Bristol’s Clifton Village: Leafy Streets and Georgian Terraces
Just a short walk from the bridge, Clifton Village offers leafy streets, Georgian terraces and lots of independent shops. The neighbourhood feels peaceful and natural, with mature trees lining the squares.
Nearby is Leigh Woods, a nature reserve with peaceful walking trails, ancient trees and woods full of bluebells (keep dogs away from spring bulbs).
The woods slope down to the dramatic edge of the Avon Gorge, with viewpoints peeking back towards Clifton and the bridge. Leigh Court Farm (an organic box scheme) is based here.
Totterdown: Vibrant and Colourful
Totterdown is one of Bristol’s most eye-catching neighbourhoods. The area is famous for its steep hills and rows of rainbow-painted Victorian houses. Artists, students, and families call Totterdown home, and a creative spirit fills the streets.
Community-led festivals, local cafes, and quirky pubs make this a spot with warmth and personality. Walk up to the top of the hill for sweeping city views and photos of Bristol’s iconic skyline.
Bristol is a maritime in southwest England, just 13 miles or so from Bath, which you can reach via a traffic-free old railway path. This is a vibrant place with many independent shops and a green vegan vibe. Yet you’re not too far from rolling countryside, and quite near to the Welsh border.
Bath and Bristol Railway Walk
The Bath and Bristol Railway Walk offers a peaceful route between two of the area’s most historic cities. The path follows a disused railway with plenty of flat, traffic-free stretches, so it’s safe for cycling or walking. Along the way, see wildflowers, woodlands, and old railway bridges.
The walk is well-signposted and connects small villages and cosy pubs, making it ideal for a day out and a taste of local countryside.
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe.
The Historic Harbourside Bristol
In centuries gone by, Bristol’s port was teeming with ships from across the globe. It all began as a humble port, and through sheer grit and ambition, it grew into one of England’s prime trading hubs.
The Harbourside’s strategic location made it a bustling centre not only for shipping goods but also for whisking people off to new adventures.
No tour would be complete without a stop at the Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a marvel of Victorian engineering. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this iron-hulled passenger ship was a beacon of progress in the 19th century.
Not far off, you’ll find the M Shed museum, a vibrant tribute to Bristol’s past with tales of daring sailors and the city’s evolution through time.
