City Guide to Bristol

Last year I shared a City Guide to Copenhagen on The Secret Life of Maggie May, and it seemed to go down well with you lot. Why then, I thought to myself, stop with Copenhagen? Why not write guides to several of my favourite cities?

I've got a fair few up my sleeve to share with you, but there was hardly any contest as to which one to feature first: Bristol. 

Vibrant, eclectic, loud, and colourful, it's one of England's treasures - a city which is so different to all the others, has a great vibe and is full of things to do. Here are just a few of my recommendations for things to do and places to visit.

City Centre

B R I S T O L  M U S E U M  &  A R T  G A L L E R Y

I love this museum; right in the heart of the Triangle, it's easy to locate, filled with lots of interesting and, er, weird things, and reminds me a lot of Night at the Museum. The highlights I'd recommend are the Wildlife section on the First Floor {although maybe not if taxidermy creeps you out} and the Gypsy Caravan - there's usually some good exhibitions going on too, such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year, or Death: The Human Experience a couple of years ago. Oh, and admission's free.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen's Road, Bristol

W O R K H O U S E   K I T C H E N

An unassuming and yet delicious little plant based café almost hidden on the corner by Bristol Children's Hospital. Hands down the best peanut butter hot chocolate I have ever had - and their beetroot chocolate cake is pretty good too.

Photo Credit - Workhouse Kitchen, 19-20 Perry Road, Bristol

T H E  R E D  L O D G E  M U S E U M

A gorgeous little museum which you can mosey around for an hour - for free! Just around the corner from Park Street, it's well worth a visit, even if it's just to sit in the beautiful Elizabethan Knot Garden. It's definitely a hidden gem, and one not a lot of locals know about.

The Red Lodge Museum, Park Row, Bristol

^ Going to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta should be on everyone's bucket list - it takes place over four days every August.

Clifton

S P I C E R + C O L E

Don't miss out on the best flat white in Bristol! Their cakes and paninis are pretty good too. They have three branches across the city, but the one in Clifton Village has got the nicest, most bustling atmosphere. It can get busy at the weekends though, so be prepared to wait for a table. While you're there, make sure you have a look around fancy Clifton - and walk 10 minutes to see Brunel's world famous Suspension Bridge.

Spicer+Cole, 9 Princess Victoria Street, Bristol

^ Don't forget, Bristol is the home of Aardman Animations, creators of Wallace & Gromit! If you're lucky, you might spot the odd Gromit or Shaun left over from the 2013 and 2015 arts trails...

Harbourside

M  S H E D

A museum which tells the story of Bristol, and is full of interactive exhibits which are great for the kids and adults. And guess what - it's yet another place with free entry! The gift shop's great too, and you're in a perfect spot to enjoy the other treats the Harbourside has to offer - if you're there at the weekend, be sure to visit the market.

M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol

Anything else?

Quite a lot actually! Here are another few things you should add to your to-do list:

E A T I N G

River Cottage Kitchen | Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's creation in a lovely Grade II listed 19th Century church. 
St John's Court, Whiteladies Road

The Clifton Sausage | Does what it says on the tin - plus some pretty excellent Sunday roasts.

7 Portland Street, Clifton Village

Casa Mexicana | Truly some of the greatest Mexican food I've ever had {with a few margaritas on the side, obviously}.
29-31 Zetland Road

S I G H T S E E I N G

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Zoo

Hotwells {Some excellent Instagram opportunities with the famous coloured houses}

SS Great Britain

Cabot Tower

F U R T H E R  A F I E L D

Ashton Court Estate | A 10 minute drive outside the city centre, this is a lovely place to escape for a woodland walk. Be sure to say hello to the tame red deer.

 
Tyntesfield | A stunning Victorian house and estate owned by the National Trust, with gorgeous grounds to explore too - if you can plan a trip in the lead up to Christmas, it's even more magical!