Cool and funky, Bristol is just like the San Francisco of the UK, wonderful arty quarters set amongst steep hills and vibrant homes. With a repute for various tradition, eco-awareness and innovation it is vitally simple to spend a few weeks exploring all of the hidden gems it has to supply. Bristol was my dwelling for a couple of years, and from my time spent exploring this vibrant and enjoyable metropolis listed below are the very best and most lovely locations to go to in Bristol…
Bristol Metropolis Corridor, School Inexperienced and Bristol Cathedral – among the most interesting and most lovely locations in Bristol
The beautiful Neo-Georgian Metropolis Corridor curves gracefully round School Inexperienced on the foot of Park Avenue alongside the equally lovely Cathedral. There was a church on this web site because the twelfth Century but it surely was added to proper up till the late nineteenth Century, making it a mish-mash of architectural types.
Because it stands now it’s a grade 1 listed constructing and options medieval vaults, gothic columns and rose window, and a Norman chapter home, in addition to many references to Bristol’s newer maritime historical past.
The Christmas Steps – a picturesque and historic avenue in Bristol
These historic steps within the centre of Bristol date again to the 1600’s and include 11 listed buildings down their brief flight. The steps are flanked by quaint quaint outlets and pubs together with the unbelievable Sugar Loaf Public Home which is a superb place to cease for a pint or two!
They’re such a stunning little shock if you encounter them within the midst of the busy metropolis centre, for some time it’s such as you slip right into a time warp and end up in a Dickensian novel. The steps additionally function within the eponymous music by Mogwaii.
Bristol Docks and Marina – among the finest areas to discover in Bristol
The docks and Marina are a giant draw for vacationers, particularly the legendary SS Nice Britain. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel she was a trailblazing passenger steamship in her time and held the title of the longest passenger ship on the planet between 1845 and 1854.
Most significantly she was the very first steamship to cross the Atlantic. Now she operates as a museum and is an absolute should for maritime fans! Additionally on the marina is the unbelievable Arnolfini gallery and plenty of quirky little cafes, outlets, and bars to mooch round. In the summertime it’s the right spot for an outside beer and a view out over the water.
Clifton – an prosperous and leafy suburb of Bristol stuffed with wonderful eating places and boutiques
One of the crucial splendid areas of Bristol is Clifton, which begins on the prime of Park Avenue and includes of a few of Bristol’s most beautiful Georgian buildings together with The Bristol Museum. By far the jewel in Clifton’s crown is The long-lasting Clifton Suspension Bridge, initially designed by Brunel it was accomplished by William Henry Barlow and John Hawshaw and opened in 1864. The immense wrought-iron construction spans the dizzying Avon Gorge and hyperlinks Clifton to Leigh Woods.
It’s completely beautiful to walk over the bridge at sundown or watch the recent air balloons float over of their dozens through the balloon fiesta in July. Different Clifton must-sees are the second of Bristol’s Cathedrals, the wonderful modernist/ brutalist SS Peter and Paul, Clifton Village with its quaint arcades and beautiful unbiased outlets, and at last the historic Clifton Lido. This ‘cool urban oasis’ on Whiteladies Rd features a spa, wonderful eating restaurant, and big heated outside pool, swimmers don’t miss out!!
Portishead – a reasonably coastal city on the Severn Estuary
For somewhat little bit of a coastal stroll and a breath of sea air, it’s price taking a visit out to Portishead and strolling alongside the not too long ago renovated promenade. Maybe cease some time and watch the previous folks sail their distant management boats on the decorative lake.
After a great leg stretch head to the excessive avenue for a cuppa or a day gin in one of many little bars or cafes. It’s a very nice solution to go a couple of hours within the afternoon, maybe catch the sundown over the channel if you happen to’re fortunate! In fact, you’re very welcome to hum Glory Field the entire time you’re there!
Stokes Croft/Gloucester Street – Bristol’s well-known unbiased procuring districts
Gloucester Street begins on the north finish of town centre and runs out for miles in the direction of Horfield. It’s a dream for lovers of avenue artwork and unbiased procuring! Actually filled with quirky outlets and cafes, retro and classic warehouses, and scrumptious domestically produced meals shops and eating places that serve loads of impressed vegan and vegetarian delicacies… take your procuring luggage and simply go for it!
Ensure you name into Stokes Croft China, a group enterprise of artists that create lovely fashionable vegan chinaware out of the previous Stokes Croft China manufacturing unit, I defy you to not come dwelling with no less than one quirky politically express mug!
Stoke Park – a public lovely open area of 108 hectares in Bristol
This public park runs for 270 acres north of town centre alongside the M32. It’s the web site of a number of Bristol landmarks similar to The Purdown Transmitter, The resplendent and apparently haunted Dower Home, The Orangery, Obelisk, and Broomhill Gate… all of that are listed.
Within the woods, you’ll discover the chilly tub and the semi-derelict stone tunnel and rustic archways. Including a bit extra spook is the reclaimed Stoke Park Hospital, an previous asylum that was once generally known as The Stoke Park Colony which had a really chequered historical past up till its closure within the ’80s.
St Nicholas Market – the oldest and best-loved market to visti in Bristol
This much-loved market was established in 1743 and is the oldest in Bristol. It’s now dwelling to the most important choice of unbiased retailers within the metropolis. Along with the 60 stalls inside many outside markets happen round st nicks all through the week.
It is among the finest spots for a little bit of lunch on the fly as properly, with its glass arcade housing an array of scrumptious avenue meals from internationally, we’re speaking scrumptious noodles, falafel, tacos and Caribbean wraps, wholesome smoothies, and candy treats! To not be missed!
Brandon Hill Park – a reasonably hilly park that’s usually used for picnics
This hilly splash of inexperienced near town centre is positively buzzing with wildlife and aflame with vibrant flowers and blossoms. Amidst the inexperienced fields, good for a summer season picnic, is the 105ft Cabot Tower, in-built 1857 to commemorate the four-hundredth Anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland.
Guests can climb the viewing tower totally free and luxuriate in breathtaking panoramic views throughout town and past, an actual deal with.
Mendip Hills – a variety of limestone hills to the south of Bristol
The rolling inexperienced hills of the Mendips are an AONB beginning to the South of Bristol and stretching for 76 sq. miles throughout Bristol, Somerset and into Wiltshire. They embody some unbelievable caves and grottoes together with Wookey Gap Caves and Cheddar Gorge in addition to a number of caves accessible to members of caving golf equipment.
Lengthy distance footpaths similar to Mendip Manner and Limestone Hyperlink will mean you can take in the very best natural world that nature has to supply. For historical past buffs, there are 286 examples of spherical barrows relationship again to the Neolithic interval and quite a few different historic monuments throughout the exceptional panorama. The Mendips are a vacation in themselves actually however in case you have a little bit of spare time you may absorb a small part of them as a day journey from Bristol metropolis centre.
Leigh Woods – a preferred magnificence spot to discover in Bristol
Cross the fantastic Clifton Suspension Bridge and you will discover your self in Leigh Woods Nature Reserve. A tangle of broadleaf woodland, winding pathways, and excellent views throughout the Avon Gorge.
In springtime, the woods are a carpet of bluebells and you’ll comply with the established footpaths by means of shady branches on carpets of leaves. Take the simple pathway all the way down to the bottom of the Gorge for an incredible perspective of the bridge excessive above you.
Tyntesfield – a spectacular Victorian Gothic revival home with gardens and parkland
A brief hop from Bristol you will discover the stunningly ornate Tyntesfield Home and Gardens, an exquisite instance of Gothic Revival.
Displaying an excellent light magnificence the home balances splendid structure with a profusion of nature and for some time, you may think about you’re a wonderful Georgian girl as you stroll by means of the kitchen backyard, flower-filled terraces, and empty lake. You possibly can get pleasure from a stunning cuppa on the pavilion cafe and discover out in regards to the historical past of the home within the dwelling farm guests centre.
Totterdown – iconic vibrant homes, Instagrammable graffiti and quirky artworks
When you have ever travelled into Bristol on the prepare from the North you’ll most likely have seen the colorful ramshackle terrace homes that line the excessive ridge on the strategy to Temple Meads Station. Effectively, that’s the aptly named Totterdown that runs up alongside Bathtub Street and is dwelling to Vale Avenue; the steepest residential avenue within the UK.
The hike up the hill is properly price it to simply hand around in the lovable little neighbourhood bars and cafe’s, take part an open mic night time or buy tasty native produce…the views from up there are additionally to die for. It’s far more homey and all the way down to earth than among the extra gentrified spots near city and it actually is gorgeous to see the colorful homes tripping down the steep hills like one thing from a youngsters’s ebook illustration!
Arnos Vale Cemetery – a singular heritage web site within the coronary heart of Bristol
This lovely grade 2 listed cemetery was very almost flattened and was a housing property within the ’80s however was saved due to industrious native campaigning, and thank goodness it was. It was designed within the early 1800s by Charles Underwood who set it out within the model of a Greek Necropolis, the primary burial occurred in 1837 and plenty of identified Victorian industrialists, politicians, and social reformers are buried there in splendid Sepulchres.
A big part of the cemetery can also be devoted to maritime and warfare graves. I believe throughout my time in Bristol Arnos Vale was my most treasured discovery, it isn’t only a cemetery, it’s a 45-acre oasis excessive up over the busy metropolis with woodland walks, a small museum and cafe, winding pathways, and little secret messages hidden on historic gravestones. Through the summer season a number of occasions are hosted there together with outside theatre and music, the cemetery additionally hosts many weddings all year long and common workshops too. It’s a true group triumph and an actual hidden gem!
Bag of Nails – a cool little pub to go to in Bristol
Little bit of a cheat as a result of it’s indoors and beneath the present circumstances restricted capability, however I couldn’t write a put up on Bristol with out together with it! Simply alongside the waterfront in the direction of Hotwells this quirky little pub was my favorite place to hang around after I lived within the metropolis! Inside you may get pleasure from board video games, respectfully select from the superb assortment of vinyl, scoff the tasty scotch eggs and gourmand pork pies and quaff scrumptious actual ale.
Most significantly you may hang around with the cats… of which there are lots of! That is no orchestrated cat cafe, these are pure moggies… they hand around in packing containers on the bar and pinch your seat if you’re not trying. The proprietor is brilliantly cantankerous and the entire ambiance is totally genuine and completely distinctive!
