Ken and Angelique's guidebook
Neighbourhoods
Our high street is a 1 minute walk away and is filled with trendy graffiti, bars, cafes, restaurants, independent stores and supermarkets. Everything you need is on your doorstep.
15 locals raden deze aan
North Street
North StreetOur high street is a 1 minute walk away and is filled with trendy graffiti, bars, cafes, restaurants, independent stores and supermarkets. Everything you need is on your doorstep.
Sightseeing
The Ashton Court Estate was once the gracious home of the Smyth family, and is now a historic park just 10 minutes from the centre of Bristol. It covers 850 acres of woods and grasslands in total, designed by Humphry Repton.
Visit the Ashton Court Estate to discover the magnificent old oak trees and see the deer graze in an estate that first became a deer park over 600 years ago.
Sports and adventure
On the estate's higher ground, there are two 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf courses, with stunning views across the city. Orienteering and mountain biking are catered for with special trails, and there is plenty of open space for family games and picnics. There is also a miniature railway, which is open at selected weekends throughout the year. For the more adventurous, Ashton Court is one of the few places you can take off in a hot air balloon or discover the unusual sport of Disc Golf.
Courtyard Café
And once you’ve finished exploring, stop in to one of the two on-site cafés to enjoy scrummy local cakes, freshly prepared sandwiches and a range of drinks and snacks. With seating indoor and out and space for the kids to play, the dog friendly cafés can be enjoyed year-round.
87 locals raden deze aan
Ashton Court Estate
The Ashton Court Estate was once the gracious home of the Smyth family, and is now a historic park just 10 minutes from the centre of Bristol. It covers 850 acres of woods and grasslands in total, designed by Humphry Repton.
Visit the Ashton Court Estate to discover the magnificent old oak trees and see the deer graze in an estate that first became a deer park over 600 years ago.
Sports and adventure
On the estate's higher ground, there are two 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf courses, with stunning views across the city. Orienteering and mountain biking are catered for with special trails, and there is plenty of open space for family games and picnics. There is also a miniature railway, which is open at selected weekends throughout the year. For the more adventurous, Ashton Court is one of the few places you can take off in a hot air balloon or discover the unusual sport of Disc Golf.
Courtyard Café
And once you’ve finished exploring, stop in to one of the two on-site cafés to enjoy scrummy local cakes, freshly prepared sandwiches and a range of drinks and snacks. With seating indoor and out and space for the kids to play, the dog friendly cafés can be enjoyed year-round.
SS Great Britain is a museum ship and former passenger steamship that was advanced for her time. She was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854. She was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between Bristol and New York City.
331 locals raden deze aan
Brunel's SS Great Britain
Gas Ferry RoadSS Great Britain is a museum ship and former passenger steamship that was advanced for her time. She was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854. She was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between Bristol and New York City.
Leigh Woods is a 2-square-kilometre area of woodland on the south-west side of the Avon Gorge, close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, within North Somerset opposite the English city of Bristol and north of the Ashton Court estate, of which it formed a part.
53 locals raden deze aan
Leigh Woods
Leigh Woods is a 2-square-kilometre area of woodland on the south-west side of the Avon Gorge, close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, within North Somerset opposite the English city of Bristol and north of the Ashton Court estate, of which it formed a part.
The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864.
Work actually began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties, and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned. Brunel died aged only 53 in 1859, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial. Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic, it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter with 11-12,000 vehicles crossing it every day.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining symbol of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond.
Situated next to Clifton Suspension Bridge is the unique Clifton Village with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, dining experiences, picturesque passageways, beautiful architecture, gardens, walks and secret hideaways.
Why not come and explore the village? Be careful though, discovering Clifton Village might keep you occupied for hours!
540 locals raden deze aan
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bridge RoadThe world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864.
Work actually began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties, and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned. Brunel died aged only 53 in 1859, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial. Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic, it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter with 11-12,000 vehicles crossing it every day.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining symbol of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond.
Situated next to Clifton Suspension Bridge is the unique Clifton Village with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, dining experiences, picturesque passageways, beautiful architecture, gardens, walks and secret hideaways.
Why not come and explore the village? Be careful though, discovering Clifton Village might keep you occupied for hours!
The Clifton Observatory has re-opened, subject to Government restrictions. Please check their website and/or social media channels for the latest updates.
The Clifton Observatory and Caves sits above the Avon Gorge offering superb views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the city of Bristol.
The Observatory houses one of the only camera obscuras still open to the public in the UK. Originally built as a windmill for corn in 1766, the mill was later taken over by William West in 1828 who then converted the building into his own art studio and installed the camera obscura, which is still working today. The camera offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge & Clifton Downs.
During his time at the Observatory West also cut an underground passage to the Giant's Cave which was originally only accessible via the cliff face. After a short descent into the cave guests can enjoy the spectacular views along the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
22 locals raden deze aan
Clifton Observatorium en Grotten
Litfield RoadThe Clifton Observatory has re-opened, subject to Government restrictions. Please check their website and/or social media channels for the latest updates.
The Clifton Observatory and Caves sits above the Avon Gorge offering superb views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the city of Bristol.
The Observatory houses one of the only camera obscuras still open to the public in the UK. Originally built as a windmill for corn in 1766, the mill was later taken over by William West in 1828 who then converted the building into his own art studio and installed the camera obscura, which is still working today. The camera offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge & Clifton Downs.
During his time at the Observatory West also cut an underground passage to the Giant's Cave which was originally only accessible via the cliff face. After a short descent into the cave guests can enjoy the spectacular views along the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Art
UPFEST 2022 - 30 seconds from where you will be staying.
Upfest is back! 28th & 29th May 2022. Upfest is renowned for bringing together street arts freshest talents and this summer festival fans can expect to see incredible murals emerging in the streets of Bedminster starting from 5th of May. Following three weeks of street painting, the festival weekend will see hundreds of artists painting live with festival hubs at Tobacco Factory and Ashton Gate Stadium. For the first year the festival will take over Greville Smyth Park as its main venue with music and live painting across the weekend.
13 locals raden deze aan
Upfest
198 North StUPFEST 2022 - 30 seconds from where you will be staying.
Upfest is back! 28th & 29th May 2022. Upfest is renowned for bringing together street arts freshest talents and this summer festival fans can expect to see incredible murals emerging in the streets of Bedminster starting from 5th of May. Following three weeks of street painting, the festival weekend will see hundreds of artists painting live with festival hubs at Tobacco Factory and Ashton Gate Stadium. For the first year the festival will take over Greville Smyth Park as its main venue with music and live painting across the weekend.
Banksy is now a world-famous artist, whose work has sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds. But once, he was just another kid on the streets of Bristol with a can of spray paint in his hands. As a result, some of his earliest work is hidden around the city, and spotting it is an absolute must for fans of his work.
Born in Bristol in 1974, Banksy was involved in the wave of street art that took Bristol by storm in the 1980s. Throughout the following decades, his work has cropped up in London, LA and New York, and of course, in his home town of Bristol. In 2009, Banksy held a spectacular homecoming, when under complete confidentiality, he overtook Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for an exhibition that saw crowds queueing for hours on end for a glimpse of his work. Then in 2015, Banksy came back to the West Country for his internationally successful Dismaland exhibition in nearby Weston-super-Mare.
There have been lots of Banksy's work appear in the city in the past, but sadly many of these are no longer here to view, including Click Clack Boom, Mobile Lovers and, most recently, Aachoo!!.
Banksy Valentine
Banksy is now a world-famous artist, whose work has sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds. But once, he was just another kid on the streets of Bristol with a can of spray paint in his hands. As a result, some of his earliest work is hidden around the city, and spotting it is an absolute must for fans of his work.
Born in Bristol in 1974, Banksy was involved in the wave of street art that took Bristol by storm in the 1980s. Throughout the following decades, his work has cropped up in London, LA and New York, and of course, in his home town of Bristol. In 2009, Banksy held a spectacular homecoming, when under complete confidentiality, he overtook Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for an exhibition that saw crowds queueing for hours on end for a glimpse of his work. Then in 2015, Banksy came back to the West Country for his internationally successful Dismaland exhibition in nearby Weston-super-Mare.
There have been lots of Banksy's work appear in the city in the past, but sadly many of these are no longer here to view, including Click Clack Boom, Mobile Lovers and, most recently, Aachoo!!.
Festivals
Bristol is host to many festivals.
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA 2022
The iconic Bristol Fiesta is back for another year, with even more spectacular hot air balloons taking to the Bristol skyline.
Four days of free family fun… As the largest balloon Fiesta in the UK the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta normally attracts thousands of spectators and visitors every year.
They will be launching from the Fiesta Show Ground on all of the slots over the Fiesta Weekend (starting Thursday 11th August evening then Friday morning and evening, Saturday morning and evening and finally Sunday morning and evening). These flights will take place at approximately 6am and 6pm (weather permitting) and will last for about an hour.
18 locals raden deze aan
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA 2022
The iconic Bristol Fiesta is back for another year, with even more spectacular hot air balloons taking to the Bristol skyline.
Four days of free family fun… As the largest balloon Fiesta in the UK the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta normally attracts thousands of spectators and visitors every year.
They will be launching from the Fiesta Show Ground on all of the slots over the Fiesta Weekend (starting Thursday 11th August evening then Friday morning and evening, Saturday morning and evening and finally Sunday morning and evening). These flights will take place at approximately 6am and 6pm (weather permitting) and will last for about an hour.
Theatre
Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
One of the largest theatre stages in Britain, The Bristol Hippodrome has established itself on the touring circuit for all major musical productions, thus becoming known as Bristol’s West End Theatre.
106 locals raden deze aan
Bristol Hippodrome
Saint Augustine's ParadeBristol Hippodrome Theatre
One of the largest theatre stages in Britain, The Bristol Hippodrome has established itself on the touring circuit for all major musical productions, thus becoming known as Bristol’s West End Theatre.
Tobacco Factory Theatres provides a welcoming home for creative adventures and human connection, for incredible theatre and opportunities to learn and exchange ideas. Although run entirely independently to the Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar, it is located in the same building on the floor above.
Tobacco Factory Theatres’s vision is to build an inclusive creative community rooted in its home in South Bristol. This inspirational theatre aspires to nurture talent and provide life-changing opportunities through a programme of diverse and exciting shows, workshops and events. The theatre’s Get Involved programme also offers an array of engagement, participation and development opportunities for young people, artists and audiences.
59 locals raden deze aan
Tobacco Factory Market
Raleigh RoadTobacco Factory Theatres provides a welcoming home for creative adventures and human connection, for incredible theatre and opportunities to learn and exchange ideas. Although run entirely independently to the Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar, it is located in the same building on the floor above.
Tobacco Factory Theatres’s vision is to build an inclusive creative community rooted in its home in South Bristol. This inspirational theatre aspires to nurture talent and provide life-changing opportunities through a programme of diverse and exciting shows, workshops and events. The theatre’s Get Involved programme also offers an array of engagement, participation and development opportunities for young people, artists and audiences.
Built in 1766 as a place where the people of Bristol could come together, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world.
It was built as a symbol of the pride we have in our city and what it can achieve and remains a place of joy, discovery and adventure to this day.
Their front of house has recently undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment. Their new building boasts a brand new Studio Theatre, relaxing and fully-accessible front of house space, with a bar and kitchen serving everything from tasty treats with a morning coffee to an evening meal, alongside a new interactive heritage offering – opening up the 250-year-old history of this unique building for everyone to discover and enjoy at their own pace.
90 locals raden deze aan
Bristol Old Vic
King StreetBuilt in 1766 as a place where the people of Bristol could come together, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world.
It was built as a symbol of the pride we have in our city and what it can achieve and remains a place of joy, discovery and adventure to this day.
Their front of house has recently undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment. Their new building boasts a brand new Studio Theatre, relaxing and fully-accessible front of house space, with a bar and kitchen serving everything from tasty treats with a morning coffee to an evening meal, alongside a new interactive heritage offering – opening up the 250-year-old history of this unique building for everyone to discover and enjoy at their own pace.
Music
Traditional live jazz every night in a buzzing old pub with bench tables on the cobbled street.
22 locals raden deze aan
The Old Duke
45 King StTraditional live jazz every night in a buzzing old pub with bench tables on the cobbled street.
Live bands nightly in a cosy room above a sprawling wood-floored pub and former seafarers' hotel.
10 locals raden deze aan
The Louisiana
Bathurst TerraceLive bands nightly in a cosy room above a sprawling wood-floored pub and former seafarers' hotel.
Legendary live music venue situated in the heart of Bristol offering live music and club nights 7 nights per week since 1982!
The Fleece is a grade II* listed building, first used as a sheep trading market in the 1800s, hence the name!
Since its groundbreaking redesign in 2021, The Fleece now offers stunning new facilities, a larger stage with new PA and viewing screens. The Fleece is a fully accessible venue with a dedicated viewing area and facilities.
Bristol largest independent venue has hosted the likes of Radiohead, Idles, Oasis, Muse, Kae Tempest, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Sea Girls, Amy Winehouse, Frank Carter & Rattlesnakes, Queens Of The Stone Age, The Darkness, The Lovely Eggs, Yonaka, George Ezra and Ed Sheeran to name few! And continues to attract exciting acts from around the world.
14 locals raden deze aan
The Fleece
12 St Thomas StLegendary live music venue situated in the heart of Bristol offering live music and club nights 7 nights per week since 1982!
The Fleece is a grade II* listed building, first used as a sheep trading market in the 1800s, hence the name!
Since its groundbreaking redesign in 2021, The Fleece now offers stunning new facilities, a larger stage with new PA and viewing screens. The Fleece is a fully accessible venue with a dedicated viewing area and facilities.
Bristol largest independent venue has hosted the likes of Radiohead, Idles, Oasis, Muse, Kae Tempest, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Sea Girls, Amy Winehouse, Frank Carter & Rattlesnakes, Queens Of The Stone Age, The Darkness, The Lovely Eggs, Yonaka, George Ezra and Ed Sheeran to name few! And continues to attract exciting acts from around the world.
Once a German sea-faring vessel, the Thekla now resides by the Mud Dock in Bristol harbour under a different pretext. Initially brought to Bristol as a cabaret theatre by a couple of eccentrics, in the 90s she was re-born as a nightclub. Bristol’s most famous street artist, Banksy took to her steel hull, painting his famous Grim Reaper just above the waterline. It was removed to save it from deterioration and now lives in the M Shed museum, just across the water.
Thekla’s floating hulk today remains one of Bristol’s oldest and best music venues, for the experience alone. Hosting a range of nights, the ship’s underbelly throbs with anything from house music to break beats, indie, guitar and regular club nights. Cosy up with sweaty, gig-going punters in winter or chill on its wide wooden decks, with Bristol’s multi-coloured, sparkling Harbourside as a backdrop.
25 locals raden deze aan
Thekla
The GroveOnce a German sea-faring vessel, the Thekla now resides by the Mud Dock in Bristol harbour under a different pretext. Initially brought to Bristol as a cabaret theatre by a couple of eccentrics, in the 90s she was re-born as a nightclub. Bristol’s most famous street artist, Banksy took to her steel hull, painting his famous Grim Reaper just above the waterline. It was removed to save it from deterioration and now lives in the M Shed museum, just across the water.
Thekla’s floating hulk today remains one of Bristol’s oldest and best music venues, for the experience alone. Hosting a range of nights, the ship’s underbelly throbs with anything from house music to break beats, indie, guitar and regular club nights. Cosy up with sweaty, gig-going punters in winter or chill on its wide wooden decks, with Bristol’s multi-coloured, sparkling Harbourside as a backdrop.
Entertainment
Watershed is a cross-artform venue set on Bristol’s harbourside, offering a lively programme of independent film and events, plus occasional live music and Festivals. Watershed produces work that cuts across film, music, theatre, design, and visual art, encouraging culture and diversity to flourish in Bristol. Watershed’s friendly, buzzy cafe/bar is warm and inviting, with local organic food, plus free wi-fi for customers.
Watershed is more than just an arts cinema. It is at once a cultural centre, a social networker, a café/bar, and a cultural tourist attraction.
Opening times
Box Office
Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 12pm - 6pm
Thursday to Sunday: 12pm to 15 mins after the last film screening starts (approx. 7.30pm)
Cafe & Bar
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm - 10pm
Cinema Screening
Films showing: Thursday to Sunday from 3pm
Groups
Groups are very welcome at Watershed. Enjoy the spacious Café/Bar which can reserved for parties of 10 up to 60.
Relaxed Screenings
Relaxed screenings are designed to benefit customers with additional needs (such as people living with dementia, autism, or other neuro-diverse people and their personal assistants, friends and family) or anyone who wants to enjoy a film in a more relaxed, spacious environment. Everyone is welcome. Please make sure you are attending the specific showing.
Audio Description and Descriptive Subtitling
Audio Description is a service for partially sighted or blind people. The AD headphones are available to collect from Box Office when you pick up your tickets prior to the film screening. Descriptive Subtitling is a service for our Deaf/deaf and hearing-impaired customers that displays additional auditory information on the screen. Not all titles are available with Descriptive Subtitling, please make sure you are attending the specific showing.
110 locals raden deze aan
Watershed
1 Canon's RdWatershed is a cross-artform venue set on Bristol’s harbourside, offering a lively programme of independent film and events, plus occasional live music and Festivals. Watershed produces work that cuts across film, music, theatre, design, and visual art, encouraging culture and diversity to flourish in Bristol. Watershed’s friendly, buzzy cafe/bar is warm and inviting, with local organic food, plus free wi-fi for customers.
Watershed is more than just an arts cinema. It is at once a cultural centre, a social networker, a café/bar, and a cultural tourist attraction.
Opening times
Box Office
Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 12pm - 6pm
Thursday to Sunday: 12pm to 15 mins after the last film screening starts (approx. 7.30pm)
Cafe & Bar
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm - 10pm
Cinema Screening
Films showing: Thursday to Sunday from 3pm
Groups
Groups are very welcome at Watershed. Enjoy the spacious Café/Bar which can reserved for parties of 10 up to 60.
Relaxed Screenings
Relaxed screenings are designed to benefit customers with additional needs (such as people living with dementia, autism, or other neuro-diverse people and their personal assistants, friends and family) or anyone who wants to enjoy a film in a more relaxed, spacious environment. Everyone is welcome. Please make sure you are attending the specific showing.
Audio Description and Descriptive Subtitling
Audio Description is a service for partially sighted or blind people. The AD headphones are available to collect from Box Office when you pick up your tickets prior to the film screening. Descriptive Subtitling is a service for our Deaf/deaf and hearing-impaired customers that displays additional auditory information on the screen. Not all titles are available with Descriptive Subtitling, please make sure you are attending the specific showing.
Music concert venue:
Elton John will be performing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road – The Final Tour on Wednesday, June 22nd 2022 and Sunday June 26th 2022 at Ashton Gate as part of an electrifying 30-date stadium tour in the UK, Europe and North America.
The new date for The Killers performance at Ashton Gate Stadium will be Thursday, May 26th 2022.
Bristol is one of nine stadium tour dates as they play Ashton Gate and are joined by special guests Manic Street Preachers.
24 locals raden deze aan
Ashton Gate Stadion
Ashton RoadMusic concert venue:
Elton John will be performing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road – The Final Tour on Wednesday, June 22nd 2022 and Sunday June 26th 2022 at Ashton Gate as part of an electrifying 30-date stadium tour in the UK, Europe and North America.
The new date for The Killers performance at Ashton Gate Stadium will be Thursday, May 26th 2022.
Bristol is one of nine stadium tour dates as they play Ashton Gate and are joined by special guests Manic Street Preachers.
Head to Bristol’s historic harbourside and explore the city’s newest quarter, Wapping Wharf, where local Bristolians and visitors alike can shop, eat and relax by the glistening waterfront.
An eclectic mix of trendy independent bars, restaurants and cafes, Wapping Wharf is an exciting new addition to the city’s already thriving food and drink scene. There’s plenty to tempt everyone’s taste buds including delicious street food, fish and chips, artisan ice cream and sourdough pizzas. Dine out with friends and family in one of the award-winning restaurants situated in the converted shipping containers or grab an evening drink on the terrace overlooking the floating harbour.
From a florist to an ethical clothes shop and from a butcher's to a barbers, Wapping Wharf is also home to some of the city’s best independent shops, brimming with goodies not found on the high street. Pop into one of the shops and you might end up coming away with a bamboo watch, antique jewellery or tasty local cheese!
Located in the cultural and historical heart of the Bristol, there are plenty of things to see and do on Wapping Wharf’s doorstep to make a day of it; learn about the history of the city at M Shed, take a Bristol Ferry to see Bristol from the water or explore one of the most important historic ships in the world, Brunel’s SS Great Britain.
96 locals raden deze aan
Wapping Wharf
Head to Bristol’s historic harbourside and explore the city’s newest quarter, Wapping Wharf, where local Bristolians and visitors alike can shop, eat and relax by the glistening waterfront.
An eclectic mix of trendy independent bars, restaurants and cafes, Wapping Wharf is an exciting new addition to the city’s already thriving food and drink scene. There’s plenty to tempt everyone’s taste buds including delicious street food, fish and chips, artisan ice cream and sourdough pizzas. Dine out with friends and family in one of the award-winning restaurants situated in the converted shipping containers or grab an evening drink on the terrace overlooking the floating harbour.
From a florist to an ethical clothes shop and from a butcher's to a barbers, Wapping Wharf is also home to some of the city’s best independent shops, brimming with goodies not found on the high street. Pop into one of the shops and you might end up coming away with a bamboo watch, antique jewellery or tasty local cheese!
Located in the cultural and historical heart of the Bristol, there are plenty of things to see and do on Wapping Wharf’s doorstep to make a day of it; learn about the history of the city at M Shed, take a Bristol Ferry to see Bristol from the water or explore one of the most important historic ships in the world, Brunel’s SS Great Britain.