Bristol

10 things to do in Bristol in a long weekend

Here we are in the delightful city of Banksy with 10 useful tips to better appreciate and experience beautiful Bristol!

Bristol is an English town definitely on the rise. There are numerous attractions both for leisure and for history. You'll find museums perfect for every type of interest, and world-class street art adds an original and unique touch.  
One of the reasons why I chose to visit this city is definitely the works of Banksy.
In collaboration with Visit Bristol.

Bristol is connected with many low cost flights from many Italian cities at very affordable prices. We left Turin with €45 per person. 

Arrived at the airport the comfortable Bristol Flyer Bus A1 it will take you to various points in the center in about 20 minutes. Ticket cost 8 Pounds one way and 13 return.

And if you are a family of four, you can do the 25 Pounds return package.
For info the taxi costs 40 pounds one way.

Bristol is a city on a human scale. You can easily get around on foot.

We are lovers of England and we can say that unlike the beautiful but chaotic London, Bristol is certainly a good choice for those who want to spend a few days immersed in traditional English culture but without the frenzy and chaos of the capital.
Among other things, for those wishing to pay a visit to London you can easily reach it by bus or train.

There are so many activities and things to do. We spent four full days and this is what we recommend:

1. Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium is home to a number of aquatic habitats including 'Stingray Bay', 'Coral Sea' and a 'baby shark tank' and the 'Amazon River'. Halfway through you will pass under the underwater observation gallery. For children it is truly a great emotion to be able to see the marine world a few centimeters from their nose.

2. Arnolfini Arts

Free entry. Located right in front of the main port. This museum houses various exhibitions of modern art spread over two floors. On the top floor, in addition to a magnificent view of the port, you will find a room completely dedicated to the creativity of adults and children with a series of easels positioned on the table and an infinite number of materials that you can use as you please. An opportunity to express and put your imagination into practice.

3. Wake the Tiger

Born from the genius of the most creative festival organizers around the world.

Difficult to describe this place. Sounds like a mind trip on hallucinogens. Lights, colors, sounds will lead you into an underground fairytale atmosphere. A factory dedicated to the creation of magical places where you will first of all have to discover entrances, exits and secret words that will lead you to the end of this game/experience. 
Absolutely recommended.

4. Banksy walking tour

If there is one citizen of Bristol famous all over the world it is Banksy. Main exponent of guerrilla art and known for his works with an original style and a provocative character. His works caustically depict different aspects of 21st century culture, with a special fondness for capitalism, consumerism and the cult of celebrity.

You can take a tour of the city and find them on your own or we recommend the excellent Bristol street art tour which touches many works by Banksy during the walk (duration 2h) from the center to Stokes Croft, a district famous for its numerous street art works.

5. M Shed

Free entry. Set against a backdrop of dockside cranes, this stunning museum houses a huge collection of memorabilia relating to Bristol's history. All exhibits are interactive and also suitable for children who will appreciate the opportunity to ride buses and steam cranes.

It always hosts photographic exhibitions, for example we were able to see the Wildlife Photographer of the year.

6. Brunel’s SS Great Britain

This is an activity that we absolutely recommend you do.

The imposing and innovative vessel was designed in 1843, 98 m long, and was one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated steamships ever built. She is a passenger liner capable of completing the crossing from Bristol to New York in just 14 days. When you come on board you will have the opportunity to visit the galley, the ship's doctor's cabin, the large dining room and a working reproduction of the original steam engine. What we enjoyed the most was wandering around the various first and third class cabins.

7. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Free entry. Banksy's "Paint-Pot Angel" stands out in the entrance hall, a funeral sculpture with an overturned pink paint bucket on its head, which wants to question our expectations of the works exhibited in museums and the value of art .

We literally adored this museum. It ranges from science, to geography to the Egyptians. Various rooms dedicated to minerals, dinosaurs and Chinese ceramics.

The exhibitions on the top floor always vary and are always super interesting.

Near the bar, on the ground floor, you will find a space dedicated entirely to children where they can try out various disguises and play in peace.

8. St Nicholas Markets

England is not cheap and this is known, but thanks to a few tricks you can go around the culinary world especially at the San Nicholas market.

It is located in the central area. It is a covered market where you will find numerous stalls, it reminded us a bit of Camden Town London. All around numerous food stands from all over the world. We went from Greek to Moroccan to end up with Vietnamese, always staying in the same place.

9. Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe

Bristol Cathedral boasts almost nine centuries of history. Its architecture is famous all over the world. Initially the building was designed as a convent, but it underwent considerable modifications in the 19th century, until arriving at its current structure: a medieval building with a Victorian touch.

St Mary Redcliffe is an impressive Anglican church which was built between the 12th and 15th centuries and was described by Queen Elizabeth I (whose statue is housed in a chapel) as "the finest and most famous parish church in England". Free entry, well worth a visit. What struck me the most and which I had never seen anywhere else was seeing a corner dedicated to children with lots of games.

10. Windmill Hill City Farm

This farm inside the city of Bristol is a real gem. Carried out by many volunteers you will find the herbs from the garden, the farm animals, piglets, goats, bunnies. Very large outdoor play areas for children. Since England is very rainy, we advise you to bring along some boots with which the children can happily throw themselves into the puddles and have a lot of fun since you will almost certainly also find a little mud (which the children very welcome). 

In case of rain: Cabot Circus is the right choice!

This mall can save you when the day is rainy!
Inside you will find many shops, restaurants including our favorite Five Guys for a real burger and fries.

Wandering around we also found a minigolf where we enjoyed playing a game.

For this visit we decided to stay at the 3 Berkeley Square a stone's throw from the Bristol Museum and the Cathedral. This is a completely modernized elegant and refined Georgian house. You will feel a bit like staying in the dream house of the ones you see in London magazines. It is located in a quiet and typically English residential area. The owner is delightful.
In short, we are sure that you will fall in love with this place and this city!

Leave a Reply

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join our TRAVEL LETTER

Stay tuned

Travel Insurance

10% discount with the code: TRAVEL10

Follow us on INSTAGRAM

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Born2travel - VIDEO

Latest articles from the world

Discover the city