Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Planes, trains and automobiles, in miniature |
8 Fairfax Street Bristol BS1 3DB United Kingdom +44 117 927 3744 |
This store is a model-enthusiast's dream come true! It's packed with all types of model kits and ready-made replicas of various forms of transport. There's a massive selection of model vehicles, from tiny matchbox minis, through Formula One racing cars, to enormous (relatively speaking of course) shiny, remote control oil tankers. Airplanes are equally well-represented, with kits for jumbo jets to spitfires. As for trains, there's absolutely everything for model railways, from the locomotives and track right down to the tiny people for standing on the platform. All paints and brushes etc. needed to decorate your models are also for sale. They also sell historical figures and accessories - plinths for figurines and small electrical components. Everything required for the serious model maker, in fact. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Sci-fi specialists |
143 Gloucester Road Bristol BS7 8BA United Kingdom +44 117 924 4655 |
Named after the infamous Area 51 in America - site of the rumored USA government alien capture cover-up - this shop specializes in comics, sci-fi books and toys and videos. Sci-fi related events are sometimes held here as well, such as a celebration of the launch of the Judge Dredd card game - which included free promotional cards, a chance to play the game, meet the designers, and talk to some guest artists. They have all kinds of collectible card games too, such as Star Wars and Babylon 5. Wheelchair users may have difficulty reaching the rear of the shop where the boxes of comics are kept. The staff are very knowledgeable - you might even go so far as to call them sci-fi nerds! But the shop is often very busy, so they may not have time to be as helpful as they'd like. Rummaging about yourself is the best bet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Let's go fly a kite |
16 Pitville Place, Cotham Hill Bristol BS6 6JY United Kingdom +44 117 974 5010 http://www.kitestore.co.uk |
This is Bristol's only specialist kite store, stocking everything for the kite enthusiast - from single-line kites for beginners, to stunt kites and Flexifoil power kites for the more advanced. They also sell lines and spares, accessories, frisbees, yo-yos and much more. The adrenaline-junkies among you should ask them about their kite surfing equipment - then make for nearby Devon and Cornwall to try this new sport. Once you've bought your kite, head up to the beautiful bit of countryside that is Ashton Court Estate - the city's prime flying location. The owner of this store is also the person to contact about the fabulous Kite Festival, held at the aforementioned estate each year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Disney characters for children of all ages |
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Bristol BS34 5DG United Kingdom |
Disney's marketing is second to none, which is why you'll probably find yourself dragged here by your kids. There's a whole range of toys for both babies and young children—including old favorites such as Micky Mouse, Pluto and Donald Duck, who appear in various forms on items such as toothbrushes, mugs and clocks. Rows of Winnie the Poohs share space with Toy Story characters, Tigger and Tinkerbell and children's clothes emblazoned with Disney character motifs are everywhere, including pyjamas, footwear, hats and accessories. A cinema screen plays clips from some of the company's best known films so you won't leave here without all of your senses having been submerged in the "Disney Experience"! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Children's toys with an educational slant |
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Bristol BS34 5DG United Kingdom +44 117 950 8775 http://www.elc.co.uk |
If you're tired of shelling out for the disposable bits of plastic that pass for toys these days, head here - you'll find masses of toys for babies and young children that actually teach them something and help them develop. For the early years there is a staggering choice of soft cuddly toys, musical mobiles, fabric story books and wipe clean jungle crawl mats. For older children there are wooden railway sets, arts and crafts materials, modelling tools and electronic toys - sing-a-long radio cassette recorders, echo microphones and more. There are also sport and activity toys for outdoor play such as slides, scramble nets and swings. The shop has a very hands-on approach and a children's play area - come weekends it's more like a rowdy nursery than a shop! There is a second branch inside the Galleries Shopping Centre in the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A must for all sci-fi enthusiasts |
Clifton Heights Triangle West Bristol BS8 1EJ United Kingdom +44 117 929 8692 |
Forbidden Planet is by far the best place to visit in the search for anything to do with science fiction. They stock a wide and fascinating range of posters, action figures, model kits and books on the following - Star Wars, Star Trek, Manga, Pokémon, X-Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and probably every other sci-fi character that's ever existed. There are also hundreds of sci-fi comics, from the mainstream to the rare and obscure (both new and second-hand). Plus, videos, cult TV collections, books, trading cards, sci-fi and fantasy DVDs and Pikachu rucksacks, this shop has it all - and if doesn't have it in stock, it can be ordered. In short, it's a sci-fi buff's paradise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard S  |
 Photo: sunxez |
 Photo: Nick Smart |
|
A world of hobby games |
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Bristol BS34 5DG United Kingdom +44 117 959 2528 http://www.games-workshop.co.uk |
Don't know if you've noticed yet, but there are rather a lot of rainy days in England. If you've been stuck inside for ages, exhausted all the museums and galleries and need something to occupy yourself with, head to this place and buy yourself a game. You'll find some traditional board games, but it's primarily about playing table-top battles and games enthusiast flock here from miles around. Players use armies consisting of painted scale models, usually about 30mm in height - first you buy the miniatures and assemble them and then paint and arrange them into their own particular regiments. There are a huge variety of troop types to choose from such as Reiksguard knights, Chaos warriors, Dragon Princes plus many more. During the week the shop hosts themed events where customers are invited to join in. Even if you hate games, call in - it's a great example of British eccentricity! Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Exquisite dolls and dolls' houses |
27 North View Westbury Park Bristol BS6 7PT United Kingdom +44 117 973 1850 http://www.gillianrichards.co.uk |
This is an amazing place - step inside and the world becomes miniature! The dolls' houses are stunning and range from three-storey Georgian terraces to Victorian shops, all beautifully-constructed and ready to be filled with the massive selection of mini-furniture and accessories - tiny enamel baths, through to minuscule tins of food, cutlery, and of course, tiny families. There's also a range of dolls - not the synthetic Barbie kind, but exquisite figures with porcelain heads, wearing handmade outfits. These range in size and price, but only serious collectors need apply, because such quality does not come cheap. Traditional teddy-bears also grace the shelves, including the Rolls Royce of cuddly toys and Steiff bears. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A charming, traditional and unusual selection of toys |
6a Boyces Avenue Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4AA United Kingdom +44 117 974 3600 |
This very popular toyshop is just as popular with parents as it is with children, for the simple reason that it reminds them of their own childhoods. Why? Well, remember when toys weren't instantly disposable bits of plastic, but were instead well-crafted, beautiful and thoughtful objects? That ethos is still alive in this shop today. There is a wonderful range of toys and accessories for babies and young children and the owner has selected very traditional items, mostly made from wood - games, mobiles, soft toys, blackboards and puzzles etc. There's also a small amount of child-friendly furniture and fun furnishings for kid's bedrooms and even custom-made trunks to store all those new games and toys in at the end of the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Living Naturally |
209 North Street Bristol BS3 1JH United Kingdom +44 (0) 845 890 1665 http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk/ |
The Natural Nursery carries a wide selection of organic and fairly traded products for families of any size. From books to bedding and toys to toiletries, the Natural Nursery offers high quality products at reasonable prices for online or in-store purchase. Items such as their mobiles and puzzles are popular with children while their line of maternity clothing is perfect for mothers-to-be. For a full list of products, visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |