voyage bristol blog

• À PROPOS & CONTACT
• _conseils mode
• _mes meilleurs achats
• _grossesse & accouchement
• _allaitement
• _bébé & Enfant
• _mode bébé & enfant
• _préparer l'arrivée de bébé
• _humeur & post partum
• Décoration & Rénovation
• _Journal de confinement
• _Les blogs à suivre
• _Les 10 dernières lectures

4 jours à Bristol ♥

Où dormir à Bristol ? 

Où manger à Bristol ?

St Nicholas Market

Harbourside

Brunel's SS Great Britain

Quartier chic de Clifton

Clifton's suspension bridge

Cabot Tower

Stokes Croft

Commentaires

Enregistrer un commentaire.

Merci pour votre fidélité et vos petits mots ♥ Sachez que même si ça me prend une semaine, je réponds toujours aux questions posées dans les commentaires.

Form for Contact Page (Do not remove)

Weekend à Bristol

• 27 mars 2018

25 commentaires

Il y a des voyages, des escapades et des weekends qu’on prépare longtemps à l’avance et puis il y a ceux qui sont organisés à l’arrache, genre partir sur un coup de tête. Bristol, c’était mon coup de tête. Pendant les quelques jours passés sur place, je m’étonnais toujours d’être là. Depuis quelques mois, je cherchais un lieu pour passer quelques jours au soleil. Je me voyais retourner aux Canaries, tenter le Maroc ou, pourquoi pas, retourner au Mexique. J’ai fait plein d’essais de dates et de destinations sur les comparateurs de vols, je regardais une carte en attendant la destination qui ferait tilt . Impossible de prendre une décision, je suis indécis par nature et ça, c’est un réel problème. Le temps passait et passait, et je n’arrivais toujours pas à me décider.

Un jour j’ai regardé les vols EasyJet au départ de Paris, ville après ville et je suis tombé sur Bristol. Et là, sans vraiment y réfléchir, j’ai cliqué sur “réserver”. Deux jours plus tard, je foulais le sol britannique et, franchement, c’était génial. Génial de voyager comme ça, de manière impulsive et irréfléchie, génial de se trouver dans une ville que je ne pensais pas visiter un jour tant j’ai d’autres destinations que je qualifierais de “prioritaires”. Génial, d’aller de surprises en surprises et de se dire que, apprendre à se surprendre, c’est tout un art. C’était comme si, à la gare, je montais dans le premier train qui passe en me disant “advienne que pourra”. Voilà donc comment j’ai atterri à Bristol, une ville vraiment agréable où il fait bon se promener et où les rues réservent de bien jolies surprises…

Et tu sais quoi ? Je cherchais le soleil et je l’ai eu !

De vieilles maisons, une cathédrale… détour par la vieille ville.

La vieille ville de Bristol, c’est un mélange de différents styles de différentes époques. Petites maisons à pans de bois, façades en briques, beaux immeubles victoriens, tours modernes et imposantes… tout y est. Rajoute quelques églises gothiques, secoue le tout et tu obtiendras un centre-ville aussi cosmopolite par sa population que par son architecture. Et quand on commence la visite de Bristol, on va naturellement vers son monument le plus célèbre : sa cathédrale.

Vieille de plus de 800 ans, remaniée et enrichie au cours des siècles, il ne reste de ses vestiges du 12e siècle qu’une ancienne maison de type gothique, aujourd’hui devenue bureaux diocésains. La cathédrale mérite vraiment un petit détour – d’autant que l’entrée est libre – pour ses jolis vitraux, ses voûtes majestueuses, ses pierres tombales, sa salle du chapitre vieille de 7 siècles… Une fois la visite terminée, tu auras tout le loisir d’arpenter les rues pittoresques de la ville, ses beaux immeubles, ses passages secrets et d’autres bien jolies surprises…

La  Old City , c’est des grandes avenues bordées de bâtiments d’architecture assez hétéroclite mais aussi un dédale de petites rues charmantes. Se perdre là-dedans, c’est la meilleure manière de découvrir la ville. Tu tomberas nez à nez avec de vieilles maisons ou des demeures aux allures de château. J’adore me laisser glisser dans des passages secrets, à l’écart de la rue, j’adore la perspective des rues en cul-de-sac. À Bristol, il y a vraiment de quoi te charmer. Je suis parti un peu à l’aveugle, ne sachant ce que j’allais y trouver, et franchement, j’ai totalement craqué pour cette ville.

Outre son ambiance relax, c’est vraiment la variété de son architecture qui m’a le plus plu, ce mélange de styles différents qui tendent à faire un tout harmonieux. En soi, Old City n’est pas très étendue mais tellement variée qu’elle est tout sauf ennuyeuse et répétitive. C’est un mélange de plein de styles et une explosion de couleurs à chaque coin de rue (des murs blancs, des façades en briques rouges, des immeubles aux teintes rose, bleues et jaunes).

Un tour au Castle Park

Le sais-tu ? Il y a 450 parcs et espaces verts à Bristol ! Le plus central est probablement  Castle Park . Situé au bord d’un bras de l’Avon, il occupe l’emplacement de l’ancien château médiéval. D’ailleurs, l’Avon est bordé par les anciens remparts de la ville. Au milieu, les ruines de la St Peter’s Church, bombardée par les nazis en novembre 1940. Il y a plusieurs églises en ruines à Bristol (voir partie sur Redcliffe ci-dessous). La promenade dans le parc est calme et agréable et c’est idéal si tu veux passer un moment tranquille.

Spike Island, ambiance portuaire à Bristol

Pour une agréable promenade qui te donne l’impression d’être en dehors de la ville, éloigné des voitures et de la foule, direction Spike Island, au sud du vieux centre. Ici, c’est le domaine des pêcheurs, des bateaux et des plaisanciers. Le Harbourside Walk est un itinéraire super sympa qui te fera passer par le port, la marina et même un atelier de restauration de bateaux.

Je ne sais pas si c’est parce que j’ai grandi loin de la mer, mais j’adore l’ambiance des ports. Je trouve qu’il y règne un esprit d’aventure et de liberté, la liberté de prendre son bateau et de partir sur les flots, le courage de partir à l’aventure à l’assaut de la houle. Du coup, la Harbourside Walk à la découverte du port de Bristol est une promenade à tester absolument. En plus, c’est pas très long, à peine une heure pour la boucle depuis le vieux centre, avec retour au point de départ.

D’ailleurs, sur cet itinéraire, tu pourras avoir une super jolie vue sur les nouveaux quartiers de Bristol et leurs immeubles colorés. Balade parfaite le matin et en fin d’après-midi pour le coucher du soleil.

Bristol a beau se situer a une quinzaine de kilomètres de la mer, elle a tout d’une ville maritime, grâce à son fleuve, l’Avon, qui lui garantit un accès de premier ordre à la mer. C’est tout naturellement qu’au 17e siècle, grâce à son activité maritime et portuaire, que la ville connaît une croissance et une grande prospérité avec le développement des colonies britanniques d’Amérique du Nord et l’expansion du commerce, notamment le commerce des esclaves.

Redcliffe, un joli quartier où flâner

Redcliffe est un quartier à l’est du vieux centre. Situé entre les deux bras de l’Avon, il a à la fois une âme portuaire avec ses docks et ses bateaux, et une agréable ambiance résidentielle avec ses jolis immeubles aux façades colorées. Facilement accessible à pied, ce quartier est une petite pépite qui se laisse découvrir en longeant les quais.

Les gorges de l’Avon

Nouvelle journée, nouvelle promenade. Je prends la direction de Clifton, un quartier sur les hauteurs de la ville, un peu excentré mais qui mérite un petit détour. Le but de la promenade étant le grand  pont suspendu  au-dessus de l’Avon, un des monuments emblématiques de la ville. Mais avant d’y arriver, il faut marcher un peu et arpenter de jolies rues au charme  so british  et admirer de jolis panoramas.

Après avoir bien grimpé, je m’approche du but, je vois la silhouette du pont se dessiner derrière les arbres. Je ne suis pas un féru des ponts mais je trouve celui-là magnifique et impressionnant. J’adore la vue sur les gorges de l’Avon et sur la ville au loin. La traversée du pont est gratuite pour les piétons mais payante pour les véhicules. Pour une vue imprenable sur le pont, tu peux te rendre jusqu’au  Clifton Observatory , à quelques mètres de là.

L’Avon fait office de limite entre la ville de Bristol et sa banlieue. Juste après le pont se trouve le petit village de Leigh Woods avec ses belles demeures et son charmant quartier résidentiel. À une dizaine de minutes de marche du pont se trouve une vieille église,  St-Mary-the-Virgin , avec son clocher couvert de tavaillons en bois. Elle est installée au milieu des arbres, dans un joli coin de nature. Malheureusement, elle était fermée lors de ma visite, mais j’ai adoré son architecture d’un ancien temps.

Bristol et le street art

On ne peut pas parler de Bristol sans évoquer le street art. S’il fallait ne citer qu’une raison, il faudrait rappeler que  Bristol est la ville de naissance d’un graffeur internationalement connu : Banksy. C’est d’ailleurs à Bristol qu’il a fait ses premières œuvres avant de décorer les murs d’autres grandes villes notamment  Bethléem . Et c’est dans ses rues que vous pouvez découvrir trois de ses célèbres œuvres :  Big Deal Kids, Naked Man  et  The Girl With Pierced Eardrum.

Bristol : côté pratique

Venir à Bristol : Depuis le Brexit, il est désormais nécessaire de se munir d’un passeport pour rejoindre l’Angleterre. Pour venir à Bristol, sache que EasyJet a une liaison directe entre Paris et Bristol à des tarifs plutôt attractifs.

Il y a une navette  qui fait le trajet entre le centre-ville (la gare ferroviaire de Temple Meads et la gare routière) et l’aéroport. Compte environ 8£ l’aller (prix 2017), 30 à 40 minutes de trajet. Dans un sens comme dans l’autre, il y a environ 15 minutes entre chaque bus. Pas besoin d’acheter ton billet à un distributeur avant de monter à bord, tu peux acheter ton ticket directement auprès du conducteur. Plus d’infos sur le  site de la compagnie .

Sinon, Bristol est une ville qui, sur Google Maps, paraît assez étendue. Tu te dis qu’il serait utile de prendre le bus (notamment pour aller à Clifton). En réalité,  c’est une ville qui se fait très bien et très facilement à pied  (mis à part, les pentes et les descentes) et, tu verras, tu ne mettras pas tant de temps que ça pour aller d’un point à un autre. Et ça, c’est super, non ?

C’est la fin de notre escapade à Bristol ! Tu connais cette ville ?

Partager :

• Cliquez pour partager sur Twitter(ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)
• Cliquez pour partager sur Facebook(ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)

J’aime ça :

Alors moi je rêve d’aller à Bristol depuis longtemps, ville connue pour son histoire mais aussi sa riche culture undergound, le street art et le trip hop. Ton article me donne encore plus envie !! Merci pour la balade 😉

C’est vrai que c’est une ville fascinante 🙂 Je suis ravi que cet article te plaise alors 😊

Ouahou, elle a l’air parfaite cette ville ! Il y en a vraiment pour tous les goûts ! Tu me donnes presque envie d’y aller !

Pour tous les goûts c’est exactement ça. Il n’y a pas de quoi s’ennuyer 😉

J’adore ton Voyage impromptu au soleil de l’Angleterre ! Comme toujours avec toi, les photos sont superbes et le texte nous emporte – Merci pour la decouverte !

Merci Alexandra 😊😘

J’ai eu la chance de passer 2 semaines à Bristol et j’ai juste adoré, c’est une ville peu connu et qui pourtant à plein de choses à offrir !

Tout à fait d’accord, ville peu connue alors qu’elle a tout le charme d’une ville anglaise 🙂

Je ne connais pas cette ville mais ma maman y a étudié lorsqu’elle était jeune ! J’aime beaucoup le Royaume uni et tes photos donne envie de visiter Bristol 🙂 Je vais la rajouter à ma longueeeeee liste de voyage 😉

Voyager de manière impulsive et irréfléchie. JE DIS OUI !

C’est si beau comme ville. Le charme à la britannique. La prochaine fois, je te souhaite d’aller à Bath. Vraiment. C’est aussi superbe ! ♥

Le charme à la britannique, je n’aurais pas dit mieux, ça décrit tellement bien Bristol. Je garde Bath pour la prochaine fois 🙂

Merci pour ton commentaire 🙂

Roh mais j’adore! Je ne m’attendais pas du tout à ça pour Bristol, et je ne savais pas que c’était la ville de Banksy! Le charme anglais a l’air d’être présent à chaque coin de rue de la vieille ville, et j’adore cette ambiance. L’Angleterre mérite bien qu’on y aille plus souvent maintenant qu’on est en Bretagne je crois 😉

Ça été un gros coup de coeur, je ne m’attendais pas à découvrir une ville aussi charmante. Je crois que l’Angleterre peut réserver bien des surprises ^^ Merci pour ton commentaire 🙂

Ton blog donne vraiment envie !

Merci 😊 c’est gentil 🙂

Bonjour, super blog !!! on envisage un séjour en amoureux de 4 nuits (jeudi à lundi). Niveau hébergement c’est comment ? Merci d’avance, Eric

Bonjour Éric, merci 🙂 C’est une jolie destination pour un séjour en amoureux ! Niveau hébergement il y a de tout et pour tous les prix, de mémoire j’avais pris un hôtel type ibis proche du centre qui n’était pas trop cher.

Je connais Bristol seulement de nom, j’ai du passer pas loin de là-bas plusieurs fois, mais je n’ai jamais senti l’envie de m’y arrêter! Et je me rends compte, avec ton article, que c’était peut-être un erreur! La destination a l’air vraiment chouette, avec plein de choses diverses à y découvrir! Merci pour la découverte 😉

Oh oui, tu as à mon sens manqué quelque chose. J’ai vraiment aimé Bristol, elle a ce charme britannique qui la rend vraiment attachante. Je te conseiller de t’y arrêter la prochaine fois si l’occasion s’y représente 🙂

Bonjour ! Bon article intéressant ; une suggestion d’amélioration : légender les photos car il est frustrant de voir un beau bâtiment de briques et de bois et ne pas savoir où c’est ! 😕 Cordialement.

Bonjour Francis, Merci pour votre retour et pour le conseil. C’est en effet en projet, reprendre mes articles et les légender 🙂

Hello Alexis ! Merci pour cet article !! (Francis a fait remonter un très bon point, cependant ^^) Je prévois d’y aller en octobre prochain, je garde ton article sous le coude ! 😀 Bien à toi,

Bonjour Déborah, Merci pour ton commentaire. En effet, le commentaire de Francis est vraiment juste, je vais tâcher de m’y mettre 🙂 En attendant, si tu as des questions, n’hésite pas Alexis

bon ben définitivement ton article ne me fait pas regretter d’avoir acheté mon aller retour hier pour Bristol . Départ début mai 2023 et ton article m’a boosté car en dehors d’une journée à Bath, on va passer quasi 2 jours et une aprem sur Bristol et j’avais peur que ce soit trop.

Bonjour Caroline, Merci pour ton message. Il reste probablement plein d’autres choses à faire à Bristol, notamment profiter des bars et restaurants autour du bassin et s’aérer dans les parcs. Bon séjour 🙂

Qu'en pensez-vous ? Laissez un commentaire :) Annuler la réponse.

En savoir plus sur le petit explorateur.

Abonnez-vous pour poursuivre la lecture et avoir accès à l’ensemble des archives.

Type your email…

Continue reading

10 facettes de Bristol ♡ et mes bonnes adresses

Voici 10 idées de choses à voir lors d’un week-end à Bristol pour visiter cette ville connue pour le street art . Avec des adresses pour manger et dormir!

Retourner arpenter les routes d’Angleterre… un de mes bonheurs de l’an dernier! C’est un pays auquel je suis particulièrement attachée. Je vous détaillais mon itinéraire entre le Pays de Galles et les Cotswolds par ici pour les curieux, avec quelques conseils pour conduire à gauche (mon amoureux s’y est collé!) Mais aujourd’hui, je voulais vous montrer 10 facettes de Bristol – ma dernière étape du road-trip – avec 10 choses à voir et à faire qui m’ont beaucoup plu lors d’un week-end de trois jours passés là.

→ Nous avons dormi au Clifton Hotel à Bristol , non loin de l’université de Bristol. Un bon rapport qualité prix et bien placé – car le centre est accessible à pied.

1. Le Clifton Bridge

C’est un symbole de Bristol! Un pont impressionnant à traverser, avant d’aller faire un tour à l’observatoire Clifton Observatory et dans le parc à côté. Ce pont suspendu enjambe la vallée de la rivière Avon, encaissée et à l’allure sauvage. N’oubliez pas le cliché Instagram en passant ( voici le mien! )

2. Le quartier de Clifton Village, ses cafés et petites boutiques

Nous avons découvert Clifton Village sur notre chemin en direction du pont suspendu, que nous avons rallié à pied depuis le centre (env. 30 min)

C’est un quartier au charme de village idéal pour une balade! On a aimé manger un morceau healthy au très joli Foliage Café et découvrir les petites boutiques indépendantes et concept stores comme SKY avec sa façade bleue.

Bonne adresse à Bristol: le Foliage Cafe à Clifton Village

3. Le street art de Bristol

Où voir du street art lors d’un week-end à Bristol? Dans toute la ville, on peut tomber sur des oeuvres de street art et notamment celles de Banksy , natif d’ici! Voici un plan pour retrouver ses célèbres œuvres .

Pour une dose de couleurs, rendez-vous dans le quartier de Stokes Croft. C’est un quartier qui semble populaire, dont certaines rues sont délabrées. Mais aux murs rehaussés par la patte de nombreux street artists. On en prend plein les yeux et on en redemande! Nous y avons flâné un peu au hasard…

Quartier de Stokes Croft: haut-lieu du street art

Comme vous le savez si vous suivez le blog, j’adore le street art ^^ J’ai donc mitraillé.

Adresse pour un week-end à Bristol: Pause café à Stokes Croft

On a aussi fait une pause au sec ( oui il pleut souvent en Angleterre vous savez… ) au mignon café The Crafty Egg ♡ à la déco inspirée d’azulejos. Où que je sois, je suis toujours toujours à l’affut de jolis cafés et l’ambiance de celui-ci m’a beaucoup plu. ^^ ( 113 Stokes Croft )

4. Le Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery

Pour se culturer, une visite à faire et gratuite est le Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery! Du musée d’histoire naturelle au musée d’art, il y a énormément de thèmes à parcourir selon ses envies et ses intérêts personnels. Je vous conseille de choisir votre domaine pour ne pas vous éparpiller.

Vu notre intérêt pour le Japon, nous avons opté pour une expo dédiée aux estampes japonaises : elle était magnifique! Le musée expose régulièrement une sélection de son fonds d’estampes pour les intéressés. ♡ Il faut aussi entrer dans l’Université de Bristol , qui est à deux pas. Ce bâtiment remarquable donne l’impression de sauter à pieds-joints à Poudlard… Il faut dire que notre road-trip british nous a mené par plusieurs lieux de tournage d’Harry Potter, alors nous étions en mode potterhead.

5. Chiner dans les friperies le temps d’un week-end à Bristol

J’adore faire un tour dans des friperies – et après mes trouvailles à Berlin, Copenhague ou Tokyo j’espérais dénicher une pièce ou deux originales. Il y a de nombreux second hand de vêtements vintage à Bristol, avec toute une gamme de prix!

Sélection pointue de fripes vintage chez The Vintage Thrift Store (Adresse: 35-37 Park St, Bristol) Ma trouvaille: cette robe longue violette pour 7 pounds dans le bac « en soldes » ^^ En face, vous trouverez une boutique dédiée à du « vintage & reworked clothing » avec une très belle vitrine (photo). Au centre, il y a aussi Urban Fox (58 Corn Street ). Plus d’adresses sur ce site .

6. Les portes et façades à admirer

Qu’elles sont belles les maisons anglaises aux portes peintes en couleur… Je craque totalement! J’ai beaucoup aimé me balader à Bristol dans différents quartiers pour les admirer et les prendre en photo ^^

7. La rangée de maisons colorées

Une célèbre vue de Bristol sont ces maisons aux façades colorées qui surplombent le port. Un clin d’œil de la ville incontournable, qu’on admire depuis le port.

8. Visiter le paquebot SS Great Britain

Plonger dans le passé du bateau Brunel’s SS Great Britain , c’est découvrir son histoire mouvementée et visiter le paquebot, avec ses salles reconstituées comme au XIXe siècle. J’ai beaucoup aimé cette visite culturelle! Même si les mannequins animés dans le bateau font trop disneyland à mon goût – mais ils amuseront les enfants. La visite se compose entre une partie dans un petit musée qui retrace l’histoire du paquebot, qui a eu diverses vies. Puis on découvre l’extérieur du bateau, et enfin, l’intérieur! Après avoir fait le tour du pont, les enfants peuvent même tenter de grimper au mât.

Ce qui est aussi insolite, c’est qu’une partie de la visite nous emmène découvrir l’état de la coque! J’ai bien aimé cette partie-là de la visite aussi.

9. Le pittoresque St Nicholas Market

Les halles du vieux marché de Bristol St Nicholas Market ont quelque chose de désuet, avec des stands d’un peu tout et n’importe quoi, mais on trouve du charme à y prendre un café, y grignoter une barre de céréales pour le petit-déjeuner.

Lors de notre visite de Bristol, il y a eu autour du marché une expo de motos vintage particulières en prime!

9. Manger à Bristol , world food et burgers

Après deux semaines à manger dans des pubs lors de notre road-trip britannique, on a opté pour de la world et de la street food à Bristol! Avec deux adresses à la mode, le restaurant vietnamien Pho Cafe ( une enseigne qui a des adresses dans plusieurs villes britanniques, adr. Clare Street X St Stephen’s Street ) et à côté, les burgers de Burger Theory , très forts en storytelling. On vous les recommande tous deux!

Pour un restau plus confidentiel, je vous recommande NOMU . Dans un quartier pas loin de notre hôtel, on a beaucoup aimé cette jolie et délicieuse adresse spécialisée dans une variété de plats japonais: Nomu (81 Whiteladies Rd)

J’espère que ce billet vous donnera des idées pour organiser votre week-end à Bristol! En tout cas, on a beaucoup aimé découvrir cette ville britannique.

Bons plans : où dormir pour un week-end à Bristol

Un hôtel pratique: le clifton hotel de bristol.

Pour ce week-end, nous avons dormi au Clifton Hotel de Bristol . Un établissement au bon rapport qualité-prix et bien placé, en périphérie du centre-ville. Il nous a permis de le rejoindre en marchant (il y a aussi des bus) et se trouve à 300 m. de la belle université. Le restaurant japonais Nomu dont je vous parle plus haut se trouve dans le quartier d’à côté. Bref, very convenient.

Adresse insolite à Bristol près de la gare: dormir dans une caravane… indoor

J’ai testé une nuit dans une caravane vintage… indoor. C’est à dire à l’intérieur d’un hangar! C’est ce que propose cette adresse dingue, Towed Town Camping . Nous avons testée cette adresse à Bristol à notre arrivée en Angleterre en avion, avant de partir pour notre road-trip vers le Pays-de-Galles. Nous devions ainsi passer juste une nuit à Bristol. J’ai donc cherché et trouvé un hébergement pour petit budget pas très loin à pied de la gare. Après une dizaine de minutes de marche dans un quartier industriel, on arrive à un entrepôt dans lequel sont placées une poignées de splendides caravanes vintage!

Chaque caravane a une cabine de toilette et de douche attitrée. Elles sont rénovées et confortables: on fait du camping urbain. Le lieu convivial compte aussi un billard, des livres et des jeux à disposition. Il y a un pub pas loin pour manger ou boire une bière. Un bon pied-à-terre quand on est en transition, ou avant de reprendre l’avion.

J’ai adoré l’expérience et je recommande cette adresse à Bristol si vous avez besoin d’un hébergement à petit prix mais stylé du côté de la gare !

Nos autres voyages en Grande-Bretagne avec des idées de choses à voir:

• Exeter, ma ville de cœur en Angleterre
• Voir Stonehenge de mes propres yeux
• Sur la lande d’Exmoor et ses poneys sauvages
• Sur l’Ile de Skye (Ecosse) Et j’ai hâte de vous raconter la suite de notre road-trip!

Si vous avez aimé ce billet, épinglez-le sur Pinterest ♡

- Favoris -

Signes particuliers: toujours une tasse de thé et un livre à la main! Suissesse expatriée en Alsace, après plusieurs escales en France et une parenthèse montréalaise, je blogue depuis plus de dix ans! Et je cultive un faible pour la papeterie, le chocolat et le Japon...

Sur le même thème

London en 10 coups de coeur ♡, mes coups de coeur au sud de l’irlande, flâner à tolède, à la croisée de cultures..., la cathédrale de gloucester & la ville de..., mon carnet de voyage sur l’irlande, 9 idées pour un week-end à madrid plein..., dans les cotswolds en angleterre, sur les traces..., rando sur le mont zeus sur une île..., naxos, un rêve d’île grecque, au nord du pays de galles, sur la..., 3 commentaires.

Bristol a l’air d’être une ville dynamique et très sympa. J’aimerais bien m’y rendre (j’espère le plus vite possible) :-)

Un article que je vais garder sous le coude. Je suis sensé aller à Bristol fin Aout.

[…] A lire aussi: 10 facettes de Bristol et notre itinéraire de road-trip entre l’Angleterre et le Pays de […]

Laissez un commentaire Annuler la réponse

Enregistrer mon nom et mon e-mail pour ma prochaine visite sur le blog

Coup de coeur: le manga Kamakura diary

Revue maquillage: la collection green de kiko.

Go South West England

Weekend in Bristol Itinerary (written by a local!)

Are you planning a weekend in Bristol?

This itinerary covers two days in Bristol (which could be Saturday and Sunday, but nearly all of these activities aren’t weekend specific), detailing the very best things to do in the city.

I lived in Bristol for four years and have been a Bristol local once again since June 2020, so I know exactly where the best spots to eat, drink, and the best attractions of the city are – loved by locals and tourists alike!

This Bristol itinerary will give you some great ideas for your city break, and hopefully inspire you to learn more about this fascinating city.

Bristol isn’t a super touristy city, but I think it deserves many more visitors. Bristol has a long and complex history, but modern Bristol is diverse, arty, and forward-thinking.

It was the Green Capital of Europe in 2015, and is somewhere where new and creative ideas come together. Bristol really is a special place.

Just a warning – after 2 days here, you might be planning on packing up everything and moving to Bristol . So, let’s delve into this 2 days in Bristol itinerary!

Table of Contents

Arriving in Bristol

I’ve written a full blog post about how to get to Bristol , so you can check that out for detailed train, road and bus information. 

You’ll probably either arrive by road on the M32, into Bristol Temple Meads Station or into the coach station on Park Row.

These are all fairly central locations – if you have a car, obviously just follow your Sat Nav to your hotel, but from the bus or coach station it might be walking distance, or there are buses and taxis available. 

Where to stay in Bristol

There are lots of different Bristol neighbourhoods to consider staying in – so many that I’ve written a full where to stay in Bristol guide . But my three neighbourhood recommendations are: 

• Stokes Croft , if you want somewhere central-ish that’s kind of hipster, with a student population, and has lots of bars and restaurants. This is the best place to stay in Bristol if you want to party!
• The Harbourside/ Waterfront area , if you want to be in the heart of the action, walking distance to most of Bristol’s attractions, have lots of bars and restaurants nearby. This area of the city is great for families and younger couples.
• Clifton , if you are looking for somewhere a little more upmarket. It’s up a large hill, but it’s the best place to stay in Bristol for older couples and some families may prefer it.

Hotels in Stokes Croft

The Full Moon Backpackers is attached to the Full Moon Bar and is a fun place for budget travellers and people looking to party to stay. Click here for more information.  Or, check out Hampton by Hilton City Centre , in an ideal location on the Bear Pit roundabout. It has spacious, modern rooms, and an on-site bar.  Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.

Hotels in Bristol Centre

The Bristol Hotel is a highly rated hotel in Bristol with friendly staff, river views, beautiful rooms with excellent furnishings and amenities, and a restaurant on site.  Click here for more information. Brooks Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay on your city break. It offers boutique rooms or rooftop metal caravans with eco-heating, en suite bathrooms and LED disco lights! Or opt for the rooms with city views and modern facilities.  Click here to read more.

Hotels in Clifton

The Clifton Hotel prides themselves on their exceptional customer service. Their en-suite rooms are comfortable and heated well – the perfect place to come back to after exploring the city.  Click here to read more. The contemporary boutique guesthouse Number 38 Bristol has modern yet classic rooms, and offers sweeping views over Clifton Downs. The entire hotel feels luxurious, and a full English breakfast is offered to patrons. Click here for more information.

2 Days in Bristol Itinerary – Day One

Breakfast on north street.

Your first stop on this Bristol itinerary is my local hangout – North Street. About a half-hour walk from Bristol City Centre, this street has tons of independent eateries and shops, and plenty of street art that is oh so charismatic of Bristol. 

My two favourite breakfast places on North Street are The Malago and The Lounge . Visit either for a delicious fry up with plenty of vegetarian/ vegan/ gluten-free options – the perfect start to your 2 days in Bristol!

SS Great Britain

Once you’re suitably fuelled, it’s time for one of Bristol’s best attractions – the SS Great Britain . This boat was once the largest cruise liner in the world, and after a chequered history involving taking emigrants to New York and Australia, a brief stint as a warship and getting abandoned in the Falkland Islands, it was returned to Bristol in 1970.

The SS Great Britain has now been remade to look like it did as an emigrant clipper, so you can experience all the separate classes and even some areas like the kitchens and the engine!

There’s a museum all about the boat, and a separate building focusing on Brunel. 

It’s a fascinating place, done excellently, and it will take you 2-3 hours to go all the way around. 

Wills Building Tower Tour

This is one of the only weekend-specific activities on this Bristol itinerary. The Wills Building is part of Bristol University, and it has some rather grand buildings such as this one, constructed by Wills.

You can take a tour of the tower every Saturday at 1 pm. For more information, book here.  

Lunch on Park Street or the Waterfront

After all that touring, it’s time for some lunch! You’ll be in the Park Street area, so here are some of my top recommendations (tried and tested by myself, many many times). 

• Yakinori does delicious Japanese food such as ramen, katsu, sushi and more. It’s kind of similar to Wagamamas, but is a small business – it’s only branches are here in Bristol and in Birmingham. 
• If you just want to grab and go, try Taka Taka for delicious Mediterranean rolls and other goods. You can choose falafel, halloumi or meat fillings and plenty of sauces and salads.
• Just down the hill, The Stable offers delicious pizza and over 70 ciders – and when you’re in Bristol, you’ve gotta have a cider!
• Also by the harbourside is Pieminister . This is a chain, but they originated in Bristol – so if you’ve never tried their delicious pies, now’s the time!
• For street food, head to St Nicholas Market which has plenty of stalls and also sells lots of local produce.

There are dozens of other restaurants in this area, so if none of these take your fancy I guarantee you’ll find others while walking to your next stop! 

Bristol Cathedral and College Green

If you watch Skins, you might recognise College Green – it’s the field where their college is based.

Nearby is Bristol Cathedral – this isn’t as famous as others in England, but it is a beautiful cathedral and it is what makes Bristol a city – so it’s worth a look!

It’s free to enter and is open to the public most days – unless there’s a service or graduation ceremony on. 

M Shed or the Bristol Museum

There are tons of other museums in Bristol, and if you want to learn more about this city, or if it’s raining , you might decide to pop into one after lunch. 

M Shed is wholly focused on Bristol – it’s past, present, and future. It goes into detail about Bristol’s neighbourhoods, has portfolios on many of the people who have made Bristol the city that it is today, and what it is about the city that people love so much. 

Or, you could visit the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery . This has some other exhibits about other areas of the world, including a great display about Egyptian Mummies, but also features wildlife in the South West and other exhibitions. 

Both of these museums are free to enter, so you can dip in and out as you please!

SUPing or a boat tour along the river

You might not do this activity if you’re visiting Bristol in the winter , but if it’s a fine summer’s day, why not go Stand Up Paddleboarding along the River Avon?

It’s a novel way to see the city, and is incredibly fun! Click here to purchase tickets. 

IfIf you don’t fancy paddleboarding why not take a boat trip?

Cruises leave year-round from The Bristol Packet and will guide you along the harbour, detailing many of Bristol’s quirky little tales along the way.

Virtual tour about Bristol’s slave history

While modern Bristol is a very forward-thinking city, it does have a sombre past – something that I think is important to recognise while visiting the city. Bristol was one of the main cities where the slave trade was administered, and this means that a lot of the city was built on slavery.

It’s an important aspect of history to learn about – educating ourselves in past atrocities is a first step to understanding the structural racism that is still present in the UK today. Therefore, I would recommend setting aside a couple of hours at the end of your day for this free virtual tour.

You’ll learn a little more about the slave trade as a whole and Bristol’s involvement, and what we can do in the present day to treat this part of history respectfully.

This walk covers many parts of the Old City including Queen’s Square, King’s Street, the plinth where the statue of the slave trader Colston once stood , and Park Street. It contains some upsetting content, but it’s important to do. Click here for the tour directions.

Brandon Hill

The virtual tour finishes at Brandon Hill. From here, you can look out over the harbourside and surrounding suburbs – it’s a great sunset spot and is one of the best places in the city for a short stroll !

If it’s open, you can also climb up Cabot Tower, which is named after John Cabot, for an even more epic vista from the top.

Dinner on the Harbourside

Stick in the centre of Bristol (the harbourside area) for dinner. You could head to one of the restaurants I recommended for lunch, or here are some more ideas: 

• Urban Tandoor , which is the best Indian restaurant in Bristol and possibly the country – it’s slightly pricier than others, but the food is out of this world. 
• Cargo Cantina , which offers Mexican street food in a shipping container! It’s part of the Wapping Wharf area, home to bars, restaurants, and small shops, all in shipping containers. 
• Chilli Daddy , authentic Chinese hotpot and dumplings. 
• Oowee Vegan , one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Bristol where you can enjoy dirty fries, delicious plant-based burgers, and more. This restaurant is takeaway only. 

Drinks in Bristol

There are plenty of places to drink in this area too – it very much comes alive at night! Whether you’re looking for a date night or spending a night on the town with your friends, you’ll find some great bars here. Two areas that I recommend are: 

• Kings Street, which is the oldest street in Bristol. Some of these buildings date back to the 1600s, but it is now a very popular drinking street. If you haven’t had your cider fix yet, try The Apple for delicious Somerset ciders, check out King Street Brewhouse for delicious beers and other drinks, or enjoy a spot of live music at The Old Duke. If you fancy a boogie, Kongs on King Street is open til late and has a dance floor. 
• The Harbourside area is home to a variety of pubs and bars, including Cuban cocktails at Revolution de Cuba , craft ales at Greenhouse , and along the river slightly, one of my favourites, The Grain Barge .

2 Days in Bristol Itinerary Day Two

Walk through ashton court .

One of the best things about Bristol is how close it is to the countryside – Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire are all a stone’s throw away. Ashton Court is actually in North Somerset, but can easily be walked to from Clifton or the Harbourside.

It’s a great way to appreciate that while Bristol is a sizeable city, its nature is only a short distance away. Make sure that you look out for the deer! 

Cross the Clifton Suspension bridge

If you exit Ashton Court at its north east end, you’ll be a short walk from the Clifton Suspension Bridge . Along with the SS Great Britain, this is one of the icons of Bristol.

It was also designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel – he entered a competition to design the bridge, and after a few attempts (he entered 4 times, was rejected with all the other entries as the judge decided he would design the bridge, but then the competition opened again and Brunel re-entered) he successfully designed this unique bridge. 

It’s high up – you’ll get amazing views over the Avon Gorge and city – and it’s an engineering marvel, so do spend some time enjoying the views of the bridge and beyond.

You can also visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitors centre to learn more about it. 

On the other side, there’s the Clifton Observatory, for even more epic views of the city and beyond. 

Then, have a stroll around charming Clifton.

This suburb was mostly built in the 1800s, and has been one of the most affluent areas of Bristol since its conception.

It’s almost reminiscent of Bath, with lots of buildings from the same era and its own crescent, Royal York Crescent.

It is also the location of the Bristol Lido, should you fancy a dip! 

Lunch in Clifton

Clifton is the perfect place for lunch! There are a few chain restaurants here, but also plenty of independents. Whiteladies Road is on the way to your next stop, so I’ve included some restaurants here as well.

• Bosco Pizzeria serves up delicious sourdough pizzas in Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road.
• 99 Queens is a popular breakfast, lunch, and brunch cafe serving up Bristolian classics. 
• Racks Bar and Kitchen opens for lunch and offers delicious burgers, fish and chips, and plenty of other wholesome British food.
• The Burger Joint is a Bristol burger institution with another restaurant on North Street. You can completely customise your burger to your tastes!
• Bento Boss offers traditional Japanese Bento on Whiteladies Road.

Walk to Gloucester Road/ Stokes Croft

It’s about a half hour walk from Clifton Village to Gloucester Road – if you stop at Whiteladies Road for lunch, that’s about halfway.

You could, of course, take an Uber to cover the distance if you don’t want to walk! Alternatively, the 72a bus connects these two parts of the city.

Gloucester Road is the largest stretch of independent businesses in Europe, and it’s a buzzing place with a great community atmosphere.

Once you get here, you’ll probably want to spend some time looking in the vintage shops, taking in the street art scene, and maybe even stopping in one of the road’s quirky cafes.

Banksy is perhaps the world’s most famous street artist, and you can see some of his murals throughout Stokes Croft, including the ‘Mild, Mild West’ pictured above. 

Do A Black History Tour

This is another free virtual tour, and it discusses Black history in Bristol, as well as the contributions that many of these citizens have made to the city.

It explores the St Pauls area which is home to large African and Caribbean populations and discusses areas that have been pivotal to the citizens’ lives here as well as certain stand-out characters.  Click here for the tour.

Dinner on Gloucester Road

After the tour, head back to Gloucester Road for dinner. There are tons of restaurants here – here are a few suggestions, but they are by no means conclusive!

• Purezza serves up delicious vegan pizza
• Atomic Burger does great burgers with a whacky 80s theme
• Pub food at the Gallimaufry  
• Mezze food at Persian restaurant Koocha
• The Caribbean Croft , for authentic Caribbean food in Stokes Croft. 

Drinks on Gloucester Road/ Stokes Croft

There are also oodles of places to grab a beverage on Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft, a perfect end to your 2 days in Bristol. Here are some of my favourites: 

• The Bristol Flyer , a huge pub with a great outdoor area.
• The Anchor , which is a bit further up Gloucester Road but is again, absolutely huge. 
• The Hobgoblin, a cosy pub with great ales. 
• Number 51 , a fun bar which serves up delicious cocktails. 
• The Full Moon , a bar where you can drink and dance the night away!

More things to do in Bristol

If you’ve got more time to spend in Beautiful Bristol, check out some of the other fantastic things to do in the city !

Tour Bristol Old Vic

Bristol is home to the longest continually operating theatre in the English speaking world. Located on King Street (the old street with all the pubs), the Bristol Old Vic is located in the Theatre Royal, which was constructed between 1764 and 1766. You could catch a show there, or take a guided tour around the building. Click here for more information. 

Street Art Tour

Where the Wall do street art tours around Bristol, finishing in Stokes Croft. I haven’t done one of these yet, but they do come highly recommended. They normally only operate on Saturdays at 11am.  You can find out more information here.

If you want to do this street art tour and are only spending a weekend in Bristol, I strongly advise that you omit either M Shed/ Bristol museum or the harbour boat tour from your Bristol itinerary and visit the SS Great Britain in the afternoon. The SS Great Britain is a Bristol must-do.

If you’re not in Bristol on a Saturday, you could do this street art tour from Get Your Guide.

Visit St Mary Redcliffe Church

This parish church sits near Temple Meads Station and was called ‘the loveliest church in England’ by no other than Queen Elizabeth I. It’s free to enter and look around, and is also a beautiful sight from the outside. 

We the Curious

Bristol’s science museum, We The Curious is one of the best things to do in Bristol with kids. There are lots of hands-on exhibits here, with fascinating explanations of science. It’s good for kids, but equally great for adults!

See the coloured houses

Bristol is known for its coloured houses – but where exactly are they?

Try Church Lane in Cliftonwood or Richmond Street in Totterdown . You can, of course, get glimpses of these roads all over the city, but if you want some photos of the streets themselves, add visiting these roads to your Bristol itinerary!

Walking Tour

If you want someone to tell you more about Bristol, it’s rich culture and fascinating history, this like a local walking tour is just the ticket! This tour can be completely customisable to your interests, and it’s fantastic value for a private tour!

Cycle to Bath

The Bristol to Bath cycle path is a 13 mile stretch that connects the two cities. Of course, if it’s your first time in the south west, Bath is well worth visiting – it’s an iconic British city and there are so many amazing things to do there . 

If you don’t fancy cycling, the train only takes 10 minutes and driving takes 40. Or, you could do this half day tour from Bristol, which will show you around the city’s highlights. 

Day Trips from Bristol

If you have extra days in the West Country, there are so many amazing day trips from Bristol that you can take. I’ve wrote a full list, but here are some ideas: 

• The scenic Cheddar Gorge, which is where cheddar cheese comes from. Other things to do in Cheddar include visiting caves and learning about Cheddar Man, an ancient skeleton that was found nearby.
• The Bristol coastline – Weston-super-Mare , Portishead, Clevedon and Burnham on Sea.
• The stunning Cotswolds and its many picturesque villages.
• Quirky Glastonbury and Wells, the smallest city in Britain.
• Beautiful Exmoor national park.

2 days in Bristol itinerary

Hopefully, this Bristol itinerary has proven useful for anybody planning a trip to my favourite city! Do let me know if you have any questions – I know this city like the back of my hand and would love to help 🙂 

Similar Posts

How to get to Bristol: local tips! (2024 guide)

Full English Heritage Review: Is Membership Worth It?

Where to Stay in Bristol: Bristol Neighbourhood Guide

Could it be Banksy? Mystery plaque about adulterer in Bristol

30 incredible day trips from Bristol (2024 local guide)

Best Things to do in Clifton, Bristol (by an ex-resident)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

One Day in Bristol Itinerary: A Day Trip from London

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a one day in Bristol itinerary is a great way to explore one of England’s most dynamic and interesting cities in a short period of time.

So many visitors to the UK capital concentrate only on the city itself or on the more conventional day trips to places like Cambridge , Oxford , Seven Sisters , York , Stonehenge and more. However, cool and edgy Bristol has a lot to offer travellers and it’s well worth visiting.

You can even organise a Bristol day trip from London to get a great feel for the city and to get to know one of England’s most underrated tourist destinations. From a fantastic street art scene to a fascinating maritime history, Bristol has so much to explore and lots to see and do!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Bristol from London

Before I jump into the ideal 1-day Bristol itinerary, we need to discuss how to get to Bristol from London. Being a major metropolitan area in England, Bristol is very well connected to the capital and there are numerous options to get to this Western English city.

The easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to get from London to Bristol is by train. There are numerous trains to Bristol per day and it is one of the easiest ways to get to the city.

Trains to Bristol leave from Paddington Station in Northwest London and, as I mentioned earlier, there are numerous departures per day.

The train to Bristol takes about 2-3 hours depending on the type of train you take. Keep in mind that the central station in Bristol is called Bristol Temple Meads and not Bristol Parkway — the names can be confusing for visitors!

Another thing to consider is that it is almost always far more affordable to take the train if you book your tickets as far in advance as possible. Fares tend to get more expensive the closer to your date of travel.

A far more affordable but less comfortable way to get to Bristol from London is by bus. Like the train, there are lots of buses that leave daily from the capital to Bristol and it is quite a convenient way to get to the city.

Coaches leave from Victoria Sation frequently and can be far more affordable than the train, especially if you book in advance.

Like the train, the coach is much more affordable if booked in advance of travel, but even if you don’t, you’re still going to find that it’s generally cheaper than the train. Click here to view the latest timetables.

Finally, if you would rather drive than take a coach or train, it is fairly straightforward to reach Bristol from London by car. The drive from London to Bristol takes about two and a half hours along the M4 motorway if you don’t make any stops, however, if you do have your own vehicle, it can be a great opportunity to do some sightseeing along the way.

If you go to Bristol from London by car, it’s only a slight detour from the road to visit some of West England’s most famous attractions, including Stonehenge, Salisbury and the beautiful, historic spa town of Bath (though the latter really deserves more time than just a couple of hours to be dedicated to exploring it).

If you need to hire a car for your Bristol day trip or just for your trip to England in general, we recommend browsing Rentalcars.com to find great prices on a rental car across many major companies. If you want to know more about this platform, make sure to check out our RentalCars.com review .

One Day in Bristol Itinerary

If you want to learn more about the history of the city, then consider taking a walking tour with a guide to explore some of these attractions.

Bristol Cathedral

Begin your time in Bristol at one of the city centre’s top attractions, the Bristol Cathedral. This beautiful Gothic Cathedral is one of the most stunning in the entirety of England and is filled with interesting history. Originally constructed in the 13th century, it has been reconstructed and added to many times in its lifetime, the last being in 1877.

Not only does the cathedral boast beautiful Norman, Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, but the interior is also donned with gorgeous vaulted ceilings and lovely stained glass windows.

There is no admission fee to the Bristol Cathedral, making it also a great tourist site to see if you’re trying to visit Bristol on a tight budget. There is no denying, even if you’re visiting Bristol for more than just a day, you cannot miss this beautiful building.

Cabot Tower

About a 10-minute walk from the Bristol Cathedral and located in the middle of the lovely Brandon Hill park lies Cabot Tower, a major Bristol landmark and an unmissable sight in the city.

The tower, built in the late 19th century, was erected to commemorate the 400th anniversary first sailing of John Cabot from Bristol to what was later to be known as Canada. Due to its location at the top of Brandon Hill, the Cabot Tower can provide fantastic views of the city.

Entry into the tower is free and it is open daily. It is very much worth taking the time to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the incredible views over Bristol.

Next to Cabot Tower, you’ll also find the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery which is free to enter and a great way to learn more about the history of the city.

SS Great Britain

One of the top attractions in the city, no visit would be complete without exploring the incredible SS Great Britain in Bristol Harbour.

This historic passenger steamship designed by the famed Isambard Kingdom Brunel (who also built the Great Western Railway — which is the railway you would have taken to Bristol if you travelled by train), and had her maiden voyage in 1845.

At the time of launch, the SS Great Britain was the largest passenger ship in the world, was the first iron steamship to cross the Atlantic, and spent the majority of her career sailing from England to Melbourne, Australia during the Australian Gold Rush of the mid 19th century.

At the end of the 19th Century, the ship was abandoned in the Falkland Islands before she was recovered and brought back to Britain in 1970.

After much restoration, the ship now resides in Bristol Dry Dock, where she was originally built, and operates as a museum where you can learn all about the SS Great Britain herself, along with Bristol’s vast maritime history.

Ticket prices for the SS Great Britain are £22 for adult passengers, with discounts available for students, children and seniors.

Discover Bristol’s Street Art

If you’re visiting Bristol because of its hip arts and culture scene rather than for its historic sites (or you’re just interested in both), you would be remiss if you didn’t spend a good portion of your Bristol day trip checking out the city’s incredible street art scene.

As the hometown of the legendary and elusive artist, Banksy, few cities in the world boast a better street art scene than Bristol.

You can’t walk anywhere in the city without being confronted with countless beautiful murals and smaller pieces of artwork, but if you want to learn more about street art in Bristol, including its history and the culture, then it is worth going on a street art tour . These are run by local artists who take you to some of the most interesting pieces of art and explain the historical context.

If you would rather take your time and explore the street art scene on your own, this map is a great way to check out some of the top murals and pieces of art in the city.

St Nicholas Market

You’ve likely worked up quite the appetite with all that sightseeing and now would be a great time to find a bite to eat for lunch. One of the best places to do this in Bristol would be at St Nicholas Market.

Located about a 20-minute walk from, this market has countless food stalls and fantastic cuisine from all over the world, making it the perfect place for an affordable bite to eat.

It’s also a great place to really appreciate how wonderfully multicultural the city of Bristol is.

Wapping Wharf

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the SS Great Britain Museum to find a place to eat and you want to experience some the trendy nature that Bristol oozes, then make sure to head to Wapping Wharf.

This area, located about ten minutes from the ship museum, is a relatively new area of renovated shipping containers that is home to countless hip and trendy restaurants and cool shops and artists’ spaces.

There are lots of restaurant opportunities here and you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. It is worth mentioning that Wapping Wharf is a better choice for lunch if you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant and St Nicholas Market is a better choice if you’re looking for cheap, street food eats. You really can’t go wrong with either one and if you choose to spend 2 days in Bristol, you can visit both!

After you’ve filled yourself up at lunch, it’s time to head to another museum and learn more about Bristol as a city. And there is no better place to do this than at the M Shed, one of the best museums in the city. Located adjacent to Wapping Wharf, this museum is situated in a refurbished dockside shed.

M Shed is probably the best museum to visit if you want to have a holistic view of life in Bristol, both historically and in the present day.

Across several floors, there are numerous exhibits that compile countless artefacts and personal items from Bristolians throughout time and it gives visitors incredible insight into the history of this city and also what makes it so special.

M Shed is also a free museum, meaning that there is no entry fee. You should plan to spend at least a couple of hours here as there really is a lot to see and learn.

Enjoy Bristol’s Craft Beer Scene

After enjoying all there is at the M Shed, it’s likely that you could use a pint to take the edge off such a busy day. Luckily for you, Bristol has a hopping (mind the pun) craft beer scene that is sure to impress.

There are countless brewpubs and craft breweries scattered throughout the city and close to the M Shed with fantastic and delicious experimental beers and a lot of seasonal favourites.

Wander Around Stokes Croft

If you’re interested in experiencing a cool, hip neighbourhood that is away from the typical tourist trail in Bristol, then consider heading up north to the edgy Stokes Croft neighbourhood of the city.

This area is known to be a haven for local artists and creative types, has a lot of cool street art to explore and a number of hip cafes and bars to enjoy a beverage at.

Stokes Croft is perhaps most famous for being home to one of Banky’s first and most famous murals, the “Mild Mild West,” which features a bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at riot police and is indicative of the political art that the artist later became so famous for.

Stokes Croft has a lot more to offer than just that one mural, however, and it’s worth wandering up in this area if you like exploring some “alternative” neighbourhoods when you travel.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

If you’re only spending 1 day in Bristol, then you may have to choose between visiting the Stokes Croft neighbourhood or heading to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge as they are both located quite far from each other. However, both are also worth visiting so it just depends on your preferences.

One of the best ways to end your one day in Bristol is by watching the sunset behind the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is arguably the landmark that jumps to most people’s minds when they imagine this western city.

This massive bridge that spans the Avon Gorge over the river Avon was opened in 1864 and is based off a design from Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Considered to be the symbol of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is the perfect place to end your active and exciting day.

Where to Stay in Bristol

The Bristol Hotel — If you’re searching for a luxury stay in Bristol, you can’t go wrong with this centrally-located hotel. Situated within easy walking distance of almost all of the city’s top attractions. They have countless plush rooms available and a great restaurant and bar on site.

Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village — If you’re looking for a tranquil, sedate stay in Bristol, then consider this boutique hotel. Located in the lovely Clifton neighbourhood of the city, it is within easy reach of all of Bristol’s attractions, they have comfortable rooms available and a great breakfast included in the room rate.

YHA Bristol — If you’re travelling solo or on a budget (or just want the social atmosphere that hostels provide!) then this is a great choice for you! Centrally located, they have a range of both dorm and private rooms available, great common areas, and lots of opportunities for meeting other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bristol hotels!

Planning the perfect day trip is not hard to do, in fact, the hardest part is trying to pack all the best things to do in Bristol into just one day! Bristol has so much to offer travellers that it’s always worth visiting, no matter how long you have to spend.

Are you thinking of visiting Bristol from London? Have you visited the city before? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

One Day in Brighton Itinerary: A Day Trip from London

The Perfect Weekend in Liverpool Itinerary

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in The Cotswolds Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

A Local’s Guide To Bristol: Insider Tips + Things To Do

As we’ve had the fortune to call Bristol our home for the past eight years, we’ve written a whole heap of Bristol travel blogs . 

But we also wanted to create a one-off Bristol city guide that pulls all our top tips, must-sees and things to know about Bristol into one place for you.

A “one-stop-shop” Bristol travel guide if you will.

This is our local’s guide to Bristol and we hope it’s full of tips, inspiration and must-knows for your visit – and how best to experience Bristol like a local!

Jump To The Content You Want To Read:

• Facts About Bristol
• Bristol Bucket List
• Must-See Festivals & Events
• Itineraries
• Where To Stay

10 Incredible Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Bristol

As with a lot of UK cities, Bristol is home to so many weird and wonderful secrets and stories to tell . 

Here are a few of our favourite facts about Bristol that you probably didn’t know:

• Bristol has its own currency: the Bristol Pound
• A Bristol-based firm (Fry’s Chocolate) was the first company in the world to produce solid chocolate bars and the first company to make chocolate Easter eggs
• North America was discovered by John Cabot who set sail from Bristol on The Matthew in 1497
• Guerrilla street artist Banksy was born in Bristol in the 1970s and spent some of his childhood here
• The first-ever bungee jump took place from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1979
• The popular blackcurrant squash drink Ribena was invented in Bristol in 1933 as part of a scientific experiment
• Bristol is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons
• Bristol is the home of the fun cartoon series Wallace and Gromit
• The infamous pirate Captain Blackbeard was born and raised in Bristol and once had a hideaway cave under St. Mary Redcliffe Church
• Before the introduction of train travel in 1840, Bristol had its own timezone, which ran ten minutes behind London time

Discover more interesting facts about Bristol here >>

Bristol Bucket List For First Time Visitors

Although there are a ton of things to do in Bristol that you’ll love, here are our top must-sees for any first timer’s Bristol bucket list:

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bristol so shouldn’t be missed! 

It dates back to 1864 and costs £1 to cross it by car or you can walk across it for free.

2. SS Great Britain

Brunel also designed the SS Great Britain, which was launched in 1843. 

In its heyday, it regularly transported Victorian passengers to far-off lands including Australia! 

Climb aboard this infamous ship for a unique and historic day out in Bristol.

3. The Matthew

The Matthew is another of Bristol’s most famous ships. 

In 1497, John Cabot set sail from Bristol on it and discovered Newfoundland (aka America). 

The ship you can hop on board today is a replica but still deserves its place on your Bristol bucket list.

4. Banksy Street Art Walking Tour

As Bristol is Banksy’s birthplace and where he grew up, it should come as no surprise that you’ll find some of his earliest and unknown works of art here as well as more famous pieces. 

And you can see them all on your own self-guided Banksy walking tour – check it out!

5. Gloucester Road

Gloucester Road once boasted the longest road of independent shops in all of Europe and is still a fantastic place for a “mooch”. 

From quirky clothing to unique gifts and delicious patisseries, there’s so much amazing shopping on offer along this stretch of road, which is very popular with locals.

6. Cabot Tower

Who doesn’t love perfect city views ?

Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park offers some of the best views of the city, whilst also offering a perfect picnic spot in the accompanying park.

And at sunset, a climb to the top of Cabot Tower is a very romantic thing to do in Bristol !

7. Watersports at the harbourside

As can be expected from a city that prides itself on its youthful fun vibe, you can take part in many watersports activities at the harbourside.

These can include paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and on some occasions, even dragon boat racing!

8. International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol is home to some of the best free festivals including the International Balloon Fiesta held every August.

Tourists come from far and wide to see this spectacle, which rivals even that of Cappadocia in Turkey.

Watch hundreds of hot air balloons sail overhead, see the famous balloon night glow and hang out on roller coasters with your friends… all for free !

It’s one of the most awesome Bristol bucket list activities ever!

• 75 Best Things To Do in Bristol for First Time Visitors
• 30 Free Things To Do in Bristol
• 16 Epic Date Ideas & Romantic Things To Do in Bristol
• 7 of the Best Dog Walks in Bristol You’ll Both Love

Must-See Bristol Festivals & Events

Ask anyone in love with Bristol and they’ll tell you that fun is the city’s middle name. 

So it should come as no surprise that Bristol is home to various events and festivals throughout the year that are NOT to be missed.

1. International Balloon Fiesta

When: Early August Where: Ashton Court Estate Why visit: The International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest meeting of hot air balloons, seeing over 130 balloons take to the skies every year. It’s been running for over 40 years and is completely free! Even if large crowds aren’t really your thing, you can always find a quiet spot in most areas of the city to watch the balloons sail overhead. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The night glow… which sees hot air balloons light up in time to music and cheers from the crowds! More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

2. Bristol Harbour Festival

When: Mid-July Where: The Harbourside Why visit: Bristol’s Harbour Festival is a celebration of the city’s thriving harbour, port and maritime history. During the festival, various events and demonstrations happen, such as those of lifesaving swimming dogs, flyboarding and boat races. It’s great fun (especially if the sun is shining)… Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The annual cardboard box boat race… you’ll likely find yourself cheering on a bunch of people swimming and pulling along their cardboard behind them! More info: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

3. St Paul’s Carnival

When: Early July Where: St Paul’s Why visit: St Paul’s Carnival is a celebration of everything Afro-Caribbean related including food, music and the carnival atmosphere, emphasising Bristol’s multicultural diversity and acceptance. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The carnival itself… despite the various acts and performances available throughout the day, the carnival really does steal the show! More info: www.stpaulscarnival.net

4. Bristol Open Doors Festival

When: Mid-September Where: Multiple locations across the city Why visit: For one weekend every year, Bristol unlocks over 100 doors that are normally closed to the public, thanks to the Bristol Open Doors Festival. From old houses and decrepit bank vaults to historic museums and sacred churches, this is your one chance every year to see something in Bristol that you wouldn’t ordinarily see. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The Redcliffe Caves… head out on a self-guided tour of Bristol’s old mine complex, which was used to help excavate red sandstone from the 15th century to the 18th century. Heads up: there are no lights so make sure you bring your torch! More info: www.bristolopendoors.org.uk

5. Love Saves The Day

When: Late May Where: Eastville Park Why visit: Love Saves The Day is one of Bristol’s most popular festivals, which often markets itself as the city’s Glastonbury. Home to various locally and internationally renowned live music acts, DJs and performances to suit multiple music tastes, this festival also sees its fair share of high-profile acts as well. Cost: From £38.50 per adult More info: www.lovesavestheday.org

6. Bristol Pride Festival

When: Early July Where: Millennium Square and Castle Park Why visit: Bristol is – without a doubt – one of the most diverse and inclusive cities throughout the UK, which means it should come as no surprise that the Bristol Pride Festival is world-class! Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The parade… last year, over 12,000 people took part in the parade. It’s big. It’s bold. And it’s going to knock your socks off! More info: www.bristolpride.co.uk

7. Bristol Shakespeare Festival

When: Throughout July Where: Multiple locations across the city Why visit: The Bristol Shakespeare Festival sees various performances and events inspired by the Bard himself take place throughout indoor and outdoor spaces across Bristol for the whole month of July. Whether you enjoy theatre, poetry readings, musicals or informative lectures, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy if you’re into culture and/or literature. Cost: Price varies per show Don’t miss: The Bard Buskers… who bring Shakespeare to life in the form of street music! More info: www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk

8. DogFest Bristol

When: Late June Where: Ashton Court Estate Why visit: DogFest is fairly new to Bristol, but is a must for dog owners and lovers alike. Run by Noel Fitzpatrick (aka The Supervet), this event showcases the latest and greatest dog food, accessories and gadgets via market stalls, as well as various expert talks and doggy demonstrations that you’ll enjoy and learn from. It’s also great for socialisation (for both you and your dog!) Cost: From £17.66 per adult Don’t miss: The police dog demonstration… they’re so skilled they even put Lassie to shame! More info: www.dog-fest.co.uk/bristol

Best of Bristol Itineraries

One day in bristol.

If you’ve got just one day in Bristol to spare then here’s what you should see and do:

• Morning: Harbourside walk and Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Afternoon: Gloucester Road and Banksy street art walking tour
• Evening: Cabot Tower sunset visit and back to the harbourside for dinner and drinks

See this Bristol itinerary in full here >>

One Weekend in Bristol

If you have a full weekend to spend in Bristol then we recommend you do everything above on one of the days, while the other day includes a visit to the SS Great Britain or a festival if you’re lucky enough to be in the city while there’s one going on!

Best of Bristol Food Guide

Bristol is one of the trendiest cities in the UK and is awash with local, trendy, bustling restaurants. 

Tourists might come to Bristol for the cool street art , hipster vibe and fabulous free festivals, but they stay for the quirky, trendy, exciting foods on offer here. 

Whether you’re after a slap-up posh affair, a sizzling pizza or the most fabulous of afternoon teas , Bristol caters for the foodie in us all in any way possible.

Here’s our best of Bristol food guide…

Beese’s Riverside Bar

Only open during the spring and summer months, and requiring a boat to get to it, Beese’s Riverside Bar is such a unique restaurant experience in Bristol.

The food itself is pretty good, serving the usual bar snacks and ‘pub grub’ such as burgers, sandwiches, salads and chips.

And their beer garden is large and sitting right on the riverbank – that’s why it’s only open during the nicer parts of the year as their garden floods during the winter.

But on a sunny day, hopping onto their boat (for 50p return per person), and ordering some drinks and a few snacks can be a really great way of spending your day. You can even follow all of this up with a riverside walk in nearby Conham River Park .

Côte Brasserie

Located within one of the poshest areas of Bristol, Clifton Village, Côte Brasserie is everything you should expect from a fancy French restaurant.

Their chicken dishes are made from corn-fed chickens reared in the heart of rural Brittany, they have fish dishes to suit most seafood lover’s tastes and oh, their desserts are to die for! From gooey chocolate fondants to praline crêpes, you’d be hard pushed not to try them all.

No. 51 Stokes Croft

Primarily a bar with a decent beer garden, you may be surprised to find that you can get some fantastic stonebaked pizzas at No.51 as well.

They have so much choice on offer, from cheesy to meaty to vegetarian-friendly, each with that classic smoky stonebaked flavour.

And as they’re not technically a restaurant, their prices are very pocket friendly! Our advice? Come for a cider, stay for the pizza.

The Bristol Flyer

A trip to the UK should most definitely involve eating some proper ‘pub grub’, and The Bristol Flyer , located along Gloucester Road is one of the best pub food offerings in Bristol.

We recommend checking out their roasts, swiftly followed by some refreshing cider or wine. Although they do have a beer garden, it’s quite small out the back, so you’d be best sitting inside their very roomy bar and restaurant.

Something else we love about The Flyer is how relaxed and chilled it is. Locals come here not just for food, but for some post-work drinks, so you can happily head out to dinner in your jeans if you want to.

Za Za Bazaar

There are just a couple of Za Za Bazaar restaurants around the UK. One of the best restaurants near the Bristol harbourside, and looking out over the harbour itself, you may be lucky to secure a table by the window for great views.

So you’ve heard of all-you-can-eat buffets. But have you heard of somewhere that offers food from across the globe? Yep, that’s right! You could be eating cheesy Italian pizza one minute, helping yourself to onion bhajis the next and then working your way around the dessert island. Yes, a whole island for desserts!

It’s probably a good thing that they have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit for each table, or you could leave several kilos heavier if you’re not careful. But when the food’s this good, who really cares?

Insider Tip: Come during the lunch slot and your meal will be a few quid cheaper than during the evening. They don’t have every single food item out during this time, but with so much choice on offer, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything to be honest!

Italian has to be one of our most favourite cuisines, and thankfully, Bristol has a few great options in and around the city.

Our top choice of Italian restaurants in Bristol is Ciao found near The Hippodrome.

It’s a small, family-run restaurant, offering a really authentic Italian restaurant experience. And the best bit? Tourists don’t know about this one!

Patisserie Valerie

Although Patisserie Valerie is a large chain and can be found throughout the UK, their hot drinks, cakes and afternoon teas are sublime!

If you happen to be combining a visit to Patisserie Valerie with some Christmas shopping at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, then go in search of their Festive Afternoon Tea, which comes complete with a free box of mince pies to take home with you.

Pieminister

With a couple of pie shops in Bristol as well as others in Nottingham and Leeds, Pieminister is still a local chain selling traditional (yet trendy) British pie and mash .

We Brits are really pleased with our pie and mash combinations so it’s always a firm favourite. From the traditional steak and kidney pie to marvellous meaty ones (and everything in between), Pieminister has several different types of pie to suit your trendy taste buds.

Oh and their mash is buttery, creamy and smooth. Are you drooling yet?

The Beehive Coffee House

The Beehive Coffee House in Downend is a small, independently run café which specialises in fantastic freakshakes!

The Beehive top their shakes with all manner of things like doughnuts, sauce, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate bars, you name it. They even have a “Freak of the Week”, which is a totally special, limited edition shake, varying with each week.

They also sell homemade cakes, decent sandwiches and the usual hot drinks – with ingredients all locally sourced from around the city.

Again, primarily a local drinking hole, The Social is a firm favourite for a Somerset cider or a gin and tonic. But grab a table in the back and choose from some exquisite meals as well!

Their menus change with each season as they always prefer to use local produce, so they work with what is being farmed and grown at that particular point in the year.

If it’s on offer at the time, we’d recommend their pan-roasted duck breast, which is utterly delicious. 

They also like to cater to those who have special dietary requirements, so for the gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian among you, no need to worry. And if you have any other special requirements? Just let them know as they’re more than happy to help.

At busy times you may struggle to find a table  so get in there quick!

St Nick’s Market

Found within the centre of Bristol, St Nicholas Market (St Nick’s to the locals) is a hidden little secret. This is a typical street food market but with a difference.

Being trendy Bristol, you have the delight of knowing this is the place to come for falafel (huge portions of it), super energy boosting smoothies and posh locally sourced sausages (big ones and full of flavour)!

If you fancy some street food with a bang, then head to St Nick’s market in the centre. Your only problem will be choosing which stall to buy food from!

Dog Friendly – Café Grounded

Truly dog friendly food and drinks places don’t come easy although companies are coming around to the idea of it. One of the best Bristol cafés and a true dog friendly one is Café Grounded .

Although you’d expect to only come here for tea and cake, they actually serve decent dinners in the late afternoons and evenings. Their pizzas are particularly good!

And as they’re so well known in Bristol, they have a number of locations dotted throughout the city including Horfield, Redfield, Fishponds and Keynsham. We ’d suggest browsing their website to find out about each of their branches.

As we mentioned before, there are a number of really good Italian restaurants in Bristol – with Italb in Downend also joining the mix.

Similarly to Ciao in the centre, their restaurant is also very authentic and off the beaten track.

Although the Italb restaurant is small, their service and food both pack a punch. We just love it when you get asked if you want grated Parmesan on your food (when is the answer ever “No”?)

But Italb’s prices are also really good! Scott and I came here for a three-course meal accompanied with several alcoholic drinks and we only paid £30 including a voluntary 10% service charge.

How amazing is that? And we honestly cannot rave about their food enough – especially at that price!

Atomic Burger

After a burger and chips in Bristol? Look no further than Atomic Burger , which has over 20 different types of burger to choose from.

And the best bit? They’re named after famous TV, film and superhero characters.

Fancy a bit of Forrest Gump? This one is classic and simple. Drooling over Daisy Duke? Cheese, crispy bacon and BBQ sauce adorns this burger. Salivating about Scott Pilgrim? Pineapple, mushrooms and jerk sauce will have you on this one.

We could go on. But don’t just take our word for it, check out their burgers yourself!

In their own words, Atomic Burger want to “take you back to that time as a child when burgers could be as big as your head, summers lasted forever and simple things made you smile.”

This is probably why their restaurant is also decked out with superhero wallpaper (even in the loo), barbie dolls above the windows and action man figures hanging from the ceiling.

Where To Stay in Bristol

When asked where to stay in Bristol, we always reply with the same three recommendations, which are:

1. The Bristol Hotel on Prince Street : It’s close to the harbourside, offers a generous 12pm check out time and even offers a romantic couple’s package of champagne, chocolate-dipped fruits and breakfast for two if you’re interested. Check Prices

2. Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa on Corn Street : Found within the historic part of Bristol’s city centre, this hotel used to be a bank and the bank vaults are now home to a beautiful spa. Check Prices

3. Berkeley Suites on Berkeley Crescent : Located within Bristol’s most sought-after neighbourhood: Clifton, these luxurious suites are fully equipped apartments and are individually decorated so you’ll never know what elegant and cool theme you’ll be getting no matter how many times you stay here. Check Prices

Find more Bristol hotels on Booking.com >>

Must-Do Day Trips From Bristol

One of the many things we love about living in Bristol is how you only need to drive for 45 minutes and technically be in a new country , or drive for just 90 minutes and be in stunning Devon.

This is because Bristol is handily located at motorway junctions for the M4 East, M4 West, M5 North and M5 South. 

So now there’s no reason at all why you can’t make the most of an epic day trip when you’re next in the city.

We’ve already written a detailed blog all about day trips from Bristol , but if you want to know which ones are our absolute favourites and most recommended, then here you go:

• Bath in Somerset: A must for Jane Austen fans and history lovers
• Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset: To see where Cheddar cheese comes from
• The Cotswolds in Gloucestershire: For pretty bunting-filled villages and the infamous honey coloured stone
• Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales: For epic hikes , walks and escapes into nature
• Stourhead in Dorset: For a charming walk around beautiful National Trust gardens and an estate
• Lydford Gorge in Devon: For a fun walk past rivers, waterfalls and whirlpools that are steeped in legend
• Salisbury in Wiltshire: To see an original Magna Carta and 700+ year old buildings
• Cheltenham in Gloucestershire: For fans of original Regency architecture
• Exeter in Devon: A must for both Harry Potter fans and lovers of history

Discover even more day trips from Bristol here >>

We hope you’ve found our local’s guide to Bristol helpful! Is there anything else you want to know about our beautiful hometown? Just let us know in the comments below and we’ll reply asap…

Did you like this Bristol city guide? Pin it now, read it again later!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This should be called A Grockle’s Guide to Bristol lol But anyway, it’s a good list of things for visitors. 👍

HA, LOL – you might be right 😉

Hi Justine,

I am visiting in Bristol in early May and found your Locals guide very helpful. I have lived in Northern California for 40+ years but was born in London The past 20+ years I have been visiting the UK and doing long distance walks the SWCoast Trail and Coast to Coast. Getting to the point that those long walks are getting a bit more difficult day after day. So I love walking cities and have never been to Bristol and want to also do the Kennet and Avon Canal walk from Bristol to Newbury. So perhaps i can buy a few weeks of coffee for some ideas about how to stay in Bristol a couple of days and then venture out on the canal and return to Bristol for another 5 days.

Hi John, Thanks so much for your comment – I’m so pleased you found my blog post helpful. And that’s awesome! You must’ve seen a fair bit of the UK over the years? 😀 My husband and I have walked parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal ourselves, so we can certainly help you with planning your trip. We’re currently away in Belgium right now, but when we’re back next week, I’ll send you an email to get the ball rolling 🙂 Speak soon, Justine

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Bristol Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Bristol is an energetic and artsy city bursting with a robust restaurant scene, fascinating history, and lots of art. A college town with a youthful feeling, the city is full of great budget experiences, plenty of parks to relax in, interesting museums and historic homes, and a waterfront lined with art galleries and eateries.

Bristol is one of my favorite places to visit in England, and I’m not the only one who thinks so: in both 2014 and 2017, Bristol was named the best UK city. And that’s not the only award Bristol can claim — it won the European Green Capital Award in 2015, and in 2017 became a UNESCO City of Film.

In short, Bristol has a lot to offer. It’s an underrated city often overshadowed by England’s more international hubs but it’s definitely worth visiting for a day or two.

This travel guide to Bristol can help you plan a fun, affordable trip to this unappreciated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bristol

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bristol

1. See the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol’s most famous landmark is suspended 100 meters (330 feet) above the Avon River. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it is considered the mark of a turning point in the history of engineering, took 33 years to complete, and is now one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. The bridge provides sweeping views of the river and surrounding parks and buildings. The first modern bungee jump took place here in 1979 (though it was illegal at the time). It costs 1 GBP to cross the bridge in a car but is free for pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Visit Bristol Cathedral

Dating back to the 12th century, Bristol Cathedral was originally the abbey of St. Augustine. Parts of the Cathedral include Romanesque architecture and large vaulted ceilings in the nave, choir, and aisles, although the nave wasn’t built until 300 years after the rest of the cathedral. It’s open daily and admission is free. There aren’t currently any tours on offer but the welcome leaflet is useful to discover more about the building.

3. Learn nautical history aboard the SS Great Britain

Also designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was the world’s first steam-powered passenger liner. It was also the first screw-propelled, ocean-going, wrought iron ship. Built in 1843, it used both sail and steam power simultaneously, allowing it to travel across the Atlantic in half the time of other ships. You can visit the boat, its dockside museum, and even climb the rigging. Tickets are 19.50 GBP and you have to book an admission slot when you buy them. Tickets also permit free re-entry for one year from the date of first use in case you want to come back another day.

4. Visit St Nicholas Market

This bustling market has more shops than you could go through in an afternoon. Spend some time checking out the endless number of stalls offering seasonal local produce, second-hand books, vintage clothing, and more. It’s been trading since 1743 and now runs multiple different markets a week: St Nicholas Indoor market (Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm); Bristol Farmers’ and Producers’ market (every two weeks); Street Food Market (Tues and Fri, 11am-2.30pm) and Bristol Indies’ Market (Fri-Sat, 10am to 5pm).

5. Enjoy the street art

Other things to see and do in bristol, 1. take a pirate walks tour.

The Bristol Pirate Walks are short guided tours that take you to some of Bristol’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll learn about Bristol’s early history in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries when slavery, maritime trading, and piracy were part of daily life. Tours cost 12.50 GBP and include visits to sites related to the legendary Long John Silver and Blackbeard’s Lair. Call ahead to check availability.

2. Hang out on King Street

King Street is a fascinating, historic part of Bristol dating to the 17th century. It used to be where the old sailing barges docked after their journeys from South Wales. Now the area is the heart of Bristol’s theater district and features numerous bars and restaurants too. The oldest continually operating theatre in England, Bristol Old Vic, is located on King Street. Tickets to a show start at 8 GBP.

3. Daytrip to Bath

The site of the ancient Roman baths is just a quick train ride away. The Romans used this area as their spa retreat up until the 5th century. Whether you’re interested in seeing the baths, cathedrals, or Jane Austen’s home (her family lived here in the early 19th century), Bath is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Bristol. Trains from Bristol to Bath run all day and it’s just a 16-minute ride for 8.80 GBP (return).

4. Explore the Wookey Hole Caves

This unique geological area, comprised of a series of limestone caves formed by an underground river, is another short day trip from Bristol. During your visit, you can take a 35-minute tour, stop in the historical museum, and view artifacts that archaeologists have uncovered in the caves. You can also take a boat ride through the murky cave waters and learn about spelunking. Don’t miss the famous Witch of Wookey Hole, a human-shaped stalagmite that legend says is a witch who was turned to stone. Most of the attractions are geared for children and families (other attractions at the site include animatronic dinosaurs). Admission is 19.95 GBP and you need to book a timeslot.

5. Take a stroll along the Bristol Harbour

The historic Bristol Harbour along the Avon River was traditionally known as the Floating Harbor because the water levels neither rise nor fall, keeping everything constant. Today, the harbor is home to most of Bristol’s busy street life and many of the city’s tourist attractions, including the Watershed Media Center and the M Shed Museum. In July, the free Bristol Harbour Festival features a weekend of activities on the waterfront including live music, dance performances, spoken word, food markets, circus acts, and more.

6. Tour the Bristol Aquarium

In a city with such close ties to the sea, it’s no wonder the Bristol Aquarium has several unique exhibitions on display. There’s an underwater tunnel that takes you through a recreated environment and even a sunken ship inside. The real attraction, though, is the Urban Jungle which features hundreds of exotic plants and trees, including mangroves. The jungle’s underwater environment is home to stingrays and freshwater fish from the Amazon rainforest. Tickets to the museum are 19.25 GBP, though you can also buy a 4-pack of adult tickets for a discount if traveling in a group. It’s a good place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.

7. Wander the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol’s largest museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works from Bellini, Renoir, Hepworth, Sisley, and Bomberg. The ground floor has a collection of Egyptian mummies and other ancient artifacts, as well as displays dedicated to rare gems and crystals. Possibly the oddest yet most beloved part of the museum is Alfred the Gorilla, a mascot for the city. The gorilla originally lived in the Bristol Zoo, but since his death in 1948, he has been housed in a glass case on the second floor of the museum (he was even stolen for a few years in the 50s). Admission is free.

8. Visit M Shed

For a more in-depth look at the city of Bristol itself, visit this free museum. Over 3,000 artifacts comprise the museum’s exhibitions, which focus on the people and history of the city. The exhibition includes a collection of historic vessels, such as a fireboat and the oldest surviving steam tugboat (which is moored outside the museum). Admission is free.

9. Take a harbor tour

For an even closer look at the harbor, Bristol Ferry Boats offers daily harbor tours leaving from the city center. You float past all of Bristol’s maritime sights during the hour-long tour and learn more about the city. They also offer specialized cruises (such as a gin cruise) on certain days of the week. Tickets to the daily harbor tour are 9.75 GBP. There’s also an option to do a tour on The Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s 1497 ship that he used to discover Newfoundland, or you can do a cruise of the Avon Gorge that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge (23 GBP).

10. Meander through Castle Park

Before being destroyed in World War II, Bristol’s main shopping district was located on the site of what is now this large harbor-side park. The park is home to several ruins: the 14th-century tower of St Mary-le-Port Church, the 12th-century St Peter’s Church (now a memorial to those who died in the Bristol Blitz), and vestiges of Bristol Castle itself. Stop in for a hot drink at the Vaulted Chambers Café, located within the last above-ground remnants of Bristol Castle.

11. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best budget-friendly way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Bristol Free Walking Tour hosts two-hour tours (they don’t run in winter) that can show you all the highlights. They meet in front of the Victoria Rooms, next to the fountains. There’s no need to book; just turn up a few minutes before it starts. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Bristol Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There aren’t too many hostel options in the city and some close in the off-season. A dorm with 4-8 beds costs 20 GBP. Several of the hostels are still currently only offering private rooms from 70 GBP and up per night due to COVID -19. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

There is only one campground in the immediate area (Ennywevers Campsite), but if you branch out from the city you can find others. Expect to pay around 10 GBP for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels cost 70 GBP per night (its closer to 80-90 GBP in high season). Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is often included.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Bristol. Private rooms start at 35 GBP per night (although 50 GBP is more realistic, particularly in peak season), while a full apartment averages 90-100 GBP per night.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

For falafel or sandwiches, prices start at around 6 GBP. A cheap pub meal of fish and chips costs around 10 GBP.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP for a main course while a pint of beer costs 5-6 GBP. Dining on the waterfront or at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30 GBP for a multi-course meal with a drink.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal while pizza starts at 9 GBP. Indian food starts at 10 GBP for a main dish.

Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 3.40 GBP while bottled water is around 1.20 GBP.

If you choose to cook your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs 40-50 GBP . This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bristol Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bristol, expect to spend 55 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, cooking your own meals, and doing mostly free activities like museum visits and seeing the suspension bridge. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of 135 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, having a few drinks, and a few paid activities such as a harbor cruise or street art tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Bristol Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

With cheap pubs, public parks, an accessible waterfront, and a few hostels, there are plenty of ways to save money in Bristol. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit:

• Chill in the park – It seems like Bristol is one giant park, with many great places to relax, play Frisbee, read, and picnic. It’s a low-cost way to spend an afternoon, hang out, and people-watch.
• Eat cheap – Bristol is a college town with lots of cheap sandwich shops and restaurants. Flock to where the students go to save money on your meals. Popular places for students include St. Nick’s Market, the Harbourside Market, and places along Wapping Wharf (Bertha’s for pizza is a great stop).
• Visit the museums – Learn about Bristol’s fascinating history by going to the museums, all of which are free.
• Take a free walking tour – If you’re there on a weekend, be sure to take a free walking tour. It lasts a couple of hours and is a nice way to get a sense of the city. Bristol Free Walking Tour offers free tours that cover the highlights. Visit Bristol also offers several free self-guided audio tours for download on their website.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s a great way to cut costs while getting insider tips and advice. Just note that many students are away during the summer so be sure to apply early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has a few hostels; however, most are not currently booking dorms due to COVID safety protocols. Nevertheless, here are my favorite places to stay in Bristol for when things open up again:

• The Full Moon Backpackers
• YHA Bristol
• Clift Guest House

How to Get Around Bristol

Public transportation – Public transit for Bristol and the surrounding area operates on a zone system, so bus prices depend on how far you go. A single fare in Zone A (Bristol and the immediate area) costs 3.50 GBP, with a daily cap of 6 GBP (the price of a Zone A day pass). The city center is easily walkable but to get to some of the outer parts of the city you need to take a bus.

Bicycle – Bristol is a bike-friendly city, ranking as the UK’s best city for cycling. Cycle the City and Bristol Cycle Shack both offer day rentals for 15-18 GBP. If you’re planning to cycle outside of the main city area to enjoy the riverside country trails, consider getting an electric bike or a mountain bike to make the trip easier. You can even cycle all the way to Bath (there’s a bike path and it’s just 13 miles). Electric bike rentals cost 35 GBP per day (8 hours).

Taxi – Taxis are readily available, with prices starting at 2.60 GBP and going up 2.13 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Bristol but again walking or cycling are the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get around in the compact city.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. You don’t need a car to explore the city, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region.

When to Go to Bristol

Bristol doesn’t get too cold, but like most English cities, it also doesn’t get too hot. Summer is peak tourism season and temperatures are the warmest during this time – but rarely are they ever above 22°C (72°F). People make the most of the warm weather and during July and August, there are tons of events and festivals happening along the Bristol harbor. One of the most famous is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta when hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky during the first two weeks of August.

Spring (late March-June) and autumn (September-November) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have thinned out. You can still walk everywhere and hang out in the parks. Just bring a rain jacket.

Winter lasts from December to February and temperatures can dip below freezing (0°C/32°F). While prices are a bit lower, I wouldn’t visit during the winter as you’ll miss out on the parks and other outdoor activities.

How to Stay Safe in Bristol

Bristol is a safe city and the risk of violent crime here is low. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially on busy weekend nights in the city center when partygoers are a little less aware. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

If you’re partying in the student pubs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys and pathways when heading home. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bristol Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bristol Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Voyage Endless

Exploring other cultures through travel, cinema and TV

Travel: day trip to Bristol, UK!

Hello! How are you all? I hope you have enjoyed the Summer if you’re in the Northern hemisphere and made it through Winter if you’re in the Southern hemisphere.

Today, I’ll be sharing what it was like to take a impulse day trip to Bristol!

So, this was actually a few weeks back now, but I had a weekend free with no plans and I was feeling adventerous! I have always wanted to visit Bristol as I have heard it’s an interesting and lively city.

Where is Bristol and how to get there

Bristol is in the west of England, not far from southern Wales and quite close to the famous city of Bath, where you can visit nearby Stonehenge. Depending on where you are / are visiting in the UK, there may be several options available to you to reach Bristol. The two most popular, apart from driving there yourself, would be bus or train.

If you’d like a cheaper yet slightly more uncomfortable way of travelling, you could opt for a low budget highway bus company, such as Megabus or the slightly fancier National Express. If heading to Bristol by train, don’t panic about which train station to use. Here’s a quick how-to on where to get off:

• Bristol Temple Meads: this is the station you actually want to get off at to visit the city as it is the most central station
• Bristol Parkway: this station is a little out of the way and is probably more likely your stop if visiting someone who lives in suburban Bristol

Ok, now we’re there, what can we do?

Bristol is a university city so packed with lots of bars, eateries and places to just hang out. Here are a few suggestions on what to do with your time:

• take a street art your – Bristol is home to the mysterious Banksy, a globally-known street artist. It’s possible to take a walking tour that will introduce you to other artists in the city as well as learning about the meaning of several pieces. I decided too last minute to visit Bristol to book on to one of the hugely popular tours, but I did take a look at a few Banksy pieces, all of which are helpfully labelled on Google Maps
• visit the cathedral to see its stunning interior and to peruse the very interesting exhibition on Bristol’s historical links to slavery through the lens of the Church
• head to the Harbourside area to find delicious places to eat – I can personally vouch for Bertha’s which has a chilli honey dip so good that you can order it to take away all by itself! You’ll also find just a small selection of Bristol’s many museums and historical landmarks, including Brunel’s SS Great Britain. This is also a great spot to see some of the colourful houses you will see plastered all over Bristol tourism pages.
• I didn’t personally visit during my day trip, but the Old City is also listed as a must-do. Check out the tourism page for Bristol abou tthis area . It’s one of my favourite tourism sites simply because it’s so easy and engaging to navigate.
• head to Stokes Croft to explore Bristol’s alternative scene. Here you will find vegan cafes, tattoo parlours, independent shops, and plenty of bars and pubs. Every city has an area like this e.g. Northern Quarter in Manchester, West End/Shawlands in Glasgow, Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, the Meatpacking District in Copenhagen, etc.

Bristol is probably not high on most visitors’ to-visit lists or even on most British people’s lists when thinking about a day or weekend away, but even spending half a day there I found that Bristol is well worth a visit.

Have you visited Bristol? What was your favourite part?

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

The World As I See It

One Ontario lady with a passion for travel and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore more

• England / Travel

Bristol Travel Guide

by Stephanie · Published June 13, 2016 · Updated August 16, 2020

Bristol is one of those hip, energetic cities that has something for everyone. Whether its Bristol’s expansive maritime history or eccentric and thought-provoking street art scene, you certainly won’t be lost on things to do. And this Bristol guide has you covered from what to see and do to how to get around, and even a few great day trip options.

Located in south-western England and set along the picturesque River Avon, Bristol is so much more than an eclectic city to explore, there is also plenty of natural beauty that surrounds it from an awesome gorge to a sprawling hilltop park.

Bristol’s maritime history dates back over 1,000 years and the city is home to many iconic boats and other sights that celebrate this past. It is also home to one of the world’s oldest continuously operating train stations, Temple Meads. And though the city centre took quite a hit due to bombing during World War II, much has been restored and still offers glimpses into its rich history.

Away from the budget-busting London, Bristol is far more affordable and still close enough to plenty of awesome cities to explore on day trips. It’s only a two-hour train ride from London and an hour or less for many of England’s must-see places like Bath. This and more make Bristol a great place to use as a base to explore the surrounding area on top of its own great attractions.

Things to do in Bristol

Climb Cabot Tower

Set atop a hill in Brandon Hill Park, Bristol’s oldest park, you can find Cabot Tower. Over one-hundred feet tall, the tower was built in 1897 for the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s famous voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland, Canada. It’s free to walk up its spiral staircase that leads to awesome views over Bristol. After ascending the tower consider a stroll through the lovely park, full of flowers, prime places for a picnic, shaded trails and more views over the city.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

One of the top things to do in Bristol is visit the Bristol Museum. The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is located in the city’s Clifton area and set in a stunning building of Edwardian Baroque architecture. The museum opened in 1905 and has a wealth of collections from Egyptian artifacts to Eastern Art and geology to English delftware.

Some favourite things to see in the Bristol Museum include; Alfred the infamous gorilla from the Bristol Zoo, dinosaurs, a replica of the Bristol biplane that hangs over the main hall, and a piece from Bristol’s own Banksy. The museum also showcases Bristol’s own history, including amazing maps that take you from present day to back through to the middle ages. All this and it’s free!

S.S. Great Britain

Explore the Harbour

Bristol’s picturesque harbour is home to a wealth of history, things to do and sights to see. In the 15th century it had been a busy port for trade and travel. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the current floating harbour was created. The area along the harbour is where you’ll find all sorts of museums, Castle Park, plenty of places to eat and of course some of Bristol’s iconic boats. It’s here you’ll find the S.S. Great Britain, the first iron-hulled propeller driven ocean liner, and a replica of The Matthew, the boat sailed by John Cabot in 1497 from Bristol to Canada’s Newfoundland.

Related Post: The Perfect England 2 Week Itinerary

Cathedrals & Churches

Like everywhere you visit in Great Britain, Bristol is also home to some amazing churches full of history and wonder. In this Bristol guide I’ll share the top 3 to visit. Temple Church, now in ruins, was built upon an earlier round church built by the Knights Templar. It’s surrounded by a peaceful green space and though you can’t enter the church remains you can still peek inside, wander its graveyard or marvel at its leaning tower.

St. Mary Redcliff, located nearby, has stood for over 800 years and is not only the second largest parish church in England but also holds the title as tallest building in Bristol. Because of its grand interiors, it is often mistaken for the Bristol Cathedral.

The Bristol Cathedral, founded in 1140, was originally St. Augustine’s Abbey and is built from beautiful Bath stone. Unlike most English Medieval churches the aisles are the same height as the choir creating a large and grandiose appearance. With stunning vaulted ceilings and beautiful stain glass, a wander around is a must. It’s also full of impressive wood carved benches and many other interesting pieces.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Located in the Clifton area of Bristol, the Bristol Zoo is a fun place for children and adults alike. The zoo opened in 1836, making it the second oldest zoo in England after the London Zoo. The zoo is home to over 400 species and is full of great exhibits including; Monkey Jungle, Butterfly Forest, Twilight World, and Gorilla House. Most of the larger animals have been moved to its sister zoo, Wild Place Project, located 25 minutes outside the city.

If ever there was a city that was the epitome of street art and graffiti culture it would be Bristol. And a Bristol guide wouldn’t be complete without a mention of street art. It’s not only home to Banksy, one of the most famous street art artists, but also Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival, See No Evil. If you scour Bristol you’ll discover a wealth of fantastic street art and all coming in various forms, from snow art in the winter to classic graffiti displayed across the walls of buildings. The subject matter ranges from plays on pop-culture to pieces wrought with emotion.

You can see most of Bristol’s street art in three main areas; the city centre, and the neighbourhoods of Stokescroft and Eastville. If you’re adventurous you can pick up a cheap pamphlet from Bristol’s tourist office that is full of Banksy pieces with their descriptions and locations. Or if you want something more structured there are numerous guided tours, one of which is put on by Bristol’s street art artists themselves.

Free Walking Tour

I always advise travellers to take a walking tour of every new city they explore to learn of its history, find hidden treasures and see it from a local’s perspective. There are many walking tours in Bristol but I chose a free walk tour put on by Walking Bristol , where tips are accepted. This 3 hour tour takes you by popular and off the radar locations in Bristol’s city centre.

Along the course, your guide will offer up everything from tips on where to eat or explore to telling tales of the city’s history, its people and its sights. The tour also stops for lunch in St. Nicholas Market where you can choose to browse or eat at one of the many food stalls, and if you choose Pieminister Pie Shop you can get a 20% off discount with the tour, which I highly recommend – it’s delicious!

Explore St. Nicholas Market

Established in 1743, St. Nicholas Market is located in the heart of Bristol’s city centre. Opened Monday through Saturday (9:30am – 5pm), it is a covered market place that’s home to a quaint maze of stalls selling everything from odds & ends to sweets. There are plenty of mini cafés and a wealth of delicious food stalls offering up a diverse assortment of foods, styles and diets. It’s also home to Beware of the Leopard Books, a sprawling bookshop full of second-hand books covering all subjects of fiction and non-fiction.

Walk the Suspension Bridge

Designed by the grand Victorian engineer, Brunel, who also designed Temple Meads railway station and the S.S. Great Britain, the Bristol Suspension bridge is a must see from every angle. From a distance it stands out in Clifton’s skyline, and from atop it towers over the picturesque Riven Avon and crosses the awesome Avon Gorge.

The bridge opened in 1864 and stands 245 feet above high tide, and is 1352 feet long. Though it’s a toll bridge for vehicles, it is free for pedestrians to walk over and offers incredible views over Bristol, the gorge, and surrounding areas. The Avon Gorge is home to a diversity of both plants and animals, of which over 65 bird species call it home, including peregrine falcons.

Explore Clifton

The Clifton neighbourhood is just north of the city centre and is home to a ton of gems. Here you’ll find the Bristol Zoo, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Downs, which is a large park with trails and fantastic views of the Avon Gorge.

There’s also an observatory overlooking the Gorge and even a tunnel from the observatory to an old cave. Ghyston’s Cave (also known as St. Vincent’s Cave and Giant’s Cave) sits 250 feet above the Avon River, and the earliest record of it was back in 305 A.D.

Clifton is also home to gorgeous Georgian era homes and Clifton Village. Clifton Village is an eclectic shopping district with shops, cafés, and even charming passageways. Clifton has something for everyone.

Transportion Bristol Guide

Air – The Bristol Airport is located 8 miles from the city centre and there is a ‘Flyer’ bus service to transport you to the city, and takes approximately 35 minutes.

Train – If flying into London you can easily take the train from Paddington Station to Bristol’s Temple Meads Station which is located in the city centre, and the trip takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Bus/Coach – Bristol’s bus station is located near the Broadmead shopping area and both National Express and Megabus coach services run from it.

City Bus – Getting around Bristol by bus is very easy. There are stops at all the major sights, and maps and further information are available online here . There are also day passes available and are valid for travel on the day issued and up to 2:59am the following morning, these are a great deal if you plan on using the bus more than a few times during the day or taking a day trip out of the city.

Tourist Centre

Located harbour side in the city centre, Bristol’s Tourist Information Centre is a great place to pop into upon arriving in the city. They offer free maps, help with organizing tours, accommodations, have a wealth of souvenirs and so much more.

Day Trips from Bristol

Bath is only a 15 minute train ride from Bristol, and it’s easy to take in all the main sights during a day trip. Check out my Bath in a Day, to learn what I did and saw during my day trip to Bath.

Glastonbury

Home to historic sites like Glastonbury Abbey and Tor, Glastonbury makes a charming day trip from Bristol. Buses to Glastonbury take approximately 1.5 hours.

Home to one of England’s stunning cathedrals, Wells offers a nice short day trip option from Bristol, and by bus it takes approximately one hour.

Note: You can easily do both Glastonbury and Wells in the same day as they are located near each other.

Gloucester is a great place to take a day trip to as it is only 35 minutes away by train. Gloucester has a wealth of things to do, from its grand cathedral to its museums and abbeys.

Have you visited Bristol? What’s your favourite thing to do?

Tags: England travel

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

You may also like...

19 Best Ontario Maple Syrup Festivals to Attend in 2024

January 29, 2023

 by Stephanie · Published January 29, 2023 · Last modified March 10, 2024

+15 Awesome Things to do in Almonte Ontario

August 29, 2023

 by Stephanie · Published August 29, 2023 · Last modified December 23, 2023

10 Epic Lookouts in Muskoka for the Best Views in Muskoka

September 27, 2020

 by Stephanie · Published September 27, 2020 · Last modified April 22, 2023

2 Responses

• Pingbacks 0

Can’t believe I missed St. Nicholas Market! Next time!!

It’s a great Market and you’ll have to return to try out all the great food stalls and cute shops!

What are your thoughts? Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Next story  Bruce Peninsula: Photo Essay
• Previous story  Writer Wednesday – Meet Sue Bedford

Hey there, I'm Stephanie and am the gal behind The World As I See It. I have a passion for travel, hiking, and local travel in Ontario! Let me take you along on my journey exploring my own backyard - including Ontario small towns, cafes, and trails to cities around the globe. I hope you will be inspired to get out and explore your backyard and beyond!

For the Latest Sign Up Below

TOP ONTARIO BLOGGER

TOP CANADIAN TRAVEL BLOGGER

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

One Day in Bristol Itinerary – Top things to do in Bristol, United Kingdom

Bristol sits astride the River Avon, which cuts through the imposing Avon Gorge and is the biggest city in the South West of England. It is, however, a lot less hectic than London and, being only an hour and a half’s train ride away, is a popular tourist destination. Historically famous for its ships, pirates and ill-gotten gains from the slave trade, today it is known for its street art, music, animation (home of Wallace and Gromit) and it’s green credentials. Greta Thunberg recently adopted a local two-storey mural portrait as her social media profile picture. But that’s not all, so read what else there is to do during your one day in Bristol.

GUEST POST BY HELEN BLOG: Holidays from Hels

What’s the best time to visit Bristol?

Harbour festival.

The best time to visit Bristol is summer . During the annual Harbour Festival in July the city’s docks fill up with ships from around the world, accompanied by live music, food tents and a general party atmosphere for the whole weekend.

Balloon Fiesta

Another incredibly popular annual event is the not to be missed is the balloon fiesta in August , when hundreds of hot air balloons gather in Ashton Court and launch en mass in an blaze of colour at dawn and dusk. Don’t be surprised to find a 30 foot magnum of champagne or Leonado Da Vinci’s head floating by. The grounds of the Estate are transformed by the arrival of a funfair, open air bars and market stalls.

Upfest – Southville

For those who like street art, welcome to the home of Banksy and the July Upfest Festival in Southville. Artists descend on this Bristol suburb from across the world to turn walls, shop fronts and houses into urban art.

A few facts about Bristol

The name Bristol derives from “Brigstow” meaning “place by the bridge”. A thousand years on, and Bristol still plays second fiddle to its upgraded replacement, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of Bristol’s most famous residents.

In his quest to link London and New York, he also built Paddington Station in London, the entire railroad to Bristol and the city’s grand Temple Meads Station. He finished the job spectacularly with the magnificent SS Great Britain, for the final leg across the Atlantic. This remains one of the City’s foremost tourist attractions. Busy man.

Bristol’s proximity to the sea has had an enormous impact on its history and notoriety. The infamous Bristolian pirate Blackbeard would place lit fuses in his beard so that it would literally smoke and thus strike terror into the hearts of his foes.

The grand buildings in Clifton and Queens Square were built on proceeds from the Slave Trade, a part of local history that remains controversial today and is explored in the city’s museums.

The phrase “Ship shape and Bristol fashion” comes from the strength of the hulls required to withstand life in the Bristol channel.

A non-nautical fact, is that Bristol is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the world, which comes with dazzling landscaped gardens, perfect for summertime wandering and picnics.

One Day in Bristol Itinerary

Visit ss great britain.

Start your day at the impressive SS Great Britain , which has been restored both inside and out to its former glory. Step into the shoes of an authentic first class passenger in the dining salon below deck before taking a promenade outside under the towering masts. The braver of you may choose to have a go at climbing the scarily high rigging.

On holiday weekends, a steam train runs from in front of the SS Great Britain to your next destination, the M Shed. It is great to sit downwind of the plumes of steam billowing overhead. If it is not running, never fear as you only have a 10 minute walk to your next stop.

Explore the M Shed

Walking along the docks, stop for a cuppa or some chips in the Brunel Buttery, an al fresco café popular with the locals, before popping into one of the former shipping warehouses, and current Bristol Museum , the M Shed. Learn all about Bristol’s past, including its wartime experience, when heavy bombing destroyed much of the city. You can also board a vintage double decker bus, which is fun.

Sit down in the Cargo Area

For lunch you are spoiled for choice in the Cargo Area, next to the M Shed, which has recently been regenerated and plays host to a number of the city’s top eateries , housed in old shipping containers. Urban chic, Wild Beer and tapas abound.

Relax at Arnolfini

After lunch, continuing round the docks and over the old Princes’ Bridge you might want to check out the Arnolfini, a contemporary art centre with a lovely dockside café. This is often the site of food stalls and live music on weekends, when crowds dangle their feet over the edge of the docks whilst drinking a summer beer.

Head through the lovely Queens Square , where homes of former merchants are set around a grassed area with cobbled streets and set about with olde world-y lamp posts. You may want to check out King Street which, not surprisingly, sits right next to Queens Square and is home to some of the oldest and most characterful pubs in town.

Explore St Nicholas market

You are now in the centre of town, and it is worth taking a look in the historic St Nicholas market , established in 1743. It is a maze of independent stalls, spread through the old Exchange Building , with its ornate ceiling (don’t forget to look up) and into the Glass Arcade behind. You can buy a whole range of goodies – anything from ethnic clothes to carved wooden bowls, leather bags, enormous ammonites, old records or second-hand books.

In front of the huge wooden doors of St Nick’s Market on Corn Street, stand the iron nails on which traders struck their deals, giving rise to the phrase “on the nail”.

Walk along Park Street

Moving up Park Street , you will pass a Banksy on your right before having a chance to check out a few shops on your way up the hill. Take a detour behind the shops to your left to climb up to Cabot Tower where you will be treated to a 360 degree view of the city.

Built in 1897, the tower stands more than 100 feet tall, and commemorates John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to North America four hundred years ago.

At the top of Park Street you will find another Bristol landmark, the Wills Memorial . The building, commissioned by the tobacco manufacturer Henry Wills in 1925 (although it looks much older). Next door is the Natural History Museum with collections of gemstones, dinosaur skeletons, Victorian stuffed animals, Egyptian mummies and an amazing gypsy caravan.

Head out to Clifton Village

From the Museum it is a short walk to Clifton Village , the prettiest and most affluent area of Bristol.

Don’t miss the beautiful Victorian Clifton Arcade , which houses a handful of unique shops selling vintage clothes, antique glass and jewelry.

Wandering around the village itself, you might want to take afternoon tea at the very glamorous Ivy, with its black and white tiled floors and flower festooned doorway.

Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge

On the far side of the village is the Suspension Bridge with incredible views over the rugged Avon Gorge. From the adjacent hilltop in the park, you can enter an observatory and descend into the rock, emerging out of the sheer cliff face on to a small platform balanced over the gorge. You may come face to face with one of its many climbers.

Soak in Avon Gorge views

After all this walking, the best place for rest is the terrace of the White Lion pub , which has unrivaled views over the Gorge and bridge.

When it is time for dinner, stroll down to the Lido, where you can dine overlooking an open air pool, with retro poolside changing rooms.

Where to stay in Bristol?

YHA Bristol

14 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA

For groups or budget individual travel, the funky YHA Bristol  is right on the docks in a former warehouse.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4LD

For more luxury accommodation, try the fabulous Clifton Hotel Du Vin , overlooking the Avon Gorge and the Suspension Bridge. Hotels in the chain are always chic and  provide tasteful, quality décor and great restaurants.

Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre

Bond Street, Bristol, BS1 3LQ

Something in between would be Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre . It’s close to SS Great Britain, and the rooms are modern, comfortable and well equipped, which provides a great stay.

Day trips from Bristol

If you are looking for day trips from Bristol, then the beautiful Roman town of Bath, with its Royal Crescent, Roman Baths and magnificent Georgian terraces, is only a 12 minute train ride away.

Or why not try Tyntesfield, a manor house and grounds run by the National Trust, 15 minutes by car from Bristol.

For a traditional seaside town, Weston Super Mare with its pier and donkey rides on the beach is another popular day trip from Bristol and only 30 minutes by train.

Beeseys tea rooms is a popular place for a boating day trip from the centre, with lunch at the famous riverside cafe.

Extra tips for visiting Bristol

A lovely way to get around is on one of the harbor ferries. You can catch these from just outside Temple Meads station, and they take you all the way to the town centre, or beyond. You can hop on and off at various points around the harbour.

Pin for later!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Bristol Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Helen spent 2 and a half years pottering around the world. She is now all grown up and works in a school, which allows her plenty of time, if not money, to keep exploring with her children and sharing the mishaps, surprises, stories and lessons learned in her new family adventures travel blog.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• 1.1 Orientation
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By bike
• 3.2 By foot
• 3.3 By e-scooter
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 3.5 By train
• 3.7 By boat
• 3.8.1 Parking
• 3.8.2 Park and Ride
• 3.9 By taxi
• 4.1 Harbourside
• 4.2 Old City
• 4.3 West End
• 4.4 Clifton
• 4.5 Eastside
• 4.6 Avonmouth
• 4.7 Churches
• 5.3 Listings
• 5.5 Theatre
• 5.8 The Bristol to Bath Railway cycle path
• 5.9 Wellness
• 7.1 Malls & shopping centres
• 7.3 Markets
• 8.1.1 City centre
• 8.1.2 Broadmead
• 8.1.3 Around the University of Bristol
• 8.1.4 North-east Bristol
• 8.1.5 South-east Bristol
• 8.1.6 East Bristol
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9.1 City Centre pubs
• 9.2 Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road pubs
• 9.3 Clifton pubs
• 9.4 Hotwells pubs
• 9.5 Bars with live music
• 9.6 Non-alcoholic venues
• 9.7 Adult entertainment
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12 Stay healthy
• 14.1 Towns and cities
• 14.2 Outdoor activities

Bristol is a city in the West Country of England . Famous for its maritime history it also offers a great and diverse range of attractions, hotels, bars and events. Bristol is one of England's top visitor destinations, and the best time to visit is in the summer when major festivals are held in the city.

Although cursed by some horrible post-war buildings, Bristol is nevertheless an amiable, grooved, laid-back city whose mellow vibe is reflected in the music of Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky that perfectly captures the sultry, lean burn atmosphere of a warm summer's evening in this historic and cultured city.

Understand [ edit ]

Bristol is the United Kingdom's eighth most populous city (approximately 466,000 in 2020) and the most populated city in South West England, making it a core city in England. It received a Royal Charter in 1155 and was granted county status in 1373. From the 13th century, for half a millennium, it ranked among the top four English cities (after London and alongside York and Norwich) until the rapid rise of Liverpool , Birmingham and Manchester during the Industrial Revolution in the latter part of the 18th century. Bristol borders the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire and is near the historic cities of Bath to the southeast, Gloucester to the north and Cardiff , the capital city of Wales , to the northwest. The city was built around the River Avon, and has a short coastline on the estuary of the River Severn where it flows into the Bristol Channel .

Although often overlooked as a tourist destination, Bristol has a lot to offer of its own and is an excellent base for exploring the West Country, with relatively inexpensive accommodation compared to some of the main ‘tourist traps’ and a huge choice of bars, restaurants and shops. It is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in England, hosting a wide variety of visual arts, theatre, speciality shopping and live music.

Young people have flocked to Bristol thanks to the city's stunning and brilliant music scene - the likes of Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky and Roni Size have contributed some of the most outstanding back catalogue of albums in the history of British music - not bad for a city which even in the early 1980s was considered a backwater of the British music scene. Indeed, in 2010 it was voted Britain's most musical city. The success of the Bristol music scene began in 1991 when Massive Attack released their magnificent opus Blue Lines which included "Unfinished Sympathy" and social critiques such as "Safe From Harm" and "Daydreaming". Blue Lines was partly recorded at the Coach House studios in Clifton (now defunct). The album, and particularly the track "Lately," captured the atmosphere and vibe of the city. This track, with vocals by Shara Nelson, so perfectly captured the atmosphere of a summer's evening in Bristol — particularly on the Clifton Downs — that with its warm, laid-back vibe it is practically a signature song for the city.

Orientation [ edit ]

Bristol is a large city with various areas in its centre; a map is helpful to get to know the layout. The free map given away at the Tourist Information Centre at the Harbourside is excellent for this. At Bristol's core is the Floating Harbour - a stretch of water that snakes along the city centre which looks like a river in places but which is actually a dock. For centuries the Floating Harbour was where ships docked, bringing trade and prosperity to the city. It was created by diverting the River Avon in the early 19th century to the New Cut to the south, and by using various locks to create a non-tidal dock. Today, the industrial shipping has mostly gone and the Floating Harbour is a home for leisure, pleasure craft, upmarket waterfront apartments, and the occasional visiting sailing ship.

It's easiest to think about city locations as where they are relative to The Centre , or Central Promenade. (It's called "The Centre" as it used to be the "Trams Centre", until Bristol's tram system was scrapped in the 1940s after bomb damage. Now it's more of a bus centre.) The Centre is a broad avenue running north-south with fountains and trees and shops, and traffic, reaching the Floating Harbour at its southern end. The Centre is a major interchange for most city bus routes - you can ask a bus driver for a ticket to "The Centre" from anywhere in the city and you'll get back there.

To the east of The Centre is the core of historic Bristol - the Old City . Here major streets include Queen Square, King Street, Baldwin Street, and Corn Street. It has wonderful Victorian and Georgian buildings, historic and charming pubs, and many places to shop, drink and eat. To the north-east of the Old City is Bristol's main shopping area - Broadmead , centred on the Broadmead itself and related streets such as the Horsefair, Union Street and Penn Street as well as The Galleries shopping centre. At the east end of the Broadmead is the major shopping centre at Cabot Circus and a related development of more boutique shops at Quakers Friars. If you go east of Cabot Circus and across the dual carriageway you get to the less affluent area of Old Market, while if you go north of it you get to the St. Paul's area, which is a hotbed of culture but is best visited during the day.

To the north of The Centre are areas occupied by the city's hospitals, the bus station at Marlborough Street, and the University of Bristol.

To the west of The Centre is the Harbourside area, much of which has been a scene of heavy urban regeneration since 2000 and includes parts of what used to be called Canon's Reach. Here you'll find eateries in converted warehouses, Millennium Square with its attractions such as At-Bristol, and offices and smart apartments in new developments. It's a great place to spend time by the water. It continues to the south of the Floating Harbour at the M Shed museum of Bristol life, along to the SS Great Britain .

To the north-west of The Centre, and up Park Street, you head for the West End with its smart independent shops, the City Museum and other attractions, and if you keep going along Queen's Road you get to the upmarket Clifton area, known for its suspension bridge and elegant Georgian architecture.

The Tourist Information Centre can be found in the Watershed, a converted warehouse just off The Centre, just on the west side of the inlet of the Floating Harbour (St. Augustine's Reach). Walking south down The Centre, where the dock begins head to your right and under the colonnade. The Tourist Info Centre is a little way along.

• Visit Bristol website

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

There is no train link between Bristol's airport and the city, but there is a very useful bus service (bus A1) that takes about 35 min and has a frequency of up to every 10 min. It costs £13 for an adult return ticket (the second part of which can be used up to a month after the first), £8 for a one-way to the city centre, and £25 for a family return. There are student discounts on this service if you have a valid student photo ID. The Flyer bus is useful because route A1 takes you to Temple Meads station, then to the bus station at Marlborough Street.

There is a cheaper Falcon service by Stagecoach (£5 return) booked one day in advance via Megabus.com . The Falcon service terminates at Bond Street.

There is also a chepaer U2 service by First (£2 single under the England bus fare scheme), the bus station is The Airport Tavern, a 10-15 minute walk from the Terminal. The bus will get you to the city centre but watch out the timetable and the day of service.

The last cheper option would be the WESTlink services an 'on demand' bus services (£2 single) that cover the airport terminal and some limited area of south Bristol. It can get you to Parson Street Train station or somewhere closer to Temple Meads station along Bath Road and York Road (10 minute walk to Temple Meads station).

The alternative is to use one of the London airports or Birmingham airport and travel on to Bristol by train, car or bus. The most convenient are:

• Heathrow Airport ( LHR  IATA ) is about two hours drive straight down the M4 ( westbound ) motorway. The RailAir express bus service (running every 20 minutes) connects with the main London to Bristol rail service at Reading rail station; expect the total journey to take slightly over two hours. Another possibility is to use the Heathrow Express service to London Paddington and then take a train to Bristol Temple Meads from there, which is more expensive and slightly longer than the route via Reading, but possibly more convenient. There are also direct National Express and Megabus coaches from Heathrow to Bristol, which take about two to two and a half hours (depending on whether they depart from Heathrow Central Bus station or T4/T5) and are often cheaper than a rail fare, especially during (rail) peak times. National Express coaches terminate at Marlborough Street coach station in the city centre whilst Megabus services terminate at Bond Street near McDonald's and Cabot Circus.
• Birmingham Airport ( BHX  IATA ) is within quicker (and cheaper) reach of Bristol than London's two other airports, Gatwick and Stansted. By car it takes about 2 hours and you'll be avoiding the congestion-prone M25. Rail services connect Birmingham International to Bristol every 30 min at peak times with a change in Birmingham New Street. The journey takes 2-2½ hours.
• Gatwick Airport ( LGW  IATA ) is about 3 hours drive away via the M23 ( northbound ), M25 ( clockwise ) and M4 ( westbound ) motorways. Gatwick has its own built-in station and you can take a train from Gatwick to Reading where you change to take a train straight to Bristol for a rough total of £50 (although you can get relief by using a railcard and booking in advance). If you're on a budget, it can be cheaper to get the Gatwick Express train to London Victoria and from the nearby Victoria Coach Station take a bus to Bristol. There are also coach services provided by National Express and Megabus that take 3½ hours between the airport and Bristol.
• Stansted Airport ( STN  IATA ) is about 3 hours drive away via the M11 ( southbound ), M25 ( anti-clockwise ) and M4 ( westbound ) motorways. By train you must catch a Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street station, the tube to London Paddington station, then follow the directions below; expect the total journey to take around 3½ hours. If you're travelling on a budget you can also take Route Express Bus A51 to from Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport. Costs £9 for a single, and only takes about 10 minutes longer than the train.
• Cardiff Airport ( CWL  IATA ) is about one hour west of Bristol, going northbound from Culverhouse Cross, to J33 of the M4, then Eastbound, to Bristol. Or take the train direct from Cardiff Airport, to Cardiff Central Station, then take another train to Bristol Temple Meads Station.

When coming from London, the cheapest way is generally by coach or rail.

By train [ edit ]

From London, you travel from Paddington station. There are several through trains an hour, the fastest of which takes 1 hr 13 min to Bristol Parkway and 1 hr 32 min to Bristol Temple Meads. Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling ☏ +44 845 748 4950 from anywhere in the UK.

By bus [ edit ]

National Express operate services to Marlborough St Coach station in the city centre, from cities throughout the UK including London . The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 30 min. Tickets are much cheaper if booked in advance online (London to Bristol £3.50).

MegaBus also operate budget coach services from London Victoria coach station and cities thoughout the UK to a stop outside Black's Bond St. Tickets must be booked online and fares are demand responsive but can be cheap (£3.50). The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 30 min.

Flixbus also operate budget coach services from London Victoria coach station and cities thoughout the UK to a stop outside Black's Bond St. Tickets must be booked online and fares are demand responsive but can be very cheap (£2.00). The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 50 min.

South West Falcon operates a service connecting Bristol, Taunton , Exeter , and Plymouth . A single fare from Plymouth to Bristol is £27. Tickets can be booked online in advance and is cheaper, but reservations are not strictly required.

By bike [ edit ]

The Bristol-Bath Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network (R4) and provides a cycle corridor between the city centres of Bristol and Bath . Travel time is about 90 minutes. The path is relatively flat, and has only 2 road crossings, making it very safe. In the morning and evening it is a busy commute route, so it may be advisable to avoid these peak hours.

By car [ edit ]

The M5 and M4 motorways intersect near Bristol and the M32, a motorway 'spur', brings traffic directly into the city centre. The M4 links London with Bristol with a driving time of less than 2 hours.

The city also has several Park and Ride facilities, Portway, Brislington, Lyde Green, Parkway North, Yate, and Long Ashton sites, for more information see the Bristol City Council website .

Get around [ edit ]

Maps [ edit ]

Visit Bristol , the official tourism website for Bristol has free maps of the city for visitors. Distinctive blue A3 tourist maps which cover the city centre, the Harbourside and Clifton, are available for free from the Tourist Information Centre on the harbourside and also from locations such as libraries, shops, Temple Meads railway station, hotels and the YHA hostel. These really are excellent maps and you should obtain a copy or two. They indicate main streets, attractions, hotels and areas of the city in the central area and in Clifton.

You can also buy commercially produced maps before you leave from sites such as Amazon. The pocket-sized "Bristol Pop-Out Map" is useful, as are the pocket-sized A-Z maps.

Bristol is also home to a branch of Stanfords , a very large supplier of maps and tour guides (e.g. their store at Covent Garden in London is the largest such store in the world). Maps of Bristol with all the city centre street names and destinations marked sell from £1.50. Stanfords can be found at 29 Corn Street, and the staff double as local travel experts.

By foot [ edit ]

Most locations in central Bristol (the Harbourside and Old City areas) are reasonably easily walkable, and there are plenty of attractive walking routes along the quaysides and in the pedestrianised central streets. The main rail station (Bristol Temple Meads) is a little further (about 15 min walk) but still accessible by harbourside walkways or by bus.

By e-scooter [ edit ]

The city has an e-scooter hire scheme operated by Tier . To use a Tier e-scooter, a smartphone with mobile phone number and internet access is needed, and riders must be at least 18 years old and hold a provisional or full drivers licence. This will need to be confined in the app.

Scooters are parked in ‘virtual bays’ across the city. The unlock fee is £0.99 and the cost per minute is £0.16. Daily passes are available. You must park your scooter in the designated areas which can be found on the app, otherwise you’ll continue to be charged by the minute. It’s not uncommon for parking bays to be full, so be prepared to travel further than planned.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Bristol has plenty of bike paths and routes and is at the centre of the National Cycle Network . Sustrans, which manages the network, is based in the city, and has a shop and information centre on College Green, next to the Marriott Hotel. The staff can provide information on cycle routes throughout the UK. Free cycling maps for the Avon Cycleway, Bristol and surrounding council regions (South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North-East Somerset) can be obtained from the four councils' cycling website, BetterByBike.info .

Tier operate an app based e-bike hire scheme. Bikes are parked in ‘virtual bays’ across the city. The unlock fee is £0.99 and the cost per minute is £0.16. Daily passes are available. You must park your bike in the designated areas which can be found on the app, otherwise you’ll continue to be charged by the minute. A smartphone with internet connection is required to use it.

Bristol is a very cyclable city, but unless you're limiting your stay to the Floating Harbour and the Avon valley, hills are never far away. A mountain bike is highly recommended over a city bike, even if you don't plan to go off-road. Mountain bikes can also cope easier with the numerous potholes and generally deplorable state of a large part of the Bristolian road network. Litter, most annoyingly broken glass bottles, are a threat to inner tubes so the choice for a mountain bike with thicker tyres will reduce the chance of running flat as well. Especially in the inner city (Park Street, Baldwin Street) glass shards often plague cycle paths and crossings.

Bicycle theft is unfortunately relatively common in Bristol, so if you're hiring a bicycle, check that a decent D-lock or U-lock is included.

Several bicycle rental services are available in the city:

• 51.452137 -2.598067 1 Cycle The City , No.1 Harbourside, 1 Canon’s Road , ☏ +44 7873 387167 , [email protected] . closed Mondays . Bicycle rental service near the waterfront, they provide a bicycle, helmet and lock. ID card required for rental. £16/day . ( updated May 2018 )
• 51.439091 -2.589686 2 Bristol Tandem Hire , 3 Holmesdale Road , ☏ +44 7470 311592 , [email protected] . Rental service for tandems and bicycles, with pick up and drop-off points in around Queen Square, Victoria Park, and Temple Meads. ( updated May 2018 )
• 51.45134 -2.57736 3 Cycle Shack , 25 Oxford Street, Temple Quay, BS2 0QT , ☏ +44 117 955 1017 . Bike repair and rental under the railway passage behind the Temple Meads train station. Bike rental costs £40 for 3 days.  

If you run flat, almost all bicycle shops in Bristol can fix your tyre for £8-15, although some will do it while you wait.

• 51.44019 -2.55145 4 Briscycle , 151 Wick Rd, BS4 4HH , ☏ +44 7716 394633 . M 6:30-8PM; Tu Th-F 9:30AM-3PM, 6:30-8PM; F 9:30AM-4PM, 6:30-8PM; Sa 10AM-4PM . Bicycle repair shop in Brislington. Getting a flat tyre fixed will set you back £15 .  
• 51.45728 -2.59185 5 Halfords , Eastgate Centre, Eastgate Road, BS5 6XX , ☏ +44 117 9354041 . M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM . One of the largest bicycle shops in Bristol, with many spare parts for self service and repair kits in stock. They also have a repair service while you wait. ( updated Dec 2020 )

The Severn Beach Line passes through Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road in the East of the inner city, and then, Montpelier, Redland and Clifton Down in the north before heading north-west to Avonmouth and Severn Beach . The line has been voted one of the most scenic in the world by Thomas Cook. The line has two fare zones: Temple Meads to Clifton Down, and Clifton Down to Severn Beach. Trains run M-Sa at approximately 40-minute intervals from 6AM to 10PM, with a reduced Sunday service. Normally only one train in three goes to St Andrews Road (which is a request stop) and Severn Beach, with most terminating at Avonmouth. See council website on train services for more info.

Clifton Down railway station is close to the Clifton shopping district, including Whiteladies Road and Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Beyond here, the line runs in a tunnel under Durdham Down, emerging in the Avon Gorge. You can see one of the tunnel's chimneys on Durdham Down. The station at Sea Mills is next to the River Trym and the remains of a Roman harbour, and is also a good place to start walks. The line later runs through Avonmouth Docks, and beyond that alongside the River Severn Estuary. At Severn Beach, you can walk along the banks of the Severn and see the picturesque suspension bridges - the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing. All other stations along the line are in primarily residential or industrial areas.

CitySightseeing [dead link] offer open top bus tours with commentary during the summer months. 24-hr and 3-day passes are available. The circular route takes in most of the major visitor destinations including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo, City Docks, Temple Meads, old city and city centre.

Most bus services in Bristol are operated by First Bristol . By and large the buses are unreliable, so if possible check the bus times on the First website as the times on bus stops may be dated and incorrect. As most of Bristol's hotels and places to visit are near the city centre or are in the upmarket suburb of Clifton, First Bristol's number 8 is probably the most useful for visitors. It follows a route from Temple Meads station to Clifton, passing through the main shopping area (Broadmead), the city centre (also handy for the harbourside) and the West End on the way.

Almost all single adult tickets are £2. These can be bought on the bus with cash or card. Alternatively you can buy an ‘m-ticket’ on the First Bus app. This will give you a QR code that you must scan when you board. Concessionary fares are available for students and children. Other options include daily return tickets and day tickets - these may be more economical depending on your plans.

First buses also offer payment via a “Tap on, Tap off” system. Simply tap your contactless card (or phone with Apple or Google Pay) on the reader when you board and tap off on the exit reader when you alight. If you take a single trip you’ll be charged the usual £2. More trips will increase the cost, but this is capped at a daily rate of £6. Concessionary fares are unavailable for the “Tap on, Tap off” system, as of Dec 2023.

Other bus operators include Buglers and Abus .

By boat [ edit ]

Because of the way the city centre is intimately interwoven with the old 'floating harbour', a boat is a good way of getting around and of seeing a lot of interesting sites. Bristol Ferry Boat runs several ferry services around the harbour, stopping at various quays on route, and providing a commuter service between the city centre and the main rail station. Tickets must be purchased from the skipper directly and cost £2.50 .

The Bristol Packet offer city docks tours with commentaries daily during school holidays and at weekends throughout the year. They also run regular excursions to riverside tea gardens on the Avon towards Bath and Avon Gorge cruises under the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Avonmouth and back.

Number Seven Boat Trips also offer a ferry service during the summer months.

Bristol is quite a hilly city, but if you don't mind walking up hills the walk can be pleasant on a fine day.

Driving is probably the best way of seeing the surrounding region. A couple of the routes into Bristol during peak hours operate a car pool lane for cars with more than one occupant.

The centre of Bristol follows a one way city system, which can be frustrating and confusing for those not used to it. However, with patience and practice and a lot of circling around the same areas numerous times, it does become easier.

Parking [ edit ]

There are plenty of NCP car parks, and street parking. The cheaper street parking is in short supply in the centre, however Queen Square can usually be counted on to have a few spaces at off-peak times.

Park and Ride [ edit ]

There are three Park and Ride schemes operating in Bristol, with an additional Park and Ride for the busy Christmas period based at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Frenchay. The main park and rides are at Brislington, on the A4 opposite St Brendan's school. Another is in Shirehampton and a third is at the end of the A370 Long Ashton Bypass. These are recommended due to their cheaper fares and ease of access to the busy city centre.

For more information, see the Bristol City Council website .

By taxi [ edit ]

Due to the heavy traffic, taxis in Bristol can be quite expensive – and don't forget to allow extra time on your journey when taking a cab. There are about 700 licensed taxis (Hackney Carriages) and these can be distinguished as they are all painted a distinctive blue. Meters charged at a rate set by the council. There are a similar number of private hire vehicles (without roof signs) that need to be pre-booked. All legitimate taxis and private hire vehicles should have a predominantly yellow council-issued plate at the front and back of the vehicle. More information on taxis and private hire vehicles and a cab rank map can be found at Taxis and Minicabs in Bristol [dead link] .

Other options include apps like Uber , Bolt , and Veezsu .

See [ edit ]

Bristol is a very diverse city. From the historic Old City and Harbourside to Georgian Clifton, there is something to be found for everyone. Every neighbourhood has its own attractions and sights.

• Street Art . Street artist Banksy is from Bristol and some of his works can be seen around the city.  

Harbourside [ edit ]

The floating harbour is the jewel in Bristol's crown, and many of its attractions are on or close to the harbour:

• 51.45099 -2.59904 7 Bristol Aquarium , Anchor road, Harbourside, BS1 5TT ( In The City Centre ), ☏ +44 117 929-8929 . Daily 10AM-5PM . From the hidden world of UK waters, this amazing new aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks. Adult £15.30; child 3-12 years £10 (must be accompanied by an adult); seniors & students £13.50; family of 4 £49.50 (2 adults and 2 children), all tickets 10% off if booked online but there is a £1.25 charge per transaction . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• The Matthew , ☏ +44 117 927 6868 . Dec-Apr: Sa Su 10AM – 4PM; Apr-Nov: Tu-Su 10AM – 4PM . The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the 15th-century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497. In 1997 she sailed across the Atlantic to mark the 500th anniversary of the historic voyage. You can buy tickets for its occasional special voyages. Free . ( updated May 2020 )

Old City [ edit ]

Within walking distance from the bustling shopping district of Broadmead, is old town Bristol where the town originated from. You'll discover old buildings and hidden alleys whilst walking along cobbled streets. Highlights include:

West End [ edit ]

Clifton [ edit ].

The old and up-market suburb of Clifton contains several more places of interest, and much of the city's student population:

Eastside [ edit ]

Bristol's Eastside is the multicultural centre of Bristol and offers visitors a refreshing alternative side of the city, made up of a colourful collection of neighbourhoods that boast independent retailers from all around the globe. The wonderful thing about this side of town is simply walking around it - and most of the good things to do and see are free!

Easton is possibly the most multicultural area in Bristol where people of all nationalities rub shoulders. Here you can find anything from anywhere in the world - black hair and beauty, saris, Moroccan and Somalian cafes. You name it, you'll find it in Easton! This area is quite rightly home to the World On Your Doorstep festival held every June on Stapleton Road. For fantastic cafes and specialist shops (including the locally-famed Bristol Sweet Mart selling a large range of south-Asian foods and ingredients) head to St Marks Road.

Stokes Croft/Montpelier , (pronounced Mont-pelly-err, rather than the French-accented Mon-pell-ee-ay!), the bohemian heart of Bristol and home to artists and musicians of all descriptions. The streets are often canvases themselves and you'll find work by famous graffiti artists around every corner. Great music, cafes, an independent cinema, and a treasure trove of vintage clothing.

Avonmouth [ edit ]

Avonmouth used to be a small village on the outskirts of Bristol. Today, it is dominated by the massive Avonmouth Industrial Estate and large wholesale and retail superstores catering for the greater Bristol area. Activity at the port, which first opened in 1877, is now focused on the import of fruit, vegetables, coal, animal feeds, grain and cars.

Churches [ edit ]

Parks [ edit ]

Bristol has many open spaces reasonably accessible from the city centre. The more notable include:

• 51.469 -2.621 26 Clifton and Durdham Downs . Adjacent to the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo, 400 acres of grassland, with views towards the Severn Estuary and the Mendip Hills.  

Details of other city parks can be found on the city council website .

Nearby [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Ferry Boat Co. , Welsh Back (Ferry stops all around the city) , ☏ +44 117 927-3416 . Throughout the day . Catch a ferry and enjoy the exciting world of Bristol's Historic Harbour for a round trip tour, hop-on and hop-off, or getting from A to B; and to many of the harbourside attractions. Timetables are available online and at many places in the city.  
• Pirate Walks , Meet at Millennium or Anchor Square. , ☏ +44 7950 566483 . Join Pirate Pete for a 1-hour guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Walking tours of Bristol's 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Maritime History of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy (always call before visiting). Adults £6.00, children £3.50 .  
• Jump , 22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5TB , ☏ +44 117 931-2733 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM-6:30PM; school holidays 9:30AM-6PM . Bristol Jump has enormous adventure play-frames: a space zone, a galleon and an enchanted castle. At 22,000 sq feet it is the largest dedicated indoor soft play centre in England and it is tucked away in the back of Cribbs Causeway! There are also huge inflatables, an indoor football pitch, ten-pin bowling and an enormous zone just for toddlers. They also offer themed party rooms, a café and different activities every day. Babies: £1.00; 1 to 3 years: £5.50; 4+ years: £6.50; adults: £1.75; OAPS: £1.00 (on production of a bus pass) .  
• 51.471768 -2.576339 1 Undercover Rock , Mina Road, BS2 9YT St. Werburgh's ( St.Werburgh's Church, look out for the tower ), ☏ +44 1179 413 489 , [email protected] . M-F 9:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-6PM . Climbing centre housed in the former church of St. Werburgh's, with numerous climbing walls of varying difficulty levels. Training for beginners is available as well. It's not possible to climb the tower, but the interior of this historic building will definitely leave you speechless while dangling on a rope! £7-9 . ( updated Apr 2018 )
• 51.44611 -2.56623 3 Wake The Tiger , 127 Albert Road, BS2 0YA . 10:00 - 18:00 daily . An experience best described as a mix of art installations in an overarching fantasy themed setting, focussing on audiovisual sensations. Visitors enter the parallel world of Meridia through a portal on a construction site, which through experimentation in the fields of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water aims to solve its imminent environmental disaster. This indoor activity is suited for all ages, with accessibility for wheelchairs, and offers 2 to 3 hours of entertainment on rainy days. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for families and groups. £15 . ( updated Aug 2023 )

Sports [ edit ]

• Bristol Bears play Rugby Union in the Premiership, the game's top tier. Their home ground is Ashton Gate, shared with Bristol City.
• Planet Ice is a public skating rink on Cribbs Causeway, north edge of the city. Bristol Pitbulls play ice hockey here Sept-Match in the National League, England's second tier.

Events [ edit ]

Bristol has a widespread range of festivals throughout the year. The most significant include:

• St Paul's Carnival . July (only some years) . African and Caribbean arts festival.  
• Bristol Balloon Fiesta is held on Ashton Court Estate (see above) in August, with mass ascents, night glows and a funfair. The next is 10-13 Aug 2023.
• Bristol Open Doors Day . weekend in early September, next 15 - 17 Sept 2023 . See a variety of buildings open on this weekend, including places which are not normally open to the public. You can just turn up for some of the more than 100 buildings, but many require advance bookings. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• Mayfest .  
• Festival of Ideas .  
• Bristol Harbour Festival has music, dance and maritime events. The next is 14-16 July 2023.
• Bristol International Kite Festival .  
• Bristol Vegfest .  
• Great Bristol Run has 10K and half marathon races passing many city landmarks including the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The next is probably Su 12 May 2024.

Listings [ edit ]

There are various websites publicising these events, but probably the best thing is to pick up a copy of Venue Magazine (analogous to London's Time Out ) from a stockist . Venue is no longer weekly and paid, but has been merged with the Folio free monthly lifestyle magazine, and new editions are usually available on the last Friday of the month.

Saturday's edition of the Bristol Evening Post has a free pull-out supplement called Seven that lists much of what is on offer in the city during the following seven days. Alternatively you can check out Bristol Music & Theatre listings online on Bristol Music [dead link] which also has contact details for all local venues and music contacts and reviews.

Headfirst is a local website and mobile app that offers detailed listings of what's going on in many of the bars and late night venues around the city, with an emphasis on live music.

Cinema [ edit ]

• Watershed , Canons’s Rd , ☏ +44 117 927-5100 . The primary hub for art-house film in the city centre with a lovely (WiFi enabled) cafe too.  
• Cube Microplex , Dove Street South . Hidden away not far from the bus station, this small non-profit making co-operative venue is housed in a beautifully shabby 1960s theatre. It's run entirely by volunteers and specialises in experimental film, music and performance. A unique experience.  
• Odeon Cinema , Union St , ☏ +44 117 929-0884 . Three-screen mainstream cinema located in the centre of Bristol  
• Vue Cinemas . There are two of these Warner Village cinemas in Bristol, one near the Mall out-of-town shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway (near the M5/M4 junction) and the other in Longwell Green, off the A4174 Ring Road. Both are modern multiplex type cinemas with approx 10 screens.  
• 51.44937 -2.56118 5 Showcase Cinema , Avonmeads, St Philips Causeway, BS2 0SP ( Avonmeads Retail Park ). Bristol's first multiplex cinema, the Showcase has been open since at least the mid-1990s. Rarely busy, so you always have plenty of seating choice. £7.95 . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• Arnolfini . Right on the water's edge at Narrow Quay, this contemporary arts centre includes a cinema showing alternative and arthouse films. And the quayside is a great place to soak up the sun with a beer from the cafe!  

Theatre [ edit ]

• Alma Tavern Theatre , 18-20 Alma Vale Rd , ☏ +44 117 973-5171 , +44 117 946-7899 (reservations) . Theatre on the first floor of the Alma Tavern & Theatre pub in Clifton, a short walk from Whiteladies Road. The theatre seats 50, with the bar on the ground floor.  
• Redgrave Theatre , Perceval Road, Clifton , ☏ +44 117 315-7620 . 320-seat theatre hosting amateur drama, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School productions and concerts.  
• Kelvin Studios , 253b Gloucester Rd , ☏ +44 117 959-3636 . Home to the Kelvin Players Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group on Gloucester Road.  

Music [ edit ]

• Victoria Rooms , Whiteladies Rd , ☏ +44 117 331-4044 , [email protected] . The University of Bristol's Department of Music. A wide range of music is presented in their free Wednesday lunchtime concert series, often given by established professional performers. Other [evening] concerts include the universities' symphony and chamber orchestras. Times and prices vary, contact the department for more information.  
• Bristol Beacon ( formerly Colston Hall ), Trenchard St , ☏ +44 117 203-4040 . Wide variety of concerts, gigs and performances. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• St George's , Great George St ( off Park Street ), ☏ +44 845 402 4001 . Wide variety of acoustic music including classical, world and jazz.  
• Bristol (O2) Academy , Frogmore St . Large gigs and club nights  
• SWX , Nelson St . Club nights, often with famous guest DJs.  
• Anson Rooms ( University Union ), Queens Rd . From comedians to live music, many renowned artists and the universities' students often perform here.  
• The Fleece , St Thomas St . Free on Monday and Tuesdays .  
• The Trinity Centre , Trinity Rd , ☏ +44 117 935-1200 .  
• Thekla , East Mud Dock . The famous club on a boat, sporting a Banksy graffiti work and prime location by Queens Square.  
• Bristol Bierkeller , All Saints St. . Rock, Metal, Punk, Goth, Alternative.  
• Full Moon & Eclipse , North St./Stokes Croft . Formerly an important Metal and Punk venue but has now become a backpacker hostel with some music events targeted at their guests.  
• The Croft , Stokes Croft . The croft has a policy of supporting new music of every style and scheduling mainly homegrown talent. Free M-W before 10PM, and then a charge on Th-Su .  
• The Louisiana , Wapping Road/Bathurst Terrace . Bands that have played here include Coldplay, the Whitestripes, Kings of Leon, and Keane.  
• The Old Duke , King St . Jazz, Blues  
• Black Swan , 438 Stapleton Rd, Eastville , ☏ +44 117 939-3334 . A pub that regularly hosts alternative liberal, electronic dance, rave music events.  

Pubs offering live music of some sort are extremely numerous in most areas of the city.

Comedy [ edit ]

• The Comedy Box . Usually hosted above the Hen and Chicken pub on North Street, Southville but sometimes at the nearby Tobacco Factory (especially for more popular acts). Has hosted a number of major stand-up acts, including Mark Thomas, Sue Perkins, Ed Byrne and Marcus Brigstocke.  
• The Lanes , 22 Nelson Street , ☏ +44 117 325-1979 . Live stand-up every Friday and Saturday night.  
• Oppo Comedy , Channings Hotel, Pembroke Rd . Su from 8:30PM, hosted by Mark Olver £2+ .  
• [dead link] Thunderbolt Pub , Bath Rd . Occasional events  
• [dead link] Bristol Improv , 31-35 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY . Bristol University's only improv troupe put on free and paid shows each month, with a regular show at The Hill  

The Bristol to Bath Railway cycle path [ edit ]

This showcase cycle path runs on a disused railway line from central Bristol to Bath . With its traffic free tarmac, gentle gradients, and only two minor road crossings on its 22 km stretch, it is ideal for cycling. At a leisurely pace the journey to Bath takes a good 2 hr through green suburbs and some attractive countryside. If you are too tired to cycle back, you can take your bicycle free of charge on one of the frequent trains from Bath Spa to Bristol temple meads station. The journey takes 10-15 min.

From Bath, you can continue cycling along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal all the way to Bradford on Avon , taking another hour or so. Though not paved and somewhat narrower than the Bristol to Bath cycle path, the towpath is still traffic free and the scenery even more beautiful. There are two or three places to stop and eat or drink on the way. The aqueduct at Avoncliff is worth seeing. From Bradford too there are direct trains back to Bristol that carry bicycles.

Wellness [ edit ]

• 51.41349 -2.58472 10 Hengrove Park Leisure Centre , Hengrove Promenade, BS14 0DE , ☏ +44 117 937 0200 . M Tu Th 5:30AM-8:30PM, W 5:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 06AM-7:30PM . Gym, Olympic swimming pool, 4 court sports hall, dance studio, health suite, and an 8-m climbing wall to the south of Bristol. Swimming: £4.60 for adults, £3 for kids; Gym £6.70 for adults and £3.50 for kids . ( updated May 2019 )
• 51.44244 -2.56406 11 Diamonds , 363 Bath Rd, 3EW ( next to Bristol Blue Glass ), ☏ +44 117 977 4659 . M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM . Massages in a friendly atmosphere, nice for days with miserable weather. Reservation well in advance required. £60 . ( updated Apr 2019 )

Work [ edit ]

The largest independent employers in Bristol are the two universities, the Orange telecom company, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, AXA and various media companies including BBC Bristol (famed for its natural history department), ITV West Country and Endemol. The Ministry of Defence has a large site employing around 5000 people in Filton towards the north of the city.

Casual work, usually supermarket, call centre, bar and restaurant work is fairly easily available in Bristol. Many employment agencies are in the city centre. Bristol has the second highest job ratio of the eight English core cities (after Manchester) making it very good for employment opportunities.

Buy [ edit ]

Malls & shopping centres [ edit ].

Broadmead and Cabot Circus are the two major precincts in the city's central shopping district.

Broadmead remains a pretty dire indictment of post war planning and architecture; it contains The Galleries , Bristol's city centre mall. It is large, though the range of shops doesn’t offer much. Primark and TK Maxx are the remaining department stores. The now empty Debenhams store towers over the area. Other high street stores include Lush, Waterstones, and HMV (Updated 2023).

• Avonmeads . Between St Philips and Brislington, Avonmeads has a few out of town shops, restaurants, Showcase cinema and bowling. Shops include Boots, Currys, Brantano, Outfit, The Range, and M&S Simply Food. A short distance away is Sainsburys.  
• 51.44387 -2.59511 4 ASDA , East St, Bristol BS3 4JY , ☏ +44 117 923 1563 . Large supermarket in Bedminster, south of the Bristol city centre. One of the cheapest supermarkets in Bristol, ASDA is the best choice for travellers to restock on food and drinks. They also carry SIM card top-ups for the major UK carriers and necessary tools to make repairs to equipment (duct tape, etc.) It also houses a Gregg’s, McDonald’s and Cinnabon ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 51.433491 -2.618777 5 Sainsbury's , St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3BD , ☏ +44 117 977 4887 . M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10AM-4PM . Large supermarket close to Bedminster, a bit more expensive than ASDA in Southville, but offers a variety of prepared take-away foods such as salads and prepared noodle dishes that can be eaten cold. Don't forget to pick up a pack of plastic spoons or forks if you don't have any along, you'll find them in aisle 31. ( updated Mar 2018 )

Areas [ edit ]

• Park Street, Queens Road and The Triangle (marketed by the local traders as Bristol's West End) has a good range of fashionable clothes shops, book shops, restaurants, takeaways, record shops.
• Clifton Village contains a wide variety of smaller, more expensive boutique style shops, as well as some nice cafes and restaurants.
• Whiteladies Road has some small department stores, takeaways, restaurants, bars, Clifton Down shopping centre, electrical stores, bookshops, gift shops.
• Old Market Street/West Street is home to several of Bristol's massage parlours, along with a few adult shops several gay bars and a gay club called Flamingos. Nearby on Midland Road is The Club, and on Alfred Street, The Elite Retreat; both good massage parlours, although Central Massage on Old Market Street is the cheapest, and Adam & Eve on West Street is open 24/7.

Bristol also has quite vibrant district shopping centres. The best of these are probably:

• Christmas Steps area, mainly independent shops including many boutique type shops, including bookshops, hairdressers, vintage clothing stores and some bars.
• North St and East St, in Bedminster in the south of the city. A wide range of independent shops, also supermarkets, greengrocers, butchers, bars, cafes, delicatessens, charity shops.
• Gloucester Rd/Cheltenham Rd in the North, which offer a lot of cafes and restaurants, a number of instrument shops, many hardware stores and a good selection of independent butchers, bakers and greengrocers. At night, the restaurants and pubs attract lively nightlife.
• Fishponds Rd and Staple Hill in the East. Asian restaurants, thrift shops, bakers and independent stores.
• St Mark's Rd in Easton, in the east of the inner city, which is particularly noted for its mainly South Asian food shops and restaurants. It is also home to a modern vegetarian/vegan restaurant (Café Maitreya) that has won national acclaim.

Markets [ edit ]

There are also a number of markets in and around the city. St Nicholas Market [dead link] in the centre, near Corn St. is a permanent fixture and has stalls selling jewellery, books, CDs and fresh food. It also hosts the 'Nails' market on Fridays and Saturdays, a Flea Market on Fridays, and various special markets around the end of the year. There are a number of farmers markets (and similar events) held at different venues around the city. These include:

• Corn St. . Bristol Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings 9:30AM-2:30PM. Local producers from a 40-mile radius sell a massive range of food from cheese, fish, honey, cakes, vegetables to meat, game and poultry at this award-winning market. All the produce is grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked by the stallholders.  
• St Nicholas Market , Corn Street . Covered market M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM . Historic covered market, established in 1743, with about 50 stalls. Outdoors there is a Nails Market on Friday, Saturday; Farmers Market on Wednesday; Food Market on Fridwy. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Straits Parade, Fishponds . Straits Parade is a grassy open space right alongside the busy Fishponds Road. Here the Market has come to its customers. Held on the Second Thursday morning each month it is gaining a strong local following. Good bus links to Emersons Green and Downend.  
• Sunday Market at theTobacco Factory , Southville . 10AM-2:30PM . It has around 30 stalls and leans strongly towards eco-friendly, fair trade and local products. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Slow Food Market . 10AM-3PM . Corn St. on the first Sunday, hrs. It is the largest food market in Bristol, with the widest choice. Although it is the largest food market, Slow Food Bristol and Bristol City Council are committed to increasing its size and range further. They are aiming by next year to see the market going international with visits from food producers from France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and, of course, Italy.  
• Whiteladies Rd. . Due to its popularity with both stallholders and shoppers it is now fortnightly, alternating Fridays 8:30AM till 1PM, and Saturdays, 9AM till 2PM, at the corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road.  

Eat [ edit ]

Bristol has a huge choice of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. There are many around the Harbourside and the West End's Park Street and Whiteladies Road, but do not be dissuaded from trying those outside the centre as many are superior to those that attract passing trade due to their location. After a night out, or if your hotel allows food delivery, you will also be able to find many takeaways in Bristol , with different varieties of food.

Budget [ edit ]

City centre [ edit ].

• 51.454407 -2.592533 1 St Nicholas Market , The Corn Exchange, Corn St . There is a food aisle within the glass arcade at St Nicholas Market. Many international cuisines are represented, including Italian, Indian, West Indian/Caribbean, Moroccan and Portuguese. Can be a bit chilly, depending on the weather, so keep your coat on! ( updated May 2022 )

• 51.452939 -2.598909 2 Rendezvous Fish Bar , 9 Denmark St . Here you get fish&chips. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.454081 -2.59326 3 Portuguese Taste , St Nicholas Market, 43 The Glass Arcade . Amazing Portuguese food and great people running the shop. Offers delicious home cooked comfort food. Pasteis de Nata is amazing. Very friendly staff. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.449208 -2.59666 4 Princes Pantry , 61 Prince St . Simple and good tasting fast food. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.455274 -2.595354 5 Beirut Mezze , 13A Small St., BS1 1DE , ☏ +44 1179277937 . M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM . Lebanese restaurant serving authentic food in sizeable portions. Their £5 meal deal (July 2019) features 6 different specialities including hummus, grilled chicken, and minced lamb. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.45269 -2.59756 6 Falafel King , Narrow Quay, at the Centre Promenade . M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM . Snack stands in the centre, conveniently next to the bus stops! Excellent falafel customised to just about any preference. £6 (April 2019) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.454452 -2.592471 7 Matina , The Glass Arcade, St Nicholas St . Stunning Middle-Eastern food, all made fresh in front of you and quick. Really yummy wraps. Very friendly staff at the shop. ( updated May 2022 )
• You also find the chain restaurants of JD Wetherspoon, Greggs (bakery), Franco Manca and Eat A Pitta.

Broadmead [ edit ]

• 51.458174 -2.590724 8 Taste of Napoli , 32 The Horsefair . Welcoming staff, delicious food. Plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. Authentic Italian pizza, snacks (arancini, fried breaded mozzarella, etc ) and sandwiches. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.458563 -2.584912 9 Tortilla Bristol (Cabot Circus) , Concorde St . Amazing Mexican restaurant, great food, incredible staff. Tasty burritos. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.457958 -2.591907 10 Rana's Dhaba , Avon House, 1 The Haymarket . Very nice food, brilliant service. It's almost impossible not walk by and not get something as it smells so good. Best veggie samosa. Great veggie options all in all. ( updated May 2022 )

Around the University of Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.46031 -2.60109 11 Fresh Takeaway , 124 Saint Michael's Hill , ☏ +44 117 926 5959 . 10:30AM-10PM . Small Chinese takeaway restaurant, serving traditional Cantonese food. There is no indoor seating available. Try their fried pork rice for £5.30 (Jan 2019)! They have a daily lunch offer for £4.80 (Jan 2019). ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.45595 -2.606532 12 Taka Taka , Queens Row, 1 Queens Rd, BS8 1QE , ☏ +44 117 929 1785 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-midnight . Greek comfort food restaurant, with seating inside or takeaway. Decent sized portions of kebabs, souvlaki etc. served with Greek bread and/or chips, tzatziki, and a vegetable mix. £8.50 (July 2019) . ( updated May 2022 )

North-east Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.469476 -2.575351 13 Golden Spiced , 88 Mina Rd, Bristol, BS2 , ☏ +44 1179 552 419 , [email protected] . Daily 5:30PM-11:30PM . Take-away Indian restaurant with an extensive menu. Tikka Lamb starting at £7.50 (April 2018), but also many entries and vegetarian options available. Wait time usually around 10 minutes. Take-away only, no seating. ( updated May 2022 )

South-east Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.437172 -2.556038 14 Lodekka , Tramway Rd, BS4 3DS Brislington ( on the corner of Bath Rd and Tramway Rd ), ☏ +44 117 971 2975 . Daily 10AM-11PM . Grill restaurant aiming to provide the best value, translating in large portions of average quality grilled meat. The mixed grill for £11.49 (Aug 2018) is very good for its price. A great place for families or dinners with friends, not such a great choice for vegetarians. Indoor and outdoor seating available, and a playground for kids. You need to order food at the bar with mention of your table number and pay up front to the bartender, food is then delivered to your table. £5-11.50 (Aug 2018) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.44523 -2.55212 15 Pizza Factory , 200 Bloomfield Road, BS4 3QU Brislington , ☏ +44 1179774307 . Tu-Th 5-11PM, F-Su noon-11PM . A small privately owned fast food restaurant run by a family of highly motivated Indians. If you expect a wood-fired pizza oven here you'll be disappointed, but it will be hard to find better tasting pizzas for the price anywhere else in Bristol. Huge selection of toppings to choose from, the best opportunity to compose your own pizza. They also have a selection of drinks and desserts. Stay away from the chips, they're nothing special. No seating available, take-away only. £7-9 (Oct 2018) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.44067 -2.55558 16 Parsons , 35 Sandy Park Rd, BS4 3PH , ☏ +44 117 977 2744 . M-F 7:30AM-4PM, Sa 8AM-3:30PM . Family run bakery in the Sandy Park commercial district of Brislington. Sells a wide range of baked goods, sandwiches, donuts, and assorted snacks. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.445569 -2.56597 17 Loki Poké , 127 Albert Rd . Just what Bristol was crying out for, Hawaiian street food. (Like vertiginous pre-European Hawaii had anything so flat as streets?) Opened in 2021 and serving W-F 5:30PM-9PM and Sa Su noon-9PM. ( updated May 2022 )

East Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.45461 -2.54494 18 Good Taste , Unit 4, St. Annes Village Centre, Wyatts View, St. Annes Park, BS4 4WW ( get off the bus at Chapel Way ), ☏ +44 117 971 7170 . M W-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM . Chinese, Malaysia and Thai take-away. Delicious food in large portions. No seating available, take-away only. £7.50 (Sept 2020) for a meal package . ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 51.4463 -2.59958 19 Bertha's Pizza , The Old Gaol Stables,Cumberland Rd, BS1 6WW , ☏ +44 117 929 0003 . W-F 5-10PM Sa noon-10PM (closed Su-Tu) . Unusual Pizzas, in the warm loft and interesting speciality deserts Pizza's £14 . ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 51.46027 -2.60106 20 Chris and Jo's Kitchen , 122 St. Michaels Hill, BS2 8BU , ☏ +44 117 239 5388 , [email protected] . Very cosy restaurant next to the University campus and a popular choice for casual lunch or dinner. Requires a hike to the top of St Michaels Hill! The interior is simple and the restaurant looks nothing special from the outside, but it's worth a visit. £10-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4595 -2.55153 21 The Lock Up , 182 Church Road, BS5 9HX , ☏ +44 117 329 0707 . British and European cuisine. Great venue for a Sunday lunch or family event. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.44084 -2.57478 22 Eat Your Greens , 156 Wells Road, BS4 2AG , ☏ +44 117 239 8704 , [email protected] . Simple restaurant serving British food, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan options. £12-22 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.45575 -2.6206 23 The Clifton Sausage , 7 Portland Street, BS8 4JA , ☏ +44 117 973 1192 , [email protected] . Simple but delicious British pub food. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.45617 -2.59391 24 The Bank , 8 John Street, BS1 2HR , ☏ +44 117 930 4691 , [email protected] . British pub serving typical Sunday roast, Yorkshire pudding included! ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.444194 -2.609981 26 Sonny Stores ( Birch ), 47 Raleigh Rd, Southville , ☏ +44 117 902 8326 . Opened in 2021 serves Italian. It's open Tu-Sa noon - 10PM. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.466346 -2.587692 27 Thali Montpelier , ☏ +44 117 942-6687 . York Road, Montpelier, and also in Easton, Clifton, Totterdown, and North Street in Southville. The Thali specialises in vegetarian Indian food and in terms of volume of food, must be one of the best bargains in the city! Loads of courses for very little outlay. On Sundays there is normally live music and bargain thalis on a first-come-first-served basis (no reservations taken). ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.45653 -2.606993 28 wagamama bristol clifton , Queen's Road . A professionally run, good-value Asian noodle bar. Main courses are filling and of consistent quality. Walkable from the centre, or take a bus from St. Augustines Parade/College Green up Park Street. ( updated May 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.44722 -2.59854 29 Tare , Unit 14, Cargo 2, Museum Street, BS1 6ZA , ☏ +44 117 929 4328 . Tiny restaurant in a shipping container at Wapping Wharf. Making advance reservations is a necessity. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4491 -2.59348 31 River Station , The Grove, BS1 4RB , ☏ +44 117 914-4434 . The restaurant aims to be carbon neutral with naturally generated air-conditioning. Great location on the harbourside looking towards Redcliffe. Fresh locally sourced menu with a lean towards Mediterranean seafood. £30-40 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.44726 -2.59401 32 Casamia , The General, Lower Guinea Street , ☏ +44 117 959-2884 . W-Sa 6:30PM-8:15PM, F Sa 12:15PM-1:30PM; book 1-3 months ahead . This Italian restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, and has moved to a more central location. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4469 -2.59898 33 BOX-E , Unit 10, Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6WP , [email protected] . Tiny restaurant in a shipping container at the Wapping Wharf. Their wines are lovely, but an advance reservations are a must. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4495 -2.58929 34 Pasture , 2 Portwall Lane, BS1 6NB , ☏ +44 7741 193445 , [email protected] . Steak house with some vegetarian options as well. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.46274 -2.59796 35 Bulrush , 21 Cotham Road South, BS6 5TZ , ☏ +44 117 329 0990 , [email protected] . Th-Sa 12:30-14:30, Tu-Sa 18:30-20:30 . Fine dining restaurant with a Michelin star. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 51.44433 -2.6132 36 The Ashville , 15 Leigh Street, BS3 1SN , ☏ +44 117 939 6897 , [email protected] . Steak house also known for its burgers. £10-25 (Feb 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.46787 -2.60524 37 Wilsons , 24 Chandos Road, BS6 6PF , ☏ +44 117 973 4157 . Fine dining restaurant with a 7 course tasting menu. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.45043 -2.59248 38 Adelina Yard , Welsh Back, BS1 4SL , ☏ +44 117 925 6682 , [email protected] . Posh fine dining restaurant near Queen Square. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Sweet [ edit ]

• 51.45273 -2.60006 39 Swoon Gelato , 31a College Green, BS1 5TB ( across from the Cathedral ), ☏ +44 117 929 0093 . 10AM-10:30PM daily . Regarded as the best ice cream in the city, although not cheap. Fairly posh interior, with indoor seating or take away. £4.5 for 2 scoops in a cone . ( updated Nov 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

The fact that it's the home to around 44,000 students probably says a lot for the quality of the city's nightlife. Surprisingly, though, it's relatively expensive, with prices similar to those in London. Mainstream nightlife centres around 3 main areas - Corn Street in the 'old city', Park Street/Whiteladies Road, and the Harbourside. These areas get extremely busy, if not rowdy, at weekends, however there are plenty of places in Bristol where you can have a good time without mixing with more student type crowds. Venue magazine is a good source of information. The eastern end of King Street in the old city provides a slightly more relaxed, but popular, outdoor drinking area on sunny summer evenings, surrounded by historic pubs such as the 17th-century Llandoger Trow (reputed to have been the haunt of pirates and the model for the Admiral Benbow in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island").

Amongst the hundreds of brilliant venues in the city, there are four outstanding areas:

• St Nicholas' Market , including Baldwin Street: on and around Corn Street, you'll find several chain bars, including Wetherspoons' the Commercial Rooms on Corn Street which was once a meeting place for Merchant Ventures. Other reliable venues include the Slug & Lettuce and Vodka Revolution on St Nicholas Street, All Bar One and Walkabout on Corn Street and O'Neill's and Reflex on Baldwin Street. However, those looking to get away from the familiar will definitely enjoy Start The Bus at the bottom of Corn Street, an established indie pub-come-club; also, Mr Wolf's on St Stephen's Street offers noodles and live music.
• Harbourside area : the regenerated waterside is a great place to drink, especially on summer afternoons. On Welsh Back, there's the famous Old Duke jazz pub and, opposite it, the famous Lladngoer Trow - plus, the Apple, a floating cider bar. Bristol's famous bar on a boat, the Thekla, is around the corner, and there are plenty of big chain and independent bars on Canon Road. Millennium Square has lots of chain restaurants and bars centred on the impressive mirrored 'Imaginarium' and fountains. The Waterfront by the hippodrome can be rowdy of a weekend and is best avoided.
• Park Street , Park Row , Clifton Triangle and Whiteladies Road : Whiteladies Road runs from the Downs on top of Blackboy Hill, past Clifton on one side and Cotham and Redland on the other; at the Triangle, traffic runs around the eponymous island of shops and bars before pushing down Park Street to the centre of Bristol. There are hundreds of bars and clubs along this busy thoroughfare: popular venues include the Tube, the Woods, Embargo, Brown's, The Jersey Lily and the Black Bear.
• Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road : the anarchic area of Stokes Croft is home to Bristol's big independent clubs, Blue Mountain, Lakota and Clockwork. Whilst not in Stokes Croft, Club Motion, hidden behind Temple Meads station is a relatively new addition to the Bristol scene, hosting similar nights and acts as these venues. A skate park by day, this huge (by any standards) club has become one of Bristol's most popular, is internationally known, and is well worth a visit for seasoned clubbers; after these monoliths, there are live music venues, pubs and bars to please the alternative crowd. Highlights include the Pipe and Slippers, the Croft, the Bell, the Flyer and the Prince of Wales.

If you're a tourist in Bristol, you may enjoy visiting one of the city's pubs and bars with historic and literary connections.

• Abolitionist the Reverend Thomas Clarkson stayed in the Seven Stars in Redcliffe while he researched the British slave trade in 1787.
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey used to meet in the Rummer Tavern to talk about emigrating. An earlier pub on the same premises, known as the Greene Lattis, was the first pub in Bristol to get a license, back in 1241.
• Actor Cary Grant often stayed in the Avon Gorge Hotel , which has a terrace bar opening out onto Clifton's best view of Brunel's suspension bridge.
• Pioneers of the Bristol sound, Massive Attack, established the Tube , a bar/club at the foot of Park Street.

City Centre pubs [ edit ]

• 51.45492 -2.60357 2 Goldbrick House , 69 Park Street, BS1 5PB , ☏ +44 117 945-1950 . The bar is laid out over the top floor of a traditional Georgian building and spans four interconnecting rooms. It has a great intimate vibe as it creates the feeling that you are drinking, not in a bar but in someone’s house. The décor reflects this mood as there are contemporary yet comfy armchairs and sofas dotted around.  
• 51.45189 -2.59233 3 The Apple , Welsh Back, BS1 4SB , ☏ +44 117 925-3500 . A floating cider bar. A converted old Dutch Barge where the decks have been transformed into seating areas where you can sit and lull with the water whilst enjoying some of the West Country’s finest ciders. A really unique place to grab a drink. Just be wary of what cider you are drinking as some are rather lethal and could lead to a man-overboard situation.  

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road pubs [ edit ]

• 51.46305 -2.59268 4 The Hillgrove Porter Stores ( The Hillgrove ), 53 Hillgrove Street North, BS2 8LT , ☏ +44 117 924-8234 . Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2007, a freehouse with ten real ales and cider, perry. A wide mix of customers, good food and heated beer garden, open Su-Th 'til midnight, F & Sa 'til 1AM.  
• 51.47119 -2.57637 5 The Miner's Arms , 136 Mina Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9YQ , ☏ +44 117 907-9874 . This pub is the type of large, multi-roomed community local that is increasingly rare. Declared the Best Pub in Bristol by Venue Magazine in 2005, it has mirrored the resurgence of this vibrant community. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 51.46731 -2.57559 6 Duke of York , 2 Jubilee Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9RS , ☏ +44 117 941-3677 . Winner of CAMRA's Best Pub in Bristol 2008, has a friendly atmosphere and quirky décor.  
• 51.4611 -2.59898 7 The Green Man ( formerly The Bell ), 21 Alfred Place, Kingsdown, BS2 8HD , ☏ +44 117 930-4824 . Opened in September 2008 as the first 'organic' pub in the city. The pub used to be the Georgian-built 'The Bell'. Notably, all the alcoholic drinks are organic and the freshly-prepared food is all organic or free range. Two of the six real ales are served on gravity from the barrel. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 51.46149 -2.60244 8 The Highbury Vaults , 164 St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DE , ☏ +44 117 973-3203 . Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2003, the Highbury Vaults is a classic traditional pub with 8 real ales available on cask. Popular with students and older customers alike, and with a large heated garden. Open until midnight.  

Clifton pubs [ edit ]

• 51.45295 -2.62387 10 The Portcullis , 3 Wellington Terrace, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LE , ☏ +44 117 908-5536 . Freehouse near Brunel's Suspension Bridge. A Grade II listed Georgian building, it has been a pub since the 1850s. On two levels, the bottom bar and main entrance is one of the smallest pubs in Bristol. ( updated Aug 2016 )

Hotwells pubs [ edit ]

There are a number of traditional pubs located around the City Docks, such as The Cottage at the Hotwells end of the Floating Harbour, Grain Barge and the Nova Scota. These pubs can be accessed by foot or by harbour ferry.

Surrounding area

• 51.39896 -2.63795 13 Dundry Inn , Dundry , BS41 8LH ( less than a mile from the city boundary ), ☏ +44 117 964-1722 , [email protected] . A small, friendly pub with cask ales opposite the church. Also 2 en-suite double rooms. Ambitious, home-cooked menu £5-15.50 .  

Bars with live music [ edit ]

• 51.4538 -2.59416 14 Mr Wolfs , 32 St Nicholas St, BS1 1TG . 6PM-3AM . Live music venue and noodle bar which has live music every night of the week from local bristol artists.  

Bristol's a gay-friendly city, on the whole, with a rounded and rich gay scene. Flamingo's on West Street is probably Bristol's biggest gay club with a 900-person capacity. The Pineapple on St George's Road is a sociable and well-established pink pub, and just down the road, the QueenShilling on Frogmore Street is a long-standing club that holds the Bristol heats of Mr Gay UK. And Club Wonky, held at Warehouse on Prince Street on the last Friday of the month where sleazy electro hits are cut with pop classics.

Non-alcoholic venues [ edit ]

• The Big Banana Juice Bar . Great juice bar in the centre of town at St Nicholas's Market on Corn Street. Fruit juices and organic wheatgrass. Into health and wellbeing. Juice promotions and promotional events.  
• Blue Juice , 39 Cotham Hill, Cotham . Also serves wraps and salads.  
• 51.4578 -2.59029 15 Shakeaway , The Arcade, Broadmead , ☏ +44 117 922 0446 . 11AM-6PM . Will make a milkshake out of pretty much anything, including Haribo, Mars Bars and Oreos.  
• Racks Bar & Kitchen , St.Paul's Road, BS8 1LX , ☏ +44 117 974-1626 . M-Th 7AM-11PM; F Sa 8AM-midnight; Su 8AM-10:30PM . In an old wine cellar (hence the name), Racks has been established as a go-to bar in Clifton for over 30 years.  
• 51.4569 -2.58993 16 Boswell's , Broadmead ( The Galleries ), ☏ +44 117 929 9964 . A café in The Galleries, similar to Starbucks, offering a large variety of coffee, tea and hot chocolate flavors. Comfortable seating with power sockets and internet access, this is an excellent venue for travellers to recharge laptop and phone batteries. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 51.452891 -2.598372 17 You & Meow , 22 Denmark Street . Noon-7:15PM . Pub filled with friendly people and free-roaming cats. A true heaven for cat-lovers! ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 51.46163 -2.60809 18 Brace & Browns , 43 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LS , ☏ +44 117 973 7800 , [email protected] . Trendy bar and restaurant next to the BBC building. Selection of decent food in good portion sizes, fairly priced. Not suitable for kids. Reservation in advance is recommended if you want to be sure of indoor seating. ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 51.46066 -2.60176 19 Mocha Mocha , 139 Saint Michaels Hill, BS2 8BS , ☏ +44 1173 763363 , [email protected] . M-F 07.45 - 17.00 . Small coffee shop specialising in hot beverages, snacks and breakfast. Their Cinnamon Latte for £3.40 is delicious! ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 51.45371 -2.59812 20 Doms Coffee House , 23-25 St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UL , ☏ +44 117 312 1040 , [email protected] . M-F 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-7:30PM, Su 10AM-4PM . Cold and hot beverages, and a selection of cakes, sandwiches and other snacks. Alcohol only sold together with food items. The ground floor is pretty small, but there is huge indoor seating on the first floor with a great view over the Centre in a Victorian setting. The globe in the far corner opens up and reveals a chess set! ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 51.45421 -2.60269 21 Gin & Juice , 47 Park St . noon-11PM daily . A charmingly decorated pub with nearly endless varieties of gin to try out, and freshly pressed juices and smoothies. ( updated Oct 2020 )

Adult entertainment [ edit ]

• 51.45314 -2.5969 12 Urban Tiger , 4 Broad Quay, BS1 4DA , ☏ +44 117 927 2181 . F Sa 9PM-4AM . Strip club near the Waterfront. ( updated Feb 2020 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There are a lot of hotels and guest houses in the Bristol area. A selection is listed below.

• The Washington Guesthouse Bristol , 11-15 St Paul's Rd, BS8 1LX , ☏ +44 117 973-3980 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . A good value budget hotel in heart of Clifton with full English breakfast included in the price. £20/single or £20/double when booked more than 6 weeks in advance . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• 51.44977 -2.59723 1 Youth Hostel , 14 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA , ☏ +44 845 371 9726 , [email protected] . A modern, clean and very central YHA youth hostel located in the Harbourside area; now with a newly revamped cafe on the quayside. Open every day all hours. £15/dorm bed, £39/private room. . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Bristol Backpackers , 17 Saint Stephen's Street ( in Old City ), ☏ +44 117 925-7900 . Reception hours 9AM-11:30PM. Dorm rate £14 per person per night  
• Full Moon Eco Hostel , 1 North St, Stokes Croft, BS1 3PR ( near the '5102' apartments, opposite the large roundabout behind Debenham's department store and the bus station ), ☏ +44 117 924-5007 . Check-in: 3PM-10:30PM . This hostel is next to two of Bristol's biggest nightclubs with music going on until 5AM. Reception is closed from 11AM-3PM. £17.50/dorm bed .  
• Rock N Bowl Motel (at The Lanes) , 22 Nelson St, BS1 2LE , ☏ +44 117 325-1980 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . A youth hostel above a bowling alley, which doubles as a bar/nightclub, in a converted 1930s primary school. Perfect location in the Old City. Can be a bit noisy at weekends, but they offer free earplugs, and their indie-ish atmosphere means that the music's usually good and often live. From £10/dorm bed, £45/double .  
• The Clifton Hotel , St Paul's Rd, BS8 1LX , ☏ +44 117 973-6882 . A good value budget hotel in heart of Clifton that has its own restaurant/bar. from £20/single or £25/double when booked more than 6 weeks in advance . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• Arnos Manor Hotel , 470 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, BS4 3HQ , ☏ +44 117 971-1461 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . Built in 1760 as the luxurious home of wealthy Bristol merchant William Reeve, this historic building boasts many original Georgian Gothic features. From £45 .  
• Holiday Inn, Bristol - Filton , Filton Road, Hambrook , ☏ +44 871 942 9014 . A 211-room hotel 15 minutes from the centre on 11 acres of land. It has its own fishing lake and free parking! From £60.  
• Premier Inn , The Haymarket ( near the Bus Station ), ☏ +44 870 238 3307 . Standard rooms, nothing fancy, has everything you need as a reasonable price. Not ideal for long stays as could get a bit depressing. £50-90 .  
• The Berkeley Square , 15 Berkeley Square , ☏ +44 117 925-4000 . If your visit takes you nearer to Clifton, this could be useful, just off Park Street (where all the best independent shops in the city are). The hotel is a lovely old 3* Georgian house; staying here also gains you access to the exclusive members-only bar in the basement. Rooms from £60 .  
• Brooks Guesthouse , Exchange Ave, St Nicholas Market BS1 1UB , ☏ +44 117 930 0066 . Bright and compact B&B with 23 rooms in a former office block. But the quirk is up on the roof, with four Airstream caravans parked on the astroturf. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• SACO Serviced Apartments , ☏ +44 117 970 6999 . An alternative to staying in a hotel. 150 well-equipped apartments throughout the city in seven locations with friendly staff. From £65 .  
• 51.4556 -2.6198 2 The Rodney Hotel Bristol , 4 Rodney Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HY ( Clifton Village ), ☏ +44 117 973 5422 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 51.448616 -2.587705 3 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Centre , Redcliffe Way, BS1 6NJ , ☏ +44 117 926 0041 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . 206 guest rooms and free Wi-Fi. There's a restaurant onsite, and meeting space for up to 300 attendees. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 51.4557 -2.6065 4 Berkeley Suites Bristol , 6 Berkeley Crescent, BS8 1HA , ☏ +44 117 925-4000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . These 5-star apartments offer the services of a top end hotel. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of Nuffield Health & Fitness Centre during their stay. ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Cadbury House Hotel , ☏ +44 193 483-4343 . This 4-star hotel is suitable for both relaxation and corporate visits.  
• Marriott Royal , College Green , ☏ +44 117 925-5100 . 4-star hotel, the most famous in the city. From £75 .  
• The Brigstow , Welsh Back , ☏ +44 117 929-1030 . A modern, contemporary hotel in the centre of all the action, near Broadmead/Corn Street. Overlooks a very attractive stretch of the floating harbour. £89-250 .  
• Hotel du Vin , The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead , ☏ +44 117 925-5577 . Walkable from the centre. Has spacious rooms and a restaurant and winery.  
• Avon Gorge Hotel ( Clifton Village ), ☏ +44 117 973-8955 . Spectacular panoramic views of the Avon gorge and the Clifton suspension bridge. They have their own bar and restaurant on site. From £115 .  
• Mercure Bristol Brigstow Hotel , Welsh Back, BS1 4SP , ☏ +44 117 929 1030 , [email protected] . On Welsh Back with riverside frontage. Comfortable, modern bedrooms and there's a plasma-screen TV in the bathroom. ( updated Apr 2020 )
• Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel ( formerly the Thistle ), ☏ +4401179291645 . In the centre of Bristol, about a 2-minute walk from Corn Street and St. Nicholas's Market. It has its own health and leisure club. ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 51.44757 -2.59116 5 Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel & Spa , Redcliffe Hill, BS1 6SQ ( next to the St. Mary of Redcliffe church ), ☏ +44 117 9689900 , [email protected] . Very posh hotel, with 4-star amenities and view over the floating harbour and city centre. Luxurious rooms, with indoor swimming pool and gym. Not at all cozy though, so considering the price only suitable for business travellers. £150 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
• 51.47 -2.617 6 Number 38 Clifton , 38 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton BS8 2XN , ☏ +44 117 946 6905 . Elegant B&B with 12 rooms in Georgian merchant's house looking onto Clifton Downs. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.419 -2.719 7 Backwell House , Farleigh Rd, Backwell BS48 3QA ( A370 seven miles SW of city ), ☏ +44 1275 794502 . Country house hotel with 9 rooms, a few lapses but most visitors enjoy good service, comfort and dining. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Like many other big cities in the UK, Bristol has its rough areas. Use common sense while getting around. While some of the following information may sound a little scary, many locals insist that Bristol is a lovely and safe city.

In the 2020s problems with drunken violence have become worse.

Drunken brawls can occur in the centre of town on Friday and Saturday nights as pubs and clubs close, especially near the waterfront area, the Centre, taxi queues and fast food joints. This has been reduced somewhat by a heavy police presence and security guards monitoring the taxi queues.

Avoid Baldwin Street at the 11PM and 2AM kickout times. Go somewhere else to hail a cab from some of the smaller, less busy ranks.

There are also specific areas that have a reputation after dark. The inner city districts of St Pauls and Easton are said to be rife with drugs and gangs but should not pose any danger to people outside the narcotics trade. The main areas of these districts are well monitored by CCTV. Pay attention to what is around you, and you should encounter no difficulties.

Also, some outlying suburbs such as Southmead, Knowle West and Hartcliffe have a bad reputation, but it is unlikely that a visitor to the city would travel to these parts.

Unfortunately there are more often than not individuals or groups of lowlifes who come out to look for someone to beat up. The best advice if you want to avoid any trouble is take a taxi back to your hotel, especially if your hotel is further out and you are coming home after 10PM.

Another problem is beggars as many will approach you on the street to ask for money.

Also, you may find people offering to sell you drugs. Those people have no drugs and will instead give you a bogus parcel (such as balls of cellophane or matches wrapped in newspaper) and run off with your money. They often have knives so avoid the people in the first place.

In the 2020s, knifepoint robberies have been on the rise. People have even been mugged for their bicycles at knifepoint in broad daylight. However, these such incidents usually occur in isolated areas of the city, and are unlikely to happen in any area the average tourist would visit. The best way to avoid such trouble is to stick to populated areas.

Be careful on matchdays especially when the Bristol derby(Bristol City and Bristol Rovers) are playing. Unfortunately fights are very common between the two teams. If you are extremely concerned about your safety, stay away from the stadium they are playing, don't go to pubs or at best, stay out of the city. Don't wear a City shirt in North Bristol and don't wear a Rovers shirt in the southern suburbs and the city. At least, you will get dirty looks. Unfortunately at worst you might get involved in a fight sometimes resulting being severely beaten up for wearing the wrong kit in the wrong place.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

• NHS Direct , ☏ 0845 46 47 (non-geographic number) .  
• Bristol Royal Infirmary Queens Building, Marlborough Street provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, assessment by an experienced NHS nurse, advice on how to stay healthy, and information on out-of-hours GP and dental services, local pharmacy services and other local health services. There is also a NHS Walk-in Centre at Knowle West Health Park, In the southern part of the city, For Opening times contact NHS Direct.
• Southmead Hospital Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit open 24 hours every day
• Bristol Eye Hospital is a specialist hospital for eye conditions and has an accident and emergency [dead link] department with limited opening hours for eye conditions only.
• Bristol Dental Hospital provides the full range of Dental Specialties including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Restorative, Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry. Emergency service [dead link] for dental conditions only (opening hours 8AM-10AM).
• NHS 111 operate a 24-hour helpline available by phone on 111 (free call). For all serious and possibly-serious complaints, they will probably refer the caller to a local General Practitioner or Accident and Emergency department.

Connect [ edit ]

As of March 2022, Bristol has 5G from all UK carriers. Free wifi is available in many public places.

The city libraries all have internet points and may allow brief guest use by non-members.

Go next [ edit ]

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

Towns and cities [ edit ]

• Bath , with its famous Regency terraces, Roman remains and spa facilities, is 12 mi (19 km) drive or 15 minutes train journey away, and makes an excellent day trip from Bristol.
• Wells , with its beautiful cathedral, is an hour's coach ride from Bristol.
• Portishead , the nearest sea-side resort town with plenty of nature, heritage, and outdoor attractions.
• Weston-super-Mare , resort with a sandy beach and plenty of entertainment suitable for young families. An adult day return from Bristol Temple Meads is £7.50 . If possible, taking the train to Weston-super-mare as an adult day return from the bus station will cost upwards of £8.

Outdoor activities [ edit ]

Two popular rural tourist destinations that are both an hour from Bristol:

• The Cotswolds
• The Mendips

Further afield the following are possible day trips and worthy destinations:

• Somerset , Dorset , Devon
• Forest of Dean
• Brecon Beacons

• Previous Destinations of the month
• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Has mapframe
• Articles with dead external links
• See listing with no coordinates
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Buy listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Has routebox
• Guide cities
• Guide articles
• City articles
• Somerset (England)
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Questions? Call 800.798.6035 or contact us

Home > Tennessee > Bristol

Whether you’re new to travel nursing or a seasoned traveler, our travel nursing blog will give you the best tips and tricks for making the most of your next assignment. Find a specific post by clicking through the tags or viewing the posts below and take a look at our always-updating pool of medical jobs .

Travel Nurse Housing Insights and Tips

Embarking on a journey as a travel nurse promises not just the thrill of new places and professional challenges but also brings to the forefront the critical aspect of housing. […]

How Travel Nurses Can Maximize Their Professional Networks

In travel healthcare, nurses acknowledge the importance of cultivating a strong professional network to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent to their roles. With the unique opportunities presented by […]

Unpacking the Most Asked Travel Nursing Questions

Embarking on a career in travel nursing is an adventure filled with promise and a fair share of queries. As prospective and current nurses wade through the sea of information, […]

Experience New York’s Fall & Elevate Your Nursing Career

Experience the mesmerizing fall colors of New York while advancing your nursing career with Voyage Healthcare. As the foliage in New York turns into breathtaking hues of red and orange, […]

How Much Money Do You Really Make as a Travel Nurse

When the itch to explore combines with a love for healthcare, travel nursing emerges as the answer. The excitement of discovering new locales and experiences is undoubtedly captivating, but the […]

Assessing the Value: Was Travel Nursing Worth It in 2023, and What’s the Outlook for 2024?

Travel nursing, a profession that flourished with demands for healthcare flexibility and a growing trend of nomadic living, was undeniably a popular career choice in 2023. The pertinent question, as […]

10 Summer Activities in Los Angeles for Travel Nurses

Are you a travel nurse ready to make the most of your summer in Los Angeles, CA? Look no further! This comprehensive guide reveals seven exciting things to do during […]

Explore the Best Books for Travel Nurses: Unlocking Knowledge and Inspiration

Are you a travel nurse eager to enhance your skills, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of some of […]

Prime Picks: Essential Amazon Products for Nurses

As healthcare professionals, nurses need reliable tools and resources to ensure they deliver the best care. We’ve curated a list of top-quality Amazon Prime picks specifically tailored for nurses. This […]

5 Financial Tips for Travel Nurses

At Voyage Healthcare, the importance of financial management for travel nurses like you, and that’s why we’re here to provide valuable Financial Tips for Travel Nurses We are here to […]

Employee Duty of Care - it's Personal

Bristol is a vibrant and interesting city with a population of nearly half a million people in south west England, situated between Somerset and Gloucestershire on the tidal River Avon. It has been among the country’s largest and most economically and culturally important cities for eight centuries. Today Bristol stands as the largest city in the South West. Bristol is the only UK city to have won the title European Green Capital for 2015.

Bristol’s climate is classified as warm and temperate. Bristol has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. This is true even for the driest month so bring your umbrella or waterproofs. In Bristol, the average annual temperature is 9.8 °C.

Local business etiquette and customs

English is the main language in Bristol. Communication is usually by email or phone.

Shaking hands is a common gesture when meeting someone. In email correspondence always begin formally by addressing someone with ‘Dear [Insert Name]’, and only switch to another, less formal greeting, if the person you’re emailing does. If you are not sure of the marital status of a women use Ms. Meetings should, where possible, be made a few days in advance and kept to the time allocated. You should be punctual when arriving for meetings, arriving 5 minutes early if possible.

Business cards are often exchanged at meetings, however do not take it personally if people do not have one.

Travel and transport

Airports  –  Bristol has a large international airport. From Bristol Airport you can get the airport flyer ( https://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/ ) link bus into the City Centre; this is easy to do, taking 30 minutes, and the buses run every 8 minutes. Tickets can be pre-booked via your Travel Agent or you can buy them on the bus for approx £7.00 per single journey.

Bristol is ideally located for road access from London as well as from the north and east of England,  being situated at the intersection of the M4 and M5 motorways.  It is approximately a 2 hour drive from London Heathrow Airport which serves many airlines and has train connections to Bristol.

Trains  –  There are two train stations serving Bristol: Bristol Temple Meads which is a 15 minute walk to the city centre, or Bristol Park Way situated on the North of Bristol and a 10 minute taxi trip to the centre of Bristol.

Taxis  are safe to use, although it is always a good idea to book them in advance if you can. Make sure taxis are registered or booked through a hotel. The blue cabs are the proper Bristol City cabs and are registered.

Dining and bars

Bristol  is proud of its independent  restaurants ,  bars  and  cafes and is home to an award-winning array of them.  Recommended areas for dining out for something less formal is the area in Cabot Circus, home to quite a few informal restaurants and is well lit with plenty of people in the area.  You will find Nandos, Wagamamas, Bella Italia etc.

If you’re looking for a more formal atmosphere try Piccalinos in Cabot Circus or The Glass Boat with its waterside location and exquisite dining.  Other good restaurants are The Ox, famed for sensational steaks, Harveys Cellars – here you can enjoy sherry and tapas in the former home and birthplace of Harveys Bristol Cream – and not forgetting the Bistro Du Vin which is inspired by French home cooking and has an exceptional wine list!

The South West is famed for its cider and scrumpy and you will easily find  pubs  and  bars  in Bristol offering a host of different varieties. But if you are an ale or beer fan then you will not be disappointed either; Bristol’s craft beer scene is fermenting as well as the award-winning ale it produces. There are also plenty of wine bars and cocktails bars.

Beauty and fitness

Most hotels have fitness facilities, check with your hotel before you book. If the hotel you’re staying at does not have these facilities you can pre-book beauty treatments at any hotel in the area and there are quite a few nail bars in the city centre that do not require pre-booking.

The Lido in Clifton is worth a visit if you have time, Bristol’s most unique spa destination, featuring a pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, spa, restaurant bar and terrace.

Bristol is fairly safe but like any city centre you should always be careful and avoid walking around alone in the night. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the ways of life of the locals before traveling to the city. This will help you to blend in and avoid looking too much like a tourist. It is advisable that visitors to the area and tourists avoid flashing their valuables when walking on the streets.

Cases have been reported of women whose drinks were spiked when they left them unattended. All visitors are advised to be careful when exploring the nightlife in Bristol. There are some areas to avoid even during the day like Eastvile, Easton, St Pauls, Knowle West and Hartcliffe.

Maiden Voyage’s partners, IWant2Network offer membership for the best professional networking groups and meetings, locally, nationally and all over the world. See what’s happening in Bristol and join IWant2Network  here .

Our Bristol Ambassador

Welcome to the beautiful vibrant city of Bristol! I am Operations Director at TravelSolutions, an independent business travel management company based in the city centre of Bristol with locations in Guernsey, Jersey, and Bromley. I have worked in business travel for over 20 years so have a wealth of experience and information to offer. I live with my husband and two children and although I do not live in Bristol I visit a lot for business, and we visit as a family for pleasure and always enjoy the wonderful city. If you have any questions at all please email me at [email protected] or through twitter at @AlexLBurke (personal) or @TS_Corporate .

Other Cities in UK

Newcastle upon tyne, become an ambassador.

If you love travel, are a sociable animal and love sharing top tips about your city, then apply to join our community of Maiden Voyage Ambassadors. Tell us which city you’d like to represent and why you’d make a brilliant Ambassador.

Get in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter.

• Research Papers
• Hotels4Homeless
• Mailing address maiden-voyage.com Ltd Richmond House Lawnswood Business Park, Redvers Close, Leeds, England, LS16 6QY

Where should you travel next? Take the free quiz!

12 Best Free Things To Do in Bristol, England

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Bristol, you’re in the right place!

Bristol is a beautiful city in South West England, only 13 miles from the famous city of Bath but worlds away in atmosphere and culture. Bristol also enjoys the reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the country – outside of London , that is! 

The cost of living in Bristol is pretty high, but if you are just visiting for a few days, there are plenty of ways to cut costs and enjoy Bristol on a budget. One of these is to experience all of the fantastic free things that there are to do in Bristol! 

From walking over the iconic suspension bridge to checking out some of the city’s best free museums, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bristol at absolutely no cost. Let’s check them out!

Here are some of the best free things to do in Bristol!

FREE TRAVEL QUIZ

Table of Contents

Best Free Things to do in Bristol UK

Clifton suspension bridge and visitors centre.

The most iconic attraction in Bristol, and one that doesn’t cost a penny, is the Clifton Suspension Bridge . This bridge was designed by local Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who some claim to be the best engineer who ever lived.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge stretches from Clifton Village in the east to rural Somerset in the west. It crosses the highest point of the Avon Gorge – you’re a whopping 101 metres in the air here! 

It’s free to walk across the bridge on foot, and you can also visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge exhibition centre for no cost. 

Lots of locals frequent the bridge and the area around it, and having a picnic on the grassy spot on the Clifton side of the suspension bridge has become one of the most popular Bristol date ideas .

With an uninterrupted view of the most iconic structure in Bristol, and the chance to climb up to the bridge for sweeping views of the city, there are fewer places more romantic!

Ashton Court

On the Somerset side of the suspension bridge is Ashton Court. This 850-acre country park is home to woodland, grassland, a stately home, manicured gardens, and lots of deer. The beautiful deer take up residence in two parts of the park and aren’t camera-shy! 

Ashton Court is a great place for an afternoon walk, cycle, or jog. There are also plenty of activities on offer here throughout the year – from foot golf to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

M Shed Museum

If you want to know the story of Bristol, the M Shed is the place to go. This museum details Bristol through the eyes of locals, discussing intriguing characters who have shaped the city and drawing connections with different neighbourhoods.

It’s a refreshing take on the city, and it’s well worth the zero-pound entry fee! 

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

I won’t put too many museums on this list (one thing that the UK is great for is free museums), but the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is well worth a visit.

There are exhibitions on Ancient Egyptians, wildlife in the South West, dinosaurs, a large taxidermied gorilla named Alfred, and various art galleries showcasing work through the ages. Sitting on Park Street, near Bristol University’s Wills Building, it’s a must-do in the city.

Explore the outside art gallery at Stokes Croft

Not all of Bristol’s galleries are inside – Stokes Croft is home to plenty of amazing street art that showcases the dynamic modern culture of Bristol. Bristol is the home of Banksy, possibly the most famous street artist of all time (although his identity still remains anonymous!). 

There are some Banksy pieces in Stokes Croft, including a mural depicting ‘the mild, mild west.’ But you can also enjoy plenty of gorgeous murals and thought-provoking pieces throughout the entire neighbourhood. 

If you’re staying south of the river, you could also check out the murals and art in Southville, particularly on North Street. 

Visit St Mary Redcliffe Church

Bristol effortlessly fuses the old and new, traditional and contemporary, and the stunning St Mary Redcliffe Church depicts this. A church may have been on this site since Saxon times, and the current building is thought to have been there since the 15th century. 

Queen Elizabeth I herself praised the church for being “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England,” and its breathtaking Gothic architecture able to be enjoyed inside and outside for free. 

Go back in time at the Arnos Vale Cemetery

The Arnos Vale Cemetery is a traditional Victorian cemetery nestled in South Bristol.

Established in 1837, Arnos Vale was privately owned and was once the most fashionable place to be laid to rest in Bristol. It is now owned by Bristol City Council, has been lovingly restored, and is open for visitors for free from Monday to Friday. 

Its 45 acres compose both the cemetery, with beautiful Gothic headstones, and various nature trails. You can pick up a free discovery trail leaflet to tell you more about the area and take you around the site.

Climb to the top of Cabot Tower

Sitting at the top of Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower offers one of the best viewpoints in Bristol. Brandon Hill is the oldest park in Bristol and is a popular spot for locals who use the area to BBQ, enjoy the vistas of the city below and take a walk very close to the centre. 

Cabot Tower is perched at the top, and visitors can climb up the spiral staircase to its summit and enjoy epic views of the city. See the entire harbourside in one snapshot, as well as the southern suburbs of the city and Clifton. 

Cycle to Bath

As I mentioned, Bath is a mere 13 miles away from Bristol. It’s easy to cycle between cities using the cycle trail that connects the two. This trail goes along the River Avon and is a wonderful breath of fresh air between the two cities.

Once you’re in Bath, you can either spend some time exploring this city, cycle back, or take a return train to Bristol – it’s only 10 minutes away! 

Learn the intriguing history of John Wesley’s Chapel

John Wesley’s Chapel is the oldest Methodist building in the world. Constructed in 1739 as a ‘new room’ where people from two religious groups could meet, it was a site for charitable donations and a free medical dispensary. It’s a building that has shaped Methodism as we now know it. 

It is free to enter the chapel and experience it nearly as it was back in 1739. There is also a small museum on-site, which details the life of the Wesleys and their work in Bristol, in the UK, and overseas. 

See the city from a ship

The Matthew is a reconstruction of the ship that John Cabot sailed to North America in. He made the voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497, being the first European explorer to do so. 

The European arrival to North America brought a lot of hardship to Native American communities and completely changed the world. This remains an important, yet often sombre, part of Bristol’s history to learn about, and the volunteers on The Matthew depict it excellently. 

The ship is located near the M Shed and is completely free to enter and look around.

Try to be in town for one of the many free festivals!

Bristol has festivals year-round, and plenty of them are free entry. The Bristol harbourside festival celebrates all that is awesome about this small city, with the opportunity to drink lots of cider and support local businesses. 

St Pauls’s Carnival is a festival that celebrates the diversity of Bristol, hosted by the city’s African and Caribbean communities. Rave on Avon is a Stokes Croft-based music festival that plays electronic music for an entire day and night (day entry is free). 

And lastly, head back to Ashton Court for the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. This free, family-friendly festival sees hundreds of hot air balloons float into the sky every August.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to do in Bristol

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to explore Bristol – as you can see, these budget-friendly free things to do in the city are enough to give you a taste of it without spending anything.

If you stay at one of Bristol’s cheap hostels and eat street food at St Nicholas’ Market, you could have an exceptionally cheap city break here!

Meet the guest author: Claire

Claire is a British travel blogger and writer. She currently runs two websites, Claire’s Footsteps and Go South West England .

She is an advocate for overland travel and completed a trip from Bali to London without flying in 2019. However, she also loves experiencing the small aspects of local travel, whether that is going to a museum in her hometown or eating at an excellent restaurant. 

Explore England

Are you planning a trip to England? That’s so exciting! I have many other great England posts to help you plan your itinerary.

• 14 Foods in London You Have to Try
• 16 Free Things To Do In London
• London Bucket List: 61 Things To Do In London
• Most Instagrammable Spots in London
• Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Stay in London
• Complete Guide to the Best Restaurants in London
• 15 Cute Cafes in London
• 12 Best Things to do in London on Your Own

Volumes & Voyages occasionally hosts posts from guest authors who are experts on their topic.

Similar Posts

13 Best Free Things to do in Prague

11 Best Free Things to do in Berlin + Map

11 Best Free Things To Do in Sayulita, Mexico

14 Best Free Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

11 Amazing Free Things to do in Bordeaux, France

12 Best Free Things To Do in Rome for Budget Travelers

One comment.

I adored this post! Bristol sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Is it okay if I borrow this topic and write about free things to do in Toronto? I would, of course, link back to this post as attribution. 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

x. Brigstow Institute

Brigstow brings researchers from different disciplines together with a range of partners across the city and beyond to experiment in new ways of living and being.

The Hamlet Voyage

• Experimental Partnership
• Ideas Exchange

How can theatre making and practice-as-research shed light upon possibly the first performance of Hamlet as well as the colonial history of the early voyages of the East India Trading company?

• colonialism
• performance
• Shakespeare

In 1607, two ships called The Hector and The Red Dragon set sail on a voyage that marked England’s first infiltration of Indian subcontinent trading networks. These were East India Company ships, so representatives of the company that would eventually, in effect, rule India. The ships got a bit lost on the way, and they ended up off the coast of Sierra Leone. There, according to the evidence we have from journals, they traded peaceably with the Temne people and Portuguese intercessors, and performed Hamlet on board the Red Dragon, possibly before an African or Afro-Portuguese audience. The details of what actually happened are debated, but if this performance did take place, then it is the first record we have of a performance of Hamlet — anywhere in the world.

What did the project involve? 

A Bristol-based theatre director called Ben Prusiner approached Laurence Publicover, a dramaturge and expert on Shakespeare and Maritime industry, with the idea of staging a play that marks this possible performance and thinks through its implications for colonial history. He wanted  Hamlet  itself to feature in some way, of course, but this project was not simply going to be a production of  Hamlet , but rather a new play that recounts the events of the voyage. Ben Prusiner had developed an initial team including a professor of the history of Sierra Leone based at Kalamazoo college in Michigan; a puppetry expert who works in India (as Ben Prusiner was keen for the performance to incorporate lots of different dramatic styles, from India and Sierra Leone as well as England); and an award-winning Black British playwright and actor called Rex Obano. During the production of the project, the cast and creative team developed and expanded, details of which can be found here on the Re-verse Theatre Website.

As part of this project, the team conducted a three day workshop they held at the University of Bristol on the 27th-29 th of July — using University of Bristol students as actors, as well as working with their Indian partners on Zoom. These workshops for the The Hamlet Voyage where held in the Wickham Theatre, and these helped the team develop the script and the puppetry (Anurupa was Skyped in from Delhi). Six University of Bristol students participated in the workshops. After this, the team began developing applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund for outreach projects for schools and community groups relating to the production, and to the Arts Council to fund the production itself; finally, they sought to work with the British Council to involve schools in India.

They sought to have a second set of workshops with professional actors in November and held their initial performance on The Matthew at the Harbour Festival in 2022, followed by a run in Bristol and London.

Who are the team and what do they bring?

• Laurence Publicover (Early Modern Studies, University of Bristol) is a researcher and dramaturge who’s research falls into two main categories. Firstly, Shakespeare and other English Renaissance dramatists. And secondly, the interrelation of humans and oceans.
• Ben Prusiner is a director and is passionate about plays of heightened language, especially those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. He aims to bring the language vibrantly to life with staging and designs that are imaginative, metaphorical and theatrical. Ben Prusiner’s Website .
• Rex Obano (Media Studies, Royal Holloway London) is a screenwriter/playwright born in London and spent a year in the United States on placement where he read Playwriting at City College of New York. He is also a reearhcer and teaching fellow in screenwriting at Royal Holloway where his research focusses on cultural neo-colonialism and its effect on Black British screenwriting. Rex Obano’s Website .

What were the results?

One of the initial outcomes of the Ideas Exchange was the article by Laurence Publicover titled ‘ Maritime mobility and literary culture: ‘Hamlet’ off the coast of Sierra Leone ‘.

The team worked to produce the play The Hamlet Voyage, details of which can be found here on the Re-verse Theatre Website.

“The Hamlet Voyage is a new play about the first record of Shakespeare being performed outside Europe: a production of Hamlet, acted by sailors in 1607 for West African dignitaries, during the first English voyage to reach Mughal India.

A theatrical critique of the very beginnings of British colonial ambitions drawing on classical performance across three continents — from Shakespeare & sea shanties to West African storytelling & drumming to South Asian music & puppetry. This play examined a cross-cultural encounter that took place before England became deeply involved in the Atlantic slave trade, before the age of British imperialism, and before Shakespeare became a global name.

We performed on a replica sailing ship, The Matthew, in July 2022, the 415th anniversary of the original Hamlet performance. From there, we transferred to the Bridewell Theatre in London.”

Connect to Brigstow Join our mailing list >

Explore our projects.

While we are Apart

Food + Anxiety

Once Upon a Hill: Follow on funding to support evidence-based policy making