent discount; quote '635230' when you reserve.

Hotels

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