a group of people sitting on a park bench

Discover Bristol

Your Bristol Bucketlist

By JForrester 31 Jan 2022

So you've moved in, unpacked and met the flat family.

Now its time to start exploring and making those precious Bristol memories! Here are some ideas to get you started ...

1. Feast at St Nicks

St Nicks market is full of scrummy foods and gorgeous stalls selling crafts, locally produced goods, vintage clothing and jewellery, you could easily spend an afternoon wandering through the all the stalls.

The street food market opens its doors on weekends and weekday afternoons, from Moroccan to Caribbean, English to Italian, there are so many delicious offerings here, you definitely won't leave hungry. On Fridays and Thursdays they often have events with live music, so you can make an evening of it.

2. Soak up the Sights in Clifton

a large bridge over some water with Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background

Bristol has lots of small neighbourhoods around the city centre, each with a unique character and different feel. Clifton, as you probably already know, is home to Bristol's iconic suspension bridge, but there's so much more to explore. Its home to some of Bristol's best pubs and restaurants, the White Lion bar, part of the Avon Gorge hotel, boasts the best views over the suspension bridge. Why not take a walk over Clifton Downs and then stop for a bite to eat?

3. Watch a film

If films are your thing, Bristol is home to all your favourite cinemas & then some. If you're in the mood for something a little bit different, try the Watershed, this small movie theatre nestled right in the centre of Harbourside specialises in independent & foreign films. There's also a cafe/bar to catch up with friends with after the film. If you're after something a bit special - The Everyman cinema, is one of the oldest cinemas in Bristol complete with plush interior for the ultimate viewing experience.

4. Take a trip to Troopers

Troopers Hill is a nature reserve in the St George area of Bristol, You can spot lots of wildlife here and there are great views over the city. Perfect for an Insta snap!

a large green field with trees in the background

5. Catch a wave

The wave is an inland surfing lake, they offer lessons if you're a beginner or you can use the lake solo if you already know how to surf.

a man riding a wave on a surfboard in the water

6. Find the Purdown goats

You can find the Purdown goats hanging out up by the BT tower, which is a short walk away from Frenchay and Glenside campuses.

7. See a show

Bristol Old Vic has been running since 1766 and is the oldest continuously working theatre in the UK. Check out their website for all the latest shows. If you're into your West End grand theatrical productions, then The Hippodrome is the place for you.

If neither of those are your bag, a simple google search with bring up many small independent theatres such as The Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market & The Alma Taver n in Clifton which have a variety of more alternative shows in an intimate setting.

8. Have a laugh

Comedy clubs are a plenty in Bristol. Colston Hall is the place for all your big name comedians, but what Bristol does so well is small independent venues, there are so many to choose from when it comes to comedy. The comedy box at the Hen and Chickens is a personal favourite.

Bristol also has a comedy garden festival at the beginning of July, which is well worth a visit.

9. Get some fresh air

There's nothing like a bit of fresh air to refocus, Stoke Park with the golden Dower House, is just round the corner from campus and is the perfect place to take a walk and unwind. You never too far from lush green spaces living in Bristol ; Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills are also within walking distance from Frenchay & Glenside, with woodland trails, a café & riverside paths it's the perfect place to take a break from the books.

Check out Culture Calling's guide to Bristol's Best Gardens and Green Spaces here.

10. Have afternoon tea with feline friends

One for the cat lovers! Fancy going for afternoon tea and petting some gorgeously cute cats? You&Meow is Bristol's first cat cafe, kitted out in Zen style, it's the perfect place to relax and take time out.

11. Sail away

a large ship docked in a harbor next to a body of water

There may not be a beach, but a leisurely walk around Bristol's harbourside and you'll be getting those holiday feelings, Bristol's location on edge of the West Country with its pastel houses and maritime history gives the city a unique coastal feel. You can't live in Bristol without catching a boat once in a while. Bristol packet offers a variety of boat tours, from Cream Tea Cruises to City Dock Tours.

12. Discover the harbour by PADDLE-BOARD

No doubt you've seen those gorgeous Instagram pictures of paddle-boarders tranquilly floating down harbourside! Fancy trying it? Well then check out SUP Bristol; they provide both paddle-board hire and lessons.

13.Explore by Scooter

There's a lot to see in Bristol and with so many hills you might want to hop on a scooter.

a motorcycle is parked on the side of a road

14.Go for a dip at the Lido

The lido in Clifton is the perfect place to spend a lazy day by the pool. The pool is heated so can be used at any time of the year. Feeling peckish? The Lido featured on BBC Two's, Remarkable Places to Eat, and we agree it boasts a variety of delicious dishes!

15. Shop till you drop

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is only a short bus ride away from Frenchay and Glenside campus and Cabot Circus is another great option when it comes to shopping. If you love vintage clothes, you're in the right place. Loot Vintage has a great selection of vintage and retro clothing. If you take a stroll down Park Street, you will find a selection of boutiques, book shops, charity shops and places to eat.

16. Dance the night away

Bristol's nightlife is second to none. Take advantage of everything from free live music every night at The Canteen to partying on a boat at Thekla. Award winning superclubs like Motion and plenty of student nights at Prism. There are so many places to dance the night away, head to Stokes Croft, Park Street & Kings Street to start exploring.

17. Go to a gig!

Not a fan of the superclub, how about a gig? There's tons of venues in Bristol for you to take advantage of, from your small and intimate hidden gems The Louisiana and The Mothers' Ruin, to your city staples, The O2 Academy and everything in-between.

Be sure to keep an eye on two Bristol Institutions - The Trinity Centre and Bristol Beacon for stellar line-ups!

18. Throw an axe

Pizza and axe throwing what a perfect combination. Whistle punks have taken the axe throwing out of the woodland and brought it into the city! This could be a fun and unique flat evening out!

19. Get Arty

I'm guessing since you have chosen to spend the next three years in Bristol, you're well aware that Bristol is famous for its Graffiti! Get out there and see if you can spot some of Banksy's famous pieces, you could even take one of Bristol's many graffiti tours. Follow Upfest's Instagram so you don't miss any of the amazing artwork popping up over the city.

If you're interested in art you could also check out Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and Arnolfini. For a more hands on approach to the art world you could get involved in a pottery painting workshop at Kiln Workshop ot take part in a life drawing workshop at The Jam Jar.

20. Bowl away at The Lanes

The Lanes is so much more than just a bowling alley - it's a Bristol institution - you can grab a drink, dine on some pizza, watch a band and bowl!

21. Get lost in space

Bristol's planetarium is part of We The Curious, Science and Arts Center. Inside this shiny sphere you'll find 3D Planetarium, from Solar System Odysseys to Stargazing there are many different shows for you to enjoy!

22. Shop for Vinyl

Bristol is a vinyl lovers paradise. There are record shops all over the city, so get ready to start digging. Start at Rough Trade in the city centre, then check out Wanted Records and the many other treasure troves you'll find in St Nicks Market. Head up to Clifton up Park Street stopping at Gastro Vinyl and then make your way to Stokes Croft for a day of vinyl hunting.

23. Explore Blaise Castle

Blaise castle is South Bristol is perfect for sunny days. Entry into the grounds is free and you can also

24. Step aboard the Concorde

Two hours, fifty-two minutes and fifty-nine seconds, that's how long it took to fly from London to New York on the Concorde. You might not be able to get there that fast anymore, but you can board the Concorde at Aerospace Bristol. There are also a ton of other great feats of engineering for you to marvel at.

25. Visit the Cathedral

Standing proud in Bristol for over 1,000 years, if you are in to architecture this one is a must see.

26. Dive into Bristol's history

If you want to really get to grips with Bristol and all its history, head down to the Mshed. This fantastic museum traces Bristol's history from pre-historic era to the current day.

27. Be at one with nature at The Botanical Gardens

Bristol's Botanical Gardens are snuggled away up in Stoke Bishop on the edge of Clifton Downs. Part of the University of Bristol they boast beautiful plant collections including tropical and sub tropical zones collection, local flora, rare native collections and useful plants collections, to name a few.

28. Enjoy a festival

Bristolians love festivals so which one's will you attend this year?

Upfest: Europe’s largest Street Art and Graffiti festival – May
Love Saves the Day – May
Bristol Sounds – June
Bristol Food Connections – June
Comedy Garden – June
Bristol Pride – June/July
St Paul's Carnival
The Downs Festival
Bristol DogFest
Bristol Harbour Festival – July
Bristol Balloon Fiesta – August
Bristol Foodies Festival - September
Bristol Film Festival
Dot to Dot - September
Tokyo World – September
Viva! Vegan Festival – December

29. Wander the streets

Bristol is such a beautiful city with so much to see, it's not always necessary to go out with an itinerary or place in mind. Just wander and see what you find!