From the outset it was always envisaged that Brunel 200 would inspire people living in and visiting Bristol to explore the city, learning about the heritage around them. As part of this, three pocket-sized walking guides were produced which were available free of charge from Tourist Information Centres and other sites. Each combined directions, descriptive text, historical background, travel information, archive images and newly commissioned photographs. They were linked to the award-winning Bristol Legible City way-finding system, which includes a walking map that is free of charge and widely available across the city.
 


Brunel's Clifton describes a circular route around the village including a stop at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and was written by members of the Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society. Brunel's Dockside runs from Bristol Temple Meads to the ss Great Britain, and beyond to the Underfall Yard and the Brunel lock and swing bridge. The route partly follows the newly designated Brunel Mile. Victorian Bristol provides a guide to Victorian architecture in the city, much of it constructed after Brunel's death but including buildings he would have seen during his time in the city. The architectural designs and building methods shown also owe much to the innovations Brunel introduced in transportation and construction.
 
The three guides have proved popular, being informative, convenient to carry, attractively designed and offering a chance to see parts of Bristol that might otherwise be overlooked. They have met their objective of providing an accessible way of learning about the city, its past and its engineering achievements as well as the direct links to the life and work of Brunel. There are now plans to produce downloadable podcasts of the Clifton and dockside walks to widen access further.

Feedback included:

“Just had a great week-end in Bristol exploring the Brunel sites. The free Brunel guide is a wonderful walking guide, full of good information highlighting many things that would normally be missed when walking around the area. It proved an unexpected bonus to what had already been a great week-end. Enjoy the rest of the celebratory year and thanks for putting on such good exhibitions & displays.”
Andy Marshall, Plymouth

You can download Word documents of the guides below:

Brunel's Clifton
Brunel's Dockside
Victorian Bristol

You can also download and audio podcast of Brunel's Clifton from the Visit Bristol website.