If you’re on a budget but still want to have fun in the city, you can enjoy these free things to do in Bristol. You might enjoy visiting St Nicks Market, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Arnolfini, or the Cabot Tower. There are plenty of other free things to do in Bristol, so you’re sure to find something to keep you busy.
St Nicks Market
St Nicks Market in Bristol is a great place to visit if you’re in the area and looking for a unique shopping experience. This market, which has been trading in Bristol since 1743, boasts the largest collection of independent retailers in the city. Recently, it was voted Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market and hosts a variety of special events.
This market is also home to the Portuguese Taste, which is known for its delicious pastries and traditional Portuguese cuisine. In Bristol, Portuguese Taste has also teamed up with Big Juice to offer takeaways, smoothies, and juices. Regardless of your food preferences, there’s something for everyone.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
If you’re visiting Bristol, you should definitely take the time to visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge has a long and storied history and is an iconic landmark of the city. It is a popular tourist attraction and has helped the city’s economy since it opened in 1998.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge in the city of Bristol is a world-famous landmark and is often referred to as the symbol of Bristol. It spans the Avon Gorge and connects the city with North Somerset. It is a Grade I listed structure that attracts tourists from around the world. The bridge is open year-round and tolls support its maintenance and upkeep.
The bridge was originally built to accommodate horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. However, today, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is used by more than four million vehicles a year.
Cabot Tower
The Cabot Tower is a landmark in Bristol, England. It is a grade II listed building located in a public park on Brandon Hill. It is between Clifton and Hotwells. It is an ideal spot to observe the city’s skyline and explore its history. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
The Cabot Tower was built in the city’s West End on the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to North America. The tower is 105 feet tall and was designed by William Venn Gough. It features two viewing platforms and a spiral staircase. Its original plans included an elevator.
The Cabot Tower is an incredible spot for a panoramic view of Bristol. You’ll be able to spot landmarks in all directions from the tower, including the infamous Bristol Harbour Docks. The tower is surrounded by beautiful gardens and tame squirrels. The tower is open to the public, and admission is free.
Arnolfini
One of the things to do in Bristol is to visit the Arnolfini, a gallery that displays local art. One of the most popular exhibits has been graffiti art. The gallery was one of the first to host a graffiti exhibition and became a local legend. While you’re there, make sure to check out 3D, an artist who shows off his skills using a spray-can. You can also check out the sounds of a Wild Bunch sound-system in the downstairs gallery.
The Arnolfini is located on the harbourside in Bristol and is free to enter. While you’re there, be sure to make a donation. This art gallery is great for art lovers of all ages and is dedicated to presenting and producing local, national, and international art. There are also regular art exhibitions held here and an extensive library where you can find art books and other publications.
The Arnolfini is also home to one of the country’s finest art museums. Aside from the renowned collections of contemporary art, the Arnolfini also hosts poetry readings and regular events. It also boasts one of the best art book stores in the country, with over 100 magazines on art, literature, and film. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the bookstore also has a wide range of unique items.
University of Bristol Botanic Gardens
The University of Bristol Botanic Gardens are an important site for those looking to learn more about the diverse plants found in our world. They are home to over 4,500 different species, making them a must-visit for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. The gardens are divided into four distinct climatic zones. Guests can explore a range of beautiful plants, including cacti, succulents, and orchids. The tropical section is one of the highlights, but the entire collection is worth a visit. The gardens are located in Bristol, which makes them an ideal destination for those wanting to visit the South West.
The University of Bristol Botanic Gardens relocated to its current location in 2005. Its former location, The Holmes, was a former US Army base during the planning stages for the D-Day landings in World War II. The garden is now operated by the University of Bristol and features four themed plant collections. These include Plant Evolution, Plants of the Mediterranean climate, Useful Plants, and Rare Native Plants.
Bristol Cathedral
If you’re in the city of Bristol, you should check out Bristol Cathedral. It’s a church of England cathedral formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. This cathedral has a unique history and is a fascinating place to explore. Its history dates back to the 11th century, and is a great place to experience the rich Christian heritage of the area.
The cathedral was originally a monastery church that was heavily remodelled in the 19th century. The interior is a fine example of Hall Church architecture, but there are also some medieval elements. The south transept has a rare Saxon carving of the Harrowing of Hell, which was uncovered after a 19th century fire. The cathedral is also open daily for worship, and there are free guided tours available.
Located on College Green in the center of Bristol, the cathedral is one of the city’s top attractions. Founded in 1140, the original church was completed in 1148. Today, only a small part of the original structure remains. The cathedral has been enlarged numerous times over the years. Parts of the cathedral date from the 12th century, while other parts were added during the 14th century. The western entrance, with its twin towers, was not finished until 1888. The nave was completely remodeled in the 19th century.
Queen Square
Queen Square is a six-storey building in the centre of Bristol, and combines Georgian elegance with grade A office space. The building acts as a gateway into the square and enhances the overall impression of the area. The building is also an important source of employment in the city, and brings significant investment to the local economy.
The building is a striking Georgian structure and is fully serviced by gas fired central heating. Located in the heart of Bristol’s Georgian quarter, the building is in easy reach of Bristol Temple Meads railway station, Cabot Circus, and the waterfront. The property is available for rent on a new, full repairing and insuring lease outside of the 1954 security of tenure provisions.
The regeneration of Queen Square began in the 1980s when the council published a vision for its future. They planned to remove the inner ring road, which had passed through the square in 1936. In 1992, the inner ring road was closed. This was a crucial part of the regeneration plan, but was opposed by many Bristol residents. The regeneration scheme took almost two decades to complete.
M-Shed
Located in a dockside transit shed from the 1950s, the M-Shed is a fascinating place to visit. It features colourful exhibits that detail the history of the city and its people. The museum is free and is an ideal way to spend a few hours in Bristol.
The M Shed focuses on the history of Bristol, which is represented by a variety of fascinating and rare exhibits and collections. It also includes working exhibits, rare objects and film visuals, which tell the story of Bristol from the prehistoric era to the present. There are also interactive displays and film screens that allow you to learn more about the city as you walk through.
Another great thing to do in Bristol is to walk through Brandon Hill Park, the city’s oldest park. It has a network of paths and a children’s playground. In addition to this, the M Shed on Prince’s Wharf is a must-see when exploring Bristol Harbour. Here, you can see the Fairbairn Steam Crane, which was built in 1878 and operated until the 1950s.