Best of Bristol in 48 hours

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Being treated to a weekend away this week courtesy of swmbo, any locals or regular visitors care to throw some ideas my way.

Going to be dining at The Glass Boat on Saturday evening but other than that weve no solid plans.

Ta muchly.
 
Try out a few pints of cider on "the apple", it's an old converted grain barge with a huge selection and outside seating etc, lovely spot for lunch/evening beers.

Failing that see if there are any gigs on at the Thekla, again a converted boat which serves as a bar/gig venue.
 
Indeed, strong cider in the apple, I never seem to walk straight after there.

Then onto the Thekla to feel up some student Women.
 
hmm I've been a few times but having a brain freeze, just remember it being very tidy, unless they hid the litter well.
 
Shopping/eating in Clifton village

Go to the White Bear in Clifton Village for a pint (overlooks the gorge, next to Avon Gorge Hotel)

Visit the suspension bridge and caves

Try some unique ciders in the Apple/Cori Tap

Walk across the downs

Try some amazing bagels at BagelBoy on Park St. for lunch

Visit the fountains/waterfront and go for a boat ride

Visit the graffiti gallery near the town centre (An entire street painted with building height art)

Go take a look at the banksy's
 
Shopping/eating in Clifton village

Go to the White Bear in Clifton Village for a pint (overlooks the gorge, next to Avon Gorge Hotel)

Visit the suspension bridge and caves

Try some unique ciders in the Apple/Cori Tap

Walk across the downs

Try some amazing bagels at BagelBoy on Park St. for lunch

Visit the fountains/waterfront and go for a boat ride

Visit the graffiti gallery near the town centre (An entire street painted with building height art)

Go take a look at the banksy's

That pretty much sums it up. If the missus wants to go shopping you can hit Cabot Circus on your way past the court buildings and all the epic graffitti. I recommend Magic Roll at the top of Park st for some tasty and good value lunch while you're out and about.
 
There's also a free museum (M Shed) at the floating harbour now, but honestly it wasn't that exciting. The museum/art gallery in the town centre next to Wills Memorial Building is better. Depends what you're into though, all info about those is online.
 
Here's my grand tour I did for another thread:

Right, I'm very tired but since a few of you might benefit from it...

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This route starting at the triangle will give you a good whistle stop tour of some of the nicer parts of Bristol.

1). Start off at the triangle and walk past the building with the fountain columns (UoB music department) - you are heading off into Clifton, woo!

2) Having ignored the fugly student union, make your way across Victoria square (nice place for hanging out in the summer) - go under the archway and into Clifton Village. There are nice cafes here (Primrose Cafe does lovely food) and a 'cute' boutique shop place (Clifton Arcade).

3) Make your way to number three - on the right will be a park place (note the Victorian lamps everywhere) where I typically mooch about. You will also walk past my favourite pub on a corner here - The Mall.

4). Cross the mighty bridge! There is a great view from here and it's worth doubling back on the opposite side. There is an optional trip here with the dotted line to go to Leigh Woods, which is a nice woodland walk, but add ~2 hours to your trip! When back towards clifton, make sure you head up the bank on your left, there is an amazing view of the bridge from up there (past the children's play park). There is also the clifton sliding rock - beware :eek:

5) You are heading back into Clifton Village now. At 5 you will have the White Lion which is a very scenic place to have a pint (from the veranda). Make your way up caledonia place and look at houses you wish you lived in.

6) Clifton highstreet - yummy mummys and people considerably richer than you

7) Mooch all the way down to here. It might take awhile but this starts off the harbourside walk I was referring to in this thread. Once you cross the river, look for a gateway you can go through - it looks like a shipyard but you are permitted. Here you can take a stroll along the river.

8) Between 7-9 you can get some great views of the city. Check out the painted houses and Clifton, complete with it's famous bridge.

9) Here is the famous SS Great Britain. It's impressive to look at and you can go on board if you wish.

10) There is a new museum here documenting Bristol's history. I think it's called M-shed. Anyway, I spent about an hour mooching around this recently and loved it.

11) My directions are a bit wonky here, but basically go for a quick peek inside queens square, it's lovely.

12) Cross the bridge and head towards millennium square. Here you will see a big ball (a planetarium) and fountainy things. There is a science museum here called @bristol and an aquarium which are both very good (although the latter isn't cheap!).

13). This area marks the centre of Bristol town and is called the waterfront. It's distinguished by its fountains. Have a little wonder and then head up to Park Street.

14) Park Street. At the bottom is college green (sadly ruined by idiot protesters recently) which is usually pretty. There are a few boutique clothes shops on the way. At the top is Will's memorial tower (which I studied - key landmark for your trip because I'm ace).

15) Make your way into the park and finish up at Cabbot tower. Climb it for a great view and then feel free to chill out in the park for as long as you wish.

I think this whole trip will probably take 3-4 hours depending on how long you want to walk around for. Any questions please ask, I'm sorry I rushed it but I'm tired.

Hope someone makes use of it anyway :o
 
both. the club is now a sports bar iirc.

pretty sure slinky still goes on down in bournemouth tho... long time since i've been, mind.
 
Clifton Lido for a swim/breakfast/massage or all of the above. The breakfasts are the best in the area and totally unique in terms of view.

Most other things have been covered but I live in Clifton Village (near enough on Nitefly's #6) so let me know if you need any specifics.

Oh and why the Glass Boat? :confused: Nothing special about it and wouldn't recommend it ahead of 10 other places.
 
Oh, also missing is the Observatory and Giant's Cave above the Suspension Bridge. The former gives a unique view of Bristol and the latter one of the bridge. Both are cheap (£2 each I think) and quite quirky. You can see the observatory clearly from the east of the bridge as it's up on a hill. Good views of the bridge from up there too.

St Nick's market just off Corn Street in the centre is great too. Loads of independent stalls and food places. It's a bit like a quirky Covent Garden but with less people in suits. I'd recommend Pitta King or whatever they're called (they do falafels).
 
The museum on Park Street usually has a good exhibition on and the permanent exhibits are not bad. Free entry :)
 
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