Schmap Bristol Neighborhood Guide

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and above
Firefox 1.5 and above
Safari 3 for Pc

MAC

Safari version 1.3 and above
Firefox 2 and above

Bristol - Neighborhood Guide
Download the Schmap Bristol Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:

Browse this Schmap Guide on your PC, online or offline.
View Schmap Guides for 200 worldwide destinations.
Bookmark places of interest, plan trips and take virtual tours.
Custom print your own full-color travel guides.
Publish and share schmapplets with your favorite places
Enjoy many more unique Schmap features.

Bristol Home
Schmap Bristol guide and map

Strictly speaking, there isn't a city centre in Bristol - the River Avon and floating harbours carve the centre up into various parts. But rather than being a problem, this has meant each area has developed a distinctly different feel—and what better way to spend your time here than discovering what these are?

The Harbour

Against the backdrop of the harbour are bars, restaurants, cinemas and art galleries (including The Arnolfini and Watershed), making this a great place for a stroll. It's also home to the award-winning attractions of the At-Bristol complex and is where you'll find Bristol Tourist Information Centre as well. Visible across the water is Bristol Industrial Museum and slightly further along the water's edge, are the city's two famous ships - The Matthew and SS Great Britain. In the summer, this area really comes alive and Bristolians like nothing better than to sit on the quayside, legs dangling over the edge of the water, enjoying a pint or a coffee. Take a trip around the water on one of the small ferries for the best view of it all.

Park Street

Park Street, home to the historic Cathedral (usually surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic skateboarders) is possibly the trendiest street in the city and is lined with shops, bars and cafes, all with a certain student-flavour - perfect if you're looking for an alternative to all the usual high-street stores. If you're heading up to the top (be warned, it's steep), take a look at The Georgian House and Cabot Tower, both off Great George Street. Also nearby are The Red Lodge and The City Art Gallery and Museum—great for a rainy day.

Ancient City/Modern Shopping

Corn Street, one of Bristol's oldest and most historic streets, was once the meeting place for the city's wealthy merchants, hence the ornate and grand buildings. These now house numerous bars and restaurants - some are rather mass-produced but others offer superb and refined dining, such as Markwicks and San Carlo. Halfway up is the fascinating St Nicholas Market - a sprawling grid of alleys and stalls selling all kinds of gifts and produce. After you've had your fill of history, follow the crowds to what is the city's busiest shopping area, Broadmead - a criss-cross of pedestrianized streets packed with all the leading chain stores, in the middle of which is an indoor shopping mall, The Galleries Shopping Centre. It's brash, not particularly pretty and only worth a visit if money is burning a hole in your pocket, in which case it's perfect.

Cotham and Redland

Travel up Christmas Steps and onto St. Michael's Hill, both well worth a look for their classic old boozers such as The Highbury Vaults and lively cafes such as St. Michael's Cafe is the students' choice for a fry-up and you'll reach the Cotham and Redland areas. Mainly residential, with beautiful old houses and leafy streets, they're still worth a visit for their cafes, pubs and restaurants - Red Snapper and Blue Juice to name just a few - and shops! There are masses of charity shops for those after a bargain, plus speciality shops selling, amongst other things, kites and vintage clothes. You'll notice a definite hippie, studenty, eco-conscious feel in the air around here.

Clifton

Clifton contains the grandest architecture and atmosphere in the whole city and to leave Bristol without seeing all it offers would be a crime! It's an absolutely gorgeous place and a wander round here leaves you with the impression that you've somehow stepped back into time. You can visit all its attractions - Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Observatory and Caves, and Bristol Zoo Gardens for example - or just stroll around, taking in all the marvellous Georgian terraces with their iron balconies. Clifton Village is perhaps THE most sought after place to live in the whole city - it's rich and it shows. All of which makes it a great (if slightly expensive) place for shopping - don't miss Clifton Arcade, full of small, independent, antique stores. As expected, there's an equally good number of restaurants, pubs and cafes - mostly full of the city's rich students and well-off professionals. Whiteladies Road is also part of Clifton and apparently the name is nothing to do with Bristol's slave-trading past, but refers to an old nunnery here, whose inhabitants wore white habits. Known as "The Strip" there are masses of lively, funky bars, pubs and restaurants here, making it the main drag for those young, pretty and with money in their pockets. Perfect if you want a night out but don't want to trail all over the city.

Montpelier, St Paul's and Gloucester Road

Also close to the city centre, these areas are the favoured residence of the city's bohemians and "alternative" types. Parts are rather shabby and run-down, but let's just call that character! Of interest in Montpelier are Picton Street and York Road, site of a great Italian deli, a couple of cafes (Bristolian and One Stop Thali) and one of the best restaurants in the city, Bell's Diner. St Paul's is home to the magnificent St Paul's Carnival, an annual street-party of enormous popularity and nation acclaim, which celebrates the African and Caribbean community here, and usually attracts around 100,000 revellers over two days. Gloucester Road is the city's alternative "Strip" (see above) and is a long, extremely lively street packed with bars, restaurants and shops, all offering something a little different from the norm. Well worth a look - a stroll along here would take you virtually a whole day!

Easton

This area is characterised by its multi-culturalism and even has its own festival—Respect in the West—which celebrates its diversity. Home to a large number of Bristol's Indian, Bangladeshi, Afro-Caribbean and Somalian communities, it's a somewhat neglected area but well worth exploring. It houses Bristol Sweet Mart, the largest stock of Indian foods in the South West and is an excellent choice for a those wanting to dine out cheaply: try The Eastern Taste or Old Casbah Cafe on busy St. Mark's Road.

South of the River

Finally, over the river are Southville and Bedminster. Victims of a north-south divide, these areas are thought of by some as a cultural wilderness! Certainly, there isn't the grandeur of Clifton and the shopping is pretty poor, but don't write it off just yet. First of all, there are plenty of really cheap B&Bs round here, so you may well find yourself staying here if on a budget; secondly, it's only a fifteen minute walk into the harbour area of the city; lastly, the area itself is actually experiencing a bit of a renaissance at present. The acclaimed Tobacco Factory Theatre and art space opened last year and houses a branch of Teohs, one of the city's most popular Chinese/Thai restaurants. And for those of you that like live music, try the Albert—known globally as a centre for folk and jazz music.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Ancient City

Bristol
United Kingdom

Corn Street, one of Bristol's oldest and most historic streets, was once the meeting place for the city's wealthy merchants, hence the ornate and grand buildings. These now house numerous bars and restaurants - some are rather mass-produced but others offer superb and refined dining, such as Markwicks and San Carlo. Halfway up is the fascinating St Nicholas Market - a sprawling grid of alleys and stalls selling all kinds of gifts and produce. After you've had your fill of history, follow the crowds to what is the city's busiest shopping area, Broadmead - a criss-cross of pedestrianized streets packed with all the leading chain stores, in the middle of which is an indoor shopping mall, The Galleries Shopping Centre. It's brash, not particularly pretty and only worth a visit if money is burning a hole in your pocket, in which case it's perfect.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ed Mitchell

Ashton

Bristol
United Kingdom
Only about two miles from the city centre lies Ashton, the scenic area around Ashton Court. The grounds around the court play host to the International Balloon Fiesta in the summer. This event usually draws a large early-morning crowd that lines up to experience the first lift-off of the popular festival. Another summer event, the Ashton Court Festival, brings a variety of live music to the area and attracts a total festival attendance of close to 100,000. Mostly a residential district, Ashton also plays host to the Ashton Park School and the Media, Arts and Design Campus.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Juan Villamota
Photo: Chris Tazewell
Photo: Richard S
Photo: tranter54bore
Photo: heidemoor
Photo: Tom Kay
Photo: sebrian1
Photo: Liz Rood

Photo: Claudia Carden
Photo: Gordon Williams
Photo: Steve Cayzer
Photo: Andrew Foyle
Photo: Marty
Photo: Jane Hostler
Photo: Myk Garton
Photo: ciderfrenzy

Photo: carrying wolf
Photo: Darren Crabb
Photo: Katherine Holtham
Photo: Harry Ollerton
Photo: David Sandilands
Photo: Iain Hissett
Photo: tomstickland
Photo: jack.tarry

Photo: Martin Turner
Photo: MacAodh

Bishopston

Bristol
United Kingdom
This district has brought the world two Nobel Prize-winning physicists: Paul Dirac and Cecil Frank Powell. Students make up 21 percent of the over-16 population. Some filming for the popular TV show on the BBC, "The Young Ones", was filmed here. Gloucester Road, the main road running through the district, is known for its pubs and restaurants and also for its character and locally owned shops. The Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground is another attraction, and has begun hosting international cricket matches. Psychologist Susan Blackmore and late film actor Cary Grant have also called Bishopston home.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: i y e r s
Photo: Canis Major Photo.
Photo: Rick
Photo: Rick
Photo: Libby
Photo: Dan Lock
Photo: Michael Green
Photo: Greg Newman

City Centre

Bristol
United Kingdom
The city centre suffered severe damage during bombing in World War II. Only the shattered foundations of the castle and churches remain in what is left of the original shopping area by the bridge. Though the bombing and ensuing fires devastated the nearby church of St. Nicholas, it was later restored and now boasts one of the more remarkable church clocks in all of Britain. The post-war reconstruction of the city centre consisted of road expansion and brutalist architecture, a style marked by large, cheap tower blocks. Since the 1980s, however, many of these unattractive boxes have been torn down and rebuilt. The change was marked recently with the demolition and rebuilding of the Broadmead shopping centre.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: David L Reynolds
Photo: m_ek
Photo: www.tgwphotos.com
Photo: Andy Munzer
Photo: MG/7
Photo: Sean
Photo: David Roberts

Clifton

Bristol
United Kingdom
One of the oldest and wealthiest parts of Bristol, Clifton earned most of its wealth in the tobacco and slave trade. Servants were necessary because many of the houses were three or more floors high. Twenty-seven percent of the adult population are full-time students. Clifton was recorded in the "Doomsday Book" as "Cliston", which means "hillside settlement", since it was located on a steep hill. It is an absolutely gorgeous place and a wander round here leaves you with the impression that you've somehow stepped back into time. You can visit all its attractions - Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Observatory and Caves, and Bristol Zoo Gardens for example - or just stroll around, taking in all the marvellous Georgian terraces with their iron balconies. Due north of Clifton is a flat area called Durdham Down, which is often used for recreational purposes.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Laura Nolte

Clifton Village

Bristol
United Kingdom
Clifton Village contains the grandest architecture and atmosphere in the whole city and to leave Bristol without seeing all it offers would be a crime! This is perhaps THE most sought-after place to live in the whole city - it's rich and it shows. All of which makes it a great (if expensive) place for shopping - don't miss Clifton Arcade, full of small, independent, antique stores. As expected, there's an equally good number of restaurants, pubs and cafes - mostly full of the city's rich students and professionals. Whiteladies Road is also part of Clifton and apparently the name is nothing to do with Bristol's slave-trading past, but refers to an old nunnery here, whose inhabitants wore white habits. Known as "The Strip," there are masses of lively, funky bars, pubs and restaurants here, making it the main drag for those young, pretty and with money in their pockets.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ian Wade
Photo: mknx
Photo: George Sylvain
Photo: Drew Capener

Cotham and Redland

Bristol
United Kingdom
Travel up Christmas Steps and onto St. Michael's Hill, both well worth a look for their classic old boozers such as The Highbury Vaults and lively cafes such as St. Michael's Cafe is the students' choice for a fry-up and you'll reach the Cotham and Redland areas. Mainly residential, with beautiful old houses and leafy streets, they're still worth a visit for their cafes, pubs and restaurants - Red Snapper and Blue Juice to name just a few - and shops! There are masses of charity shops for those after a bargain, plus speciality shops selling, amongst other things, kites and vintage clothes. You'll notice a definite hippie, studenty, eco-conscious feel in the air around here.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Libby
Photo: i y e r s
Photo: common man
Photo: Howard Stredwick

Harbour

Bristol
United Kingdom
Against the backdrop of the harbour are bars, restaurants, cinemas and art galleries (including The Arnolfini and Watershed), making this a great place for a stroll. It's also home to the award-winning attractions of the At-Bristol complex and is where you'll find Bristol Tourist Information Centre as well. Visible across the water is Bristol Industrial Museum and slightly further along the water's edge, are the city's two famous ships - The Matthew and SS Great Britain. In the summer, this area really comes alive and Bristolians like nothing better than to sit on the quayside, legs dangling over the edge of the water, enjoying a pint or a coffee. Take a trip around the water on one of the small ferries for the best view of it all.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mark Ferbert

Horfield

Bristol
United Kingdom
Horfield is a Northern suburb of Bristol. Throughout history, the area has been known as a hideout of for vagrants and thieves, and its Anglo-Saxon name translates roughly into "filthy, open land," but in recent years it has become home to many modern attractions. These include a leisure center with swimming pools and squash courts, and the Memorial Stadium, constructed in honor of rugby players killed in the first and second world wars. Additionally, many renowned pubs make a visit to Horfield worthwhile.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: David L Reynolds
Photo: dottydolly
Photo: barrs gas
Photo: Tom Mascord
Photo: colin young
Photo: Tom Robinson
Photo: Anna Fellows
Photo: piotr_toporowski

Photo: Chris Bowley
Photo: derryn vranch

Hotwells

Bristol
United Kingdom
The name "Hotwells" comes from the heated water which seeps up through the rocks of Avon Gorge. It was originally promoted as a spa, but could not compete with nearby Bath. The Bristol Cathedral, one of the most impressive in the region, is located near the town council on the eastern end of Hotwells. Sir Humphry Davy, the famous chemist and physicist, worked in Hotwells and discovered laughing gas. The pubs of Hotwells are varied and often the subject of much acclaim. From authentic gas-lit taverns to the poshest watering-holes, they are all here.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: henry winchester
Photo: henry winchester
Photo: Marcus Newey
Photo: christine haywood
Photo: MG/3

Montpelier and St Paul's

Bristol
United Kingdom
Also close to the city centre, these areas are the favoured residence of the city's bohemians and "alternative" types. Parts are rather shabby and run-down, but let's just call that character! Of interest in Montpelier are Picton Street and York Road, site of a great Italian deli, a couple of cafes (Bristolian and One Stop Thali) and one of the best restaurants in the city, Bell's Diner. St Paul's is home to the magnificent St Paul's Carnival, an annual street-party of enormous popularity and nation acclaim, which celebrates the African and Caribbean community here, and usually attracts around 100,000 revellers over two days. Gloucester Road is the city's alternative "Strip" and is a long, extremely lively street packed with bars, restaurants and shops, all offering something a little different from the norm. Well worth a look - a stroll along here would take you virtually a whole day!

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Andy Munzer
Photo: Andy Munzer
Photo: alick davies
Photo: jordan

Park Street

Bristol
United Kingdom
Park Street, home to the historic Cathedral (usually surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic skateboarders) is possibly the trendiest street in the city and is lined with shops, bars and cafes, all with a certain student-flavour - perfect if you're looking for an alternative to all the usual high-street stores. If you're heading up to the top (be warned, it's steep), take a look at The Georgian House and Cabot Tower, both off Great George Street. Also nearby are The Red Lodge and The City Art Gallery and Museumgreat for a rainy day.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Gina Cheng
Photo: Michael Hirst
Photo: Simon Lord
Photo: Mart
Photo: Juan Villamota
Photo: Tim Fernando
Photo: Nicola Chappell
Photo: Amanda Bird

Photo: David Wilbourne
Photo: Lee Watts
Photo: Richard Beasley
Photo: Richard Cocks
Photo: AJ_UK
Photo: Lin Yin-man
Photo: The Green Album

South of the River

Bristol
United Kingdom
Finally, over the river are Southville and Bedminster. Victims of a north-south divide, these areas are thought of by some as a cultural wilderness! Certainly, there isn't the grandeur of Clifton and the shopping is pretty poor, but don't write it off just yet. First of all, there are plenty of really cheap B&Bs round here, so you may well find yourself staying here if on a budget; secondly, it's only a fifteen minute walk into the harbour area of the city; lastly, the area itself is actually experiencing a bit of a renaissance at present. The acclaimed Tobacco Factory Theatre and art space opened last year and houses a branch of Teohs, one of the city's most popular Chinese/Thai restaurants. And for those of you that like live music, try the Albertknown globally as a centre for folk and jazz music.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: henry winchester

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Bristol - Neighborhood Guide"
Bristol
Bristol - Historical Background
Bristol - Where to Stay
Bristol - Dining & Drinking
Bristol - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Bath (21 miles)
Cardiff (42 miles)
Oxford (99 miles)
Southampton (106 miles)
Birmingham (124 miles)
Plymouth (163 miles)
London (183 miles)
Brighton (185 miles)
Cambridge (197 miles)
Liverpool (215 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.