Lockdowns have ended and we are now free to travel again. However, you may want to start small and visit some of the beautiful cities across England. If you are looking for that, then Bristol might be your best choice.
Where is Bristol?
Bristol is located in the southwest of England, about two and a half hours from London. It lies along the river Avon. Bristol has a rich and prosperous history. You will fall in love with the city.
What is there to see?
There is so much to do in the city. Here you will find some of the best things to do in Bristol.
Walk around Clifton Village
Walk around the area known as Clifton Village. It’s full of cute shops and restaurants! Have brunch at the Primrose Cafe in the Clifton Arcade and then explore the area. Walk up to the Suspension Bridge and walk across it. The Suspension Bridge is an iconic symbol of Bristol. Walk the bridge and take in the stunning views of the Gorge. If you are feeling adventurous, walk a little further to Leigh Woods and enjoy the calm of the forest. You wouldn’t believe you are in a bustling city.
If walking in Leigh Woods isn’t for you, then head across the bridge to Ashton Court. Here you can go for a walk, go for a run, have a picnic, play golf and see the deer. Yes! There are roughly 110 red deer and 90 fallow deer that live in the park. There is also a beautiful mansion.
The Clifton area is beautiful and there is so much to see. You probably won’t get around it all in one day, but taking a quick walk through is something that you can’t miss if you come to Bristol!
Find the Banksy art
If you didn’t know, Bristol is home to street art artist Banksy, whose identity is unknown. The city is full of beautiful paintings. Walking to find the paintings is certain to guarantee that you see areas of the city you might not think to visit. Here are four of the best paintings across the city.
- The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum – located on Albion Dockyard, Hanover Place (BS1 6UT)
- Valentines Day Mural – located on Marsh Lane, Barton Hill (BS5 9RY)
- The Grim Reaper – on display at the M Shed, Wapping Wharf (BS1 4RN)
- Well-Hung Lover – located on Frogmore Street (BS1 5NA)
Bristol harbourside
While you are near the harbour side, continue walking along. On your way, stop by the SS Great Britain and visit it. This is a true symbol of Bristol. On the harbour you can visit the M-shed. This museum walks you through the rich history that Bristol has. Definitely something to check out.
Continue along the water and make your way to Pero’s bridge (BS1 5UH). You won’t miss it. The bridge was named in honour of Pero Jones, an enslaved African who lived in Bristol. It remembers Bristol’s link to slavery. If you would like to find out more about Pero Jones you can go visit the Georgian House Museum (7 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR).
However, first continue to walk across the bridge. There you will find plenty to eat, drink and do. If you want a worldly food experience then try Za Za Bazaar. Enjoy a choice of 300 dishes from around the world. Otherwise you will certainly find something for everyone.
If the M-shed or the SS Great Britain are not something for you, then maybe We The Curious (BS1 5DB) will! We The Curious takes you on a journey to explore the inner workings of the world. It is a place that everyone, big or little, can enjoy.
Saint Nicholas Market
If you want quirky then Saint Nicholas Market (BS1 1JQ) is the place to go. Enjoy the stalls, the street food and the historic architecture. St Nicks Market as it happens to be known to locals has been trading since 1743. It is Bristol’s largest collection of independent retailers. Definitely something to check out.
College Green, Bristol City Hall and Bristol Cathedral
If you are looking for somewhere to sit down and rest then College Green is the place to be! Around College Green you will find Bristol City Hall and the Bristol Cathedral (BS1 5TJ). This beautiful cathedral is not to be missed. And the entrance is free!
A little further up is Park Street! There you will find plenty to eat, drink and shop!
Brandon Hill Park and Cabot Tower
As you walk up Park Street (a steep walk but worth it!) make a stop in Brandon Hill Park (BS1 5RR). The park is the oldest park in the city and definitely one to not miss. You can enjoy great views of the entire city and of the Harbour. And for even better panoramic views, climb up to the top of Cabot Tower. It opened in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497. Bristol history is everywhere!
(Note that the tower has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic).
Honourable mentions
There is so much to discover around Bristol. The list above contains some of the absolute musts! However here are just a few more ideas for your trip in Bristol!
- Arnos Vale Cemetery
- Walking around the Clifton and Durham Downs
- Walk up to the Clifton Observatory
- Bristol Balloon fiesta (August 2022)
- Bristol Zoo Gardens (closing soon)
- Go see a show at the Bristol hippodrome
Where to eat?
Because you can’t visit a city without having some food here are a few more recommendations around the city!
- Walk to Wok (BS1 5NH)
- Bare Grills Smokehouse (BS8 1ER)
- Souk Kitchen (BS8 2SW)
- Molto Buono (BS1 5NU)
If you know the city and have recommendations that were not included in the article, feel free to leave them in the comments below.