48 Hours In Bristol, England
When I told people I was traveling to England, their first response was, “Oh, have fun in London, hi to the Queen!” Upon explaining I would be visiting Bristol, not London, I was greeted with cocked heads, scrunched up noses, and the question, “What’s in Bristol?” Truth be told, I wasn’t quite sure myself…I was simply delighted to be going somewhere that would allow me to be surrounded by adorable British accents day in and day out.
After returning home from my trip, I’m happy to report back that the answer to, “What’s in Bristol?” is, in fact, plenty. The city center is truly an engine for both cultural and culinary expression. Stuffed full of quaint galleries, museums, restaurants and cafes, pubs, and performance spaces, Bristol has so much to offer, it’s hard to fit it all into two days. So grab your glass of cider, your sense of adventure, and I’ll show you how to get the most out of your 48 hours in Bristol.
Day #1
Getting Acquainted 11am
Upon landing at the Bristol Airport and taking the bus into the city (a quick 25 minute jaunt), grab your camera and umbrella and head for one of the red double-decker buses, operated by City Sightseeing Bristol. Assuming it’s not pouring out, enjoy the open-air top deck, sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of Bristol during the hour-long tour. You’ll get a brief history of the city, as well as plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the various sites and neighborhoods.
City Sightseeing Bristol (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
When in Bristol, don't forget an umbrella! (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Local Eats 12:30pm
The canal is the major artery that pumps through the heart of the city, so enjoy your first meal at one of the many harbourside restaurants. Locally sourced restaurant Bordeaux Quay is the place to go to enjoy fabulous food, fantastic service, and first-class views courtesy of its waterside location. The fresh food and amazing wine selection will provide you with a second wind to take on an afternoon bout of culture.
Fresh food from the Bordeaux Quay (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
The People’s Museum 3pm
Bristol’s newest museum, M-Shed, tells the history of the city, through artifacts and stories of the people who have made Bristol what it is today. The view from the top floor balcony is stunning, and the interactive exhibits are fun for all ages. Entry is free.
Rainy day view from the top floor of the M-Shed (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Relax and Recharge 5pm
One of the perks of staying in the heart of the city at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel are the amenities it offers: a regal Romanesque-style pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and gym. Throw on your suit and indulge…jet lag should be kicking in about now, so upon feeling the powerful hot tub jets massage into your back, you’ll thank me.
The pool at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
A Little Night Music 8pm
Saunter over to Under The Stars and enjoy a cider (or three!) and some top notch Mediterranean inspired tapas…maybe even some shisha under the stars? The boat-turned-cafe is unique in that if offers tons of fun events, ranging from “Singing Suppers”, themed movie nights, and open-mic evenings where you can share your talent (or at least your bold, American spirit) with Bristol residents.
Cocktails at Under The Stars
Day #2
The Full English Breakfast 9am
A trip to Bristol wouldn’t be complete without indulging in what is perhaps England’s most important meal of the day: breakfast. The Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel offers a diverse display of food…ranging from made-on-demand omelettes, to fresh, flaky pastries, to an impressive collection of cheese and meats.
The English love their morning tea! (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Neighborhood Walk 10am
Take a stroll up Park Street (nominated by Google Street Award as the “Hippest Street in the UK”), wind your way around Clifton Village, and head towards the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The iconic staple of Bristol, Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at the young age of 23, who called it “my first child, my darling”. The bridge was completed in 1864, five years after Brunel’s death, and offers stunning views of the town, the Avon Gorge, and lush, rolling green hills as far as the eye can see. Word of caution: if you have a fear of heights, the bridge may be a bit much, as it hangs 245 feet above the high water mark. Walk back down Park Street, and enjoy exploring the unique boutiques and cafes.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
The view from the Clifton Suspension Bridge (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Bites and Boatrides 1pm
You are now back in the heart of Bristol, The Watershed. Still stuffed from your ginormous English breakfast, grab a light lunch at one of the many restaurants or street vendors in the area. We enjoyed the selection of sweet and savory crepes from Quick Crepe, right by the waterside. After your lunch, hop on one of the Bristol Ferry Boats, which will provide another look at this gorgeous city via the waterways. Hop off on the stop for Bristol’s award winning attraction, the Brunel ss Great Britain, and take in some fascinating, true stories that have indeed changed the world.
Old Bristol (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
New Bristol (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
Broadway in Bristol 7pm
The century old Bristol Hippodrome is home to some of the best Broadway and West End Productions, so stop by and experience some smashing British theater! Or, for something with local flavor, check out the Tobacco Factory for one of their in-house productions.
Bristol Hippodrome (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
A Proper British Night Cap 10pm
A pub is the perfect spot to mingle with the Bristol locals. We swooned over the non-marked bar, Milk Thistle, and its unique, members-and-friends-only appeal. If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, try the White Lion Pub right next door. The bartender will know your name by the time you leave, as will the rest of the blokes and birds tossing back ciders by the bar.
Milk Thistle (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
If You Go
The four star Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is steeped in grandeur and Victorian elegance. Centrally located, the hotel is steps away from the Bristol Cathedral and historic harbourside. The charming hotel lounge offers plush couches and cozy fireplaces, all the perfect backdrop for traditional afternoon tea, or pre-dinner cocktails. The hotel’s 242 rooms start at 85 pounds.
The Bristol Marriott Royal is about 8 miles from the Bristol Airport and can easily be reached in under 30 minutes by public transportation (using the Bristol Flyer express coach service). If coming/going via train, the hotel is a 10 minute drive from the Temple Meads train station.
Our room at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)
By: Jessica Tiare Bowen
A very special thank you to the wonderful folks at Destination Bristol!
Hiya, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to our city.
You may not know this but the Bristol Hippodrome gave someone called Archie Leach his first job before he left for America and became famous as Cary Grant.
George Washington’s ancestors came from further up north but one of his predecessors fought on the side of the King in the English civil war and effected ‘Washington’s breach’ in the enemy lines. If you go to the Museum and Art gallery on Queens road there is a plaque which tells you.
Also, and you’ll dispute this, but we hold it that America was named after Richard Ameryck. His coat of arms is in the Lord Mayor’s chapel, the only church building in the country which is owned by a local authority, not the Church. It is a design of stars and stripes.
I could go on…Brunel’s dream was for people to travel from London to New York with only a stop off in Bristol overnight then on the SS Great Britain next day…Bob Hope lived here before moving briefly to Weston Super Mare then on to America…there are plenty of American connections here because we were a major port.
Come back and explore them!
Sharon
Hi Sharon!
Thanks so much for sharing all the fun details about Bristol, I really enjoyed reading them! Brunel had a fabulous dream indeed…I’m sure he would be very proud of the legend he left behind!
Looking forward to returning soon for more exploration of Bristol! Cheers!:-)
Looks like a great place for a holiday – I’m planning a trip to the UK for later in the year and wanted to try and avoid just hitting the usual suspects e.g London, Edinburgh etc – Bristol looks like it’s worth a visit
Hey Joe! Bristol is absolutely worth a visit, and you can also easily hit Bath, which is a quick 10 minute train ride away! Both cities offer fabulous opportunities for great photography, as well! Happy travels!:-)
The Ballloon Fiesta is fantastic – and it might even have stopped raining by then!
So pleased to hear Destination Bristol name-checked, and am sure they will suggest lots of other lovely things to do in the city and just beyond, when you next come to see our brilliant city.
Hi Helen! Destination Bristol was absolutely fabulous! They were so knowledgable, gave amazing recommendations, and were extremely helpful in answering all the questions we had about your lovely city! I would definitely recommend any person traveling to Bristol to check out their website!
Looking forward to my next visit!:-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daugirdas/3816215404/
Hi, delighted that you enjoyed your trip to Bristol. I live and work here, above the link will show you a spectular photo of the balloon fiesta over the Clifton Suspension bridge. Come yourselves, you will not be dissapointed!
Ohhh, I love it! Thanks so much for sharing! Already looking forward to coming back for round 2! You truly have a wonderful place to call home!:-)
glad you enjoyed my city
Come back anytime !
Thanks so much Sam! I certainly intend to get back over for the balloon fiesta one of these years!:-)
This place looks pretty sweet! I must say I didn’t know much about Bristol, either. Looks like there’s quite a bit to enjoy there … think i’d have problems long-term in England with it being so rainy, though. Brr!
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The weather was like none I’d experienced! One moment it would be gray and pouring, and the next blue skies and sunshine! (And then repeat!;-)
Then let’s go back in August for the annual Balloon Fiesta!!
Right?! Watching all those balloons floating in the sky has got to be an incredible site!
Hidden gem
It truly is! Visit now before all the other tourists find out about it!;-)
Wow – you can pack a lot into 48 hours! A friend’s daughter attended university in Bristol and she has been telling me how lovely it is but I don’t think I’ve seen photos before. I love your photos of the suspension bridge and the colourful buildings in New Bristol! We’ve had our kids to London but I think that we are going to have to branch out and see more of the UK.
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Thanks Lisa! You will definitely have to bring your kids to Bristol next time you’re in the UK…I didn’t touch on it in the post, but there’s tons of kid friendly attractions…a huge science museum, aquarium, zoo, and all the art/history museums were very interactive!
Laughing at the umbrella shot. That’s exactly how I picture Bristol. You definitely found lots of other great ways to entertain yourself though. Love the old vs. new Bristol shots. So colorful.
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Ha, yes, it was a constant rotation of rain, shine, repeat! Good thing there were plenty of museums and cafes to duck into when the showers came;-)
Love the old versus new Bristol buildings! They are both beautiful in their own unique way!
Hey Julie! The buildings and architecture were one of my favorite parts, too! I loved seeing the blending between the modern and “rustic”.
A lot accomplished in 48 hours!! It looks like a town with much more to do!
Absolutely! I would love to go back in August to experience their annual Balloon Fiesta!