We may be biased, as it is home to our headquarters, but we LOVE Bristol. Home of Wallace and Gromit, Banksy, the iconic Suspension Bridge and known for its thriving music and art scene, there are so many amazing things to do and see in and around the City. Here are our favourite things to do in Bristol and the surrounding area during the Summer…
*Please note, some of these venues have not be visited since the Pandemic therefore please check access rules and opening times.
Explore Clifton…
A takeaway coffee and a mooch around the boutiques in Clifton Village has to be up there for us. Clifton is home to a number of independent stores / bakeries and cafes, and it is a great place for a walk around on a sunny morning.
Some of our favourite haunts in the village for brunch include The Primrose Café, Boston Tea Party and Coffee One.
After this, head to the Suspension Bridge for panoramic views of the City and Avon Gorge then across to the Downs (412 acres of unspoilt parkland that pays host to a number of pop-up restaurants, comedy acts and festivals) before heading down Whiteladies Road and down towards The Triangle and Parkstreet before hitting the city centre.
Whiteladies Road and Cotham Hill are home to a number of high-end furniture stores, independent restaurants and bars – some of our favourites include Nomu, Pasta Loco and Bravas.
As you head down towards the centre you will pass the BBC, The Commercial Rooms, Bristol University and The Bristol Museum - lots to explore before you even hit the centre of town!
Catch a wave…
Just twenty minutes outside Bristol is The Wave. The Wave is an inland surf destination where everyone can surf on consistent, safe waves all year round. They have a fantastic variety of waves to suit all levels of surfer, from beginner to expert. As well as glamping huts where you can stay overnight, The Wave also features a great café / bar / restaurant and surf store, all which make for a great day out!
Checkout Britain’s longest street of independents…
We thought that Visit Bristol’s description of this area summed it up just perfectly…!
“Gloucester Road is located in North Bristol and runs through St Andrews, Bishopston and Horfield. It has a large number of independent traders as well as household names. There is also a great choice of cafés, bars and restaurants for when a rest is needed. A real quirky and bohemian addition to Bristol’s shopping areas.
In fact, the whole area resembles an outdoor gallery with colourful graffiti that continually transforms its walls and buildings. You might see some great artwork today – but by the time you want to show it to your friends tomorrow it has miraculously vanished or changed into a completely new picture. Keep your eyes open for some of Banksy’s best-known pieces, your ears open for live music streaming onto the streets, and your taste buds prepared for some exciting culinary experiences.
And as for the shopping, you might find yourself heading home with a saxophone, on the back of a new bike, some artwork under your arm while munching an organically grown apple from the local greengrocer whizzing home to read some of those books you bought.” (Source www.visitbristol.co.uk)
Some of our favourite places on Cheltenham and Gloucester Road include The Well, Bootlegger, Poco, The Grace and The Bristol Flyer.
Take a tour…
Whether you prefer to see the city by boat, open top bus or on foot, there is something for everyone in Bristol.
The Packet offer boat tours of Bristol’s Historic Harbour and you can even explore on The Matthew – a replica of John Cabot's 1497 ship that he used to discover Newfoundland, which is open for visits and cruises around the harbour.
If staying on dry land is more your things, there are numerous guided tours available including the Banksy Street Art tour, The Upfest Street Art Walk, The Food & Wine Walking Tour with Chef Josh Eggleston and lots, lots more to choose from!
Take a walk on the wild side –
Situated just fifteen minutes outside of Bristol is The Wild Place Project.
Wild Place Project was opened by the Bristol Zoological Society with an emphasis on protecting threatened habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe.
With a focus on conservation impact, education and science, Wild Place plays host to bears, wolves, giraffes and lots more and features acres of land for the whole family to explore.
Be Curious –
Formally known as “At Bristol”, ‘We the Curious” is an idea and a place for everyone. This indoor festival style venue, based on Bristol’s Historic Harbour Front, encourages people of all ages to ask questions, explore and interact.
They say: “Curiosity is the engine that drives both artistic and scientific enquiry. It’s something we are all born with. It is the seed for beautiful questions that lead to deep learning and new discoveries. So, we need to empower everyone to keep asking questions, and have a voice in shaping our collective futures. This is where boundaries are removed between science, art, people and ideas.