Things to Do in Bristol
Bristol is a hilly, creative city with water at its centre, and a good day here balances the harbour with something higher up.
The floating harbour
The harbour winds through the heart of Bristol, with wide quaysides, old cranes and boats moored along the edges. It is flat, scenic and open, and small ferry boats cross it. There are cafes along the water, so it is easy to stop when you want to.
The harbour winds through the heart of Bristol, with wide quaysides, old cranes and boats moored along the edges.
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Clifton and the Downs
Clifton is a hilltop district of Georgian terraces above a gorge, with a small village centre. Beside it, the Downs are a huge open grassy area with long views. Together they make a long walk, and you can pick up a taxi or bus to come back down the hill.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Bristol itself.
Real events in Bristol, from onthedoor.uk.
Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road
Stokes Croft is known for street art and independent businesses, and Gloucester Road runs north from it with a long row of independent shops, cafes and secondhand stores. Both are a short way out from the centre and reward a walk with no schedule.
Stokes Croft is known for street art and independent businesses, and Gloucester Road runs north from it with a long row of independent shops, cafes and secondhand stores.
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When it pours
Bristol has plenty of museums, galleries and covered spaces for a wet day, as well as cafes with a creative bent. Several of the city museums have free entry, though exhibitions may charge, so check ahead.
Bristol has plenty of museums, galleries and covered spaces for a wet day, as well as cafes with a creative bent.
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By train to Bath and the coast
Temple Meads station has frequent trains to Bath, a short ride away, and on to the seaside at Weston super Mare. Both are easy days out, and neither needs a car.
Temple Meads station has frequent trains to Bath, a short ride away, and on to the seaside at Weston super Mare.
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Hills and getting about
The hills are no joke, and steep streets in wet weather call for good shoes. Temple Meads sits apart from the harbour and Clifton, so plan a bus or a short taxi ride. Buses run across the city, but they can be slow in the afternoon peak. Allow longer than the map suggests, and pick a start and a finish so you are not retracing steep streets.
The hills are no joke, and steep streets in wet weather call for good shoes.
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Evenings by the water
The harbour is atmospheric at dusk, with lights on the water, and the walk between the quays is flat and well peopled. Going up to Clifton after dark means steep, quiet streets, so travel by taxi or bus and arrange your return in advance from there or from the centre.
The harbour is atmospheric at dusk, with lights on the water, and the walk between the quays is flat and well peopled.
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Frequently asked questions
A full day covers the harbour and either Clifton or Stokes Croft. Anything more is easily filled by a trip to Bath.
Yes. Temple Meads has direct trains from London and the wider South West, and it is the main arrival point for most visitors.
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