The best things to do in Bristol for an unforgettable trip

Bristol is the most populous city in South West England and, as such, the central hub of entertainment in the area. The city has been awarded the Purple Flag status in most of its districts, meaning that it meets or even surpasses the standards of excellence in managing the night-time economy. And, of course, that’s without considering all the spots you can visit throughout the day. If you’re a tourist in the area, the biggest challenge is likely going to be fitting everything into your schedule. Here are some of the spots you can’t miss during your next visit.

Enjoy the street art 

Bristol has a genuine love affair with graffiti, so if you’re a lover of street art, it’s one of the best cities in the world to explore. The art form stems from protest slogans and political commentary, so it’s no surprise that Bristol loves it as well. One of the most enigmatic figures in the street art ecosystem, Banksy, also famously hails from Bristol, which only adds to the appeal for fans of his scathing, satirical murals that act as a definitive form of political activism. For many fans, it is an absolute delight to spot his old work around the city. 

There’s so much art around that you can’t expect to discover it in one go. Bristol is more or less covered in graffiti, from public walls to shops, vans and windows; you can see it everywhere. If you have some particular pieces you’d like to check off your list, it’s best to set an itinerary and stick to it. If not, you can take a stroll around and see what gems you can find. If your schedule permits, don’t miss the Upfest, the biggest graffiti festival in Europe that places the spotlight on the best art in Bristol. 

Bars and clubs 

If you enjoy the nightlife and are looking to have some fun, there’s no shortage of pubs and clubs to have your pick and choose from. Some of them are actually quite famous, and there’s some fascinating history behind them. Perhaps the most popular is Lakota, located off Stokes Croft. Deemed in the early 90s to be the most famous club in the country outside those in London, Lakota had a tumultuous history. It was almost demolished first in 2008 and then again in 2011, but strong public backlash saved it. Indeed, there are some for whom the club has directly contributed to the city’s reputation as a hub of club culture and helped create a more energetic image for Bristol, which was formerly associated with a laidback and mellow attitude. 

The Thekla is another incredible location you need to visit when you set foot in Bristol. The club is located inside a former cargo ship which was built in Germany in the late 1950s. After living out its life as a ship involved in coastal trades over marine highways, it was turned into a showboat. Over the years, it has included artistic events of all sorts, such as cabaret shows, musicals, poetry events, art galleries and plays. This is the perfect location to visit if you’re looking for something a little quirkier compared to the traditional club. A similar option is The Apple, a cider bar that opened in 2004. Located in a converted Dutch barge, it offers a range of 40 ciders you can sample. 

Hiking 

If you love the outdoors, you can’t miss out on having a hike in the scenic locations around Bristol. Perhaps the best area is around the Avon Gorge, which runs from Sea Walls to Clifton. This area is also home to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. If you want to have a panoramic view of the surroundings, this is the perfect place to do so. If you cross over to the western side, you can choose between heading for the National Trust and venturing on some of the trails, or the Ashton Court Estate, where you can enjoy the wooded footpaths and deer park. 

The Downs is an extensive parkland area on the city side of the Avon Gorge where you can enjoy some of the most picturesque walks in all of England. If you feel like you need to rest for a while and catch your breath, you can relax at the top of the cliffs and try and spot some of the peregrine falcons that nest there. 

While you’re out and about, don’t forget to prioritise your safety. If you become injured during your trip, you are likely to want compensation. Be careful to check the personal injury claim time limits the process entails. The most important thing to do is to get in touch with a No Win No Fee solicitor that can help you get a better idea of these limitations and the proceedings. You’ll need to bring certain documentation that attests to your injuries and gives your case a higher likelihood of standing in court. 

Blaise Hamlet 

If you feel that city life has become too much, there’s no better place to escape than in this cluster of nine small cottages. Situated in the suburb of Henbury, all the cottages in Blaise Hamlet are listed as Grade I buildings. The hamlet was built around 1811 for the retired employees of banker John Scandrett Harford, the owner of Blaise Castle Estate. This is what makes the location both a place where you can relax and unwind, as well as a place to enjoy if you’re a lover of History and are looking to get transported back in time for a little while. 

All the cottages are unique, and some include thatched roofs and dorm windows. The gardens are planted in the Victorian cottage style, using traditional materials, dense planting, and a mixture of ornamental and edible plants. 

If you visit Bristol, there are many things to see and do. The biggest challenge is fitting all the spots you want to visit into your schedule. To catch the pulse of the city, you should return as soon as possible to discover more places.