What to do in Bristol

yellowsticker_2

Hi Everyone

This is my first posting so hope I'm using correct forum for this.

I am going to Bristol this weekend (without the kids) and would really appreciate any top tips of cheap but good places to visit and where to eat etc.

Also if anyone can recommend anywhere cheap or preferably free to park I will be one happy bunny!

Savvy_Sue

Welcome - to the boards and Bristol!

What do you want to do, shop or be a tourist?

If you want to shop, then the only place to be these days is Cabot Circus, just follow the signs. But I'm not sure we do 'cheap' in any part of CC. If we do it will be in the 'old' Broadmead section - Debenhams, BHS etc.

For parking, I'd recommend Park and Ride - there are three sites around the city, just make sure you find the right bus stop for going back. Only they might stop running a bit early in the evening for you, and don't run on Sundays. But it's far easier than navigating, IMO. I think on a Saturday my 'local' is free parking and a return bus ticket for £2 (which is a bit more than half the price of a 'regular' bus!)

Other than that, if you find where you want to be there is generally free on-street parking reasonably close, you just have to navigate your way out of the controlled parking zone and be prepared for a 10 minute walk. Be aware that you might not want to be walking back into those areas after dark if you don't know your way around.

Just avoid the car park called Cabot Circus, they want £3 for two hours! I don't think so ...

Now, if you give us a clue as to which part of Bristol you are staying nearest, we can be even more helpful ... and if you don't want to shop there are other things to do here. At least there were before CC opened.

yellowsticker_2

Thanks Sue - I managed to get a bargain deal to stay at the City Inn at Temple Way. It is £99 for two nights inc small (50cl) bottle of wine and I think is available only through their website.

This seemed much cheaper than other hotels that were futher out so fingers crossed it will be ok - reviews on Trip Adviser seeemed ok.

Would really like to check out local cafes, pubs, resturants and independent shops. Also if there are any events or exhibitions taking place this weekend.

Savvy_Sue

Right, well assuming you have parking included at the hotel, I would leave your car there and walk. If you don't have parking included, I would leave your car at home and get the train! You're very close to Bristol Temple Meads.

20 minute walk to the new Cabot Circus, if that.

Independent shops: you want Gloucester Road and Clifton (trains to Montpelier and Clifton Down respectively, hourly service until the evening when it becomes less frequent). I think Gloucester Road has a lot more character and distinctiveness than Clifton, personally. OK, it's cheaper ...

Exhibitions etc: Visit Bristol has a What's On section. Your nearest is Breaking the Chains, to which I must go before it is moved out of Bristol.

I'm not the best person for recommending for cafes, pubs and restaurants. But heading for the water gets you plenty of choice.

Ah, just remembered St Nicholas Market, that's one of the really interesting shopping places very near you. Browsing around that Visit Bristol site should be worthwhile.

If you're up for tourist-y stuff, a ferry to the SS Great Britain would be high on my list. And the Matthew, if she's there. On the other side of the water is the Ginger Gallery, nice little cafe along Hotwells Road with an art gallery.

Hopefully hotel will be able to advise on ferry times etc, not sure what their routes are at this time of year, sometimes they come right up to the station!

yellowsticker_2

Excellent recomendations. Really looking forward to visit as I love Bristol and have not been there for a while.

Will let you know if I spot any bargains whilst I am out and about.

Savvy_Sue

You're welcome. I'm about to start a 'Cabot Circus' thread so if you go there, please update it!

Horasio

It looks more interesting around Whiteladies Road/Clifton area.

sexki11en

CCStar wrote: »

It looks more interesting around Whiteladies Road/Clifton area.

For interesting read expensive lol.

I used to live on Whiteladies and it's lovely but expensive. And not too many shops, more bars & resteraunts.

I work on Gloucester road and theres more choice for quaint little shops and the locals are friendlier too!

SK x

Savvy_Sue

I agree with that. Even the charity shops in Clifton are more expensive ...