Bristol is the fourth largest city in England and is a young and vibrant city, with it’s own university, airport and an absolutely enormous shopping centre at it’s heart. Not the city many immediately think of when planning a weekend away, but the night life is fantastic if you’re thinking of a stag night or a hen do.

Unlike many British cities which can be very unpleasant to drive around, Bristol is pretty organised and not too busy. If you do choose to hire a car you will find the city is very car friendly and makes car hire a worthwhile consideration. The huge shopping complex in the city centre boast a giant multi-story car park with ample spaces.

There are a couple of ways to get into the city. If you are coming from the south you follow the M4 all the way to the city. Most other places it’s the M5. One other alternative is to give the airport a try. Bristol airport spares passengers the hassle and pain that other larger airports seem to burden them with, and is still a pretty small and not too busy place to commute to and from.

Most major airports in the UK and Europe fly to Bristol and if you are planning to hire a car you will of course be able to pick it up at the airport, which is a little extra convenience and one less thing to worry about.

If you have arrived at Bristol airport and want something to eat to keep you going until you have picked up your car rental and headed to your hotel then you have several options to choose from. If you like seafood and have a budget for a luxury meal then the very best place to eat is at the Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar.

Some of the best luxury seafood I have ever had was at the Seafood Bar which is open between the first and last flights of the day. With a breakfast and main menu, they offer exceptional seafood, caviar, and a wide assortment of champagne and wines. Their “Taste of Excellence” trio includes caviar, salmon and foie gras is pure luxury! You can even have canapes delivered to the airport’s Executive Lounge, which is great when traveling on business.

Once you have had a chance to eat, you will be ready to pick up your rental car, so that you can get out and explore Bristol. You will find plenty of Bristol airport car rental options from which to choose, but when I travel, I find that it is much more convenient and economical to make my car rental arrangements right here on this site. If you are planning to stay for a while, the weekly car rental rates are great. It is just so convenient to just stop by, pick up your vehicle, and get on your way, instead of waiting in the long car rental lines at the airport.

Here’s an unusual yet exciting place to visit on your trip to Bristol – the Helicopter Museum – the worlds largest museum dedicated solely to helicopters.

If you really want to do something outrageous and out of the norm when you land at Bristol International airport, hop in your rental car and visit this museum.

Located in Weston-super-Mare, this all weather attraction is a spectacular place for the entire family.

You can grab a cup of hot coffee and a bite to eat at the coffee shop, or let your kids run wild in the children’s play area or pick up some gifts for the friends and family at the gift shop.

Once inside, you’ll be shocked at the mint condition of the over 80 helicopters in the collection.

Soak up the history of helicopters from the British collection, the North American collection, the Eastern Europe collection and the Western Europe collection.

While becoming mesmerized with each full size helicopter, don’t forget to take a look at all of the additional literature, audiovisual material, manuals, memorabilia and artifacts.

Just in case you’re wondering, the Helicopter Museum was found by aviation writer/historian Elfan ap Rees.

It all began with his desire to build up a private collection of rotorcraft documentation and artifacts and then grew from there.

In fact, it took him nearly 10 years to acquire his first complete helicopter – the Bristol Sycamore Mk.3.

And today, volunteers work (in their spare time) to retain each aircrafts originality and authenticity as well as prepare the aircraft for exhibition.

Obviously, getting in your rental car and driving through Bristol to the Helicopter Museum is a one trip you are destined never to forget. With it’s rich history, you’ll have the time of your life.