CITY WALKS BRISTOL TODAY
There is no better way to discover and explore Bristol than on foot. Few other cities in Britain can boast such a treasure chest of wonderful sights and fascinating places of interest.
Welcome to Bristol
A collection of carefully-curated self-guided walks through the vibrant City of Bristol.
The city is said to have been founded by two Gaulish chiefs in 390 BC and grew up in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest and has a rich maritime and cultural history.
Old and new blend seamlessly, creating Bristol’s distinctive character – establishing it as one of Britain’s most attractive cities.
Walking in Bristol
Not all walks need to be a laboured-march. With the whole family together – smaller ones on scooters or in buggies, and persons with mobility aids – a stroll along level pavements, covering a couple of miles, is just what the doctor ordered.
You may choose a longer walk but a short walk is no less rewarding. After all, an amble allows more time to take in the surrounding scenery and the rich panorama of flora, fauna and wildlife that you might stumble upon. Inter-mangled with architecture, history and culinary offerings – there’s plenty on offer.
This website contains excerpts from a collection of Bristol’s gentlest self-guided walks to motivate you on your urban meanderings.
There’s no better way to spend quality time than walking, either on your own or with loved ones.
Excerpts from the walks
Archaeological finds have shown that there have been settlements in and around the Bristol area for up to 60,000 years. However, it is still being determined exactly when the first bridge over the River Avon was built …
In the Middle Ages, Clifton Down was a common pasture for the manor of Clifton. In 1676 and 1686 the manor of Clifton was purchased by the Society of Merchant Venturers …
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon linking Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset …
College Green, the site of the crescent-shaped City Hall (formerly the Council House) built in 1956, is approximately 3 acres and a popular local spot. St. Augustine preached here in the late 6th century …
In King Street, you get a glimpse of the 17th and 18th centuries. The street was built outside the old walled city, in 1650, by merchants who wanted to develop the town marsh and create a new residential area for themselves …
At the top of Queen’s Road stands the Victoria Rooms, also known as the Vic Rooms, which were designed as assembly rooms by Charles Dyer. Charles Dyer was a Bristol-born architect based in London …
Up to 1892, a long time before Bristol’s first tramlines were laid in the city centre, ships sailed into the city on the River Frome and, until 1827, a drawbridge was in service to allow access to the other side of the river …
The Haymarket was the location for the Horsefair held in Bristol from 1238. The fair lasted for fifteen days and originally started on July 25th (the feast day of St James) this was later changed to the first fortnight in September …
In 1240 the River Frome was diverted through Canon’s Marsh to join the Avon, close to the present Bathurst Basin, to provide a harbour close to the town centre. These works were carried out, under the command of Henry III …
