The 11 essential things to do in Bristol

Are you going to visit Bristol in the southwest of England? Here is our presentation of 11 essential things in Bristol!

What to do in Bristol? In my opinion, we'll pass quickly to Wales! If you think there’s nothing to do when you come to Bristol, get out of here because it’s one of England’s most dynamic cities! With 432,500 inhabitants (2012), it is the eighth largest city in the United Kingdom and the sixth largest city in England. Opened on the Atlantic Ocean and Ireland, Bristol was a port centre of global importance during the Industrial Revolution, and a dashboard of triangular trade at the time of slavery (16th-17th centuries).

Historical, cultural, artistic, young, contestant and vibrant, Bristol is often described as one of the most enjoyable cities to live in England. In 2010, Bristol was elected “musical city of the United Kingdom” and “green capital of Europe” in 2015. That means... You who ask that you do in Bristol, we have concocted a small list – although not exhaustive – of 11 essential things to do and to see by coming to Bristol and its backstage.

1. Old City

What to do in Bristol? We'll definitely visit Old town Bristol! It is a witness of the time that passes to open sky. The area extends from north to south from Cabot Circus to the Avon docks, with Queen Square Park. The old town offers a maze of small streets with old stone houses. Walk to the blind in the old town’s “trees” at the turn of the deadlocks and paved streets.

2. Millenium Square

Millenium Square , it is the main square in the city centre of Bristol: a very popular and frequented place. Immanquable for you who come to visit Bristol, Millenium Square to the west of the old town, a few steps from the cathedral and the aquarium. The square consists of multiple basins and giant screens, including one of the BBC to see the information there. The basins are also very appreciated by the smaller ones who come to pass the hot summer days.

3. Castle Park

In the heart of downtown Bristol, one of the city's many green lungs is: Castle Park , literally meaning the « Parc du Château ».

There are 450 parks and green spaces in the city of Bristol and this one is worth a visit. Located in the site of the old medieval castle, today we find the ruins of the St Peter's church , whose tower dates from the 12th century, and finalized in the 15th century. It is, according to some sources, the first and oldest church in the city. Destroyed and bombed during the Second World War (24-25 November 1940) by Nazi aviation, it is now a monument to the civilian deaths of the war. Castle Park is a public park in 1978, the park is very popular. We're here to stroll and spend a moment on the lawns facing the river.

4. Brandon Hill

What to do in Bristol when we've already run all the alleys in the historic centre? Offering a pause, why not, to Brandon Hill ! Brandon Hill Park is an English-language park as you like them: close to the city centre between Clifton and Hotwells, the park is a vast green space with gardens where to stroll and relax, with a view of the Cabot Tower, opened in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's journey, an Italian explorer who left in 1497 from Bristol to the "New World", currently in Canada. The tower, which is 32 metres high, offers a breathtaking view of the city and the entrance is free so don’t hesitate!

5. The_street art_Bristol

What to do in Bristol and what to see? At the turn of your walks in the streets of the city, admire the countless graffiti that adorn the walls. Bristol is home to a rich culture of street artists. Some of Bristol’s streets are indeed a real urban art gallery and no legal proceedings are being carried out against street artists. Bristol is therefore a source of inspiration for many graffers around the world. Do you know the artist Banksy ? You'll probably fall on his works!

6. Museums in Bristol

Uncontournable to visit Bristol, Bristol Museums will be appreciated if you like to discover a city through its cultural life.

In Bristol, M-Shed , located in a former port hangar, is essential. It retraces the history of the city, the lives of the inhabitants and the places of the city. The entrance is free and allows you to discover the history of the port, the history of the different districts, the disputed tradition having forged the identity of the city, etc.

It would be a shame to visit Bristol without entering British Museum and Art Gallery . There are collections on Antiquity (assyrian and Egyptian pieces), paintings and pottery, and a museum of natural sciences.

Do you like corporate subjects? Do it Palestine Museum a photo exhibition on the history of the Israeli colonization of Palestine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

7. The Cathedral

Appeal Cathedral of the Holy and Indivisible-Trinity from Bristol, the cathedral is an Anglican art monument located in the city centre. Founded in 1140, it was built from the 12th century to the 16th century. It is a monument classified and protected by the British authorities. You will not fail to see the two twin towers on the west façade, which are not without recalling the cathedral of Reims.

8. The zoo

To visit Bristol, you have to go to the zoological and botanical gardens to get green in the middle of an urban environment. You will see rare animal species and exotic and tropical plants. The Bristol zoo is home to more than 400 animal species, including gorillas, penguins, pandas and reptiles. Children's games have been installed on site so that this family activity can satisfy everyone.

9. Nightlife

How to visit Bristol and/or other British cities without enjoying the party, pubs and bars? Bristol's nightlife is known to be very lively. So make a barathon – a marathon of bars – by blossoming local artisanal breweries, clubs and discotheques where to celebrate until dawn. Note: This is a suggestion for "young"!

10. Soap Gorges and Suspension Bridge

What do we do in Bristol when we saw everything? Get out a little of the city and take advantage of Avon Gorges . It is a massive cut in the limestone, 2.5 kilometres west of the city centre. You can then photograph another emblem of Bristol: the Clifton suspension bridge . It is a work of 412 meters long, and suspended 74 meters above the river. Completed in 1864, the bridge is one of the oldest suspended bridges. A treat for many travellers and other civil engineering enthusiasts.

11. Gloucester and Lacock: in the footsteps of Harry Potter

Visiting Bristol is also a place for magic. A few kilometers from Bristol, go to the discovery of two shooting places that gave life to the Harry Potter saga. A Lacock , discover the famous abbey whose room which served as a classroom for the defense courses against the forces of evil of Professor Quirrel (Harry Potter at the school of sorcerers) but also that where Professor Rogue gave his potion courses. Continue your exploration until Gloucester where his 1300-year-old cathedral endorsed the role of Poudlard (among the other 5 places that gave birth to the school), especially when Harry and Ron escaped the troll in the first part. Discover in particular the village Lavenham (Godric’s Hollow in the saga) where is the house where Harry was born and in which James and Lily were murdered.

Finally, if you are fans of the famous saga, know that the country hosts most of the filming places that have become emblematic but also and above all, the Studios Harry Potter who invite you to dive in the backstage of the shooting.

How to get to Bristol?

Many flights low-cost and direct allow you to go to Bristol from France (a little over an hour of flight), you will find the cheapest on our partner’s website. Ulysses . Because Bristol Airport is 12 kilometres south of the city, you then have a choice to reach the centre or your accommodation: the bus or the private transfer (a driver drops you directly at the foot of your hotel).

By train from the English cities – Manchester, London, Leeds, etc. - you will arrive at one of the two stations: Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads. From London you can come by bus by the National Express and Megabus companies.

Where to stay in Bristol?

What are the areas where to stay in Bristol ? We recommend the old town, Brandon and Redcliffe to find a hotel where to sleep in Bristol with a central location, and avoid spending time in public transport. In terms of feet on the ground, you have the choice: hotels, apartments, hostels, guest houses... There are for all passenger profiles. On this hotel comparisons , you will find the best offers of the time, while Airbnb will offer you the most typical accommodations for a stay in English.