Bristol is also recognised as a
flourishing arts centre catering for every taste from theatre, film,
opera and ballet to jazz, classical and folk music. And there is a large
variety of entertainment complexes, pubs, clubs and wine bars.
Situated at the so-called "crossroads of England" the city is blessed
with an excellent network of motorway, rail and air connections.
London's Heathrow airport is about 90 minutes away by road and the
capital itself is easily accessible by frequent road, rail and air rail
services.
The surrounding countryside affords a wealth of opportunity for
relaxation and entertainment. The elegant Georgian city of Bath is a
near neighbour and other leading tourist spots include England's
smallest city, Wells, the world-famous Cheddar Gorge and its mysterious
limestone caves, the city of Gloucester, and the mystical town of
Glastonbury. Wales too is only a short journey away, with road
travellers having the choice of two major bridges over the Severn
Estuary.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, had strong links
with Bristol. He regularly preached to miners in fields in the Kingswood
and Hanham areas. He was frequently barred from pulpits because he was
too outspoken. His first church, the New Room, is still open in the
heart of Bristol's Broadmead shopping area close to the city centre.
In the courtyard of the preserved building is a statue of Wesley on
horseback as he frequently rode out to preach at open air meetings. It
is yet another reminder of the city's links with its historic past.
