48 Hours in Bristol
Arts, sciences, and a unique creative edge courses through the veins of Bristol. So it should come as no surprise that the supposed birthplace of the one and only Banksy will naturally be jam-packed with cool food spots, intriguing museums and inspiring nature walks. From wandering through quirky food stalls to an evening spent in a boutique cinema, there are so many ways to spend your days in this up-and-coming city!
Day 1
Breakfast in At The Well
Start your 48 hours in Bristol by indulging in the most important meal of the day at one of the most unique breakfast spots in the city: At The Well. This buzzing café also serves as a laundromat so customers can grab a stack of pancakes while they wait for their sheets to dry! If you don’t need any washing done, don’t worry – you can still drop by and delight in the community feel and the delicious breakfast dishes before you head off to your first destination.
Wander through St. Nicholas Market
Take a relaxing walk through the bustling streets of Bristol, past the famed Bearpit, and towards St. Nicholas Market. This market has been trading since 1742 and boasts one of the largest groups of independent retailers in Bristol making it the ideal spot for a wander and a browse (it’s also probably one of the best things to do in Bristol when it’s raining!). Peruse through the stalls and shops and pick up a memento to remember your trip.
Visit the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Grab a coffee to go in one of the many charming cafés in St. Nicholas Market, walk towards Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and prepare to immerse yourself in the museum’s impressive collections! There are 19 galleries in total which span over three floors, on the ground floor, expect a glimpse into the natural wonders of the region, on the first, come face to face with the Bristol dinosaur and on the second spend time admiring the works of great artists such as Bellini and Pissarro.
Check out Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill
Take a short walk through Berkley Square and towards Brandon Hill. As the oldest park in Bristol, Brandon Hill is a haven for both history and wildlife so a wander through here is an ideal escape from the city. Although it would be hard to miss, make sure to check out Cabot Tower during your time in the park – a 105ft tall tower that offers some of the best panoramic views of the entire city.
Grab a late lunch at Bristol Lido
After ticking off some of the top things to do in Bristol, it’s time to sit down and relax with a late lunch at Bristol Lido. Once a public bath, this unique space was restored into a special oasis complete with a restaurant and poolside bar overlooking the heated pool. Enjoy a Spanish and Mexican inspired lunch here and go for a dip afterwards!
Catch a movie at Everyman Bristol
End your first day in the city by catching a movie at Everyman Bristol. This boutique cinema offers a unique movie viewing experience complete with waiter service and a food and drink menu that includes everyone’s favourite movie snack favourites with a difference! Enjoy an old school cult classic or opt for one of the latest releases, just be sure to check in before you visit to see the cinema listings.
Day 2
Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge
Enjoy a walk through the charming village of Clifton and make your way to the Clifton Suspension Bridge – one of the cities most iconic and recognisable structures. Cross over the bridge and embrace the sweeping views before dropping into the Visitor Centre for an insight into the history of the bridge including how it works and how its maintained to this day. While you’re there, make sure to snap a picture in front of the bridge which is actually the 7th most popular place for photos in the UK!
Take a wander through Leigh Woods
Next up – Leigh Woods! This vast woodland sits on the outskirts of Bristol, just by Clifton Suspension Bridge and has a variety of walking trails for every ability. Rather than following a route, you can choose to explore the area at your own pace and spend as little or as much time as you’d like here.
End your day in the city at the Caribbean Croft
When you’ve visited the best attractions and done the best things to do in Bristol, it’s time to make your way back towards the city and enjoy delicious Caribbean inspired dishes at The Caribbean Croft. This relaxed restaurant serves bold, authentic meals using family recipes so you’re guaranteed to get a one-of-a-kind meal!
Four-Star Hotel in Bristol
After a day of exploring Bristol, Clayton Hotel Bristol City is the perfect place to unwind. Sitting in the heart of the Old Town district, the hotel offers the ideal location for exploring.