20 things to do in Bristol
1. The Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bristol is the best know for its suspension bridge designed by the ingenious civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is the first bridge of its kind, i.e. the first suspension bridge ever made - meaning it has no legs underneath it, and is built straight across the gorge (see image below). Take a stroll across it and see the fantastic sights it has to offer; on a sunny day the view from the bridge offers a picturesque vision of Bristol. Another otherworldly view to be had is only 10 minutes walk away from the suspension bridge: Bristol Observatory. As its name suggests, the views to be had from the top deck (a wonderful café) offer the stunning views of the bridge and gorge (they offer barbecues in the summer too). This observatory provides a fantastic overview, but there is also a secrecy spot below it called Giant’s Cave, which dives you down into the gorge and leads you to a platform built into the limestone face of the gorge wall.
2. Explore Clifton Village
As if the Suspension Bridge wasn’t enough to entice you to Clifton, there is in fact so much more to do here. As the name suggests, this is a so-called “village” in the heart of Bristol, which is as quirky as it sounds. Clifton is full of cafes, dogs, shops to buy trinkets, beautiful Georgian houses to marvel at, restaurants, bars, book shops and quaint parks for you to stop and read or just enjoy a drink. Don’t miss the beautiful pedestrian-only Boyce’s Avenue.
3. Eat or drink down on the harbour
Just a 10 minute walk from Clifton is one end of the stunning harbour area, which is full of bars, restaurants and great views of the paddle boarders, wind sailers, motorboat enthusiasts and kayakers (you can of course get on the water yourself if you wish). My personal favourite bar/restaurant is Grain Barge, it is beautiful to sit here and watch the sailers go by while you enjoy a cider or a burger (see photo).
4. Take a boat taxi
Now that you’re down on the harbour, but you need to get to a different part of the city, why not take a boat taxi instead of a bus. These work identically to buses, except that you get to enjoy the fresh air on the water in stead of the fumes of a bus. There are boat stops all the way down the river, but ask a local for the closest one, if you are struggling to find one.
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5. St Nick’s Market
Perhaps you’ve taken the boat taxi into the centre, now you need to visit St Nick’ Market! There’s a great variety of local independent food to suit all tastes from Caribbean to Japanese, there’s a host of delicious flavours to be found in this diverse market that’s been operating since 1743. Along with food stalls, St Nick’s offers a range of shopping too: record shops, jewellery, books and many more (the stall dedicated to hot sauce is my personal favourite).
6. Banksy tour
You may already be aware that Bristol is the birthplace of world famous street artist Banksy. Being his birthplace, he very regularly updates the walls of Bristol with his thought-provoking art. There are many companies down in the centre that offer Banksy walking tours, which is one good way to see his works. Another cheaper option is to get your phone out and check online for routes to take (many have been uploaded), and then use your phone as your map.
7. See a gig and bowl at the same venue
Head down to The Lanes for a game of drunk bowling (it is a bar bar first and foremost). Oh, and if you stay late enough they put on great live music most nights of the week. It also has a hostel upstairs if you’re looking for a place to stay.
8. Ashton court
Just outside of Bristol (by about 30 yards) is the beautiful Ashton Court, another beautiful place to see the stunning views looking across Bristol (it also boasts a cheap game of par 3 golf for those interested).
Top tip: enter Ashton Court by walking across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, when you get there of course check out the views for a while, and then head all the way down the steep hill path and you’ll end up on the harbour to enjoy all the attractions as stated in number 3.
9. Purdown
If you’re staying in the St Andrew’s or Eastville, this is a great place to go to get great views and get out into nature. The big yellow house on the hill used to be a mental-health facility, which looks like it might have driven people more made than helped them. Thankfully, it is no longer such a place. Oh, you’re task is find the goats somewhere on Purdown (I’m not telling where).
10. M-shed & The Arnolfini
Another couple of great stops if you’re spending a day down of the harbour. A stones throw away from each other, and both offering great free exhibitions (of very different varieties), they really are must-dos. Both have cafe/bars overlooking the river too (just saying).
11. Gloucester Road
Again, if you’re staying in or near the St Andrew’s area, you shop definitely get down to to Gloucester Road, where almost every other shop is a charity shop (I’m not kidding). Gloucester Road also boasts a plethora of independent shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and groceries. It is a very wholesome place with a great park close by (St Andrews Park).
12. St Andrews Park
A very lively park where you are very likely to catch either a great free live band, circus performers, or generally just a great environment in the heart of St Andrews to people watch and enjoy nature.
13. SS Great Britain
Another Isambard Kingdom Brunel construction (the civil engineer behind the Clifton suspension Bridge) is the SS Great Britain. This great construction feat is a cheap buy-in and really can get you up and personal with this incredible boat.
14. The Wave
Ever wanted to learn to surf? The Wave is a man machine which produces high quality waves every 6 seconds, and is perfect for learners as the waves are completely consistent, and like clockwork. They also offer lesson for beginners, or hourly slots for those who are more experienced.
15. The Old Duke
Head down into the centre of Bristol and watch some free live jazz (or sometimes other great genres) while on the riverside. On a sunny day this is great, as they open the big window and the music spills into the street, but is also great on a rainy day where you can hide from the rain with som ebouncy music.
16. Tobacco Factory
This ex factory for making tobacco is now a bar/restaurant/theatre. The theatre is my favourite part of this building, as it puts on absolutely fantastic shows. The Tobacco Factory also puts on a market each weekend, which is a must do!
17. Beezee’s Bar on the river
In the summer Beezee’s Bar is a beautiful spot where you can enjoy a pint or a wine and watch the paddle-boarders sail down the river. You can of course bring your own paddle-board, or just jump in the river yourself. Just on the edge of the city, the spot really feels like you out in the countryside, but your only a 10 minute drive from the cente. Just beautiful!
18. Bristol to Bath cycle path
This same section of the river has a cycle path that follows the river all the way to Bath. This is a great path that takes about 5 and a half hours to complete, and boasts some absolutely gorgeous views along the way. This is also a great way to visit the historic city of Bath.
19. Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill offers some of the best views in the city across the gorgeous Bristol. It’s high vantage point in the Clifton neighbourhood gives it the elevation to see almost the whole of Bristol, and even out to the beautiful countryside beyond. As it is also a wonder flu park to hang out in, this is a must in Bristol!
20. Thekla
Thekla is a boat club/bar, which put on great club nights and also host great medium size touring bands to the city. I’ve personally seen some of the best gigs I’ve ever been to at Thekla, it is the perfect size to feel intimate but atmospheric. The stage and dance floor are also notably underwater which is very cool.
So which of these great attractions are you going to try first?
I’d recommend 1,2 and 3 as a starting point, as they are all in a similar location. As is number 19 actually, which is a personal favourite of mine.
Enjoy exploring Bristol!