Having moved to Bristol in September, I have made a point of trying to get to know my new hometown as much as possible. As a university student, I have the benefit of having enough free time during the week to whizz around the city, whilst my weekend visitors from home provide a great excuse for some sightseeing.
So, if you’re only in the city for a short day trip I’ve compiled a very short list of things you can see and do but have no fear – there is plenty more to see in Bristol if you have more time and I’ll post a separate article on that soon!
St Nicholas Market
If you like ambling around independent shops whilst finding yourself at the heart of Bristol’s oldest market then taking a trip to the Corn Exchange is a must. Have a look down all of the twisting avenues and find a gem – literally!
As well as clothes, bags and jewellery, the Covered Market offers a whole row of food stands to tickle your tastebuds. Grab some Morrocan food or a pie and enjoy strolling around the quirky shops in this historic part of the city.
SS Great Britain
This is particularly appealing to historians, but it is also a great place to visit and immerse yourself in Bristol’s past. The SS Great Britain was an innovative ship built by renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who erected a number of impressive monuments including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Bristol to Paddington railway. The ship, which famously harnessed engineering innovations such as a screw propeller as opposed to conventional paddle wheels, launched in 1843 and enjoyed a long sailing life before retiring in 1933 in the Falkland Islands after being damaged beyond use. In 1970, after being rescued and transported 8,000 miles home, she was finally returned to the dry dock in which she was built in Bristol, and where visitors can see her today.
Be sure to visit this breathtaking ship and explore her fascinating history. You can even explore below the ship and wander around the original dry dock, before rummaging around the museum and ultimately arriving on the deck of the ship. From up here, you can imagine yourself as a passenger and even descend below deck to investigate the cabins and living conditions within the ship. It is a remarkable heritage site and well worth adding to your Bristol itinerary.
Have a Sourdoughnut at Pinkmans
Have you really been to Bristol if you haven’t indulged in a sourdoughnut from Pinkmans Bakery? Located at the top of Park Street – nearby the famous Will’s Memorial Building – this Bristol icon is full of delicious homemade baked goods and tasty treats. One of their most famous baked goods is the sourdoughnut, a deliciously light doughnut made from sourdough and stuffed with creamy fillings. My favourite is the honeycomb flavour, but they release seasonal specials all the time which are also incredible!
You’d also be well-advised to order a Chai Latte which they make with oat milk, adding a milky and smooth flavour that is truly delicious. If you don’t fancy something as sweet as a sourdoughnut (though you’d be crazy to miss them!), Pinkmans also serve everything from croissants and pastries to pizzas and sandwiches so there will be something bound to tickle your fancy!
So there you have it, a crazily short list of the endless things you can do in Bristol. Check back soon to find more Bristol-centric posts and ideas of things to do!
The Girl In The Window 