For the second Ticklist Traveller I’m taking you (much) closer to home. Bristol is often referred to as the gateway to the South West, but for me it’s home. I grew up here. I spent my weekends as a kid heading into the city centre with friends for shopping trips. These later turned to weekend evenings exploring the city in a different light. I’ve seen the city shift, buildings come and go. But one thing has remained a constant; it’s a beautiful city! Feel free to quickly download the PDF below for this Ticklist Traveller, or alternatively scroll down to read the ‘suggestions’ in more detail.
Watch a Show at the Hippodrome
One of Bristol’s crowning jewels takes the first spot on the ticklist. It was opened back in 1912 and often hosts travelling West End productions. I remember as a child making an occasion of going to the theatre. We’d park up and indulge in an all you can eat buffet before heading in for a performance. The whole area around the Hippodrome is a beautiful setting for dinner and drinks, either before or after a show.
You can take in whatever you fancy. Around Christmas there’s usually a decent pantomime and all through the year other shows provide great watching. Their website is the best place to find what’s on and you can even book theatre tour tickets. While I’ve not been on one of those myself, I can imagine them to be pretty good. There must be quite some history in a theatre that’s been going for 110 years now!
Walk Around Harbourside
To contrast sitting around eating and watching a performance, next on the ticklist is something a bit more dynamic. I still, to this day, wander around the Harbourside Loop (as we call it) with my fiancée and our dog. There is so much along the 2.5 mile loop that you can end up spending hours doing it!
We often park in The Pump House car park and either stop in for drink before or after the walk. If the weather’s nice, they have outdoor seating looking out over the harbour – it’s a lovely spot! From here we follow the path along the harbour to arguably one of the best coffee spots in Bristol. More often than not we’ll grab a coffee, hot chocolate or smoothie (temperature depending) from the Spoke & Stringer. It’s in a quaint little waterside courtyard, not too far from Millennium Square.
The path along the harbour continues right up to by the Hippodrome, then crosses the water before returning. Part two of the walk takes in M Shed and the SS Great Britain, which if you have the time is definitely worth a stop off! The whole route has many little, independent restaurants and cafés. Perfect for whenever you start getting peckish. This walk is definitely one to follow if you’re visiting Bristol, especially if the weather is good enough.
Have an Ice Cream on the Downs
Another one for good weather. But even if it’s a little drizzly, the Clifton Downs are worth a visit. Maybe forgo the ice cream though…
There is ample parking all around the open parkland up the downs (sounds ironic, but they’re atop the hill in Clifton) and I’ve been here many times growing up. Whether it’s a weekend walk with the dogs, playing Saturday league football or even for a music event back in 2019. I’ve been up here many times, however one particular visit in the summer of 2022 inspired this ticklist item.
An ice cream van was situated near the Sea Walls. I’ve just taken a look and it’s even on Google maps! Mr Whippy Ice Cream up on the Clifton Downs was where I got a rather overpriced double whippy in a cone. It was very nostalgic. From here there are benches that overlook one of Bristol’s most iconic sites; the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The River Avon runs its final course through the Avon Gorge and out to Avonmouth, passing under Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous bridge. Sitting with an ice cream and admiring the views is a worthy addition to this list.
Explore Ashton Court
Across the Avon Gorge from the Clifton Downs, you’ll likely see the woodland of Leigh Woods. This National Trust woodland has a great array of walks and bike rides, however it’s the neighbouring Ashton Court which makes the next ticklist item.
Since the 11th century, a mansion has stood in the grounds of the 850 acre estate. For 400 years, up to the 20th century, it was owned by the Smyth family. Each generation of the family made alterations to the house, which is still used to this day. On our last visit, we saw through the window an expressive dance class (well, that’s what it looked like) taking place in one of the large rooms. It’s now a Grade II listed site and the Manor House marks the centre of the estate which is worth the exploration!
Mountain biking can be undertaken through the woodlands, with some marked routes playing host to annual competitions. I used to help marshal the annual Bristol Bikefest event which took place around October each year. It was a festival of mountain biking and beer and attracted a huge crowd every time! I’m not sure if the event still runs, but the routes remain. If that’s your thing.
For families the house has an adjacent café fora stop off, as well as the option of walking around the grounds for a picnic. We once found an opening behind the house where we got our blanket out and had a little picnic dinner. To our surprise, several vehicles towing trailers turned up and before long we had our own private hot air balloon display! People were running pre-booked pleasure flights and all launching from this field in front of us. It was a brilliant experience and one you may be lucky enough to witness. Ashton Court is truly an estate to be explored!
Grab a Coffee at the Observatory
If by now you’re fed up of the hills overlooking Bristol, I apologise. However, I don’t believe you. The final ticklist item for Bristol is heading to the café at the Clifton Observatory. As a little bonus, I’d recommend parking on the Ashton Court side of the bridge then walking across the Suspension Bridge itself. It’s a great opportunity for some photos and to marvel in the bridge’s history.
A short walk up the hill will lead you to the observatory. Built in 1766, this was once a windmill and provides spectacular views over not only Avon Gorge, but more of Bristol. You can see the home of football (Ashton Gate) where I grew up watching Bristol City play and the bustle of the city centre.
360 Café is in the observatory and it’s a great place to grab a refreshment and enjoy the views. Check the weather before going though! Even a slight wind can feel like a storm up there! But just grab a coat and all will be well.
That wraps up 5 of the top things to do in Bristol, from someone who’s lived there for over 20 years! There is so much more to do in the city, especially if you enjoy sports. But that’s another post in itself which I might well do one day. For now though, here’s your ticklist for exploring Bristol at quite a leisurely pace.
