Unusual attractions in Bristol

Those who visit Bristol are looking for a different kind of tourism experience. The city is well known for its art and music scene, which somehow defines its identity and shapes it to promote a cultural atmosphere.

Underground artists (which became mainstream) such as Banksy are making a presence across town. The music scene is very well known as well for its “Bristol sound”, which gave birth to Trip hop and drum & bass.

Notorious bands such as Massive Attack and Portishead originated in Bristol. Of course, you’ll still have the typical tourist bus to show you around town if you are into more common stuff but in this article, we will discuss some of the best alternative options to enjoy this fantastic and thriving city.

Clifton Rocks Railway

This place is famous for being a secret base for the BBC during World War II. In 1893, George Newnes had plans to open a Spa at the top of the gorge, and to make it accessible a funicular was built from the road to the top where the hotel lies.

That said, the railroad could not be built above ground, otherwise, the landscape view would have been ruined so with the city town hall’s approval, they decided to build it underground with a Victorian look.

Unfortunately, the funicular was short-lived with the increase of popularity of automobiles in the early 20th century which rendered it pretty much unused. The railway had a secret entrance, and it became a great asset during World War II to host BBC broadcasts.

Redcliffe Caves

These tunnels with manmade caves extend for at least an acre under the city of Bristol.

The tunnels were dug to mine coal and red sandstone, which made the area ideal for making glass between the 14th and 18th centuries.

Some claim the tunnels extend as long as 12 acres, though most of these tunnels are inaccessible that’s why only one acre is accounted for. When the last glass factory closed the tunnels were closed as well, so they were used as storage and waste deposits.

Fortunately, the caves remained intact and there are underground tours you can take, and the caves are usually used for screening movies and theatre productions, making it a charming place to visit. Valued by the locals as an irreplaceable underground spot, which fortunately went from a dumpster to an interesting point.

Vale Street

So, how about doing some trekking? How about doing some trekking on the steepest street in England? That’s exactly what Vale Street is. It’s nearly 22-degree gradient inclined. It’s a residential road in Totterdown in Bristol, of course. Try climbing it to the top and you are allowed to skip the gym today.

Parking is a whole circus over there. Residents are forced to park perpendicular to the curb and even tie their cards to posts and streetlamps. Cyclists and runners take this street as a challenge due to its intensity.

Besides the peculiarity of the street, the views are fantastic and the neighbourhood pinteresque.

So, what if it rains?

Rain is no outsider in Britain. Rainy days are more often than few in Bristol as well, so if you prefer something to keep shelter you can try the Llangdoger Trow pub. Located on King Street, it survived World War II bombings.

The pub was an inspiration for popular books such as Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island, which adds even more culture to the already rich cultural scene of Bristol. Also, the pub is said to be haunted by many ghosts but we can’t confirm that.

If this sounds too scary for you and prefers to chill at the hotel, you can make up your day between the thousands of online operators. You can play from your phone, tablet, or personal computer. Access to prizes and jackpots in a matter of minutes. Play a few games and when the rain stops you can go on and keep enjoying the city. The sites will take all major credit cards and well-known payment methods.

Bristol is a city quite different from the rest. It offers travel options for those who seek a different type of tourism.

The art is present at every corner, mainstream or alternative. The landscape is compelling as well. There are activities for those looking to enrich themselves with street art and those who just want to visit a new place.

Bristol is a city that you must visit and live in if music and other forms of art are a part of your life. That sense of being a misfit will fade away once you step foot on the many art galleries and pubs plagued with underground music.

If you’ve visited London many times before it’s worth the two hours trip for a change. You won’t regret it.