Map Of Banksy Art Bristol Travel Guide

Introduction

Bristol is a vibrant city in the southwest of England with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of attractions. One of the city’s most famous cultural exports is the street artist Banksy, and Bristol is home to some of his most iconic works. This travel guide will help you navigate Bristol’s art scene and beyond, with tips on top attractions, hidden gems, food and drink, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and more.

Top Attractions

Banksy Art Tour

No visit to Bristol would be complete without exploring Banksy’s art. The Map Of Banksy Art Bristol is a great starting point, featuring more than 20 of his works across the city. Highlights include the “Well-Hung Lover” on Park Street, the “Mild Mild West” in Stokes Croft, and the “Girl with the Pierced Eardrum” on Hanover Place.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum’s collection includes works from some of the biggest names in art history, as well as contemporary artists. Special exhibitions are also held throughout the year, so be sure to check out what’s on during your visit.

Hidden Gems

The Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, but few visitors know that you can take a guided tour of the bridge’s towers. The tour takes you to the top of the bridge, offering stunning views of the city and the Avon Gorge.

The Greenbank Cemetery

The Greenbank Cemetery is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Bristol. The cemetery is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as some impressive monuments and gravestones. Take a stroll through the cemetery and soak up the history and natural beauty of this hidden gem.

Food Scene

St Nicholas Market

The St Nicholas Market is a food lover’s paradise, with over 60 stalls selling everything from street food to artisanal cheese. Be sure to try some of Bristol’s famous cider, and don’t miss the chance to sample some of the market’s international cuisine.

The Bristol Cheesemonger

The Bristol Cheesemonger is a cheese lover’s dream come true. The shop stocks a huge range of artisanal cheeses from around the world, as well as chutneys, crackers, and other cheese-related products. Be sure to ask the friendly staff for recommendations!

Budget-friendly Tips

Free Walking Tours

Bristol is a great city to explore on foot, and there are a number of free walking tours available. The tours cover a range of topics, from Banksy’s art to Bristol’s maritime history, and are a great way to get to know the city without spending a penny.

The Harbourside Market

The Harbourside Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, with stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing. The market is open every weekend and is a great spot to soak up the atmosphere of Bristol’s vibrant waterfront.

Outdoor Adventures

Ashton Court Estate

The Ashton Court Estate is a 850-acre park just a few miles from the city center. The park is home to deer, wildflowers, and a range of other wildlife, as well as a number of walking and cycling trails. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring this beautiful green space.

The Avon Gorge

The Avon Gorge is a dramatic natural feature just a few miles from the city center. The gorge is home to a number of walking trails, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to bring your camera!

Family-friendly Activities

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens is a great day out for families, with over 400 species of animals to see. Highlights include the gorilla enclosure, the seal and penguin coast, and the butterfly forest.

The Bristol Aquarium

The Bristol Aquarium is another great family-friendly attraction, with over 40 displays showcasing marine life from around the world. Highlights include the underwater tunnel, the giant octopus, and the seahorses.

Off-the-beaten-path Experiences

The Red Lodge Museum

The Red Lodge Museum is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Bristol. The museum is housed in a 16th-century lodge and features a range of period furnishings and artwork. Be sure to explore the beautiful gardens, too.

The Georgian House Museum

The Georgian House Museum is another hidden gem, offering a glimpse into life in Bristol during the 18th century. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse, and features a range of period furnishings and artworks.

Natural Wonders

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a dramatic natural feature just a short drive from Bristol. The gorge is home to a range of wildlife, including peregrine falcons and badgers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company and sample some of their famous cheese while you’re there!

The Bristol Downs

The Bristol Downs is a large public park just a few miles from the city center. The park is home to a range of wildlife, as well as a number of walking and cycling trails. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring this beautiful green space.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Old Duke

The Old Duke is a legendary jazz club in the heart of Bristol. The club hosts live music every night of the week, and has played host to some of the biggest names in jazz over the years.

Thekla

Thekla is a nightclub and music venue housed on a converted cargo ship. The venue hosts a range of live music events and club nights, and offers stunning views of the city’s waterfront.

Local Markets

The Tobacco Factory Market

The Tobacco Factory Market is a vibrant market held every Sunday in the heart of Bristol’s creative quarter. The market features stalls selling everything from street food to vintage clothing, and is a great place to soak up the city’s bohemian vibe.

The Bristol Farmers’ Market

The Bristol Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday in the city center, and features a range of local produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal bread, and locally made cheese.

Beaches and Mountains

The Mendip Hills

The Mendip Hills are a range of hills and valleys just a short drive from Bristol. The hills offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and are home to a range of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and foxes.

The Severn Beach

The Severn Beach is a popular spot for a day trip from Bristol, offering stunning views of the Severn Estuary. The beach is also home to a range of wildlife, including wading birds and seals.

Cultural Immersion

The Bristol Old Vic

The Bristol Old Vic is one of the oldest continuously working theaters in the English-speaking world. The theater hosts a range of productions throughout the year, from classic plays to contemporary drama.

The Arnolfini

The Arnolfini is a contemporary arts center in the heart of Bristol’s waterfront district. The center hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing the best of contemporary art and culture.

Art and Music Scene

The Colston Hall

The Colston Hall is one of Bristol’s premier music venues, hosting a range of live music events throughout the year. The hall has played host to some of the biggest names in music over the years, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and David Bowie.

The Watershed

The Watershed is a cinema and digital media center in the heart of Bristol’s harborside district. The center hosts a range of film screenings and events throughout the year, as well as offering workshops and training for aspiring filmmakers and digital creatives.

Walking Tours

The Banksy and Beyond Walking Tour

The Banksy and Beyond Walking Tour is a great way to explore Bristol’s street art scene. The tour takes you to some of the city’s most famous street art works, as well as introducing you to some of the up-and-coming artists making their mark on the city.

The Bristol Ghost Walk

The Bristol Ghost Walk is a spooky walking tour of the city’s haunted spots. The tour takes you to some of the city’s most chilling locations, including the city’s old jail and the site of the infamous Bristol Riots.