This compact city has plenty to explore. In the old town centre, you’ll find cobbled streets, medieval pubs that were once frequented both by pirates and writers – Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe both owe inspiration to this area –  and the eclectic stalls and eateries of St Nicolas Markets (St Nick’s). Bristol has a rich maritime history and the striking docks area nearby is packed with museums and attractions including the SS Great Britain and global street food in the popular Wapping Wharf containers. Heading uphill you’ll find picturesque Clifton, where you can walk over the famous suspension bridge or visit the Giant’s Cave in the Clifton Observatory for spectacular views of the Avon Gorge.

Throughout the year, Bristol hosts a wide range of unique cultural events and festivals. The most famous is Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe's largest hot air balloon extravaganza, but there are plenty more including: Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest; Bristol’s annual celebration of Caribbean culture, the St Paul’s Carnival, and Encounters, the UK’s leading short film, animation and virtual reality festival. You can see West End musicals at the Bristol Hippodrome, music at the Bristol Beacon, or cutting edge drama at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and the Old Vic – the oldest working theatre in Britain.

From the Downs to Ashton Court and Leigh Woods, Bristol is also blessed with beautiful green spaces and has easy access to the glorious countryside of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset too. Historic Bath is just 15 miles away, the seaside at Clevedon is also close by and there are fast trains from the city centre to take you to Cardiff in less than an hour, or to London in under two hours.

If you'd like to start a new adventure in a creative city surrounded by beautiful countryside, take a look at our retirement villages in Bristol.