The south of England has so many gems to discover! From Roman cities like Bathtub, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and, in fact, the beautiful vibrant and wonderful metropolis of Bristol. Perched simply shy of the Severn Estuary (about 25-minutes west of Bathtub) there’s a heap of epic and finest issues to do in Bristol for a bit of go to. The truth is, you’ll be spoilt for selection!
You see, Bristol is a good place to place your self for a bit of metropolis break but additionally to find the areas round Cheddar Gorge and wider Somerset (which makes for a terrific journey).
Through the years, we’ve visited Bristol numerous instances and liked each second of it; particularly for all of the foodie spots, museums and Banksy artwork that surrounds town. You see, Bristol has some fairly distinct neighbourhoods and areas to discover giving it the vibe or a a lot bigger metropolis.
So, that can assist you navigate which spots to see and which to keep away from, I’m sharing a few of our greatest issues to do in Bristol if you go to.
Have the perfect time exploring Bristol!
1.) St Nicks Market
St Nicks (or St Nicholas) Market runs off Excessive Avenue and is very easy to go to if you’re within the centre of Bristol. Not solely that, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Bristol if you happen to’re fancying some avenue meals or quirky stalls that line the market space and Change Corridor itself.
It packs a mighty punch with the variety of little locations to go to. For classic books, head to Beware of the Leopard Books and cease by Jewelry Lane for some trinkets.
If starvation strikes, pop into Chilli Daddy for his or her fiery hotpots or Eatchu for his or her Japanese avenue meals like gyozas. Yum!
Learn extra: Greatest locations within the south of England
2.) See the works of Banksy
Most likely considered one of Bristol’s most well-known artists, Banksy has left fairly a couple of items of his artwork across the metropolis to see.
For those who ventured inside M Shed, it’s possible you’ll have glimpsed the Grim Reaper that was as soon as on the aspect of a ship in Bristol Harbour?
Although don’t fret if you happen to missed it, there’s fairly a couple of extra which are dotted all throughout Bristol.
Simply shy of SS Nice Britain is “The Lady with the Pierced Eardrum” (See the Google Maps location here). It’s a tackle Vermeer’s “Lady with a Pearl Earring” although, lacking a pearl and gaining a safety alarm as an alternative.
Past the Harbour space of Bristol, you’ll be able to spot the “Effectively Hung Lover” on Frogmore Avenue. Right here, you’ll see a dishonest couple hiding from a fairly offended associate! Curiously, that is the very first authorized avenue artwork in all of England. You will discover its location (on Google Maps), here.
Oh, and if you happen to’re in Stokes Croft, ensure to look out for the “Delicate, Delicate West” that’s in considered one of Bristol’s most vibrant areas (see location here).
Seeing Banksy’s artwork is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Bristol, it’s at all times a lot enjoyable to search out and kinda looks like treasure searching throughout town. Simply preserve your eyes peeled for brand spanking new and upcoming artwork that Banksy continues to exhibit throughout Bristol.
3.) SS Nice Britain
Approach again within the 1800s, SS Great Britain was the longest passenger ship in all the world! After all, this has been taken over by the beasts that sail the seas immediately; however its significance and historic significance is epic to see.
Nestled on Spike Island (about 20-minute stroll from M Shed), it’s a terrific place to be taught extra about its heritage, the dockyard itself and Brunel himself. You’ll be able to simply spend two-hours wandering the exhibitions and ship itself, making it an ideal stopping level for a day go to.
As soon as onboard, be sure you take a look at the beautiful Eating Saloon and the Promenade Deck, too. It’s fairly epic to see.
4.) M Shed & Harbourfront
One among my favorite museums in Bristol, M Shed relies within the harbourfront space of town, a brief stroll from Prince Avenue Bridge.
Every time we go to Bristol, I’ve at all times acquired to go to this space of town, which is completely beautiful on a sunny Bristolian afternoon. After popping inside, be sure you discover the Bristol Individuals Gallery that focuses on discoveries made in Bristol and subsequent sombrer instances passed by; like town’s function within the Transatlantic slave commerce.
Afterwards, take a wander round Whapping Wharf and cease by among the unbiased cafes, bars and little retailers right here. We love the Wild Beer for a day tipple of native ale. These guys know their stuff!
For those who’re feeling peckish, seize a bag of freshly cooked fish and chips from the Salt & Malt (a couple of metres away). Served up with mushy peas and lashings of salt and vinegar!
Fancy swapping strolling for some wheels? Head over to Bristol Tandem Hire (2-minutes away from M Shed) and rent a tandem bicycle to discover the docks and wider Bristol itself. It’s a lot enjoyable!
Oh, and be sure you head inside Spike Island Galleries and inventive workspaces. There’s at all times some kind of cool and thrilling exhibition happening.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in close by Bathtub
5.) Clifton Suspension Bridge
Seeing the Clifton Suspension Bridge is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Bristol that’s completely iconic and may’t be missed in Bristol. You see, it’s one other engineering feat of Brunel and stands proudly over the River Avon.
Now, it would really feel like a little bit of a stroll from Queen Sq. (about 40-minutes) however it’s effectively price it for the views and to be taught extra concerning the historical past within the customer centre.
Afterwards, take a wander in the direction of the Clifton Observatory and take within the views from St Vincent’s Rocks. It’s considered one of our fav picture spots for the bridge.
For a night dinner, guide a desk at Pasture for considered one of Bristol’s finest steaks. Their Châteaubriand is every part!
6.) Cabot Tower
Standing proudly inside Brandon Hill, the Cabot Tower was constructed within the 19th Century to have fun John Cabot’s journey from Bristol to North America 400 years earlier.
Take a wander round Bristol’s oldest park and head to the highest of Cabot Tower for some pretty views. Better of all, it’s completely free to climb.
Plus, it’s fairly simple to associate a go to to the Bristol Museum and Artwork Gallery that’s a stone’s throw away.
Learn extra: Greatest cities in England to go to
7.) Galleries & Museums
For me, top-of-the-line issues to do in Bristol is to discover its museums. As I discussed, M Shed is a spot you’ll be able to’t miss however there are a couple of different gems which are dotted throughout town, too.
For those who’re round Bristol College or Berkeley Sq. be sure you pop into the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Housed inside is 1000’s of years of historical past; from mummies to dinosaurs!
One of many extra neglected treasures of Bristol, Red Lodge Museum (on Park Row) is a effectively price taking stroll inside. Right here, you’ll get to wander the Nice Oak Room with its beautiful panelled partitions and see centuries of historical past and artwork that adorn the partitions. The truth is, it feels such as you’ve gone again to the 16th Century.
Afterwards, take a wander down Park Avenue and go to the Vintage Thrift Store and Uncle Sam’s. Although, don’t count on large bargains; it’s a fashion-forward spot and costs are a bit of steeper than conventional thrift shops.
Oh, and seize a doughnut and a few baked goodies or brunch from Pinkmans that conjure up a mouth-watering custard dipped brioche dream.
8.) Bristol Cathedral
England’s solely corridor church Cathedral relies proper in Bristol, making it arduous to overlook when exploring town for the primary time. Nestled on the banks of College Green, Bristol Cathedral has been round for a whole lot of years.
As soon as inside, be sure you discover the beautiful east finish of the cathedral itself; it’s gorgeous; particularly the vaulted nave.
Additionally, Chapter Home, which is alleged to be one of many most interesting Norman rooms on the earth that dates again to the 1100s.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in close by Cotswolds to go to
9.) Gloucester Street & Stokes Croft
Stokes Croft kinda jogs my memory of Camden City in London! It’s completely various, fairly inventive and has a very distinct really feel from the remainder of Bristol.
With a extra “edgy” vibe, it’s the sort of place that’s stuffed with bohemian retailers and indie retailers; particularly round Gloucester Street. You see, it’s typically mentioned to be Europe’s longest avenue that focuses on unbiased companies that thrive within the space.
Stokes Croft looks like one massive open-air artwork gallery, stuffed with avenue artwork so far as you’ll be able to see! As I mentioned, it’s a terrific place to peruse the retailers however it’s additionally acquired a heap of bars and eateries which are nice for a night out.
Make sure you cease off at Pieminister for among the tastiest pies within the south of England. No joke, they’re scrumptious! Additionally, for some tasty Sri Lankan hoppers, head over to The Coconut Tree (on Gloucester Street). Ask for further chilly for a kick.
10.) Bristol Worldwide Balloon Fiesta
Going down in August, experiencing the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is superb and may’t be missed. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying to rearrange your journey across the dates if you happen to’re already visiting in hotter summer time months.
Utterly free to attend (except you wish to safe parking), it’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Bristol that’s so distinctive.
With a whole lot of balloons taking to the skies, nightglow occasions, fireworks and a carnival environment, you’ll be able to actually spend days soaking within the fiesta.
It’s completely particular.
Learn extra: Greatest locations within the south of England
17 Lovely Locations In The South Of England To Go to
