One meander through the colorful streets of Bristol and you’ll be hooked on the city’s passion for creativity.
From Brunel’s groundbreaking steamships to Banksy’s thought-provoking art, this city on the Avon River prides itself on taking risks and breaking the rules. This heritage extends beyond its most famous figures: whether it’s the artisans at St Nicholas Market or the independent restaurants at Wapping Wharf, all of Bristol’s residents contribute to its inventive spirit.
Here are a few not-to-miss experiences as you explore this vivid city.
Cross One of the World’s Most Famous Bridges
It’s all about location. Visionary Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel oversaw many groundbreaking projects throughout his illustrious career, and few are as spectacular as the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Crossing the 245ft-high chasm of the Avon Gorge, this bridge links the handsome Georgian neighborhood of Clifton with the serene streets and bucolic landscapes of North Somerset.
While Brunel never lived to see the bridge in its final form—completed in 1864 after 34 years of construction—it stands today as magnificent as it did in his original sketches. Crossing the bridge’s 702ft span on foot provides a wind-whipped sense of its grandeur. For a deeper exploration, a tour from its Visitor Centre reveals more about the history of this iconic Bristol site.
Explore Belowdecks on a 19th-Century Ship
Another masterpiece of design by Brunel, the SS Great Britain has resided in Bristol since 1970. A heroic salvage operation thousands of miles away in the Falkland Islands brought this ship back to Bristol harbor, where she was originally built in 1856; it’s remarkable she exists in one piece today. Visitors can explore almost every inch of this nearly 100m-long vessel.
The tour begins below decks, featuring a slightly unnerving walk beneath the vast hull and around the huge propeller, offering a perfect introduction to the discovery of this pioneering ship.
Experience the Counterculture in Stokes Croft
The epicenter of Bristol’s creative movement, the Stokes Croft neighborhood offers a plethora of vibrant art, cool cafes, quirky pubs, vintage shops, and more. Just north of the city center, this district embodies a palpable sense of community and artistic drive that few other neighborhoods in the UK can match.
Home to original Banksy pieces and local institutions like the Crofter’s Rights and Canteen, Stokes Croft is ideal for a casual stroll at any time of day.
Enjoy the Views from Cabot Tower
With its breathtaking topography, Bristol offers stunning views worth capturing. Cabot Tower, built at the end of the 19th century to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s historic voyage to Newfoundland, is located at the top of Brandon Hill, providing picturesque views of Bristol and the surrounding countryside.
Unwind in an Artistic Haven
Bristol’s artistic heritage shines through at the Artist Residence on Portland Square. This boutique hotel, located in a charming Georgian townhouse, features spacious and stylish rooms adorned with unique art and period features, creating a breezy yet artistic environment.
The high ceilings and mid-century modern furniture allow ample natural light, while the Library bar serves as a delightful neighborhood spot for a relaxing drink.
Take a Walk in the Woods
Despite its compact size, Leigh Woods Nature Reserve offers a tranquil escape from the city. Situated just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the western side of the Avon Gorge, these ancient woods provide stunning and unique views of the bridge from an angle seldom seen by tourists.
Home to rare flora and fauna, the woods also feature Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hill fort dating back to 350 BCE, whose earthworks are still clearly visible today.
Discover Some of the Best Street Art Anywhere
Few cities in the UK boast an identity as visually striking as Bristol. The city’s streets, buildings, walls, and parks serve as an expansive canvas, showcasing the vibrant creativity of local street artists. The artwork scattered throughout the city exemplifies its rich cultural landscape.
The enigmatic Banksy indeed highlights Bristol’s street art scene, having established the city as a hotspot for creative expression over two decades ago. Artwork tours led by Where The Wall feature classic pieces like Mild Mild West and Well Hung Lover, while global graffiti art authority John Nation elaborates on the history and significance of these works, explaining why they are quintessentially Bristol.
Savor Some Cider
As one of the world’s foremost cider regions, England’s West Country naturally leads to excellent cider pubs in its largest city. Tucked away at the end of a dimly lit street in Clifton, The Coronation Tap—or CoriTap as locals call it—is a 200-year-old cider house famous for its strong 8.4% Exhibition cider (served exclusively in half pints).
Other notable spots for sampling this delightful fermented apple beverage include the charming riverside barge The Apple in the Old City and The Orchard Inn, a traditional pub with over 20 varieties of dry and sweet ciders dating back to 1834.
Relax at the Lido
Bristol Lido, an oasis nestled in Clifton’s bustling residential streets, boasts a restored Victorian outdoor swimming pool set in an open-air ambiance. Flanked by wooden changing rooms and a modern European restaurant, this modern bathhouse serves as a splendid retreat, ideal for unwinding after a busy day.
Especially mesmerizing in the evening glow, the Lido features a hot tub and sauna, highly appreciated during the colder months.
Learn What Makes Bristol Unique
While some city museums house flashy artifacts from distant lands, Bristol’s M Shed delves deeply into the fascinating local identity of this city, celebrating its unsung heroes and proud neighborhood heritage.
M Shed encapsulates everything that has shaped Bristol, addressing challenging historical events, particularly the city’s complex relationship with the slave trade, including an impactful exhibition on the notorious merchant and colonial trader Edward Colston.
Experience Bristol’s Diverse Food Scene
Bristol’s rich cultural tapestry and creative ethos extend to its food scene. Indulge in zesty Jamaican ackee and saltfish at Carribean Croft or savor fiery Sri Lankan Jaffna goat curry at Coconut Tree. The city offers a myriad of tantalizing flavors.
If you desire to sample various dishes in one locale, visit the renowned St Nicholas Market in the Old Town or the shipping containers converted into food stalls at Wapping Wharf.
Create Waves
If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing in an outdoor setting far away from the ocean, discover The Wave. Located just outside Bristol, this pioneering 180m-long inland surfing lake is the UK’s first of its kind, powered exclusively by renewable energy.
It’s also an encouraging venue, staffed with coaches passionate about helping beginners catch their first wave. While you may wipe out a few times, the thrill of standing up on a wave will make every tumble worthwhile.
Challenge Your Thinking
Bristol’s We The Curious takes a unique approach to science, engaging visitors in an interactive and creative manner. Intended to spark curiosity among young learners, this science center encourages questioning and exploration.
Located near the historic harbor, We The Curious inspires young minds to think critically, even inviting them to post their inquiries on the walls as an avenue for expanding conversation. Be sure to catch the remarkable 3D Planetarium shows located on the first floor.
Pedal Around and Explore
With abundant green spaces, Bristol provides an excellent opportunity to embrace the great outdoors. There might not be a better way to enjoy the fresh air than by cycling the 14-mile Bristol and Bath Railway Path. This car-free converted railway provides an eco-friendly route to Bath’s ancient Roman spas and stunning Georgian streets.
Within Bristol’s city limits, Pedal Progression enhances your cycling experience by teaching advanced techniques for mountain biking amid the lush trees and hills of Ashton Court Estate.
Soar High in a Hot-Air Balloon
Bristol’s historical connections to aviation can be explored at Aerospace Bristol, showcasing notable mechanical highlights, including the last Concorde to fly.
If you seek a gentler aerial experience, consider a hot-air balloon trip over Bristol. Organize your adventure with Bailey Balloons or Elite Air to witness the city from thrilling new heights.
