1 THE BRUNEL TRAIL

Isambard Kingdom Brunel left an indelible mark across the South West of England, with iconic landmarks such as the Great Western Railway (GWR), Clifton Suspension Bridge and the ss Great Britain. Voted the second Greatest Briton of all time, after Sir Winston Churchill, IKB was one of the 19th century’s engineering giants. Brunel’s Dockside runs from Bristol Temple Meads to ss Great Britain and beyond to Underfall Yard and the Brunel lock and swing bridge. 

Even if time is tight, visitors should be encouraged to visit ss Great Britain. The ship sits where she was built in the Great Western Dockyard and has gradually been brought back to her original splendour after being towed home from the Falkland Islands in 1970.

A glass skirt around the ship allows visitors to see the vessel as if she was in the water while stepping down to view the original iron hull is a ‘must-do’. Next year a museum will open in Brunel’s original drawing office next to the ship. A collection of his personal possessions will be displayed for the first time.

2 CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Cruise passengers pass under on Brunel’s bridge on the way to Avonmouth Port. Designed in 1829, it had the longest span of any bridge in the world but the original design was rejected and an improved version, complete with Egyptian-influenced sphinxes, was accepted. The bridge was not completed until 1864, after Brunel’s death.  To pre-book a tour visit: cliftonbridge.org.uk bridge 

3 UNDERFALL YARD

For more than 200 years, Underfall Yard was the operations centre for Bristol docks, housing the dock sluices, hydraulic lock systems and pump house. In the heart of Bristol’s Floating Harbour, the yard fell into disrepair but it is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and home to boat builders, a rigger, a blacksmith and a diving club. Thanks to lottery funding the Grade II listed Power House is now a visitor centre and tells the story of Victorian engineering, which still protects the city from flooding today. underfallboatyard.co.uk

4 BANKSY

Nobody should visit Bristol without seeing a Banksy! Let your clients know about the BanksyBristolTour app so they can go graffiti-spotting in the city. It’s great fun to track down the anonymous artist’s thought-provoking work. banksybristoltourapp.co.uk

5 BRISTOL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

At the top of Park Street, this classic style museum is home to gems, including collections of Bristol blue and amethyst glass, and 20th-century paintings by David Bomberg, Gwen John and John Craxton. Admission free. bristolmuseums.org.uk 

6 BRISTOL CATHEDRAL

At the bottom of Park Street, on College Green, Bristol Cathedral has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol Cathedral, said: “There is 1,000 years of history in a glorious building that is still used, as it has always been, as a sacred space in a busy city.”

7 ARNOLFINI

This international arts centre and gallery, on Narrow Quay, is en route to ss Great Britain. There’s always a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, music and dance events, book readings and lectures. arnofini.org.uk 

8 SHOPPING

Bristol has a high concentration of independent shops, and it makes a refreshing change to shop in the city. Head for Gloucester Road and Park Street, home to the Bristol Guild design store where Space Hoppers, finest kitchenware, bespoke silk scarves and more make tempting buys. The cafe is excellent, too.

CABOT CIRCUS: With Harvey Nichols’ department store leading the way, this city centre mall is a cut above most shopping centres.

ST NICHOLAS MARKET: It’s been going since 1743 and this quirky indoor market offers plenty of places to eat. Bristolgov.co.uk/markets 

9 WHERE TO EAT

The Glassboat, Welsh
Back This converted boat with a polished oak interior has lovely waterside views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Service is efficient and friendly with a good choice of meat, fish and vegetarian options on the menu. Price: Medium.
glassboat.co.uk

Wilks
Want to splash out? This vibrant restaurant in Redland offers creative cooking and the chef champions local farmers, growers and suppliers. Seven-course gourmet menu £78 plus optional wine pairing £48.
wilksrestaurant.co.uk

10 WHERE TO STAY

Berkeley Square Hotel and Berkeley Suites Just off the top of Park Street, almost opposite the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, this four-star hotel offers comfort and convenience with parking for residents (£7 a day). Staying in the hotel’s newly refurbished elegant Georgian apartments makes for a special pre or post-cruise stay. cliftonhotels.com/bristol-hotels/berkeley-square