The Ultimate Pocket Guide: Bristol Weekend Breaks
Looking for an exciting weekend getaway? Bristol is the perfect spot for a fun-filled adventure with family or friends! A vibrant city full of history, cool activities, amazing street food, and famous street art, Bristol is calling your name. Why not kick off your weekend a little early? Start on Friday, and let’s get ticking off that Bristol weekend bucket list!
Friday: The Perfect Start to Your Weekend
St Nicholas Markets (Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch)
Start your weekend with a visit to the iconic St Nicholas Markets. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light brunch, or just some tasty street food, there’s something for everyone. This bustling market has been around since 1743 and is home to quirky stalls, historic architecture, and a fantastic food scene. Don’t miss the raw food-juicing stand for their famous Breakfast Yoghurt Smoothie! Fun fact: St Nicholas Markets was named Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market in 2016.
Distance: 5-minute walk from Cleyro Serviced Apartments.
(image: BristolPost.co.uk)
Bristol Cathedral (Late Morning)
Next, take a relaxing stroll to Bristol Cathedral. This stunning piece of history has stood for over 1,000 years, and it’s free to visit! Whether you’re interested in architecture or just want a peaceful spot to unwind, the Cathedral is the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere. It’s open every day, so you can enjoy its beauty anytime during your visit.
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, 8am - 3:15pm on Sundays.
Distance: 9-minute walk from St Nicholas Markets.
The SS Great Britain & Being Brunel Museum (Midday)
Time for some interactive history! Head over to the SS Great Britain and the Being Brunel Museum to learn about one of Britain’s greatest engineers, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The museum is filled with fascinating exhibits and fun activities, making it a great stop for all ages.
Distance: 6-minute car ride or 10-minute walk with a scenic ferry ride.
(image: VisitBristol.co.uk)
Chance & Counters (Lunch/Chill Time)
For a bit of fun and relaxation, visit Chance & Counters – a café with over 850 board games to choose from! Whether you're into classic games like Connect 4 or newer hits like Cards Against Humanity, there's no shortage of options. Pair that with craft beer or cider, and you’ve got the perfect hangout.
Distance: 8-minute walk from The SS Great Britain.
(image: ChanceandCounters.com)
Bristol Street Art Tour (Afternoon)
No weekend in Bristol is complete without exploring the city’s incredible street art. Take a guided tour or wander around the streets to spot colorful murals and graffiti by renowned artists like Banksy. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic works like the Well Hung Lover on Frogmore Street!
Distance: 6-minute walk from Chance & Counters to Banksy’s Well Hung Lover.
(image: VisitBristol.co.uk)
Wapping Wharf (Evening/Dinner)
Wind down with a visit to Wapping Wharf – a lively area full of trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s a fantastic place for dinner, with spots like Bandook offering delicious Indian dishes like Grandma’s Curry and Indian tacos. Perfect for a relaxing evening of food and entertainment.
Distance: 7-minute walk from Banksy’s Well Hung Lover.
(image: VisitBristol.co.uk)
Saturday: Explore & Indulge
Spicer & Cole (Breakfast/Brunch)
Kickstart your Saturday with a delightful breakfast at Spicer & Cole, where the food is fresh, seasonal, and Instagram-worthy. Try their homemade granola bowl or avocado toast with the best artisanal coffee in town. You won’t regret it!
Distance: 4-minute walk from Cleyro Serviced Apartments.
(image: facebook.com/spicerandcole)
Boat Ride Around Bristol Harbourside (Afternoon)
See Bristol from the water with a scenic boat ride around the Harbourside. The Floating Harbour is one of Bristol's most popular attractions, surrounded by trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. Several boat tours are available, including longer themed tours in the warmer months.
Distance: 8-minute walk from Spicer & Cole.
Smoke & Mirrors – Magician Bar (Evening)
For a night full of magic and comedy, visit Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol’s theatre district. Enjoy a cocktail while watching live magic and comedy shows in this unique bar – it’s a night out with a twist!
Distance: 4-minute walk from Bristol Harbourside.
(image: designmynight.com)
Sunday: Relax & Enjoy Your Last Day
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie (Breakfast)
On Sunday morning, treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at The Ivy Clifton Brasserie. Located in the heart of Clifton Village, this stylish spot serves up modern British and international dishes. The Full Ivy English Breakfast is a must-try!
Distance: 1.6 miles from Cleyro Serviced Apartments.
(image: theivycliftonbrasserie.com)
Clifton Suspension Bridge (After Breakfast)
No visit to Bristol is complete without seeing the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Take in stunning views and enjoy a peaceful walk around this engineering marvel. Be sure to grab a coffee from Chapter & Holmes, a lovely coffee cart on the North Somerset side of the bridge.
Distance: 0.5 miles from The Ivy Clifton Brasserie.
Playground Coffee House (Lunch/Coffee Break)
For something a little different, head over to Playground Coffee House, where you can sip on your coffee while swinging on indoor swings! It’s a quirky spot that offers delicious coffee, fresh homemade pastries, and a free board game library – perfect for a fun, laid-back lunch.
Distance: 1.9 miles from Clifton Suspension Bridge.
(image: timeout.com)
Puzzlair Escape Room (Late Afternoon/Evening)
Looking for some adrenaline? Puzzlair is Bristol’s top escape room, where you and your friends will work together to solve puzzles and escape in under an hour. It’s the perfect way to end your weekend with a bit of challenge and excitement!
Distance: 0.9 miles from Playground Coffee House.
(image: worldofescapes.co.uk)
L’Osteria (Dinner)
End your weekend on a high note with a delicious Italian dinner at L’Osteria. Known for their massive pizzas and traditional Italian dishes, this spot is perfect for pizza lovers. Don’t miss their famous Nutella pizza with bananas and mixed fruit – a sweet ending to your weekend adventure!
Distance: 0.7 miles from Puzzlair Escape Room.
(image: losteria.net)
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Handy Travel Tips
To make the most of your Bristol weekend break, arrive early on Friday to maximize your time exploring. Make reservations at popular restaurants, as they can get busy over the weekend. The city is super walkable, but you can also explore by bike, ferry, bus, or train – all great ways to get around. If you’re driving, there are plenty of parking options near Cleyro Serviced Apartments.
Bristol is waiting for you! Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a street art enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your weekend break. Ready to explore? Let’s go!