Although Bristol is one of England's major cities, the development of northern industry during the industrial revolution meant that it lost much of its medieval importance when it rated close to York behind London.
Today it has enough to see to justify several days but most visitors stay a night on their way to the south-west or South Wales.
To take just a few major sights, Clifton has a suspension bridge designed by Isambrd Kingdom Brunel across the Avon and near it is a very old camera obscura, which has always been a delight to children. A cave in the cliff and the nearby zoo and well as Clifton's downs add to its attractions.
Nearer the centre both the Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe are most impressive ecclesiastical buildings.
A unique feature of the city today is the SS Great Britain, launched in 1843 as the world's first iron-hulled transcontinental steam ship. [edit text][editors]
