Bristol: Colourful Streets, Harbourside Vibes & Roly Friendly Walks

The Journey To Bristol

After Wales, our UK road trip wound its way into Bristol, a city buzzing with colour, creativity, and riverfront charm. It’s one of those places that doesn’t need to try. The art, the food, the people, all creative, all confident, and completely unpretentious.

I first came in February, staying at a studio on Kenneth Road. It was freezing then and Roly wore his new puffer jacket like a pro as we crossed the Clifton Suspension Bridge but the energy was undeniable. Even in the cold, Bristol buzzed.

By May, when I returned following my trip in Cornwall, it was warmer days, brighter skies, and a new base. I stayed in an airbnb in Bower Ashton, a great base for the return trip. You’ve got Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods right on your doorstep, the Harbourside minutes away, and the best of the city within reach. It’s that rare mix of green and urban that makes life feel easy. If I ever moved out of London, I could see myself here.

Why Bristol Works

Bristol’s got soul. It’s a port city turned cultural powerhouse, constantly evolving but never losing its character. The Harbourside, once packed with trading ships, is now a blend of restaurants, food markets, cafes, art spaces, and converted warehouses. The old cranes still stand, quiet but proud, keeping watch over a city that knows where it came from.

It’s also fiercely independent. From local businesses to community-owned pubs, Bristol thrives on people doing their own thing. Even Roly got a trim at About The Dog and came out looking dapper.

And somewhere between mural-hunting and market-hopping, I even found a dog-friendly gym called Trojan Fitness. Absolute win. When you’re living on the road, finding somewhere you can lift, move, and reset without leaving your dog behind is rare. For me, getting a proper weights session in was the cherry on top of an already balanced city routine.

The Banksy Trail

Bristol is where Banksy began, and his mark is everywhere, both literally and in spirit.

• Well-Hung Lover – 7 Park Street, BS1 5NF
• Mild Mild West – 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY
• The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum – Albion Dockyard, BS1 6UT

The joy of seeing them isn’t just the art itself, it’s how naturally they sit in the landscape. You’ll find old and new pieces, and murals from other artists filling in the gaps. Walk the streets of Stokes Croft, Montpelier, and Bedminster, and the city becomes one big open-air gallery.

Neighbourhoods That Define Bristol

Clifton & Hotwells

Elegant Georgian terraces and the famous Clifton bridge. Don’t miss the colourful hillside houses.

Stokes Croft & Montpelier

The creative heart, indie cafes, restaurants, murals, and thrift stores. Try That Thing for vintage, Upfest Gallery for street art, The Crafty Egg and Cafe Kino for good coffee, breakfast and laptop days.

Harbourside & Wapping Wharf

Perfect for lazy afternoons. Grab a seat by the water, drift between the container restaurants, or catch the sunset on the waterfront.

Southville & North Street

Murals, markets, and community. Tobacco Factory Sunday Market is a must for food stalls and live music. The Spotted Cow is good for drinks and a Sunday roast. 

Easton

Multicultural, artistic, and full of local flavour. You’ll find hidden gems like The Plough Inn and tiny bakeries tucked between terraces.

Bower Ashton

My pick for where to stay. Peaceful mornings, easy city access, and woodland walks right from your door.

Where to Eat & Drink

Rennes might be small, but its food scene punches way above its size, full of creative bistros, laid-back wine bars, and modern crêperies that reflect the city’s character: a little classic, a little rebellious, and always delicious.

• Nadu – Sri Lankan in Stokes Croft, flavour-packed and dog friendly.
• Bravas – Tapas and wine on Cotham Hill; order everything.
• The Saigon Kitchen – Vietnamese comfort on Zetland Road.
• Burra – Laid-back brunch spot on North Street.
• Bowman – Korean plates worth crossing town for.
• Society Cafe (Harbourside) – the kind of place you could work all day.
• The Apple – cider bar on a boat; Bristol in a nutshell.
• The Old Duke – jazz, pints, and proper character.

And then there’s the Sunday roast situation. The Bank Tavern, The Shakespeare Tavern, The Spotted Cow, and The Kensington Arms are all top tier, but good luck walking in without a booking. Trust me, book a week or two ahead. Bristol doesn’t mess around when it comes to roast dinners.

Bristol’s Vintage & Creative Side

St Nicholas Market is a treasure hunt of vinyl, vintage clothes, and global food stalls. Gloucester Road has a long stretch of independent shops, perfect for a slow wander.

There’s also a visible creative rhythm here. Music drifts from side streets, murals evolve overnight, and people actually talk to you in cafes. It feels like a city in motion, but one that knows exactly who it is.

Why Bristol Stuck With Me

Bristol feels real. It’s creative without trying too hard, conscious without being preachy, and welcoming without ever losing its edge.

It has that rare combination, history, art, nature, and modern culture, all packed into one walkable city. You can wake up to birds in Leigh Woods, grab coffee by the Harbourside, eat tapas in Redland, then end the night at a live music bar. It’s a city that lets you fully embrace yourself. There's much to love and I'll definetely be back.

Next stop: Devon