Better by Bike is one of the many resources that you can tap into to find out more about cycling…read morearound the city. It always bemuses me that Bristol is 'Britain's First Cycling City" considering quite how hilly it is. But we're a stalwart lot down here, I guess. I used to write a column entitled Bristol On My Bike, which sadly is no more. It would have been great to chart the lack of progress that was made in relation to the idea to convert the fantastic cycle route from Bristol to Bath into a bus route. The powers that be (and these are they) are clearly not very clued up about the amount of support that cyclists have in this city. With heavyweights like Sustrans based here, ideas to usurp cyclists in favour of the atrocious bus service, were never likely to get very far! Bristol is a great city to cycle around, and offers a great way to keep in shape as well as being environmentally sound. If you commute, cycling will get you where you need to be faster than any other means of travel! Not only that, but you get to see and hear a lot more than when you are stuck in a car.

Hello All,…read more I stayed at the Girls Friendly Society in Bristol many years ago. I was working at English heritage at the time. I was very friendly with the Assistant Warden Helena. Too friendly as it worked out!?

Ok adding this from a jurer's perspective only - honest! Perpare yourself for a lot of waiting…read morearound and boredom. The facilities aren't great. Two tvs, internet connection that's not free though. You're given a smartcard to purchase daily subsistence up to a value of £5.15 at the on site canteen which ain't cheap or particularly great, I found it cheaper to leave to eat at lunchtimes. Make sure you're aware of what you can claim back, especially parking, loss of earnings and child minding costs.

A nice looking court, outside which you will always (well in open hours anyway) see at least one of…read morethree groups. a) the scummy relatives of some scumbag who doesn't give a toss b) suited and booted solicitors and lawyers grabbing a much needed cigarette or c) a pack of journalists, both print and broadcast, covering some really high profile cases. I'm glad to say the latter is the capacity which has seen me at this court. Bristol Crown Court has seen some really decent cases in recent years - from that perverted female nursery teacher from Devon who abused the kids in her care to the wannabe Bristol terrorist. It's well worth checking out the Bristol Evening Post for these alone. If you want to go into the court, which you can do (it is a public court after all) you will have to walk through the security check point, which is just like the ones you get at airports. You will then have to navigate the elevators and the maze of court rooms. Here's hoping you are never there through necessity rather than choice! ;)

This instantly recognisable bridge used to be a two way affair but it was a pretty tight squeeze…read more I'm OK, I've always had tiny cars (mini, metro, fiesta etc etc) but for people in bigger cars it could be quite hairy especially when you consider the pedestrian pavements either side too. It's very similar to the swinging bridge in Weymouth, except the latter tends to go up and down a lot more. This one in Bristol is a very handy cut through from town and the Thekla to The Louisiana, Southville and Bedminster. It also has amazing views of the harbour, the Arnolfini, the new flats and iconic cranes. And just over the south side of it there is free parking on an evening, a rare rare find in Bristol City Centre. Apparently in the cold weather of years gone by the harbour has actually frozen over and there are some great old black and white photos taken from this bridge.

Bristol's biggest library, though that doesn't mean its huge, has all you would expect. They've got…read morebanks of computers (that get filled up with students from City of Bristol college), obscure local archives, and a comprehensive fiction section. Unexpected bonuses include a wonderful room for working in upstairs, with rows of wooden desks. Silence reigns in this part of the library, and if you need somewhere quiet to get some reading done in the middle of the city, you can go here without having to buy a cup of coffee. They also have a good sheet music section, and a range of CDs and DVDs on offer - no need to go and pay at Blockbusters. A say 'in this part of the library' because its not necessarily the quietest of places. Keen on enticing the entire community, the kids section usually has a toddler screaming. I don't say this critically, libraries are better places when they're a bit lively, but bear this in mind when visiting. There's plenty to choose from here, and they have a catalogue that links up to the rest of the area, so they can order stuff in for you. If you visit for the first time remember to take along a utility bill so they can let you borrow. Bristol Central Library offers everything you'd expect and a few things you wouldn't in a friendly, convivial setting.

The central library is located next to the cathedral on college green and has an extensive…read morecollection of information in a variety of sources. The downstairs houses most of the non fiction material, and also has a small cafe/eating area, where you are also allowed to eat your own food. Upstairs is the reference section and main computer hub. Make sure you book an computer from the host one or you won't be able to log in. The library is pretty large, but just accommodates the amount of people it is required to, and can get pretty busy during the day - I too have been one of those printing out CVs and clogging up the photocopier. The staff here are really friendly and accommodating - they'll help you find exactly what you need to. Don't be afraid to ask!

Millenium Square is quite a stunning open space in the city center. It is always filled with kids…read moreplaying around in the shiny silvery water features, flatland BMXers practicing their tricks in the middle of the square, or just people sitting around the benches and steps, having a good relax. This square plays host to a variety of things, such as a Sunday art market and numerous festivals when summer rolls by. There is a computery device on one of the square that provides some minutes of fun, where it points to any planet you type in, and tells you how many kilometers it is away from the earth. Interesting, but I think it gets abused by the drunk masses on a Friday and Saturday night. In the floor of the square is an analemma - lights that show the path of the sun as viewed from the earth. On the benches at another end of the square, are brass statues of historical figures, one of which I know is William Tyndale translating the New Testament. All these little quirks of Millenium Square give it its soul, despite it being just a big, flat, bare open space. Thumbs up!

A fabulous public open space. A great big screen for the sports-inclined and fountains and pools…read morefor the little ones. It may have been mid-March, but my little cousin adored the water. He splashed about with his dad for ages. Surrounded by lovely restaurants and lots of museums, etc. (@Bristol). Great for young and old alike.