How to travel like a local at the biggest city inEngland’ssouthwest region
Okay, okay — I know Reuters doesn’t officially have a Bristol bureau (if only!) and that I’m normally based in faraway São Paulo, Brazil, where I cover commodities for Reuters. Those details aside, you shouldn’t doubt my local credentials for a second.
I was born and raised in Bristol, the biggest city in England’s southwest region and the second largest in the south behind London. Though I left Britain almost a decade ago formy job, I manage to make my way back to my hometown at least once a year. Nothing brings me more joy than traipsing around old haunts and finding new places to enjoy with each return.
Bristol is decidedly cool, and knows it. The city boasts great museums, bars and restaurants, an important cultural legacy, and an accent you won’t forget in a hurry.
Here’s how to explore my hometown like a local:
Getting in and about: A plethora oflong-distance bus services connect Bristol with cities elsewhere in the UK. Booked far enough in advance, tickets from London can be purchased for less than £5.00 ($6.80). Priciertrains bring you into the city at Bristol Parkway or Bristol Temple Meads stations. The city also has an international airport, with connections to dozens of cities throughout Europe, including others in Britain.
Once you’ve arrived, you can rely on all the usual taxis and apps to get around, as well as citybuses from local operator First. If you take the latter, don’t forget to say “cheers, drive!” when stepping down from the bus — you’ll fit right in.
What to see: Bristol — or Brizzle, as it is affectionately known by locals — has a lot going on. A personal favourite is the Clifton Observatory, a tower that boasts a fascinating camera obscura and gives access to caves that penetrate the Avon Gorge, all for £5.00 ($6.80). The tower overlooks the city’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Crossing the bridge is free to pedestrians and cyclists, and provides breathtaking views of the river and city below. Close to the city centre, wander around the harbour district, which is packed full of boats and bars.
What to eat and drink: When it comes to eats, you’re spoilt for choice. St. Nicholas Markets — known as St. Nicks locally — offers excellent street food options. Fresh Roast on St. Michael’s Hill is one of my all-time faves. It serves top-notch Cantonese roast meats at pocket-friendly prices. Nearby, the somewhat fancier Bulrush, which boasts a Michelin star, dazzles with a tasting menu in an intimate setting. Lastly, hit up Bristol Loaf — which has stores in Redcliffe, Bedminster and in the Beacon Centre — for your caffeine (and cake) fixes.
Like any city in the UK, Bristol is filled with pubs. Highlights for grabbing a drink include the Wiper and True Taproom and The Rummer, one of the city’s oldest bars and home to the Bristol Dry Gin micro distillery. Cider has long been associated with this part of England and The Apple — on a Dutch barge in the city’s harbour — is one of the top spots for trying cider made from apples and other fruits.
Uneasy history: Much of Bristol’s wealth was built on transatlantic slavery, with ships from the city officially involved in the slave trade from 1698. If you want to know more about Bristol’s darker past, a visit to the M Shed museum in the city’s dockland region is a must. The museum’s Bristol People exhibit addresses the city’s role in slavery and also showcases the toppled statue of slaver Edward Colston, which was torn down during a Black Lives Matter march in 2020.
The great outdoors: Bristol abounds with green spaces. While the Clifton Downs, Brandon Hill and Ashton Court — the latter complete with herds of deer — are arguably more accessible, Blaise Estate near Henbury is my personal favourite. A heady mix of fields and wooded areas, you can climb upwards in search of a folly known as Blaise Castle, a mock gothic castle that was built in the 1700s for the enjoyment of the then-aristocratic owners.
Hot ticket: Each year, scores of hot air balloons are launched from the Ashton Court estate as part of the city’s international balloon fiesta. The event, which this year runs from August 8 to 10, also includes “nightglows,” where balloons inflate and their burners glow to accompany music. The event is free, even if parking is not. Balloon flights can be booked with any one of a number of operators.
Snag a memento: Bristol Blue Glass offers handmade decorative glassware, famous for its deep blue colour, from the heart of the city. Visitors can swing through the glass factory for a tour, or just to pick up a souvenir. The factory opened in 1988 to revive a tradition in glassmaking that had been lost to the city for almost six decades.
CITY MEMO DATA POINTS
Population: Bristol’s population exceeded 500,000 for the first time in its history this year, according to local authorities.
Price of an ice cream: A single scoop from Swoon Gelato at the bottom of Bristol’s Park Street costs £4.75 ($6.40).
Price of a pint: Most pints of draught cider will set you back £5.20 ($7) each.
Great place to see a sunset: Brandon Hill park and nature reserve offers 360-degree views of the city, guaranteeing you won’t miss out. Bonus points if you climb up the park’s Cabot Tower, which is free to enter.
Largest university: University of the West of England Bristol, 38,000 students.
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