Nestling on the Avon River, overlooked by the beautiful and lush Somerset downs, the city of Bristol holds something in store for everyone. Sitting on the banks of the historical Avon River, Bristol is rightly proud of its beautiful town center, with its wide city streets and finest Victorian architecture. The city has retained its rustic charm to this day, whilst moving into the 21st century with a remodeled city center containing all of the major high street stores as well as clothing stores, shoe shops and boutiques offering the widest range of clothing for all age groups. What makes Bristol swing is the regular influx of young people who arrive every year to attend the city’s famous university. It goes without saying that there is a lot to do in the city, and every night is part night for the Bristollians and their guests. Bristol is home to some of the finest restaurants in the South West of England, with menus and wine lists covering the broadcast choices. After a good meal you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Avon, before going on to a night club or enjoying a drink at a riverside pub on a lot hot Summer’s evening. Bristol’s enjoys a very moderate and stable climate, making it an ideal base for a touring holiday in this particularly pleasant corner of the UK.

A major event held every year in Bristol at the famous Ashton Court is the Annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. This is a spectacular and truly unforgettable event attracts visitors from all over the British Isles as well as from overseas. Participants also flock to Bristol from all over Europe as well as teams from the furthest corners of the UK. Crowds of more than one hundred thousand have been know to gather at the event, which at its peak will witness more than one hundred multi-colored balloons in the air over Bristol at any time. There are two balloon launches daily during the event, either early morning or early evening. The evening sessions are especially spectacular with special light and sound shows being organized around them.

Looking over the Bristol skyline, but on a permanent basis is the world famous engineering masterpiece, the Clifton suspension bridge, designed by I.K. Brunel and completed in 1854. Now a road bridge, the Clifton links Bristol to the North Somerset region. All in all traveling around Somerset countryside will be a highlight of a visit to the region. There are many scenic villages to be visited and for those who want to travel a little further there is the beautiful valleys and hills of Wales to the North, and the city of Bath to the south.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Bristol and the Somerset region. Car Hire in Bristol comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft -and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in the United Kingdom, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Bristol as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the Somerset region.