Short breaks in Bristol offer glorious gardens,
history and heritage, arts and culture, with easy
day trips to landmarks including Glastonbury Abbey,
Wells Cathedral, The Cotswold's and the City of
Bath.
There are also two attractions of special interest
to North American visitors - the historic ship
S.S. Great Britain, which was built in Bristol
and the New World Tapestry. The 160 year old ship
is being restored to its former glory. A museum
also tells the ships dramatic history. The ship
can be explored, visitors can examine cabins,
crew quarters, galley, stores and the surgery.
Sounds, smells and textures add to the atmosphere.
The Great Britain was a huge technological and engineering
achievement in her day, a giant ship conceived to
slash the journey times between London and New York.
Until her arrival, crossing the Atlantic was an
unpredictable business taking many weeks. With the
reliable combination of steam and sail, Great Britain
was able to take her Victorian and American passengers
to and from the US in a speedy 13 days.
www.ss-great-britain.com
