American going to Bristol, UK?

Question

I am going to stay with a friend in Bristol in April- I have never traveled abroad or stayed with anyone but family so I have alot of questions. I plan to be there for just a week, whats the weather like? What should I pack? She wants to show me the sites but wants me to chose what I'd like to see, what is there in Wessexs that you think I shouldn't miss? Is Stonehenge far from Bristol? And what is the Knowle area of Bristol like? And what is the night life in Bristol like?

Thank you!

Answer 1

I think you should give your friend a more general idea of what sort of things you like, then leave the rest to her ... for instance do you like ancient historical things (like cathedrals, castles, Roman remains), or more modern things (like shopping centres), or countryside, or sports, or theatre

our weather is always changeable, but April will not be very warm ... you need layers (for instance a vest, over that a T-shirt or top, over that maybe a thin jumper, and if it's really cold over that a fleece) ... if you bring things that you can layer then you can add (or subtract) so that you're always warm enough ... also be prepared for it to be wet, bring a waterproof and umbrella ... and warm footwear (for instance trainers) as well as pretty shoes or sandals to go out with in the evening

Stonehenge is not too far from Bristol, about 50 miles, if the family have a car it would make a nice day trip ... closer is Bath where the ancient Roman baths are still in use today

sorry, I don't live in Bristol so haven't a clue what Knowle or the night life is like

Answer 2

Check BBC Weather before you go as it's reasonably reliable http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?... - don't expect anything too warm though. I lived in Bristol for 4 years and it's quite a rainy city!

Nightlife in Bristol is great - something for everyone whether you want huge clubs, cheesy little ones, new music or just great pubs.  The Clifton area is good for interesting shops and pubs- especially Whiteladies Rd which is packed with bars.

If you go to see Stonehenge then go a bit further and spend some time in Salisbury which is a nice town about 10 miles away. It has a beautiful medieval cathedral worth seeing.