When I moved to the UK almost eight years ago, like most fresh-off-the-plane Aussies who arrive here, I spent as many weekends as I could travelling over to European cities.
I’d book the cheapest possible airfare (usually involving 4am starts and frantic missions to get to Stansted without spending a small fortune) and would whizz through European cities in 48 hours, desperate to drink in as much of the continent as I could … and, admittedly, to add to that all-important (or so I thought) country count I was tallying up.
But I never travelled within the UK.
Which, I now understand, was a huge mistake. But when I finally got tired of the red-eye flights and frazzled airport journeys, I discovered that the UK is home to some of the most interesting, cosmopolitan and beautiful cities in the world. And my favourite British city, the one I somehow keep coming back to time and time again, is Bristol.
Don’t believe me? Well, here are just 15 reasons why you need to visit Bristol immediately. I promise you, you won’t regret it.
1. Bristol is easy to travel to
If you’re coming from within the UK, train is the fastest way to reach Bristol (make sure you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads if you want to access the city. Bristol Parkway is miles away). Tickets can be pricey, so if you’re looking for a cheaper way to travel to Bristol (from London only at this stage), consider using sn-ap, a new coach booking app that’s budget-friendly without being cheap and nasty.
The coaches are luxurious (some even have wifi) and offer plenty of luggage space as well as toilets, so the journey really is hassle-free. Plus, with prices at around £10 return (journey costs vary), it’s outstanding value.
And if you’re coming from further afield, you can fly directly into Bristol from many destinations within the UK, Europe and even internationally. The airport is about a 20 minute drive from the city centre, so however you get to Bristol, it’s an easy journey!
2. The food is exceptional
I genuinely don’t think I’ve had a bad meal in Bristol.
Whether you’re looking for street food (in which case, make a beeline for St. Nicks Market), fine dining (get yourself to Riverstation) or anything in between, you’ll find it when you visit Bristol.
I’ve written about the best places to eat in Bristol before, so head over to that post to get a few more specific ideas.
3. The bar scene is thriving
As a university city, it’s no surprise that Bristol is home to plenty of bars and late-night destinations.
The quantity may not be unexpected, but the quality is. Some of Bristol’s bars rival London’s most popular drinking spots, and unlike sprawling London, Bristol’s bars are almost all within walking (or very short Ubering) distance of one another.
There are speakeasy bars hidden underground (Hausbar) or behind unassuming doors (Red Light), bars with quirky interiors (The Old Bookshop), bars with terraces that are perfect for summer nights (Bambalan), bars on boats (The Apple), beer emporiums (like the aptly named Beer Emporium) … and that’s just the beginning. Needless to say, you don’t need to look far to have a great night out in Bristol.
4. It’s home to The Florist
I’m cheating a bit by not including this in the food or drink sections, but The Florist isn’t just a bar or restaurant. It’s a destination, and one that you absolutely cannot miss if you’re visiting the city.
In fact, I’m going to be back in Bristol in a couple of weeks for Crimefest 2018, and after I booked my travel, the first thing I did was make a reservation for lunch at The Florist. Because I’ve got my priorities straight.
This multi-story bar and restaurant is an Instagrammer’s dream, and it’s got substance to match its style. The food is incredible (they even have a separate gluten free menu!), the gin selection is extensive and the service is friendly and attentive.
The Florist ticks all the boxes, and the hidden nooks and crannies, complete with neon signs and floral walls, will take your breath away.
5. The street art is world-class
No post about Bristol would be complete without mentioning the amazing street art that adorns many of the city’s buildings.
Visit Bristol to see some of the most famous Banksy works, as well as plenty – which are just as good – by artists you may not have heard of. Take a street art tour to see the highlights, or just keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city.
6. You’ll never get bored
No matter what you’re into, while you’re in Bristol you’re guaranteed to find something that appeals to you.
Museums, art galleries, shopping, paddle boarding, learning about the area’s history, walking, cycling, sailing past the city on a boat, taking in the views from above in a hot air balloon, finding Nemo at the Bristol Aquarium, spotting Gromit statues … I could go on, but I the folks over at Visit Bristol have pulled together a list of everything you can do in Bristol so I don’t need to!
7. You’ll sleep in comfort
There are loads of accommodation options to choose from in Bristol, whatever your budget and taste.
Last time I was there I stayed at the Radisson Blu, which is centrally located, comfortable and offers stunning views over the harbour, but if you’d like some more recommendations, take a look at my complete guide to Bristol, which lists a few more of my favourites.
8. There’s a festival for everyone
Visit Bristol in the warmer months, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to entertainment, thanks to the city’s fabulous festivals, many of which are free.
There’s Walk Fest, which offers visitors and locals the chance to get to know the city on foot, beer festivals (yes, there’s more than one), a theatre festival, the delicious Foodies Festival, CrimeFest (I went last year – here’s what I learned while I was there), a gin festival, a festival for dogs, the annual Bristol Harbour Festival, the Balloon Fiesta and SO many more.
Find a festival that tickles your fancy.
9. The houses will make you smile
Whoever had the brilliant idea of painting most of Bristol’s houses in candy colours should be given a medal. I have no idea who started the trend, but it obviously caught on, as rows and rows of terraced houses around the city sit like rectangular rainbows, making even the greyest of days come to life.
Not sure where to start? Cliftonwood Crescent is one of the most famous of Bristol’s colourful streets, and it’s right around the corner from the stunning Clifton Village. For even more candy-coloured inspiration, follow Bristol local Jess Siggers on Instagram.
10. You can get back to nature
A city’s botanical gardens probably isn’t the first stop on your list when you’re visiting for the first time, but the University of Bristol Botanic Garden is stunning, mostly because it features a greenhouse absolutely filled with cacti.
The rest of the grounds are also beautiful, but the cacti (and Giant Amazon Waterlilies, apparently, although they weren’t there when I visited) are well worth the bus ride to the edges of the city.
11. You’ll fall in love with Clifton Village
Clifton Village is like a quaint little country town within a city. The streets are gorgeous, and there are loads of lovely pubs and cafes to pop into when you’re tired of pottering around the boutique shops and galleries in the area.
I highly recommend Wainwright’s Coffee for its delicious drinks, stylish decor and friendly service.
12. The people are incredibly friendly
Maybe it’s just because I’m so used to London surliness, but I found Bristolians to be some of the friendliest people ever. They seem to be always smiling, always happy to help, and always incredibly proud of their city. And really, if I lived there, I probably would be, too.
13. It boasts the SS Great Britain
One of Bristol’s most famous attractions, the SS Great Britain is a steam ship that was designed by Isamabard Kingdom Brunel. Although its seafaring days are long behind it, the SS Great Britain is now an interactive museum that ranks in the top 10 museums in all of the UK.
It’s well worth a visit – especially now that the brand new Being Brunel exhibition is open, giving visitors an insight into this famous Bristolian’s fascinating mind!
14. The harbour is always stunning
Bristol Harbourside is where most of the city’s action happens, and it’s a brilliant place to spend some time, no matter what the season.
In summer, the pubs and restaurants are spilling over with revellers and sunseekers, and in winter those willing to brave the cold to get outside are strolling along the misty, moody waterways. If you want to really absorb the heart of Bristol, the Harbourside is where you want to be.
15. You can escape into a book at the breathtaking library
It’s no surprise that I love finding the most beautiful libraries when I travel (here are 10 of the most amazing libraries around the world), and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Bristol Central Library can rival many of those on my list.
Pop in for a sneaky peek (don’t disturb the people who are there to study!) of this fabulous arched ceiling, and make sure you admire the mosaic entrance while you’re there!
Have you visited Bristol? What else would you add to this list?
Thanks so much to Visit Bristol for hosting me at the Bristol Weekender so I could experience even more of the city I love!
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So many reasons why I love Bristol – so pleased to call it my home. You’re right about The Florist, it ticks every box and the food and cocktails are just so good! Still need to make it to the Botanic Gardens – a few people have mentioned them now and I don’t know why I still haven’t been.