Great city walks: Bristol

Distance 2.8 miles/4.5 km
Typical duration 1 hour 35 minutes
Start and finish YHA Bristol
Start postcode BS1 4QA
Step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/bristoltour

In a nutshell

If you’ve not visited Bristol, this short route is a great introduction. It’s a walk of contrasts, taking you past old and new, from beautiful streets with elegant Georgian houses and historic buildings, to shopping centres and lively markets.

Enjoy culture at the Arnolfini arts centre or the Georgian House Museum, an 18th-century townhouse that’s been restored to capture the era, which is great for history lovers.

Why it’s special

You could do this walk in an hour and a half or linger and take all day, it’s so packed with interesting things to see and do, and history and culture to absorb.

As you set off you’ll pass Pero’s Bridge, a lifting bridge with its distinctive horned structures, and head into Queen Square, a beautiful Queen Anne-style, tree-filled space with a statue of William III in the centre. Given its peaceful vibe, you may be surprised to learn the inner ring road once ran right through the middle, but was relocated in 2000.

Past the merchant navy memorial and St Nicholas church you’ll arrive at the vibrant St Nicholas market, the oldest market in Bristol, full of cafes and little shops, and then St Peter’s church, roofless after being bombed in the second world war.

Shopping alert! The route takes you through Broadmead shopping centre and down Colston Street with its quaint shops and cafes.

Art lovers should look out for Christmas Steps, a beautiful lane that’s home to the arts quarter of the city, and if you’re a fan of architecture, check out the Wills Memorial building, one of the city’s most recognisable, with its gothic revival tower soaring high above the streets.

Then you’ll wind your way through Brandon Hill park to the Cabot Tower, where you can climb the steps to enjoy panoramic views across the city.

The final stretch of this walk takes you past a mural painted by homegrown artist Banksy, before passing the cathedral and At-Bristol, an interactive science centre, and the city’s aquarium.

Reward yourself

There are plenty of pubs, cafes, food stalls and restaurants along this route. Why not stop off at St Nicholas market where you’ll be spoilt for choice?.

Get there

YHA Bristol, where this walk starts, is signposted from the centre of the city.

Numerous bus routes run to nearby Prince Street. From Bristol Temple Meads train station, there is a ferry stop to bring you to the city centre, close to the hostel.