When it comes to the look and feel of a place, I usually prefer a kind of magic I can put a label on – so when I say I love Santorini or adore central Oxford I know what I’m talking about and everyone else knows what I’m talking about. Well, Bristol is a place that refuses to be labelled because, in a way, it has more to offer. So, following through the analogue journey that started in Bath, let’s look around in Bristol.
Harbourside boasts elegant riverbank lofts similar to London wharfs, open spaces and vistas, modern installations full of water, marble and steel. The atmosphere of leafy streets by the river with boats in sight hints at Paris. Then, Old Town is all cute cobbled-and-cramped medieval Britain. Here and there, you sense a bit of the English seaside vibe, while in other places you often feel like you’re in a distinctly European little gem of a town in, say, Switzerland. That’s at least four places in one. Plus, there is a breathtaking landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the river Avon you feel you could stare at all day long just to see how a change in the sky, lights or greenery shifts the mood. But while everything changes, time stands still just so you can take it all in.
OK, I admit, Bristol does have its own magic after all. Everywhere you find great pubs with lots of amazing local ales (my favourites), there’s a place famous for its huge choice of ciders (the Coronation Tap) and great eateries. And when, just before the day ends, the sun comes out, you start to regret it’s time to go.
Stuff to see in Bristol
- Old Town with its cobbled streets and Medieval British feel
- Walks along the river Avon for a little taste of Paris or Amsterdam
- Manicured green spaces like Queen’s Square
- The Millenium Steps on Augustine’s Reach
- Pero’s Bridge (day and night)
- College Green, with the Cathedral and the Great Gatehouse
- Bristol Centre, the Wills Memorial Building, the Museum and Arts Gallery (plus amazing local pubs with incredible local ales)
- Brandon Hill for the Cabot Tower, vistas and squirrels
- The Clifton Suspension Bridge – unlike me, try and catch as many views of it as you can.
- Bristol, by the way, is home of two of the beautiful and iconic Concorde airplanes. A must-see if you’re an aviation fan.
