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Bristol Walking tours

Our most recommended Bristol Walking tours

Bristol: Blackbeard to Banksy Guided Walking Tour

1. Bristol: Blackbeard to Banksy Guided Walking Tour

Uncover Bristol's historic downtown area on a two-hour tour with an expert guide. Begin your tour outside Bristol Cathedral on College Green, an imposing medieval church built in the 12th century. As you walk through the downtown core, hear about the origins of the city, where it first started, and its medieval center. You'll then continue on to the Norman castle site, situated strategically between the River Avon and River Frome. See evidence of blitz damage, perpetrated by the Nazis against Bristol during the Second World War.  Throughout, you'll learn about Banksy, Brunel, Blackbeard, and many other of Bristol's famous residents (whose names may or may not start with a B). Hear bizarre echoes and finally finish on Bristol's historic harborside after seeing the smallest, largest, and most beautiful pieces of street art in the city.

Bristol: Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Experiences

2. Bristol: Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Experiences

Explore two of the twelve impressive stone vaults that support the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Discovered just 20 years ago, the largest chamber is 11 meters high and covered in incredible stalactites and was built by famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. All ticket holders must be aged 7 years or over, and must wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Hard Hat Tour One Hour. £15 General Admission This is your chance to take a look inside Brunel’s hidden vaults, rediscovered by an intrepid team of engineers and construction workers in 2002. Our knowledgeable volunteer guides will explain how the design of Brunel’s bridge was shaped by the influence of others, and how the young newcomer was able to make his name. You’ll hear all about the people who built and rediscovered the vaults before donning a hard hat, descending a ladder and taking a look for yourself. Vaults Visit One Hour. Adults £10, Children £8 Our Vaults Visits are a family-friendly way to explore inside the Leigh Woods Vaults. Put on your hard hat, climb down the ladder and follow our map as you explore the largest and most significant of the twelve stone vaults – an impressive underground echo chamber 11 meters high and festooned in stalactites. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONPlease ensure that all members of your group are aware of the following restrictions. For safety reasons, we may not be able to allow members of your party to access the vaults if they have not complied with the following: • Tours are suitable for age 7+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.• There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m. r>• Please wear sturdy shoes with good grip such as hiking boots or trainers. You will not be allowed to join the tour in heels or open-toed shoes.• This tour includes climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor. Please ensure that you are physically capable of doing so. Find more information at https://cliftonbridge.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Access-Guide.pdf • Please ensure that any camera, phone, or device you bring will fit in your pocket or bag so that you have two hands free to climb the ladder.• Only small rucksack type bags worn over both shoulders or bags with cross-body straps will be permitted inside the vaults. Large bags, handbags, umbrellas and so on can be stored securely at the Visitor Centre during your tour.• Be aware that the vaults can be wet and/or muddy inside, particularly after heavy rain. Please wear suitable clothing and ensure that cameras or mobile phones are protected from the calcite saturated water which may fall from the ceiling.

Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour

3. Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour

Allow local guides to take you on a magical tour through 1,000 years of Bristol's history. Enjoy privileged access to subterranean passageways, rooftop vistas, WW11 air raid shelters, and rooms that once rocked to the best bands of the 1960s. Visit St. Nicholas Market for lunch. Your tour begins outside the main entrance of the Corn Exchange. Stroll through ancient streets to see Blitz damage, castle remains, street art, and much more. After discovering the highlights of the Old Town, head back in time and beneath the streets to explore areas of the city that are usually unavailable to the public. You'll be moved, fascinated, and amazed by the WW2 Air Raid Shelter which remains as a living time capsule hidden beneath the city. You might even meet Margaret — a friendly ghost. Along the way, learn about Bristol's role in the slave trade, piracy, and its current position as the capital of street art. Your guide will keep you informed and entertained until lunchtime when you can sample the delights of St. Nicholas Market and the finest street food in Bristol. Grab some fun souvenirs while you're at it.

Bristol: Guided Ghost Tour

4. Bristol: Guided Ghost Tour

Bristol Ghost Tours is the only dedicated ghost tour available in Bristol today. We offer fully guided tours with a professional costumed guide, to take you around the old medieval heart of the city, that introduce you to a modern city crammed with ghosts and tales of the paranormal. The tour itself is family friendly, meets outside of the Bristol Cathedral on College Green at 7.30pm on tour nights, and lasts for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. You will be taken around the as part of a group, with never more than 32 people and be immersed into the many hidden secrets and horrors that are waiting at up to 17 different haunted locations. The tour begins outside the Bristol Cathedral at 7.30pm and then weaves a trail that passes by The Hatchet Inn, the Bristol Beacon, Christmas Steps, Lower Maudlin Rd, Union St, St Nicholas Markets, Bristol Bridge, King St, Bristol Old Vic, Queens Square. The route itself is almost circular, taking in the oldest parts of the city and up to 17 different haunted locations. The tour ends in Queens Square which is very close to bus stops and the centre of the city and many pubs, cafes restaurants and hotels.

Frequently asked questions about Bristol

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What people are saying about Bristol

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 6 reviews

This is a first rate activity o for both a seasoned Bristolian or a one-time visitor. The majesty of Brunel’s suspension bridge has to be seen to be believed. Being one of the privileged few to venture underneath into the vaults to see the toil of Victorian building work is incredible and the shear scale of the space is incredible. The volunteer tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. I would recommend this trip to anyone. 10/10

Our guide was very knowledgable and made the tour educational and fun. The 2 hour tour flew by and we got to see a lot of Bristol we wouldn’t have seen if we didn’t do the tour.

Rosa was a great guide - lots of information delivered with great humour. Time flew by. Highly recommended

Great experience very interesting with a very knowledgeable guide.

Great tour, very interesting and two superb guides....