"The most beautiful, interesting and distinguished city in Britain" John Betjeman" former Poet Laureate. Bristol is a truly beautiful and distinguished city. Beautiful parks and gardens lead on to interesting alleys and lanes, whilst distinguished Georgian houses climb the hills of Bristol culminating in Brunels masterpiece, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, but Bristol is much more than this... It is a modern city where the latest in contemporary arts, can be viewed and the night-life is interesting and varied. Part of Bristol's unique appeal stems from its many maritime features. The city hosts a outstanding programme of events throughout the year including a Harbour Regatta and the world famous International Balloon Festival. Some events are free and others finish with a spectacular fireworks display. Events are also held at the city's many museums and certainly Bristol has encouraged the arts. Visitors can see a play at the historic Theatre Royal, watch a West End musical at the Hippodrome, listen to the best in music at the Colston Hall or seek out one of the city's alternative venues. Bristol is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain making the city a natural base for a touring holiday. Within  a relatively small area, the visitor can marvel at the Avon Gorge, SS Great Britain, stroll around the Maritime Heritage Centre or just watch the world go by, near to where John Cabot set sail in the Matthew for the New World in 1497. Bristol also boasts an enormous range of shops. From the historic St Nicholas market, the specialist shopping of Clifton, Bristol's West end and Christmas Steps to the bustle of busy Broadmead (soon to be redeveloped) Bristol can offer a vast choice. Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England, with a population of approximately half a million. It is historically a county in its own right, occupying a narrow strip along the banks of the River Avon between Somerset and Gloucestershire. When Bristol was incorporated into the newly formed County of Avon there was an outcry and  many citizens refused to use the new County name. The County of Bristol has since been reinstated, although a few "outsiders" still insist on placing our fair city in the County of Avon. Two motorways intersect a  few miles from Bristol's city centre. The M4 from London to South Wales bridges the River Severn before it changes to become the Bristol Channel. The North-South M5 skirts the area of Avonmouth and a feeder motorway the M32 connects the M4 going into the heart of the city.