Bristol in autumn: enjoy the relaxed vibe of the west’s capital
Bristol in autumn is a city that balances vibrant street life with historical charm, creating an atmosphere perfect for exploring its less-frequented corners. While many will flock to see Brunel’s SS Great Britain or the Clifton Suspension Bridge, we’re here to introduce you to Bristol’s more surprising and hidden gems. These recommendations take you from quirky breakfast spots to unusual evening experiences, with plenty of stops for art, history, and food along the way.
The 7 Places to enjoy in Bristol
1 | Brunch at Mercy Mercy Mercy
Brunch at Mercy Mercy Mercy on a lazy Sunday (Credit: DMR)
Start your day with breakfast at Mercy Mercy Mercy, a laid-back café in the Old Market. Known for its hearty breakfasts and focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, it’s a perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring. Whether you’re after smashed avocado on sourdough or a classic full fry-up, the menu has plenty of choices. Pair your breakfast with a perfectly brewed coffee to set yourself up for the day ahead. Don’t be surprised to see a few people nursing sore heads and seeking relief with their hair of the dog drinks.
2 | Visit the Red Lodge Museum
For a slice of history, take a short walk to The Red Lodge Museum, one of Bristol’s lesser-known gems. This beautifully preserved Tudor house offers a quiet retreat into the city’s past, with its period rooms and lovely Elizabethan Knot Garden. As it’s free to enter, it’s a budget-friendly way to absorb some of Bristol’s history. Take your time wandering through the house and garden for a peaceful break from the city’s busier streets.
3 | Browse through St Nicholas Market
St Nick's Market (Credit: The Academy of Urbanism CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Next, head to St Nicholas Market, a lively street-food mecca tucked within a Georgian arcade. This is the spot to savour some of Bristol’s finest street food; local favourites like Pieminister or Eat a Pitta are must-tries. St Nick’s is also a treasure trove of vintage finds, handmade goods, and quirky gifts, with autumn adding a seasonal twist to the bustling atmosphere. Whether you’re a foodie or a bargain hunter, the market should be a definite stop on your itinerary.
4 | Run up Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower
View from the top of Cabot Tower, Brandon Hill (Credit: DMR)
After exploring the market, take a peaceful walk up Brandon Hill, one of Bristol’s oldest parks. At the top, you’ll find Cabot Tower, a 105-foot structure that offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Climb up the spiral staircase – it’s well worth it for the stunning autumnal views of the trees and rooftops below. The park itself is a lovely spot to take in the fresh air, and the benches dotted around are ideal for a quick rest or even a picnic if you’ve come prepared.
5 | Take in some art at Arnolfini plus a waterside walk
Waterside walk, Harbourside (Credit: DMR)
For lovers of art and culture, a visit to the Arnolfini gallery is a must. Located along the harbour, this contemporary art centre has thought-provoking exhibitions, often with a local or political focus. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the autumn scenery. There are plenty of cozy cafés where you can stop for a warm drink…
6 | Bristol craft beer crawl
Moor Beer Company, one of many Bristol craft beer tap rooms
Bristol is known for its craft beer scene, and an autumn evening is a great excuse to do a little crawl around tap rooms and pubs serving the best local beers. In no particular order, here are some of my favourites: Lost and Grounded tap room, Bristol Beer Factory tap room, Wiper and True tap room, Moor Beer Company tap room, the Kings Head (Good Chemistry Brewing) and Little Martha Brewing (a brewpub). There are many others, but start with those and you can’t go far wrong. Do check the websites for opening hours as not all tap rooms are open every day.
7 | Tarot readings and cocktails at The Raven
For something quirky to end your day, head to The Raven, where you can sip on delicious cocktails while indulging in a spot of tarot reading. It’s an unexpected twist to your evening, mixing Bristol’s love for a good drink with a dash of mysticism. Whether you’re a believer or just fancy something fun and unique, it’s an experience that’s sure to leave you with a story to tell. Check out the list of events on the website as tarot readings tend to be during the week with burlesque dancing taking the stage on the weekends.
Rock climbing in the Avon Gorge (Credit: Masa Sokano CC BY-SA 2.0)
Your Bristol challenge | Go rock climbing (or abseiling) by the Clifton Suspension Bridge
For every city we go to, we like to set a challenge for the more adventurous traveller. So, if you’ve got a head for heights and want to challenge yourself, why not try rock climbing? The Avon Gorge has some of the best urban climbing spots in the UK, and autumn is a perfect time to give it a go. You can book a climbing session with local guides who will show you the ropes (pun intended…) while enjoying amazing views over the gorge and river.
Travel essentials: getting around Bristol
Bristol is a city best explored on foot, but if you need a quicker option, buses and e-scooters are readily available. The city centre is compact, and many of these hidden gems are within walking distance. If you’re flying in, Bristol Airport is about 30 minutes from the city by bus or taxi. Trains from London and other major cities also provide easy access, though worth noting that Bristol Temple Meads (the main station) is about 10-15 mins walk from the centre.
Don’t wait - go west and get some…
Bristol is a fab city for a weekend away or a day/night out. It’s a place with a relaxed vibe, yet there’s also a creative energy that makes it really quite special. Visiting in autumn is perfect with the vibrant markets and the changing leaves adding a special touch to the city’s outdoor spaces (speaking of outdoor spaces, if you have time it is always fun to go on the hunt for Bristol’s world-famous street art). If you fancy what Bristol has to offer, then don’t wait, just go west and get some…
