Lifestyle

It provides a wealth of employment in the media, tech, financial, aerospace and defence sectors, amongst others; enjoys a vibrant and thriving food and drink scene; and is a cultural hub offering contemporary art and art history, cinema, literature and comedy, as well as the musical and theatrical. It is Bristol’s creativity, unorthodoxy and community spirit – even its diminishing brutalist buildings – that prevent it from relaxing into self-satisfied complacency. As well as being famous for bridges, boats, bikes, balloons, Brunel and Banksy, Bristol is a champion of all things local and independent.

Here is an introduction to a few of its hidden gems, quirky corners and lesser-known hotspots – but be warned, nothing good stays secret in Bristol for long.

Just to the north of Assembly Bristol is Bristol’s newest shopping district, Cabot Circus. Alongside the high street brands, it also features a number of independent outlets including Harvey Nichols and Foyles Bookshop, one of only two located outside London. Uniquely designed and spread over multiple levels, Cabot Circus’ size and layout, as well as its many shops, coffee houses and eateries, are designed to dazzle. Housed under an arching glass roof for a weatherproof indoor-outdoor shopping experience, it provides the perfect hit of retail therapy.

If shopping isn’t your thing, it’s a short walk to the city centre oasis that is Castle Park. Completed in 1978, this popular park stands on the site of what was once Bristol’s main shopping area until it was destroyed in the Bristol Blitz during World War II. Next to the ruins of St Peter’s Church are a sensory herb and Peace garden with five silver birch trees that are a memorial to the D-Day beach landings, as well as the remains of the 11th century Bristol Castle. Today Castle Park remains consistently popular as a place for meeting, grabbing an outdoor lunch break, or simply just passing the time.

From the heart of the historic city centre, a short walk across the grand Regency-period Queen Square (another great spot for picnicking and people-watching) is 17th century King Street, home to the Bristol Old Vic, established in 1946 as an offshoot of London’s Old Vic, with a stunning Georgian auditorium. Refurbishment of the building was completed in September 2018, combining historic and new architecture. Not far away is international arts house, the Arnolfini, which produces and presents visual arts, performance, film, dance, music and events. The quayside outside the Arnolfini is popular for post-work drinks in the evening summer sun, and it is frequently overrun by like-minded individuals perched on the dockside, legs dangling precariously over the water with drink in hand.

Over Prince St bridge, south of the Arnolfini, is Wapping Wharf, an exciting new neighbourhood next to the M-Shed. It is home to Cargo, a community of intelligently-chosen independent businesses
and restaurants housed in shipping containers. The combination of a community ethos, amazing things to eat and a broad range of shopping options has made this an extremely popular and much-loved destination, whatever the time of day or day of the week. Pedestrian footbridge Pero’s Bridge, with its distinctive horn-shaped counterweight sculptures, connects the Arnolfini and Queen Square to the western half of the Harbourside, home to interactive science museum,

We The Curious (great for small and large kids alike), Millennium Square and the amphitheatre. Throughout the summer, the Harbourside area hosts a festival, gig or event almost every weekend; the Visit Bristol website (www.visitbristol.co.uk) is a good source of information on the latest live events taking place across the city.
Walking east, back towards Assembly Bristol, passes parish church St Mary Redcliffe, which at 89m tall is Bristol’s tallest structure and, at 900 years old, one of its oldest. Nearby, it is worth taking a look at the distinctive façade of Brunel’s Temple Meads station before heading to Hart’s, one of Bristol’s best artisan bakeries, located in one of the arches beneath the station. It is possible to phone ahead and reserve a freshly baked pastry to pick up later – but be quick as they have been known to sell out by 9am.

From Temple Meads it’s a short walk over Valentine Bridge to Old Market, one of the most historic parts of the city. It was one of the first areas to be built around the castle, and today it is a thriving and quirky shopping area with some outstanding independent eateries, including restaurant, café and live music venue Old Market Assembly; Caribbean vegan and vegetarian restaurant Fi Real; and Bagelicious, which offers 20 different types of freshly prepared and filled bagels.
Known for its LGBT-friendly shops, pubs, bars, Old Market is also a good source of vintage fashion, antiques and furniture shops, as well as specialist climbing, road cycling and motorcycle stores.

Bristol, although not huge, has more to offer by
exploring further on foot, bike or bus. Halfway up Park Street, Brandon Hill has incredible views over the city; while to the north-east, upmarket Clifton Village has boutique shops, the Clifton Observatory, Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Victorian-era Clifton Arcade. It is also home to Bristol’s most famous bridge (out of a grand total of 43), Clifton Suspension Bridge. South of the city centre is Southville, where hip North Street is home to a growing number of thriving independent restaurants, pubs, shops and more. Houses are in demand here and prices are correspondingly eye-watering. Southville is also home to Upfest, Europe’s largest free street art festival, held every July. Stroll the streets to see the creations of this year’s artists or join a tour to see the ever-changing artworks here and in other areas of the city. North of the centre is alternative Stokes Croft and edgy Gloucester Road, with plenty of fantastic restaurants, bars and pubs, including Poco Tapas Bar, The Canteen, Bakers & Co, Flour & Ash and The Library Bar.

For a more serene journey, there are numerous ferries and boat trips along the River Avon. Or simply take to your feet: a walk from Temple Meads in the east to Clifton Suspension Bridge in the west will take in pubs on boats, coloured houses on hillsides, the docks and marinas, and museums and more along the way. Whether you have a day, a weekend or longer, you’ll find something to float your boat in this vibrant and lively city.