Bristol an insider guide things to see and do.


The bridge across the Avon

I have lived in Bristol for most of my life and I still love the city. I would like to introduce visitors to some of the history as well as offer some suggestions for more unusual places to see and things to do. Whether you visit the city frequently or will be visiting for the first time, I would like to offer some inspiration.  If you are enjoying some escapism and dreaming of your next adventure let me introduce you to some of the sights and sounds of my city.

Bristol is often seen as the gateway to the south west and South Wales. It has two universities with a large student population. Very high house prices and heavy traffic particularly during rush hour reflect how popular it is to live here particularly in areas such as Clifton.  In recent years it has become a centre for television and film making famous as the home of the BBC natural history unit and Aardman animation makers of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

Policemen with riot shields fighting a teddy bear
Banksy The mild, mild west

It also has a vibrant culture scene. You can find all types of live music in the local pubs and also listen to more established artists at the Bristol hippodrome or St. George’s, a converted church which is now a well-loved concert hall. Many visitors love discovering the street art. The tourist office run free Banksy tours. Locals are not always so happy about the graffiti but Bristol is where Banksy hails from. He was once just another teenage kid roaming the streets of Bristol with a spray can in his hand.

Wallace raising money outside Bristol children’s hospital.

The port of Bristol

A boat passing the colourful houses on Bristol harbourside
The colourful houses of Hotwells

Bristol is a port city although nowadays the river Avon is too tidal and to shallow for large boats to come into the centre. The old harbour area has been made into an attractive and bustling tourist hub with restaurants, cinemas and art galleries. If you want to discover more of its past, I recommend visiting Bristol industrial museum, M shed

Because of its position on the west coast Bristol was able to grow rich on the triangular slave trade. I discussed some of the difficulties we have dealing with the aftermath here.   I also wrote about Isambard Kingdom Brunel who designed Temple Meads, Bristol’s main railway station, the Great Britain and the Suspension Bridge here

For suggestions for activities for families near the harbourside click here.

More unusual places to discover the history of Bristol

I love history which I studied at university and I belong to a history walking group. We enjoy discovering more about the history of Bristol and nearby towns and cities. I have written several posts about more unusual places to discover parts of the story of Bristol.

Parks and Green Spaces.

Reeds fringe the lake #Stoke Park
Reeds fringe Duchess pond Stoke Park estate

Visitors to Bristol will be pleased to learn that Bristol has a lot of Green Spaces. It is the only British city to hold the title of European green capital. The most famous open areas are probably the Clifton Downs and Ashton Court where you will be able to watch the deer.  However, if you explore further afield you will find a large local park usually with a children’s playground in most districts. The Mendip hills are only a short drive or bus ride away and you will find plenty of places to hike or go rock climbing.

If you are a keen gardener you will enjoy a visit to Bristol University botanic garden .

or the Avon Gorge and Downs wildlife garden at one end of the Suspension bridge. 

How about following the river Frome to Eastville Park and beyond.

Frome riverside walkway

Stoke Park one of Bristol’s newest parks

Blaise Castle Estate. A lovely place to walk to the North of Bristol

Tips for visitors

The Bristol tourist information office

The Bristol tourist office is situated on the harbourside by cascade steps and has information about all the major tourist sites as well as maps and souvenirs. They can also answer queries from disabled visitors. Parts of Bristol such as Clifton are very hilly and many of the older buildings may not be suitable for wheelchair users. However the main entertainment venues and shopping centres are accessible. This guide has more details.

Farther Christmas in Cabot circus #Bristol christmas

Shopping

Inside the Watershed cafe bar
The watershed cafe bar

Bristol has two large shopping centres at Cabot circus in the centre of the city and at Cribbs Causeway where you will find all the major department stores. If you like looking for more unusual gifts and vintage clothing, try Gloucester Road which has a large selection of independent shops. You should also visit St. Mark’s Road in Easton which is a wonderful collection of shopkeepers from all over the world. St. Nicholas market has everything from antiques to postage stamps.

Eating and drinking

Bristol has an enormous range of restaurants from Michelin starred restaurants to global street food stalls in and around St. Nicholas Market. Locals love to eat in one of the restaurants on the harbourside overlooking the water. You should also visit one of the many historic pubs near the centre where you can find out more about Bristol’s maritime past.

If you are visiting St. Nicholas market, be sure to arrive hungry as there are plenty of different types of food to discover. Most stalls are run by local independent businesses.

If you fancy afternoon tea this post has lots of suggestions. Remember it’s not just Earl Grey and scones with jam and cream. A lot of places serve homemade cakes that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Rainy day activities

Bristol gets a lot of rainy days but don’t worry there are lots of ways to keep active indoors.  M. shed, the Bristol aquarium and We the curious are all good for a wet day.

Total Bristol has lots of suggestions for indoor activities for the whole family from indoor rock climbing in a converted church to trampolining at Airhop. 

If you enjoy bowling, you can visit Hollywood Bowl at Avon Meads or Longwell Green.

Winter activities

Bristol is a bustling city all year round. In Winter you can visit a pantomime or musical, go shopping at the German market or skate on one of the pop-up ice rinks. More suggestions for this year’s best winter activities in Bristol

There is nothing quite like a Christmas market and here are some Christmas Markets that are easy to visit by train from Bristol.

Getting around

The city is home to Cameron balloons and an unusual way to see the city is from a balloon. If you would like to check availability and prices, click here.

Bristol balloon festival is held at Ashton court every summer and weather permitting visitors can see dozens of balloons floating over the city.

If you arrive by car you can save money by using one of the park and ride car parks and catch the bus into the city. Alternatively here is a map of Bristol Car Parks.

If you are over 18 and have a driving license you can hire an orange Voi E scooter.

A good way for tourists to see the city is to catch a hop on hop off bus.  A word of warning during the rush hour traffic can be very heavy making the journey quite slow. 

The easiest way to get from the station is by bus. If you are driving to the city, use one of the park and ride schemes. You won’t have to worry about parking charges, city centre traffic or clean air charges. If you tap on or off with a contactless card you will automatically get the best value ticket. The First Bus app will also let you buy tickets and plan your journey. It will show you which bus to catch and even how to walk to the bus stop.

Get your guide has some more suggestions of activities you might enjoy in Bristol. #affilliate link.