Bristol, located two hours west of London by road or rail, is the second largest city in the south of England, and has a rich past stretching from pre-historic settlements, through Roman times, to the sea-faring age. It's heyday was during the 18th century, when it was a commercial port with links to British colonies in North America and Africa; but as ships got bigger, navigation of the River Avon became more difficult and the maritime industry declined. Science and engineering provided Bristol with a second wind, with cigar-toting genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel being the catalyst for the city's transformation. Brunel built the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge, the iron-hulled steam ship Great Britain and Temple Meads railway station, now home to an exhibition on the achievements of the British Empire.

There are also many contemporary attractions in Bristol with a large zoo and gardens in the Clifton area of the city and the high-tech At-Bristol centre downtown. Every year the area becomes a Mecca for hot air ballooning enthusiasts when the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place.