Welcome to Bristol

WELCOME TO

BRISTOL ATTRACTIONS | DINING | SHOPPING | NIGHTLIFE | CULTURE

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For clothes that mean more, that add to the story of our lives.

16 The Mall, Bristol BS8 4DR Tel: 0117 9735 418

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Ian David Heads ian.heads@kingfishermedia.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Berkeley Castle

Ian Sinclair ian.sinclair@kingfishermedia.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM

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April - October 2024

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• Acres of landscaped gardens & grounds • Family friendly events throughout the year • 16th Century tapestries • Fabulous paintings • Historical artefacts • Walled Garden • Guided Tours

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

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09 WELCOME

This city boasts world-class attractions, great shopping and an enviable nightlife.

©BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA; GRAYLING PR/ CABOT CIRCUS; JACK HOBHOUSE/AEROSPACE BRISTOL

12 DAYS OUT

Bristol offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

26 TOP PICKS

Our top things to see and do when visiting this vibrant city.

28 SHOPPING

Shopaholics will love Bristol for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents.

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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CONTENTS

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36 EATING OUT

This city is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.

46 WEEKENDER

Only here for the weekend? Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Bristol.

48 ARTS & CULTURE

Culture vultures assemble! This city offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals. ©BANK; JOHAN PERSSON/DISNEY/BRISTOL HIPPODROME

52 AFTER DARK

The nightlife in Bristol is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues.

56 BEYOND BRISTOL

Although this city has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.

60 PHOTO FINISH

A final look at Bristol – look up to the sky when Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is on.

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WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

WELCOME

WELCOME TO BRISTOL THIS CIT Y BOASTS WORLD-CL ASS AT TRACTIONS, GREAT SHOPPING AND AN ENVIABLE NIGHTLIFE

BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA OVER THE HARBOURSIDE

©NICK/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

M

ay we congratulate you on your choice of destination – you’ve picked a great time to visit Bristol.

With world-class attractions, great shopping, stunning nightlife, exciting festivals and a superb range of hotels it’s no surprise that Bristol has become one of England’s most popular tourist destinations.

Bristol has been described as a modern European city with a historic past. The city’s waterfront has been transformed in recent years to become a major leisure destination in its own right, with stylish bars, cafés, museums and galleries.

The city centre combines the historic charm of the old city with its medieval churches, castle ruins and bustling farmers’ markets with Bristol’s main retail area. Boasting more than 500 shops, including signature stores such as Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser anchoring the ultra-chic Cabot Circus complex, Bristol’s

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city centre shopping area, is the fashion and leisure capital of the South West.

Just north of the city centre is Clifton Village, with its elegant Georgian streets, designer shops and delightful cafés. It’s the location of Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge which spans the stunning Avon Gorge affording visitors spectacular views of the sweeping Downs and surrounding countryside.

Often described as a city of villages, Bristol is also Britain’s greenest city, with more than 450 open spaces, a network of cycle lanes, regular farmers’ markets and locally sourced food and drink available throughout the city, and has won an international award which saw it become European Green Capital in 2015.

Bristol can boast an enviable nightlife with many of the region’s best restaurants, live music venues, clubs, bars and pubs located in the city. So relax, recharge and enjoy your stay in this great city.

“THE CITY’S WATERFRONT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED TO BECOME A MAJOR LEISURE DESTINATION IN ITS OWN RIGHT, WITH STYLISH BARS, CAFÉS, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES”

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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Nicholas Wylde realised his dream of starting his own business in 1987, opening his first shop in Bath at the age of 24. In 2010, he opened a second branch in Clifton Village, Bristol.

Bath’s leading designer jeweller has built up an unrivalled reputation for designing outstanding jewellery, from one-off commissions to larger corporate orders, all handmade with great passion in the workshop on the premises.

BESPOKE DESIGN / REMODELLING SERVICE An appointment can be arranged with one of our designers where you will be seated and greeted with a glass of chilled champagne to discuss and bring your jewellery dreams to life. All as part of our complimentary service, our trained specialists will draw up their initial ideas in front of you, listening with great care to create the perfect piece to your specifications and budget, for a piece of jewellery that’s truly unique to you.

SAME DAY ON-SITE REPAIRS We have an on-site workshop at our store, where we have talented goldsmiths who carry out all jewellery repairs. A quotation can be given for the repair of any item brought into the shop and most items are repaired on the premises.

Same day repairs are usually possible. Stones can be sourced and replaced where missing, rings can be sized up or down, chains can be soldered, clasps can be replaced and countless other repairs can be undertaken.

Wylde Jewellers 6 The Mall Clifton BS8 4DR 0117 974 3582 bristol@nicholaswylde.com Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

10:00 – 17:00 10:00 – 17:00 10:15 – 17:00 10:15 – 17:00 10:00 – 17:00 10:00 – 17:00

DAYS OUT

GET SET FOR GREAT DAYS OUT IN BRISTOL THIS CIT Y OFFERS AN ABUNDANCE OF THINGS TO DO WITH DAYS OUT AND TOP AT TRACTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY

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©ADAM GASSON/AEROSPACE BRISTOL/SS GREAT BRITAIN; VISITBRITAIN/ROD EDWARDS

ooking for historic sites, a dynamic art scene and a lively calendar of live events? All this and more awaits in Bristol. This vibrant city is known for the offbeat character of its suburbs, where street art, community cooperatives and local festivals turn a simple walk into an exploration.

But Bristol is big on history and tradition too. Wander the genteel streets of Clifton, see Old Masters at the city’s art galleries and marvel at the might of Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Days out in Bristol are never boring.

Beautiful, arty and full of museums and heritage houses, Bristol is a big draw for history and culture buffs.

Learn about the city’s role in the slave trade, wander its historic harbour and dance yourself silly at a range of fun festivals and events.

IMPRESSIVE EVENTS From big Chinese New Year celebrations to twinkling Christmas markets, Bristol hosts an impressive array of events and festivals throughout the year. January welcomes Bristol Slapstick Festival to the city, giving audiences the chance to watch some extraordinary silent films accompanied by live musical scores. The screenings are introduced by prominent film historians, experts and comedians inspired by the comedy legends on screen.

Both the Bristol Bluegrass Festival and the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival take place around March. Come June there’s Love Saves the Day, which showcases a diverse range of contemporary musical genres, combining the best of Bristol’s thriving underground scene with pioneering artists from across the globe.

The family-oriented Festival of Nature is held in June, while July brings the city’s famous Harbour Festival, featuring free maritime events, dance and live music.

In August, everyone looks to the skies for the worldfamous spectacle of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which draws huge crowds each year. The annual, city-wide festival of sustainability, known as the Great Big Green Week, takes place every June.

For a supersonic day of family fun, get the kids down to Aerospace Bristol. Discover fighter planes, helicopters

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and space technology while the kids enjoy interactive games, Alfie Fox’s trail and a fantastic aeroplane play area. A real highlight is stepping aboard the last Concorde ever to fly.

Back in the city centre, get the low down on Bristol and its inhabitants at M Shed. This museum tells the city’s story from prehistoric times to the present day, through an eclectic mix of rare and quirky objects, personal memoirs and interactive displays. Highlights include learning about Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and meeting Bristol’s very own dinosaur – Thecodontosaurus.

“WANDER THE STREETS OF CLIFTON, SEE OLD MASTERS AT THE CITY’S ART GALLERIES AND MARVEL AT THE MIGHT OF BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN” Outside the building, you can often take a ride on some of the larger exhibits, including steam trains, boats and the famous cranes – but check for dates and times beforehand to make sure they’re running.

Another of the city’s top attractions is the constantly evolving We The Curious, an innovative science discovery centre with countless hands-on activities. Head towards the Harbourside and look out for the giant mirrored sphere that houses the centre’s Planetarium, and you’ll soon find the entrance.

To get a peek inside a beautiful old gypsy caravan, meet Bristol’s dinosaur and see some real Egyptian mummies, make your way to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery at the top of Park Street. The museum offers free entry and includes a hands-on play area for younger children.

The gallery on the top floor is home to an impressive range of art, from European paintings by the likes of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable to one of the finest collections of Chinese glass outside of Asia. >>p17

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP SS GREAT BRITAIN; HEAD TO BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA; VISIT AEROSPACE BRISTOL

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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GET ALL STEAMED UP AT THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY WHAT TO SEE ON YOUR VISIT See our beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our steam or diesel locomotives

Where The Wonders Of The Deep Await Birthday Parties

School Tours

Evening Events

Go for a walk alongside the track on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path (the 13 mile off-road route between Bristol and Bath city centres) Learn more about the history of the line in our small museum area Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our station buffet (open daily) Pick up a railway-themed souvenir in our gift shop (open on our operating days)

operate: Steam or Diesel trains ber Weekends April to Septem PLUS ol holidays selected Wedesdays in scho obe and Sundays in Oct r

Tel: 0117 932 5538 www.avonvalleyrailway.org

bristolaquarium.co.uk

@bristolaquarium

Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD

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WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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YOUR FLIGHT PLAN FOR A SUPERSONIC DAY OUT! Tripadvisor 2023

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Arrive at Aerospace Bristol on the historic Filton Airfield, where every Concorde made its maiden flight.

Explore the Heritage Hangar, journeying through time from the earliest powered flights, through the world wars and the space race, up to the modern day.

Visit the Conservation Workshop in the company of an expert guide. Step aboard the Bristol Freighter and see live restoration in action.

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Take to the skies in the Red Arrows Experience flight simulator ride.

Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch in the cafe or sit outdoors with a view of the museum’s listed aircraft hangars.

If you’re visiting with children, let their imaginations take flight in the Little Pilots aeroplane-themed play area.

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GET ON BOARD

It’s time to go supersonic...

Visit the last Concorde ever to fly, glimpse inside the incredible flight deck and explore the passenger cabin.

Visit the museum shop and pick up a treat, with exclusive products to choose from, including Concorde t-shirts, bespoke beers, and our Supersonic gift range.

Book your tickets at aerospacebristol.org or upon arrival at the museum.

Aerospace Bristol is open 7 days a week, 10am to 4.30pm and tickets include free return visits for a whole year

EXPLORE South Gloucestershire Take the time to discover something new Home to castles and market towns, traditional country pubs and open green spaces.

From walking and cycling routes to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, there’s something for everyone to discover in South Gloucestershire, including: High rope climbing and conservation at Wild Place Project

Heritage railway events at Avon Valley Railway

Inland surfing at The Wave

Shopping at The Mall, the South West’s largest indoor retail mall

Historic aviation history at Aerospace Bristol, the home of Concorde

A range of museums and local history attractions

 www.visitbristol.co.uk/southglos

©ADAM GASSON/SS GREAT BRITAIN; EVE ANDRESKI/ BRISTOL MUSEUMS; WIP-STUDIO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

DAYS OUT

At The Georgian House Museum, which is also free, you get a snapshot of what a Bristol sugar plantation and slave owner’s home might have looked like around 1790. The four-storey home and its 11 rooms give visitors the chance to discover what life was like both above and below stairs – from the basic servants’ quarters in the basement to the elegant formal areas upstairs.

To see what life was like in Tudor times, The Red Lodge Museum is a good bet. Found behind a bright red door, this historic house combines an original Tudor/Elizabethan building, built in 1579 to 1580, and additional buildings added from the 1730s through to the early 19th century.

Visit the original guest house and entertainment lodge, the immaculately kept ornamental gardens and the building that became the first ever Girls’ Reformatory school, set up

by Mary Carpenter.

If you’re down by the harbour you can’t miss Brunel’s famous SS Great Britain, which dominates the skyline. Want to see what’s inside? Well, you can. Visitors can explore the historic ocean liner and two interactive museums to get a taste for seafaring life.

Climb into a bunk and imagine spending a night out on the ocean, hop on board an 1830s railway carriage and step into the mind of the famous engineer himself at the Being Brunel museum.

You could spend all your time in Bristol checking out world-class art, shopping and museums. But there’s plenty

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ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE RED LODGE MUSEUM; WHY NOT EXPLORE THE SS GREAT BRITAIN?

to do out in the open too, whether you want to explore the city’s waterways or get your outdoorsy fix in the stunning surrounding countryside.

Why take a normal bus when you can board a water bus?

Bristol Ferry Boats have provided a scheduled service around Bristol’s unique Floating Harbour for 40 years. Visitors and locals alike can hop on and off their boats at any of their 17 stops, including Bristol Temple Meads, City Centre, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and many other stops. In the spring, there are trips up the Avon Gorge and under the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

TASTER SESSIONS Rather take transportation into your own hands (and feet?). Gain a fresh perspective on the city on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure with SUP Bristol – they offer both evening taster sessions and weekend day courses in the UK’s fastest-growing watersport.

Also operating in Bristol docks is All-Aboard Watersports, a charity that offers accessible ways to get on the water, including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, powerboating, paddleboarding and more.

If you fancy getting sporty indoors, head for inPlay Golf on Cathedral Walk where you’ll be able to tee off in a state-of-the-art simulator with real clubs and balls.

Clifton Suspension Bridge is a Bristol icon. Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the gorge spans the River >>p21

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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Free entry!

Check out bristolmuseums.org.uk for all our exhibitions and events

Open Tue – Sun

Open Tue – Sun

Open Apr to Dec: Thurs - Sun BD16031

Discover art, nature and past cultures

The home life of yesteryear, set in beautiful parkland

FIRST f l i ght

First Flight is a professional balloon company that is all about quality and personal service, not quantity.

Photograph by Mike Lanning

Our smaller passenger balloons allow everyone on board to have the best possible views, have fun and enjoy the flight in comfort.

WEST SOMERSET

We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and attention to detail both before, during and after what we promise will be a memorable adventure!

RAILWAY England’s longest Heritage Railway Under 5s travel free with full paying adult • Family tickets available Brunel Beagle fun family days on selected dates in school holidays Retail and catering facilities available • Choice of destinations Picturesque country stations • Heritage steam and diesel locomotives

Bishops Lydeard TA4 3RU • Minehead TA24 5BG www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

01643 704996

For flights contact Nick on 01934 852875, info@firstflight.co.uk or visit our website for more details: www.firstflight.co.uk

Visit Bristol’s unique

BOTANIC GARDEN

Open all year (check website for details)

botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk

University of Bristol Botanic Garden Stoke Park Rd, Bristol BS9 1JG T: 0117 428 2041 Bristol kingfisher ad_23.indd 1 KINGFISHERVISITORGUIDES.COM

16/08/2023 10:05 WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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PLAY REAL GOLF INDOORS

GOLFERS & NON-GOLFERS WELCOME Equipment supplied

Whether you are an accomplished golfer or a complete beginner, inPlay Golf provides a relaxed and informal environment to practice your game or swing a club for the very first time and with all equipment provided together with a licensed bar, it’s the perfect place to visit!

www.inplaygolf.co.uk CATHEDRAL WALK • HARBOURSIDE • BRISTOL • BS1 5LW • 01179 227 244

DAYS OUT

“A VICTORIAN GOTHIC REVIVAL HOUSE, TYNTESFIELD IS SURROUNDED BY ROLLING PARKLAND AND BEAUTIFUL GARDENS”

©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/ANDREW BUTLER/ NATIONALTRUST.ORG.UK; NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM

Avon and offers impressive views across Bristol and beyond.

It’s bordered by the green, open expanse of Durdham Downs – the ideal spot for a picnic or some kite-flying on a fine but breezy day.

If you climb Observatory Hill, you can get a spectacular view of the bridge. Just follow the footpaths to the top, and, if you’re feeling brave, take a quicker journey back downhill using the well-polished Rock Slide – smoothed over hundreds of years by Bristol’s bottoms!

Green, open spaces are in plentiful supply whichever direction you choose to travel. You could wander amongst ancient trees and enjoy spectacular views at nearby Leigh Woods, a national nature reserve.

Combine bucolic grounds with gruesome history at ancient Berkeley Castle. The Berkeley family have lived in this ancient fortress since their ancestor, Robert Fitzharding, completed the Keep in the late 12th century. The building’s main claim to fame? Edward II was brutally murdered here!

If you have a passion for surfing, check out The Wave, an incredible inland surf experience. Using the latest wavemaking technology, up to 1,000 waves are generated per hour, with heights starting at 50cm and peaking at almost two metres. It’s an accessible surfing adventure for everyone, including young beginners, visitors with disabilities and professional surfers. Even Olympians train there. >>p25

ABOVE MAKE SURE TO EXPLORE TYNTESFIELD IN WRAXALL; BELOW GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE ANIMALS AT NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM

NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES A little further west, Tyntesfield is one of the area’s best-loved National Trust properties – an impressive Victorian Gothic revival house, surrounded by rolling parkland, beautiful gardens and a woodland play area. A National Trust rival that’s close to Bristol is Dyrham Park, home to an opulent 17th-century baroque country house, gardens and deer park.

While in the area take a walk on the wild side at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, which offers a whole day’s worth of entertainment for the family. With more than 100 species of animals including African elephants, lions, white rhinos and gibbons.

Alongside the large collection of exotic animals is the zoo’s farm animals with a focus of preserving rare British breeds. This collection includes Suffolk Punch horses, Bagot goats, Tamworth pigs and British white cattle who are all identified as ‘at risk’ and ‘priority’ by the Rare Breeds Trust.

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Whitson Street Bristol • BS1 3NZ St James Priory dates from 1129 and is the oldest building in Bristol. Founded by Robert Earl of Gloucester, it has been a feature of Bristol’s community for almost 9 centuries.

This award-winning building is a must-visit gem, having benefitted from a £4 million restoration, conservation and development programme from 2009-11.

The Charity relies on donations to maintain the building and support it’s work.

Excellent café on-site.

ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH

“The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England.”

ELIZABETH I OPENING TIMES Monday–Saturday: 8:00am–5:00pm Sunday: 12:30pm–5:00pm SUNDAY SERVICES 8:00am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm

www.stjamespriory.org.uk

stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

Kingfisher Guide Advert 2022.indd 1

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“An encyclopedia of medieval life” #1 of England’s Top Ten Cathedrals – The Guardian, 2019 “Fascinating and inspiring” – TripAdvisor, 2022 A superb Gothic Cathedral featuring a magnificent thirteenth-century West Front, beautiful octagonal Chapter House, impressive scissor arches, and fascinating Astronomical Clock. Guided tours with knowledgeable and friendly guides are pre-bookable. wellscathedral.org.uk Wells Cathedral, Chain Gate, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UE E: visits@wellscathedral.org.uk T +44 (0)1749 674483

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WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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JONNY-ROCKS Chauffeurs, provide luxury chauffeuring services throughout the United Kingdom. Covering a total of 46 UK regions with experienced local chauffeurs.

BRISTOL, BATH & SOMERSET luxurychauffeurhirebristol.co.uk

Our regional websites are listed below: BEDFORDSHIRE • BERKSHIRE • BIRMINGHAM • BRISTOL & BATH, SOMERSET • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE • CARDIFF, SOUTH-WALES • CHESHIRE • CORNWALL • CUMBRIA DERBYSHIRE • DEVONSHIRE • DORSET ESSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE • HEREFORDSHIRE • HERTFORDSHIRE KENT LANCASHIRE • LEEDS • LEICESTERSHIRE • LINCOLNSHIRE • LIVERPOOL • LONDON MANCHESTER NEWCASTLE • NORTHAMPTONSHIRE • NORFOLK • NORTHUMBERLAND • NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE SCOTLAND • SHEFFIELD • SHROPSHIRE • STAFFORDSHIRE • SUFFOLK • SURREY • SUSSEX TEES VALLEY WARWICKSHIRE • WILTSHIRE • WORCESTERSHIRE • WREXHAM YORKSHIRE

UNITED KINGDOM

luxurychauffeurservices.uk

Are you affected by dementia?

Alzheimer’s Society offers support to anyone affected by dementia – including family members, friends and carers.

Whether it’s face to face, Get the support online or over the phone, you need today we are here for you. alzheimers.org.uk/ getsupport Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Registered charity number 296645.

DAYS OUT

“CHEDDAR GORGE IS 20 MILES FROM BRISTOL BUT WELL WORTH THE TRIP. BRITAIN’S HIGHEST INLAND LIMESTONE GORGE OFFERS SUPERB OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLIMBING AND CAVING”

©VENERATIO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

South of the city, you can get your countryside fix around the lakes of the gently rolling Chew Valley. A little further out and you’re in the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that offers superb views and endless opportunities for walking and cycling.

Spectacular Cheddar Gorge is 20 miles from Bristol but well worth the trip. Britain’s highest inland limestone gorge incorporates dramatic 450ft cliffs and stalactite caverns, offering superb opportunities for rock climbing and caving.

Be sure to visit Gough’s Cave, the burial place of 10,000-year-old ‘Cheddar Man’, once home to huntergatherers. And look out for herds of wild goats clinging precariously to tiny rock ridges.

If wild goats won’t cut it, Longleat packs in a whole host of wild attractions. On the Safari drive-through you can brave Monkey Mayhem, hunt for the resident wolf pack and see cheetahs dashing over the grasses. Hop out of your vehicle for a walking safari and you can get up close to ring-tailed lemurs and giraffes.

The Safari drive-through is located in the grounds of a spectacular house which transports you back to Elizabethan times through its fine 16th-century architecture. Meanwhile, its grand rooms and artefacts date from the 16th century all the way through to present day.

HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE For something entirely different, book a hot air balloon experience with First Flight. This independent operator offers a range of packages including group flights, cider and cheese flights and even proposal flights, complete with champagne and flowers for the lucky person. Depending on the launch site, First Flight covers Bristol, Bath, the Chew Valley, Mendips and the Somerset levels.

Whether you choose to stay central or venture outside the city, days out in Bristol are bags of fun. From museums to street art to the good old English countryside, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. So get out there and explore!

CHEDDAR GORGE, SOMERSET

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WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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THE BEST OF BRISTOL OUR TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO WHEN VISITING THIS VIBRANT CIT Y

TOP PICKS

 BRISTOL LIDO

For a touch of luxury, make a trip to Bristol Lido.

Dating back to 1849, the Lido now includes a modern heated outdoor pool, a spa, a poolside bar and a beautiful restaurant. Overlooking the pool, the first-floor restaurant has a sliding glass wall to enhance viewing pleasure as you sip your drinks.

 TYNTESFIELD

Nestled amongst vast expanses of picturesque countryside, Tyntesfield has been in the hands of The National Trust in 2002. This extraordinary Gothic mansion boasts an intricate network of rooms waiting to be discovered. Delight in the awe-inspiring library, billiard room, and opulent Anglican chapel, or meander through the grandeur of the gardens and estate.  AEROSPACE BRISTOL

Experience the wonders of Aerospace Bristol and embark on a voyage through a century of remarkable aerospace accomplishments.

Discover the rare opportunity to board the last-ever flying Concorde and relish its legacy.

The expansive exhibition showcases over 8,000 artefacts, narrating the captivating tale of aviation history spanning two world wars, the space race, and modern-day advancements.

©ADAM GASSON/AEROSPACE BRISTOL/SS GREAT BRITAIN; ANDRÉ PATTENDEN/TASTE CREATIVE/BRISTOL LIDO; LISA WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY/ARNOLFINI; NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/MIKE SELBY/NATIONALTRUST.ORG.UK; PAUL GRAY/UNSPLASH

 HIT THE SHOPS

A trip to Bristol cannot be complete without some serious retail therapy at Cabot Circus.

Shop ‘til you drop at more than 120 shops, including major flagship stores such as Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, and the wonderful bookshop Foyles.  ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL

tourists to step into the shoes of Victorian sailors and ascend the rigging.

Open for lunchtime concerts, St George’s Bristol is acclaimed for its wonderful acoustics and exciting programme of international artists.

Built in the 1820s, this Greek Revival-style church is the perfect setting for a bit of culture.

Book tickets early and enjoy the best in classical, chamber, world, folk and jazz music.

 WATCH GLASS BLOWING

 BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN

The best way to see the city sights is by boat.

Scheduled tours (complete with commentary) include a sensational summertime trip from the Harbourside to the Avon Gorge cruising under the splendid Clifton Suspension Bridge and through Brunel lock.

Embark on a captivating journey aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Undeniably one of Bristol’s premier attractions, this splendid vessel awaits you at the Harbourside, right where it was originally constructed and set sail. Crafted by the ingenious Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this ship stands as a maritime marvel and an absolute essential on any visit to Bristol. For an immersive experience, the ‘Go Aloft’ adventure enables

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The world-famous Bristol Blue Glass has been in Bristol since the 17th century. With a vast collection of predominantly blue glass on display, visit the factory, visitor centre and shop and watch the glass blowers in action.  ENJOY A BOAT TOUR

 FESTIVAL FEVER

Bristol plays host to a number of great festivals throughout the year. Bristol Sounds is a

multi-night midsummer gig series on Bristol’s iconic Harbourside which takes place in June.

The amphitheatre is an incredible setting for live music. Bristol Harbour Festival is a free dance, music and arts extravaganza and the Balloon Fiesta is another popular event on the Bristol festival calendar and attracts more than 500,000 visitors over four days.  GET CREATIVE

Whether it’s an exhibition at the Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery; modern art at Arnolfini or the Royal West of England Academy; a private viewing at Spike Island or an exhibition at M Shed, there is plenty to keep inquisitive minds happy in Bristol.

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM TYNTESFIELD, WRAXALL; AEROSPACE BRISTOL; ABOVE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT SIT BACK AND RELAX AT BRISTOL LIDO; SEE MODERN ART AT ARNOLFINI; LOOK TO THE SKY AT BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA; EXPLORE BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP SHOPAHOLICS WILL LOVE BRISTOL FOR ITS ECLECTIC MIX OF BOHO-CHIC BOUTIQUES, HIGH-STREET STAPLES AND QUIRKY INDEPENDENTS

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©GILES ROCHOLL PHOTOGRAPHY/HAMMERSONS; MARCUS LOKE/UNSPLASH; OLIVER DIXON/CLARKS VILLAGE

ristol’s vibrant, offbeat nature draws visitors from far and wide – and many of them come to shop. Join them and you can browse the elegant boutiques of leafy Clifton, the alternative shops lining Gloucester Road, the independent boutiques in St Nicholas Market and the high-street brands of Bristol’s city centre. Just make sure to pack your credit card and a sturdy pair of shoes!

This is a city that’s full of quirky, offbeat vibes, but sometimes you just want to browse familiar high-street names or hit an air-conditioned mall. And Bristol is happy to accommodate. Both the city centre and out-of-town malls provide plenty of big-brand bargains.

The city centre alone is home to several interconnected shopping areas, each with a distinct personality – from the characterful shops of the Old City to designer names and famous high-street brands at the architecturally striking Cabot Circus.

BRISTOL SHOPPING QUARTER The modern hub of Bristol’s shopping, known as Bristol Shopping Quarter, incorporates two covered shopping areas, Cabot Circus and The Galleries, which are connected by Broadmead, a pedestrianised thoroughfare lined with yet more shops.

Cabot Circus is the city’s flagship shopping mall, a sprawling, airy space which provides rain protection thanks to its shell-shaped glass and steel roof. Along with the neighbouring uncovered area known as Quakers Friars, you’ll find more than 120 shops in this patch of the city, plus numerous restaurants, the 13-screen Showcase Cinema de Lux and Jungle Rumble Bristol.

Cabot Circus houses major outlets including Zara, H&M, Hotel Chocolat, Cos, Schuh, Next, & Other Stories, Oliver Bonas, and branches of both Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser department stores. It’s also home to popular booksellers Foyles and a whole host of restaurant chains, such as Wagamama, Nando’s, TGI Fridays and The Real Greek.

On the opposite side of Penn Street, the Quakers Friars area is known for upmarket stores such as BOSS as well as high street names including FatFace. There’s also a popular Apple Store for all your electronic needs.

The Galleries, an older shopping mall with more than 80 shops, is also dominated by household names. There are branches of The Entertainer, Boots, Argos, Jack

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Wills, Trespass, Waterstones, Claire’s Accessories and WHSmith. If you need to stop and refuel, you can pick up some fast food at Burger King and Greggs, or settle down for a coffee at Caffè Nero.

If you have wheels, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is the obvious out-of-town shopping choice for more mainstream high street brands – particularly on a cold, rainy day when you want to stay warm and undercover.

Situated on the M4/M5 interchange, Cribbs is a huge mall with free parking and an excellent range of shops including department stores John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, alongside Joules, FatFace, Next, New Look, H&M and River Island.

“CABOT CIRCUS HOUSES MAJOR OUTLETS INCLUDING ZARA, H&M, HOTEL CHOCOLAT, SCHUH, NEXT, OLIVER BONAS AND HARVEY NICHOLS” When you need a break from shopping, there are loads of places to grab a bite, from fast food favourites KFC and Burger King to popular restaurant chains like Café Rouge, TGI Fridays, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Itsu and Nando’s.

Love chasing a bargain? Don’t mind heading further afield? Get in the car and drive out to Clarks Village. Some 28 miles from Bristol, this lively village is home to some 90 renowned brands offering up to 60 per cent off RRP every day. Retailers on site include Barbour, Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein and White Stuff. As well as getting your fashion fix, you can take a break in one of the restaurants and cafés and wander the spacious landscaped gardens.

For families with little ones, the centre offers the perfect pit stop – St Arthur’s adventure outdoor play area, where the kids can climb, slide, swing, and play.

Looking for vintage threads, foodie finds or some hand-made homewares? You’re in luck. Bristol has some of the best independent shopping in the UK, with one-off, quirky boutiques, craft stores and markets spread throughout the city. So get out there and get ready to work out your feet and your wallet! >>p30

TOP EXPLORE CABOT CIRCUS BRISTOL; RIGHT HEAD A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD AND VISIT CLARKS VILLAGE IN STREET

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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“THIS MARKET PACKS IN MORE THAN 60 COLOURFUL STALLS SELLING A WHOLE ARRAY OF GOODS, FROM CLOTHING, JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES TO FAIR TRADE GIFTS, ART, CARDS AND BRIC-A-BRAC”

©CLEM ONOJEGHUO/UNSPLASH

Just off Broadmead look out for the Grade 2-listed Arcade, where you can find some cool independent businesses such as Card Shack for gifts and greetings cards, Shakeaway for indulgent milkshakes and Horological Underground, for some seriously cool watches. You can get your child’s hair cut at specialist EK Hair, shop for vintage and reworked clothing and accessories at Sobey’s Vintage Clothing store or grab a bite to eat at Taste of Napoli.

MUSIC CULTURE Just around the corner on Nelson Street is the very cool music store Rough Trade, which goes all out to celebrate music culture, incorporating a little café, bar and live performance room, alongside music and books.

Bristol’s Old City is a maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings and centred around the Grade 1-listed Corn Exchange Buildings on Corn Street, which today house St Nicholas Market, known locally as St Nick’s.

Established in 1743, the market is undercover and open six days a week. It packs in more than 60 colourful stalls selling a whole array of goods, from clothing, jewellery and accessories to Fair Trade gifts, art, cards and bric-a-brac.

At the rear, the beautiful glass arcade is dedicated to

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street food stalls and tiny eateries, showcasing mouthwatering cuisine from all over the world – whether you fancy Moroccan tagine, Caribbean wraps or a hot chilli you won’t go hungry.

For more market action, the largely traffic-free streets surrounding St Nick’s are home to Wednesday’s Bristol Farmers’ and Producers’ Market, the Street Food Market on Tuesdays and Fridays and Bristol Indies’ Market, on Fridays and Saturdays, which showcases products from about 30 independent traders, including original artwork, photography, vintage clothing and hand-crafted jewellery.

On Corn Street itself, you can pick up vintage clothing from independent store Urban Fox, which includes a great selection of vintage Levi’s jeans, jackets and other clothing.

Stroll to the end of Corn Street, and you’ll spot the central fountains and lively Harbourside area to the left. A short stroll from here takes you to a much older part of Bristol, known as the Christmas Steps Art Quarter. This cluster of unique streets packs in a diverse range of art galleries, bars, cafés and independent shops. Wander along Perry Road, Lower Park Row, Colston Street, St Michael’s Hill and Christmas Steps, through >>p32

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new favourite day-out Treat yourself to some retail therapy at Clarks Village, home to 90 brands offering discounts of up to 60% off RRP.

The perfect place to explore, shop and dine, in a dog-friendly countryside oasis.

clarksvillage.co.uk

SHOPPING

©MONKEY BUSINESS/WILL/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

a tangle of narrow, tucked-away alleyways, and you will stumble across all kinds of interesting gems.

On Christmas Steps, you can browse jewellery from I Am Acrylic, and admire brass and woodwind instruments at Trevor Jones Brass & Woodwind. If you have time during your stay, you could also drop into 20th Century Flicks to book their tiny private cinema for a film evening with a group of friends.

Head to Colston Street and the cool boutiques keep on coming. They range from second-hand bookshop Bloom & Curll to skateboard and urban clothing retailers Fifty Fifty Store.

The Bristol Guild – a small, independent store established in 1908 – is a mecca for design junkies. With kitchenware, toys, toiletries, jewellery and ceramics to choose from, it’s a great place to hunt for unique gifts, including iconic, Bristol-themed homeware made by established designers, and lovely traditional children’s toys.

Once you’ve exhausted the shops in the city centre, head a little north to Stokes Croft – known for its street art, including some of Banksy’s most famous pieces – then wander along Gloucester Road. There are more independent shops here than any other street in the country, and there’s a fun, alternative vibe to boot. >>p35

BELOW HEAD DOWN TO CHRISTMAS STEPS WHERE YOU CAN BROWSE ALL OF THE STORES THE AREA HAS TO OFFER

UNUSUAL ITEMS Don’t miss Makers, a gallery and shop that’s filled with unusual hand-made items, or Urban Fringe Dispensary, where you can pick up herbal tinctures, medicines and natural ingredients. Other options include flowers from Les Fleurs, new and used bikes at Bike Workshop, and hand-made ceramics at Blaze.

On Perry Road you’ll find vintage Japanese imports at KimonoKimono; violins and cellos at Cremona House Violin Shop; hand woodworking tools at Bristol Design; regional modern and contemporary art at Clifton Fine Art; and Japanese antiques and arts at Amelie and Melanie Japanese Antiques.

As you huff and puff your way up the steep slope of nearby Park Street, you’ll pass the three-storey art and stationery shop, Cass Art; independent creative clothing, accessories and gift store, Illustrate; and the city’s longest-running vintage clothing store, Uncle Sam’s Vintage, which opened in 1984, importing hand-picked stock direct from California.

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Wed

CLIFTON CERAMICS & FINE JEWELLERY Moorcroft Pottery – Fine vintage and diamond jewellery – Enamels

Open Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday at 11:00 –16:00 58 The Mall | Clifton Village | BS8 4JG | Tel. 01173 730 256

WWW.CLIFTONCERAMICS.CO.UK www.charlesclinkard.co.uk

GET THE FULL PICTURE!

If you’re planning your next trip, or you want some reminders of this one, view our full portfolio of visitor guides to the UK and Ireland at

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SHOPPING

©ELEN_STUDIO/MONKEY BUSINESS/ STOCK.ADOBE.COM; HIDDEN GALLERY

Check out the massive range of Dr. Martens footwear at KBK Shoes; woodwind and brass instruments at Headwind Music and games and comics at Area 51. You can also pick up used books at The Amnesty Bookshop as well as wonderfully imaginative toys at Playfull Toyshop.

If chic boutiques and gourmet goodies are more your speed, mosey on up to elegant Clifton Village. Perched next to Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton is a popular shopping detour, known for its high-end boutiques selling antiques, jewellery, clothes, homeware, gifts and quality West Country-inspired souvenirs. This elegant suburb has a distinct identity and a villagey atmosphere, despite being just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Focus on the Past is one of the oldest shops in Clifton Village and offers a wide range of antiques, furniture and collectables over two floors. Friendly, helpful staff are always on hand to give advice to customers and source items whenever possible. Also in Clifton Village, Clifton Ceramics & Fine Jewellers offer contemporary Moorcroft Pottery, Nicholas Wylde jewellers, Elliot Hall Enamels, Dennis Chinaworks and Hidden Gallery.

On the opposite side of town, immediately south of the centre, you’ll reach fashionable Southville and neighbouring Bedminster, where the main shopping streets to explore are

ABOVE LEFT IF IT’S ART YOU’RE LOOKING FOR, MAKE YOUR WAY TO CLIFTON VILLAGE AND VISIT HIDDEN GALLERY

East Street, West Street, Bedminster Parade and North Street, which is home to shops selling Fairtrade gifts right through to locally produced deli treats and health foods.

Pick up original ceramics and pottery tools at Trylla; original art at Casper; 1950s to 1970s clothing, homeware and furniture at Rhubarb Jumble; new books at Storysmith; quality wine at Corks of North Street; and new and used vinyl at Friendly Records.

There are heaps of cafés and bars where you can sit, eat and drink, and watch the world go by – and there’s quite often something happening at the Tobacco Factory if you have some spare time, including the popular Tobacco Factory Sunday Market.

Bristol’s first zero-waste shop, Zero Green, is located on North Street, and offers an incredible range of products, including loose items to decant into your own containers (such as cereals, pasta, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses). You’ll also find eco-friendly household cleaners, liquid soap, shampoo bars, toothpaste, plastic-free deodorants, water bottles and coffee cups.

Bristol is firmly in place as one of the UK’s shopping hot spots, and no wonder. Hit the streets to discover big-name brands, designer boutiques and sprawling malls. Or spend your time browsing markets, vintage stores and secondhand bookshops in Bristol’s offbeat suburbs. Whatever you choose, shopping in Bristol is never a disappointment!

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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EXPERIENCE A TASTE SENSATION IN BRISTOL THIS CIT Y IS A FOODIE’S PARADISE WITH A HOST OF FANTASTIC RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS AND PUBS – SO MAKE SURE YOU BRING A HEALTHY APPETITE

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EATING OUT

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©BANK; FLAMINGO IMAGES/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

f it’s diverse, exciting food you’re after, Bristol delivers and then some. Adventurous diners will find quirky, independent eateries jostling for their attention, both in the city centre and in the bohemian suburbs. In search of a bit of glamour? Refined dining is easy to find too. As are fancy delis, street food trucks, chain restaurants, lively summer food festivals… whatever your foodie fantasies you can indulge them here!

Bristol’s restaurants and cafés don’t shy away from celebrating local produce. At eateries throughout the city, you’ll find stunning British food, both traditional and innovative. And you can eat it at all kinds of venues, from humble pubs to swish fine dining spaces.

If you’re arriving by train, sniff out freshly baked pastries, hand-made sourdough and seasonal cakes at Hart’s Bakery, a tiny place tucked away under a Victorian railway arch at Temple Meads station. Open for breakfast and lunch, this bakery is a local legend, and everything they sell is prepared and baked on their premises. Order a takeaway or grab one of their few tables and watch the Bristol folk go by.

For waterside dining with a vibrant atmosphere, get down to Bristol’s twinkling Harbourside. There’s always something interesting going on, whether it’s a food festival or a music event, watching the boats on the water or listening to buskers playing on the quayside. What can you eat here? There’s a mixture of modern chains and successful independent restaurants serving everything from pizza to Latin American to traditional British cuisine.

MALLET-CRACKING SHELLFISH You’re dining by the water so eating fish is a good start. Get stuck into beer-battered fish and chips, fish and seafood dishes and even mallet-cracking shellfish at FiSH Restaurant and Bar. The menu changes daily depending on the fresh catch brought in each day from local boats in Brixham, Newlyn, and Plymouth.

The arty Watershed venue has a thriving warehousestyle café bar overlooking the Harbourside, which is open from early in the morning until late at night, for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. The chefs are big on fresh, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. There’s also a tasty children’s menu.

In Bristol’s Totterdown area, Southside Bar and Kitchen is a relaxed and friendly restaurant with cool, industrial décor, serving up great food accompanied by choice music and delicious drinks – including a menu of cocktails. The food on offer changes regularly with the seasons, and there’s a great selection for vegetarians.

A welcome newcomer to Totterdown is BANK. By day, the menu focuses on speciality coffee and brunch, while the night-time menu offers small plates and a carefully curated selection of craft beer, wine and seasonal cocktails.

You might have heard about Clifton’s elegant architecture, stunning views and prosperous residents. But it’s also one of the city’s dining hot spots. If you’re looking for charcoalflamed meat and seafood, try The Spiny Lobster. Or, for maximum atmosphere go for the Kings Arms, where you can dine on inventive tapas by candlelight.

Want to ramp things up a notch? The Ivy Clifton Brasserie serves up the London original’s classic brasserie menu at a beautiful, sophisticated space in Caledonia Place.

“ADVENTUROUS DINERS WILL FIND QUIRKY, INDEPENDENT EATERIES JOSTLING FOR THEIR ATTENTION, BOTH IN THE CITY CENTRE AND IN THE BOHEMIAN SUBURBS” If you fancy some pampering, you could treat yourself to a swim or treatments at the elegant Bristol Lido before enjoying a relaxed dining experience at its award-winning restaurant, which is set in the historic viewing gallery of the Clifton Pool.

Combining original Victorian character with modern floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant gives diners a great view over the pool as well as a delicious menu. Food is prepared in an Italian clay oven and includes a fantastic selection of dishes with hints of the Moorish and of the Mediterranean and a strong Spanish influence.

Prefer to keep things super casual? Try tasty hand-made burgers at hipster favourite The Burger Joint on Whiteladies Road. If you’re bored of beef you can go for venison, wild boar, lamb or vegan options, and even choose what kind of bun you’d like. >>p38

OPPOSITE PAGE ENJOY DELICIOUS SMALL PLATES AT BANK IN TOTTERDOWN

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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LEFT IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR GREAT VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS, HEAD TO THE CANTEEN IN STOKES CROFT

“HIP CAFÉ BAR, THE CANTEEN, IS HOUSED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HAMILTON HOUSE, A FORMER OFFICE BLOCK THAT’S FOUND NEW PURPOSE AS A NON-PROFIT CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB”

©NBLXER/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; THE CANTEEN

Just outside the city centre is The Canteen, set in the bohemian arts quarter of Stokes Croft. This hip café bar is housed on the ground floor of Hamilton House, a former office block that’s found new purpose as a non-profit creative community hub.

The Canteen is known for hearty, home-made food that’s delicious, contains no nasties and is bought at a fair price from producers. They’ve been awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s highest rating of three stars for their commitment to local and ethical suppliers and for their care of people and the planet. Naturally, there’s an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians.

FORAGED INGREDIENTS For more food that’s high on flavour but low on impact head to Bulrush Restaurant in the Cotham/Kingsdown neighbourhood. The passionate foodie owners serve innovative, modern British cuisine made using foraged ingredients, such as native sea vegetables and common hedgerow foods. They also have a Michelin star, no less!

In the Cheltenham/Gloucester Road area, The Grace is a well-established, friendly local pub that is popular for its tasty Sunday lunches. It’s not all about roasts, though. You can enjoy a whole host of other simple, freshly made dishes washed down with real ales, craft beers and great

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cider or wine – with the option of dining outside in the courtyard garden in fine weather.

Take a short walk south of the city centre to the Bedminster and Southville suburbs for even more delicious dining. On North Street you’ll find a branch of The Burger Joint for delicious burgers with a wide choice of toppings, The Spotted Cow for classic British gastropub meals and the Hen & Chicken for burgers, stone-baked pizzas, and Sunday roasts.

Oowee Diner on North Street offers vegan burgers alongside chicken and beef options, plus tasty fries and sides. There are all-vegan branches of Oowee Diner located on Baldwin Street and Picton Street.

It’s no surprise that a city as dynamic and international as Bristol has a dining scene to match. There are restaurants, cafés and street stalls serving food from all corners of the globe. So get out there and sink your teeth into everything from curry to tapas to Hawaiian.

Bristol’s Wapping Wharf is a fantastic place to eat innovative international food. Try Cargo Cantina for tapas, Loki Poké for Hawaiian poké bowls, Persian and Middle Eastern eats at Jigaraki and Japanese drinks and small plates at Seven Lucky Gods. Bandook is a recent addition to Wapping Wharf, serving top-notch Indian street food in an intimate and informal setting. >>p42

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WHERE INDIAN STREET FOOD MEETS THE SOUL

DINE ALFRESCO A LA CARTE | TIFFIN LUNCH MENU | INDIAN SUMMER MENU BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH | LIVE JAZZ THURSDAYS 2 FOR 1 ON SELECTED COCKTAILS

WE ARE OPEN MONDAY - SUNDAY BANDOOK BATH 3-7 MILSOM PLACE BATH BA1 1BZ

BANDOOK BRISTOL UNIT 17, CARGO 2, MUSEUM STREET, BRISTOL BS1 6ZA

www.bandookkitchen.com

Homemade corn tortillas, freshly squeezed lime juice, one hundred percent agave tequila and mezcal, Chido Wey serves Cali-Mexican realness all year round...

Central Hall • Old Market Street • Bristol • BS2 0HB

GET IN TOUCH T: 0117 929 8100 E: info@chidowey.co.uk

www.chidowey.co.uk

BENTO BOSS sushi & pan asian

0117 973 6132 First Floor Restaurant, Unit 6, Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Road BS8 2PH

FOLLOW US /bentobossbristol

@BentoBoss_BRI

WWW.BENTOBOSS.CO.UK 40

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Award-winning pioneers of Indian fine dining in the south west region

Celebrate in style and indulge on a feast inspired by the flavours of the Indian sub-continent using the best of locally sourced British produce.

Make the most of our limited-edition seasonal tasting menus and discover our wonderful selection of wines and incredible cocktails.

Experience our most famed ‘tour of India’ tasting menu with expertly matched wines curated and lead by our talented executive head chef and team.

Private dining • Roof terrace Alfresco dining • A la carte menu Spice infused cocktails • Wine menu Superb tasting menu

THE MINT ROOM, BATH Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Rd Bath BA2 3EB T: 01225 446 656 E: bath@themintroom.co.uk Monday-Sunday 5.30pm-1pm THE MINT ROOM, BRISTOL 12-16 Clifton Road, Clifton Bristol BS8 1AF T: 0117 329 1300 E: bristol@themintroom.co.uk Monday-Saturday 5pm-11pm

WWW.THEMINTROOM.CO.UK

EATING OUT

©EVOKE PICTURES LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY/ PIZZA ON THE PARK; MARK CHAPMAN/GAMBAS

If you’re after Spanish cuisine, make for Gambas Tapas Bar, which has a terrace on two sides and great river views.

The menu of good-value small plates showcases greatquality produce, and dishes arrive as they’re ready from the open kitchen.

For an incredible choice of international flavours all in one location make sure you try some of the food outlets at St Nicholas Market on Corn Street. Great-value, comforting Portuguese cuisine is available from Portuguese Taste, authentic Moroccan dishes at Café Atlas and Japanese gyoza at Eatchu. You could also try goat curry and ackee and saltfish at Caribbean Wrap. Or set your sights on Vietnamese restaurant Foodie Vietnam, which has a range of authentic dishes on the all-day menu.

worked up an appetite climbing up the hill! Try Toro Noodle Bar or Yakinori for top-notch Japanese cuisine.

Or continue just beyond the top of Park Street to upmarket Clifton Triangle, where you’ll find Krishna’s Inn for Keralan cuisine, The Coconut Tree for cocktails and Sri Lankan street food and Yoyo Burger for gourmet fast food.

If you’re hankering after a thin and crispy Roman-style pizza, get over to Pizza on the Park on Berkeley Square, close to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

Rather have a curry? Haveli The Yard is located on the former site of The Bristol Yard, on Colston Street, and offers Indian classics alongside chef’s specials and a sweeping cocktail menu. >>p45

ABOVE FOR THE BEST ROMAN-STYLE PIZZA, GO TO PIZZA ON THE PARK ON BERKELEY SQUARE; BELOW SAMPLE SPANISH DISHES AT GAMBAS TAPAS IN WHAPPING WHARF

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE Matina’s is particularly popular but don’t let the lengthy lunchtime queues put you off – this place serves up generously sized and delicious Middle Eastern wraps.

The market usually closes its doors at 5pm, with many food outlets selling out some time before. It also opens on occasional Friday evenings for the St Nick’s Night Market.

There’s usually live music as well as circus performers to add to the spectacle, creating a lively ambience right in the heart of Bristol’s Old City.

If you want Chinese cuisine, Mayflower stands head-andshoulders above the rest. There’s no pretension here – just simple Cantonese dishes prepared with care and served until the early hours. Perfect for those night owls!

Head cross the central Hippodrome area of Bristol and up the steep incline of Park Street and you’ll find another fantastic range of places to eat – handy when you’ve

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An authentic Italian restaurant located in Cleeve, near Bristol.

Alfresco Cucina Italiana provide traditionally made Italian food using fresh and authentic Italian ingredients, enjoy all the warmth of real Italian home cooking with family or friends.

Come enjoy contemporary decor in the dining and bar areas with rich wood and relaxing colours. If the weather allows, be sure to dine al fresco in the courtyard patio.

The restaurant takes pride in creating authentic flavours which respect the traditions of Italian cuisine. With carefully chosen wines and proseccos from Italy’s leading producers, plus a full selection of beers, spirits, ciders and soft drinks, to complement your meal.

www.alfrescocleeve.co.uk 64 Main Road | Bristol | BS49 4PF | Telephone: 01934 838811

EATING OUT

©BENJAMIN PRYOR/POCO TAPAS BAR; ING IMAGE; NIC CRILLY-HARGRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY/KIBOU

“THIS STYLISH RESTAURANT SERVES A RANGE OF CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE DISHES INCLUDING STEAMED BAO BUNS, GYOZAS AND RAMEN” You’ll find a creative menu of modern and classic Indian cuisine available at The Mint Room, a stylish, contemporary restaurant with a reputation for great service and food.

You can expect innovative dishes using local, free-range ingredients, served in sophisticated surroundings.

Nearby, Bento Boss serves up Japanese cuisine, including sushi, and you can enjoy Thai food at the traditionally styled Clifton Thai. Flour & Ash is a well-respected pizzeria offering a wide range of vegetarian and vegan choices, plus delicious home-made ice creams for dessert.

Nutmeg is a vibrant Indian restaurant based in Clifton Village. Its menu is inspired by the diversity of India’s 29 states, from the Himalayas to tropical Southern India.

Also in Clifton Village is stylish pan-Asian restaurant KIBOU, which serves a range of classic and contemporary Japanese dishes, including steamed bao buns, hand-made gyozas, rich ramen, crisp tempura and katsu curry.

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Arty and diverse, Stokes Croft has some of the best value international dining in the city. You will find food from across the islands at Caribbean Croft, as well as an extensive selection of rums to make the night go with a buzz. Also based in Stokes Croft is Sri Lankan restaurant Nad, which celebrates the delicious flavours and spirit of Tamil culture – think hoppers (rice and coconut milk pancakes shaped like a bowl), black pork curry and fish grilled with mango and garlic.

If you like your Spanish food to be ethically produced, try Poco Tapas Bar. Their impeccable eco credentials have won them multiple awards.

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT ENJOY FINE JAPANESE CUISINE AT KIBOU IN CLIFTON VILLAGE; FOR TAPAS THAT DOESN’T DISAPPOINT, HEAD TO POCO TAPAS BAR ON JAMAICA STREET

MEZE DISHES A little further north is the fiercely independent Cheltenham/Gloucester Road area, famous among locals for its many eating options. Eat Lebanese chargrilled meats and meze dishes at Lona Grill House and Juice Bar and try an unusual combination of Persian and Korean dishes at Per & Kor, thanks to the multicultural husbandand-wife team behind the establishment.

From vibrant street markets to fine dining to vibrant suburbs full of international cuisine, Bristol offers fabulous eateries at every turn and to suit every budget. So come with a sense of adventure, hit the streets and prepare for your tastebuds to be wowed!

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LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND ONLY HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR A MEMORABLE SHORT BREAK TO BRISTOL

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OPPOSITE PAGE BRISTOL CATHEDRAL; THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT CROSS CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE; EXPLORE BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN; RELAX AT BRISTOL LIDO

DAY 1 u Start your visit by hopping onto a ferry and taking a trip around the Harbourside. Many of the Harbourside’s industrial buildings have been converted into trendy restaurants, bars, galleries and museums.

A pre-booked trip with Bristol Ferry Boats can take you all around the Harbourside, past Brunel’s SS Great Britain and out onto the River Avon to the magnificent Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Jump off the ferry at the SS Great Britain and take a tour of this magnificent ocean liner – Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpiece, restored to its former glory complete with cabins, engines, and a dining saloon to explore. For lunch, hop onto a ferry again and alight by the city centre.

Just a few minutes away is Arnolfini. One of Britain’s leading centres for contemporary art, take a browse and nip into the well-stocked bookshop. Either have lunch here or check out one of the many great food establishments nearby.

Follow lunch with a little retail therapy. For pure indulgence head to Cabot Circus and discover more than 120 shops.

Once you’re all shopped out, take an early dinner in one of the many stylish restaurants around the Harbourside.

Check out what’s on at Bristol Beacon and Bristol Old Vic or head over to Southville to the Tobacco Factory Theatres.

After such a busy day you deserve to chill out in a relaxing pub. But if energy levels permit, put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away in one of the city’s trendy nightclubs.

DAY 2 u Venture out of the city centre and head up to leafy Clifton Village – actually not a village at all, but the

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“DATING BACK TO 1849, BRISTOL LIDO OFFERS RELAXING SPA TREATMENTS, A RESTAURANT AND POOLSIDE BAR AS WELL AS A HEATED OUTDOOR POOL, SAUNA AND STEAM ROOM” area around Bristol’s famous Suspension Bridge boasting wonderful Georgian architecture and independent shops and boutiques.

Start the day with a trip to Primrose Cafe, arguably one of the great Bristolian breakfast institutions. Then take a walk across one of Bristol’s favourite open spaces – the Durdham Downs. On the far side of The Downs, as locals refer to it, you’ll find great views across the River Avon and the Avon Gorge and back to the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

If you’d rather put your feet up, head to Bristol Lido.

Dating back to 1849, the Lido offers spa treatments, a restaurant and poolside bar as well as a heated outdoor pool, sauna and steam room.

Before dinner, wander back into town and take in the breathtaking architecture of Bristol Cathedral. Then head towards the Christmas Steps to pick up some unique and quirky mementos at the surrounding independent shops and galleries.

For a special place for dinner, try the nearby Hotel du Vin on Narrow Lewins Mead. A winning mix of great style and sophistication, housed in a magnificently restored 18th-century sugar house, this gorgeous establishment never fails to impress.

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DISCOVER A HIVE OF CULTURE AND CREATIVITY CULTURE VULTURES ASSEMBLE! THIS CIT Y OFFERS THE PERFECT MIX OF GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS

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ARTS & CULTURE

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f it’s culture you’re after, Bristol has it in spades. There are major concert halls, diverse museums, art-house cinemas, striking architecture and wonderful art galleries. Some parts of the cityscape have even become life-sized canvases for some truly inspired urban street art.

Whatever your cultural preferences – from Shakespeare to Banksy – Bristol will tickle your tastebuds.

Cool, creative and colourful, Bristol is a fabulous place to get your cultural groove on. So get down to the art galleries to see everything from classical to contemporary, wander the museums to learn about the city’s history and soak up street art in vibrant suburbs.

The Harbourside area of Bristol is packed with cultural venues. Arnolfini – the city’s international centre for contemporary arts – has a fantastic waterside location and an exciting programme of changing visual arts exhibitions, plus film screenings, dance, performances, talks and great family events.

The converted warehouse also holds an impressive arts bookshop, as well as a popular café and bar serving local and seasonal produce. Entry to the building and exhibition spaces is free, and there are some seats with a prime waterside view outside on the quayside if you fancy a drink on a sunny day or evening.

Another major arts venue in this area is the Watershed, the South West’s leading film culture and digital media centre. With a strong focus on film, media and digital technologies, Watershed puts on screenings across its three cinemas, as well as an array of festivals and events.

ARTISTS’ STUDIOS Spike Island is home to a buzzing co-working space, where artists and other creatives practice their craft in affordable artists’ studios. The public are welcome to browse the on-site gallery and there’s a year-round programme of public exhibitions, talks and activities.

Set in a grand Victorian building, full of light and space, The Royal West of England Academy on Clifton Triangle celebrates the best of historic and contemporary British art. If you’re looking for a smaller, alternative arts venue, check out The Cube. It’s an independent cinema, but it also presents music, cabaret, discussions, amateur filmmakers’ nights, children’s events, performance art and comedy.

Graffiti and street art fans, come on down! Bristol is home to one of the world’s largest outdoor art exhibitions.

See No Evil is a unique project set up by artist Inkie and Bristol music promoters Team Love, who together managed to get permission from the local council to transform the façades of 10 multi-storey buildings along the once-bland Nelson Street into enormous murals. They were so popular that they’ve become a permanent feature of the cityscape.

If that’s not enough street art for you, a new self-guided Banksy phone tour from Where The Wall features commentary from John Nation, the internationally recognised authority on the global graffiti art movement and a central figure in the Bristol and Banksy story.

At historic Underfall Yard, which forms part of a working boatyard, you can get to know Bristol’s shipbuilding past, present and future through a variety of hands-on displays and a giant interactive map.

While you’re in this part of the city, check out M Shed, a

free, modern museum housed in a historic former warehouse on the Harbourside. This unique attraction squeezes a wide range of exhibits between its walls – from vintage double-decker buses to models of hot-air balloons suspended from the ceiling – vividly relaying Bristol’s story from prehistoric times right through to the present day.

M Shed also houses the statue of slave trader Edward Colston, which was pulled down in June 2020 during a Black Lives Matter protest, and was placed on display temporarily in the museum. The statue is currently in the museum’s collection store.

Walk steeply uphill from Harbourside towards the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for exhibits covering everything from rocks and fossils to dinosaurs to ancient Egypt. You could also visit The Georgian House Museum and The Red Lodge Museum, both of which are >>p50

OPPOSITE PAGE EXPLORE BRISTOL ON FOOT AND CAN DISCOVER ALL OF THE AMAZING STREET ART AS YOU GO; TOP CATCH AN EXHIBITION AT SPIKE ISLAND; ABOVE IF IT’S CONTEMPORARY ART YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THEN VISIT ARNOLFINI

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“BRISTOLIANS LOVE A FESTIVAL, AND PERHAPS THE MOST FAMOUS OF ALL IS BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA, WHICH HAPPENS OVER FOUR DAYS IN AUGUST, CREATING A SPECTACLE IN THE SKIES” historic houses offering a snapshot into Bristol lives during a different time.

In Broadmead – right at the heart of Bristol’s modern shopping centre – you can visit the oldest Methodist chapel in the world. This historic building, known as the New Room or John Wesley’s Chapel, was built in 1739 by John Wesley, and in 2017 witnessed the greatest change to the building since the 18th century – the opening of a new three-storey visitor centre.

ICONIC BUILDING Located just a short stroll south of the city centre is another iconic building – St Mary Redcliffe Church. This Gothic masterpiece was constructed from the 12th to the 15th centuries and was described by Queen Elizabeth I as “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England”.

For a bit of alternative history, check out the beautiful Arnos Vale Cemetery, and don’t worry, it’s not at all morbid.

Situated close to the heart of the city, it’s spread over 45

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acres, and offers walks, wildlife, historic architecture, talks, tours and seasonal events.

Many notable people are also buried there too, including the educational and social reformer Mary Carpenter, and Georgian geologist Samuel Stutchbury, who named the Thecodontosaurus, sometimes described as ‘Bristol’s own dinosaur’.

You can see live music every night of the week in Bristol, whether you’re into classical, pop, rock or jazz. Add to that a vibrant calendar of festivals and a dynamic theatre scene and you’re all set for some magical evenings out.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Nelson Street, one of the city’s largest and best-loved cultural hubs is Bristol Beacon, which is more than 150 years old. Hosting an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, rock, folk and world music, the building is an iconic part of the city’s skyline, thanks to its gleaming copper façade and contemporary foyer. Even if you aren’t heading there for a ticketed event, you can pop in to see if there’s anything free happening in the foyer, which often

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puts on one-off gigs, craft markets and family events.

Just around the corner from Bristol Beacon is the historic Bristol Hippodrome, a Grade 2-listed building best known for its touring West End theatre shows and annual pantomime – although it also welcomes regular visits from the Welsh National Opera, the English National Ballet and other leading international performers.

The domed theatre was designed by Frank Matcham for Australian-born British theatre manager Oswald Stoll, and opened on 16th December 1912, creating a stage that remains one of the largest outside London.

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL Head around the corner and up Park Street and you’ll come across St George’s Bristol, tucked away along a leafy side road. This former church-turned-concert hall was built in the early 19th century and today hosts more than 200 events every year – from jazz to world music to opera.

Bristolians love a festival, and perhaps the most famous of all is Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which happens over four days in August, creating a spectacle in the skies above the beautiful Ashton Court Estate.

Bristol Harbour Festival is a huge, free event that happens each July, celebrating the city’s maritime culture down by the Harbourside, with music, food, stalls and water-based demonstrations. In the autumn, the Docks Heritage

Weekend sees historic cranes, trains and bridges spring into action, alongside a fascinating programme of family events.

Taking place every two years, Circus City, the UK’s biggest contemporary circus festival, presents awesome shows from all over Europe, from aerial acrobatics and risky ropework to adult satire and children’s interactive play.

Love a summer music festival? Time your visit for the summer months and you could find yourself at Love Saves the Day, Bristol Pride or the St Paul’s Carnival, which celebrates the city’s African and Caribbean heritage.

Luvvies can get stuck into the city’s theatre scene, which is as diverse and dynamic as the people who live here.

Alongside the famous Hippodrome you’ll find a whole host of exciting venues, including The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Tobacco Factory Theatres and the Redgrave Theatre all of which offer a varied calendar of performances.

In fact, Bristol Old Vic is said to be the longest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world. Since it was set up in 1766, the theatre has endured riots, financial decline and war – surviving them all! Notable alumni include Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Olivia Colman CBE, Jeremy Irons, Mark Strong and Josh O’Connor.

If awards were given for the UK’s most cultured city, Bristol would be a strong contender. So get out there and experience everything it has to offer – from theatre, to galleries to fantastic festivals.

OPPOSITE PAGE TIME YOUR VISIT RIGHT FOR BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA; ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT ENJOY A SHOW AT BRISTOL OLD VIC; TAMARA ROJO’S RAYMONDA BY ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET AT BRISTOL HIPPODROME

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AFTER DARK

WELCOME TO THE NIGHT THE NIGHTLIFE IN BRISTOL IS THRIVING, PACKED WITH CLUBS, PUBS, BARS AND LIVE MUSIC VENUES

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ristol’s creative talent shines through in its rich and vibrant nightlife. The city is full of musicians, producers, actors and DJs and has a lively bar, club and theatre scene to match.

When night falls, the main spotlight lands on the area around the Harbourside, Park Street and Corn Street, which is dotted with cocktail and pre-theatre bars, live music venues, pubs and clubs.

HIPSTER BARS Outside the central hub you can while the night away with the hipsters in offbeat bars and clubs along Whiteladies Road, Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road. Or keep things chic in fashionable suburbs such as Clifton and Bedminster.

Cool, creative and cutting edge, Bristol cuts a dashing figure on the UK’s nightlife scene. But if you tire of hip bars and creative cocktails, there are plenty of good old-fashioned pubs in which to sink a pint in peace.

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Bristol’s bar scene is suitably eclectic – whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar with club music or fancy cocktails in plush surroundings. Park Street is a good place to start, Reina Bar is intimate yet vibrant, with sets by the best DJs in the city. The fabulous cocktail menu includes chocolate martini and peach bellini.

Head further up the street and you’ll hit the vast Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery. Sprawling across three storeys it serves 150 different rums from all over the world, including the famous Dead Man’s Fingers spiced rum. If you prefer table service, head straight to the second floor.

At the top of the hill is Clifton Triangle, home to a further cluster of trendy bars. The Peter Pan-inspired The Cocktail Club is one of the most recent additions, with an enchantedgarden theme that pulls in the crowds – make sure to reserve a table at weekends.

Browns Brasserie & Bar has bags of appeal. It’s housed in one of the Triangle’s most striking and beautiful buildings,

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which was modelled on the Doge’s Palace in Venice. Inside, the décor is stylish, while outside on the terrace and steps, you can drink and people-watch on balmier evenings.

For fine cocktails in a gentleman’s club-style setting, complete with a piano, low lighting and vintage lampshades, Bristol’s original speakeasy bar is Hyde & Co, where many of the drinks on the menu are inspired by the Prohibition era.

For a unique tipple, Her Majesty’s Secret Service (HMSS) has a regularly changing menu of innovative cocktails, many of them with a humorous nod to the British Isles.

MODERN MICROBREWERIES Bristol has its fair share of traditional pubs, alongside modern microbreweries, where you can find excellent craft beers. BrewDog Bristol is popular with discerning drinkers who want to sample rare beers from all over the world.

There are hundreds of varieties to choose from and you can order a stone-baked sourdough pizza to help soak up the booze.

At The Beer Emporium, a laid-back cavern in the heart of the old town, you can sample 30 draught lines (28 keg and two cask) and a wide choice of bottled beers. There’s also a shop so you can continue your beer journey at home!

Just down the road, the rustic, 31-tap Small Bar showcases small, independent beer companies through a carefully selected range of draught and bottled beers.

As an added bonus you can order some of Bristol’s finest

buttermilk fried chicken from resident eatery Wing’s Diner.

Walk a little south of the centre to lively Bedminster to join some of Bristol’s creatives at the effortlessly cool Tobacco Factory. Settle down and sink a pint that’s been brewed just over the road at Bristol Beer Factory, using locally grown malt and hops.

If you’re into furry felines, check out the quirky Bag of Nails, an old-fashioned pub in the Hotwells area of the city centre. Its claim to fame is the number of resident moggies, most of whom are luxuriating on the bar or asleep under the tables. That aside, the pub also serves a decent selection of real ales and other drinks and has friendly bar staff.

In keeping with its West Country roots, Bristol is a great place for cider lovers. The Apple is a relaxed cider boat housed in a beautifully converted Dutch barge in the heart of Bristol’s Old City – with a fine selection of 40 different ciders and perries, alongside beers, wines and spirits.

The cobblestoned, quayside terrace is a suntrap, drawing cider drinkers in their droves on sunny summer afternoons and offering great views of the boats passing through the Floating Harbour.

Night owls, get ready! When the pubs are winding down, Bristol’s nightclubs spring to life, with places to suit virtually every musical taste. Clubbing not your scene? You’re spoilt for choice with live music venues, festivals and events.

Bristol’s most legendary super club is Motion, which regularly earns a place in DJ Mag’s annual list of the >>p55

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BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Destination inspiration for more than 75 UK and Ireland towns, cities and counties awaits you at the home of staycation content. Be inspired at

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world’s best nightclubs. Housed in a historic industrial warehouse near Temple Meads railway station, the club has a raw, urban feel thanks to its skate-park roots. Parties rave on into the early hours – and there are live gigs in The Marble Factory area.

Lakota is another big, underground dance club, set in an old warehouse just off Stokes Croft. Made up of four rooms spread across three storeys, the club attracts renowned international and local artists, collaborating with young promoters to put on a variety of club nights.

Also in this area is The Love Inn, a cosy bar hosting live music and DJs, plus rotating pop-up kitchens, Japanese cocktails and a garden area. The doors are open until late during the week, and even later into the night at weekends.

BIG NAMES Get down to the Harbourside area and you’ll find Thekla, a former cargo ship that houses a unique club and live music venue – complete with artwork by Banksy. A diverse range of artists have graced Thekla’s live stage over the years, from Massive Attack, Portishead and Roni Size to Calvin Harris, Metronomy, Ozric Tentacles and The Wonder Stuff. It’s always worth checking what’s on if you fancy seeing some live music at an unusual city-centre venue. Thekla also hosts regular club nights, which are popular with fans of drum and bass, indie, alternative and disco.

A five-minute walk away from Thekla is The Louisiana, housed in a former seafarers’ hotel. With a capacity of just 140, it’s a family-run, atmospheric venue, where music fans can discover new bands to watch out for, often when they’re on their first national tour. They’ve welcomed many legends over the years, from Placebo to The Chemical Brothers to Florence and the Machine.

If heavier live music is your thing, see what’s going on at the O2 Academy Bristol on Frogmore Street, which hosts regular indie and rock concerts.

If you’re looking for something totally different, you’ll find plenty of weird and wonderful entertainment to choose from – whether you fancy a live magic show or a horrorthemed evening that will give you nightmares for weeks!

For close-up magic at your table, plus live music,

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“LOCATED NEAR TEMPLE MEADS IS BRISTOL’S MOST LEGENDARY SUPER CLUB, MOTION, WHICH REGULARLY EARNS A PLACE IN DJ MAG’S ANNUAL LIST OF THE WORLD’S BEST NIGHTCLUBS” burlesque, stand-up comedy and comedy magic shows, Smoke & Mirrors is a popular pre-theatre pub tucked down a narrow back street near the O2 Academy, the Hippodrome and Bristol Beacon.

To ramp up the spook factor to the max, head to Hell in A Cell Escape Rooms for their underground horror experience. Book in to enter the dark and creepy depths of the Old Crown Court’s prison cells, right in the heart of the city, where you’ll need to stay cool, calm and collected if you want to escape a series of horror movie scenes to regain your freedom!

Whatever type of night-time adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find something exciting to do in Bristol – from partying hard at one of the city’s super clubs to savouring real ale, supping cocktails, head banging to live music or chilling out with a sophisticated crowd.

ABOVE HEAD TO MOTION NEAR TEMPLE MEADS FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT

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READY TO EXPLORE A LITTLE FURTHER? ALTHOUGH BRISTOL HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU BUSY, A JOURNEY FURTHER AFIELD CAN MAKE FOR AN EXCITING NEW ADVENTURE

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BEYOND BRISTOL

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ith great road and transport links, Bristol is a fantastic base for exploring some of the surrounding counties and attractions.

Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, Dorset and even South Wales are relatively close by and no more than an hour away.

City hopping is easy from Bristol with Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cardiff all just a short drive or train ride away. Smaller, nearby places include Bradford-on-Avon and the charming small city of Wells with its beautiful cathedral.

One of the most picturesque villages in the area is Lacock.

Owned by the National Trust, this picture-postcard village

has been used as the backdrop for various television and film period dramas, including the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice while the abbey featured in the Harry Potter movies.

STONEHENGE Twenty five miles from Lacock you’ll find the fascinating ancient site of Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, where there’s visitor centre complete with a word-class exhibition, Neolithic houses to explore and a café.

With the Bristol Channel nearby there are a number of coastal towns worth visiting. Clevedon has retained its Victorian elegance and includes a stunning pier >>p59

BELOW TAKE A TRIP TO WILTSHIRE AND VISIT STONEHENGE – YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

WELCOME TO BRISTOL

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© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images/James Dobson.

The beauty of every season at Dyffryn Gardens Explore 55 acres of formal lawns, themed garden rooms, working kitchen gardens, arboretum, exotic glass house, natural log stack play areas, cafe, shop and more. Discover something new with every visit and every season at Dyffryn Gardens. nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens

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BEYOND BRISTOL

whereas Weston-super-Mare offers all the traditional seaside attractions, miles of clean sandy beach, and a level promenade boasting superb views over the Channel.

If you prefer the countryside to the coast, then your choice in this part of the country is endless. The Cotswolds, Mendips and Quantock Hills are all within easy reach of Bristol and offer impressive views and interesting activities for the more energetic. Based near the Quantock Hills AONB, hop aboard the West Somerset Railway to enjoy 20 miles of scenic countryside.

FOREST OF DEAN & WYE VALLEY Just across the Severn Bridge in South Wales are the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Nearby Tintern Abbey and Symonds Yat are certainly places to visit if venturing into the Forest of Dean.

Other natural sites not to miss include Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves. At Cheddar Gorge & Caves you can visit Britain’s highest, inland limestone cliffs rising up 450ft and explore the depths of stunning stalactite caverns below that were created by Ice Age meltwaters over millions of years.

For more cave action make a beeline for Wookey Hole Caves where you can take a guided tour, meet the Witch of Wookey and wander around a 19th-century paper mill.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM, TETBURY; TINTERN ABBEY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE; LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK, WARMINSTER; WOOKEY HOLES CAVES, WELLS

For those feeling a little more adventurous, there are three national parks within striking distance of Bristol – Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks in Devon and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) national park in South Wales.

Great family destinations out of Bristol include Longleat House and Safari Park. The house itself transports you back to Elizabethan times through its fine 16th-century architecture. The grounds include the well-known Safari Park with its mischievous monkeys, a miniature railway, endless playgrounds and a hedge maze.

Between Bristol and Bath is the fabulous Dyrham Park.

Built at the end of the 17th century, this National Trust property is set in huge grounds, with pleasant gardens, delightful ponds and a deer park.

Another nearby National Trust property is Tyntesfield.

A unique Victorian house and estate located in Wraxall, Tyntesfield has had a complete restoration. The end result is stunning and the gardens are not to be missed.

If you like gardens Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is just a short distance from Bristol. Home to one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world, the arboretum has a collection of more than 3,000 different trees and shrub species.

Whatever your taste, there’s plenty to see and do when exploring a little further afield from Bristol.

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