Clifton

Clifton
A beautiful jewel in the crowning beauty of Bristol, Clifton is a suburb of this beautiful city of United Kingdom. It is also the name of one of the thirty-five council wards in the city of Bristol that also includes the areas of Cliftonwood and Hotwells.

Clifton is considered on the most visitors-friendly places in the UK, attracting many people from all over the world and boosting of major attractions.

Those who visit the English port city of Bristol are bound to visit the wonderful offerings of Clifton, namely Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Cathedral, Clifton College and Goldney Hall. There are many other attractions as well and each is better than other.

The area is rich is nature but excels in architect. It offers good recreational opportunities but is unbeatable in shopping. Dining options are manifold but they are nothing when compared to entertainment possibilities. Thus, the competition continues within the Clifton area making it a place to be.

The Domesday Book record Clifton as Clistone, referring to its position on a steep hill as a village or hillside settlement. It is situated to the west of Bristol's city centre but does not have formal boundaries.

Once it used to be a separate settlement but was attached to Bristol during the Georgian era as a result of continuous development. In recent times, Clifton emerged as a booming tourist destination and played an important part in boosting Bristols economy.

The premier attraction of Clifton area is the Clifton Suspension Bridge that is also regarded as the symbol of Bristol. Spanning the cliffs of Avon Gorge, the bridge gives an elegant view of Clifton. This 19th century wonder is a Grade I listed structure designed by the Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

But its story dates back to 1754 when a wine merchant from Bristol left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge in order to boost accessibility to the area. From then till 1864, when the bridge got completed, it remained the dream project of the city.

Today, Clifton Suspension Bridge is the dream destination of Clifton as its spectacular setting lures thousands of visitors to walk across the bridge for leisure and views. Another architectural wonder of Clifton is the Clifton Cathedral or Church of SS. Peter and Paul. This Roman Catholic cathedral rightly projects the religious glory in the area. Christ Church is another popular church of the area.

The Clifton observatory and camera obscura is another worth exploring sight in Clifton. It is the only camera obscura in England opened for general public. There is a natural cave reached whose entrance gives a spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge.

Nature, too, has its fare share in making Clifton a visitors delight. Located close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo Gardens provides a perfect setting to enjoy good family times in the company of nature and its creations.

The Zoo houses over 400 species of interesting and some endangered animals on its 12 acres of grounds. The Clifton Pavilion is a small size venue located here that is used for events and parties.

Those who like to shop a lot should check the sub-districts of Clifton like Whiteladies Road in the east and Clifton Village in the west. Clifton Village is a beautiful Georgian style shopping quarter featuring many shops and boutiques.

It also houses some restaurants and coffee shops thus providing a truly fulfilling shopping experience. The Clifton Down Shopping Centre at Whiteladies Road also offers famous shops and good variety of items.

The pubs, bars and restaurants in Clifton ensure that your appetite will always be filled with yummiest delights. It boosts of many world-class pubs and classy wine bars like The Clifton Club, The Village Pottery, White Lion Bar, Las Iguanas, Racks Bar & Kitchen and many more offering food, drinks, DJs, live music and everything you might desire.

Those who want high-voltage entertainment can check the gigs at the Anson Rooms of Bristol University. This is a place where many famous and international acts stop on regular basis. Sports enthusiasts should visit the College site at Abbots Leigh offering football, tennis and a fitness club. The venue hosts Guy Fawkes night firework display and footballs Downs League.

Several other occasional and regular events also add more colors to Cliftons dynamic life. This is a place worth visiting for everyone who value quality lifestyle and friendly atmosphere.

So the next time you want to explore UK at its best, simply visit Bristol and its wonderland called Clifton. You will not be disappointed for sure.