Short, spontaneous weekend breaks have become the new way to holiday without the fuss. As flights get cheaper and more and more accommodation and service providers switch to online to reduce costs, it's never been easier to book a quick getaway at a good price. Of course this doesn't mean jetting off abroad to spend just a couple of days soaking up whatever sun is available, but rather it gives you the options to make a good choice, and sometimes it's the destinations at home that you could be missing out on the most.

Thriving, dynamic and cultured but with a strong link to its history and heritage, Bristol could be the perfect weekend break destination. Characterised by its proximity to the sea, which transformed the city during booms in the tobacco and paper industries, Bristol has since seriously redeveloped its city port.

Exploring the city on a short weekend break, you can't help but notice the significance the arts play to the city centre's atmosphere and architecture. From opera and ballet through to film and music, Bristol is renowned for producing and supporting consistently good art, and just one of the must-sees has to be the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, which was famously hijacked by the city's notorious art bandit, Banksy. Likewise, a unique centre for the development and exhibition of contemporary art sits on an island in the Mersey Estuary known as Spike Island. Combining studio workshops, gallery space and a bar/cafe, this is a great place to see firsthand the city's devotion to the arts.

No short break to Bristol would be complete without a trip to the SS Great Britain. Built by Brunel, this was once the largest steam powered ship in the world and was the most luxurious cruise liner in the seas. Built from iron, the Great Britain has now been carefully restored, with tickets also gaining you entry to The Maritime Heritage Centre and The Matthew; which is a nearby 15th century ship replica.

To experience just one of the ways in which Bristol has redeveloped itself and moved with the times, go down to what was once the bustling docklands to see At-Bristol. This scenic waterfront has now been turned into the hub of the city's culture, with an IMAX cinema and several galleries dotted in between bars, restaurants and cafes. Likewise, head to the St Nicholas Market which has been a prominent feature in the city for more than 250 years and combines tradition with a wealth of unique and quirky retailers.

To get out of the city centre on your short break, try the Clifton Observatory for a great view, or head to the Cheddar Caves, where limestone cliffs tower over the deep gorge and fascinating rock formations dominate the cave wall and ceilings. With a lot of Rate this Article:

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Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Author: vicky.cochrane.uk@googlemail.com