If you want to know how to do the ultimate Bristol walking tour and see the most of the city in one day, you’re in the right place!
If you’re searching for a unique destination in the UK perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Bristol might be a great option for you.
Bristol is a vibrant city in the southwest of England, and it is known for rich maritime history, stunning architecture, street art, and an eclectic cultural scene. It’s one of the coolest cities in England, and it’s totally worthy of exploring, at least for a day.
Here’s exactly how to explore the city on a self-guided Bristol walking tour!
WHERE IS BRISTOL
Bristol is one of the bigger cities in the UK. situated in the southwest of England, around 120 miles west from the capital city, London.
HOW TO REACH BRISTOL
You can get from London to Bristol by bus, car, or by train. I would highly recommend taking the train as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get there. It is one of the most expensive ways of getting there though. You can reach Bristol in 90 minutes by train and the return ticket was around 65 GBP for us. The train station you need to reach is Bristol Temple Meads and it’s around 15 minutes from the city center. This is such an enjoyable way of travelling that I would recommend it over all others, if you have the budget for it.
If you’re on a stricter budget, you can just go by bus. That way you’ll spend much less (the return ticket is around 20 GBP) but keep in mind that the bus ride is 60-90 minutes longer than the train. That means at least 2.5 hours on the bus. Finally, you can always go by car. If you decide to go by car, it will take you around 2.5 hours to get to Bristol if there’s no traffic.
If you’re only going for a day, the train is definitely the best option.
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WHERE TO STAY IN BRISTOL
As many tourists visit this vibrant city, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnbs available. We stayed at the Clayton Hotel Bristol City. I cannot recommend this place enough! It’s a modern and stylish 4-star hotel at a perfect location, with stunning rooms, and great breakfast. If you’re searching for a great hotel, definitely check out this one! It’s the perfect starting point for this Bristol walking tour.
IS BRISTOL WORTH VISITING?
Bristol is definitely worth visiting! Not only does this city has incredible history, but it also has a great food scene, it’s full of culture, and has incredible landmarks worth checking out. On top of all that, the city and its people are welcoming, friendly, and lively, which basically guarantees you a great time. Bristol truly deserves a place in your travel itinerary!
BRISTOL WALKING TOUR
Here’s a detailed self-guided Bristol walking tour we did when we visited Bristol. We had an excellent time and managed to see most of the popular landmarks this city has to offer. Feel free to follow this tour if you’re visiting Bristol for the first time.
St. Nicholas Market
Start at one of the most important parts of Bristol’s Old City – St. Nicholas Market. It was established in 1743, and it’s Bristol’s oldest and liveliest market to this day. It’s open every day except on Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is full of independent vendors selling local goods, artisan crafts, and most importantly—delicious food!
If you’re a foodie, this is an excellent location for breakfast or lunch, depending on when you start your tour. You can try all kinds of international foods and enjoy your meal at the outdoor seating area.
Queen’s Square
After the market, find your way to one of Bristol’s most beautiful squares. Queen’s Square is a historic and scenic Georgian square located in the city center. It is one of the largest public squares in England and is famous for the elegant 18th-century architecture and central open space, surrounded by trees and gardens. It was constructed in the early 18th century and named after Queen Anne.
This square is a stunning example of Georgian architecture. Many of the buildings around the square have symmetrical facades, sash windows, and refined detailing, making them a wonderful backdrop to the square. In the center, you’ll find a statue of William III, created in 1736. If you’re a history buff, don’t skip this one!
M Shed Museum
After admiring the square, head toward M Shed, a museum only 7 minutes away. This museum is a must-visit to understand Bristol’s history. It offers fascinating exhibitions about the city’s industrial past, its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, and its cultural evolution. There are also galleries showcasing contemporary stories of the city.
You can enter for free and you’ll get a good sense of Bristol’s history in less than 45 minutes!
Bristol Cathedral
After the brief history lesson, take a walk toward the stunning Bristol Cathedral. This beautiful gothic building was built in the 12th century and it’s one of the most prominent buildings in the heart of the city. You can enter the cathedral for free, so make sure you take a short walk inside to admire the stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and centuries-old tombs.
The Council House & College Green
These two landmarks are right next to the Cathedral, so you won’t have to walk long. The Council House is a stunning curved building designed in the 1930s and it’s one of the most impressive buildings in Bristol. If you wish, you can enter it and visit the public areas to see historic portraits and learn about the city’s governance.
College Green, just in front of City Hall, is a popular open space with historic landmarks on all sides. It’s a lovely place to relax, and both locals, university students, and tourists use this open space for picnics when the weather is nice. I would highly recommend stopping and relaxing there with some takeout lunch or snacks before continuing further.
Park Street
From College Green you should ascent up the steep Park Street. This street is lined with independent boutiques, record stores, and cafes. Because of that, it’s a holy grail for vintage shoppers, art lovers, and coffee enthusiasts. If you’re interested in more than just shopping, you should take in the views of the Wills Memorial Building, which is a part of the University of Bristol. Its gorgeous Gothic tower is over 65 meters tall and visible from much of the city. It’s one of the most iconic symbols of Bristol.
Only a few steps away you’ll find Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, which offers a mix of historical artifacts and contemporary art exhibitions. It’s free to enter and quite interesting, so I would highly recommend stopping for at least half an hour!
Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower
Only 5 minutes from Park Street you find Brandon Hill, the oldest public park in Bristol. This gorgeous park is a peaceful escape from the city, full of with winding paths, ideal for a leisurely walk or a picnic. The park is home to Cabot Tower, one of the more prominent landmarks in Bristol. It was built in 1897 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s journey from Bristol to Canada.
The tower offers visitors the chance to climb its spiral staircase for panoramic views of the city, the harborside, and the distant hills of Somerset. But, if you don’t feel like climbing hundreds of stairs, you can still get incredible views at the foot of the Tower.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge
Walk 30 minutes from the Cabot Tower to one of the most iconic landmarks in Bristol – the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This stunning bridge offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. You can walk across it, soak up the views, and snap some photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also visit the Clifton Observatory nearby for panoramic views.
Bristol Harbourside
Bristol Harbourside was one of the most exciting parts of the city. This historic port was once the hub of the city’s maritime activity, but now it’s a vibrant waterfront area lined with bars, restaurants, museums, and art galleries.
As you walk along the water’s edge, you’ll enjoy stunning views of docked boats and architecture around. Make sure you stop for dinner, or even go explore Bristol’s excellent pub and live music scene.
