U-nderfall Yard
best viewed on a clear day. Descend into the Giant’s Cave, which opens out onto a cliff face 76m above the Avon Gorge. The best view of the bridge is from this vantage point. Just wear sensible shoes and brace yourself for the steep climb back up.
See cliftonobservatory.com
P-ound
Bristol has it’s own. Independent stores and local retailers offers discounts to those who pay with the Bristol Pound – encouraging consumers to spend their money locally. The multiplier effect builds community connections and creates a stronger, healthier local economy It’s currently the United Kingdom’s largest alternative to the pound sterling, and isn’t limited to cash transactions either, it can be used online and on mobile phones.
Q-ueen Square
The Georgian park in the middle of the city is quintessentially British. In spring the daffodils are in bloom, dog walkers meander past walking-tour tourists and locals gather for a lunchbreak gossip on the park benches. The park hosts outdoor concerts, events and is great for a picnic on a sunny day. If you’re lucky enough to get one ... this is the UK after all.
R-ailway Path
The 24-kilometre railway path between Bristol and Bath is perfect for a cycling adventure. Along the way enjoy the landscapes, spot wildlife and reward yourself, once you reach Bath, with a Sally Lunn bun.
See bristolbathrailwaypath.org.uk
S-peakeasies
Bristol is riddled with secret bars, you just have to know where and what to look out for. The clandestine establishments are reminiscent of the Prohibition in the United States, after the Great Depression, when alcohol was... well, prohibited. Today, while the tipple flows freely, the hush-hush atmosphere adds a sense of intrigue to your G&T.
Hyde & Co, just off the Clifton Triangle, can be found by illuminated bowler hat sign. Ring the doorbell, and wait to see if permission is granted. Rumour has it there’s a secret private room behind the bookshelf. Wander down Park St, past The Well Hung Lover (See B-anksy above) to Union St, and if you happen to see a graffiticovered door, with a red light and a phone booth, stop. Pick up the phone, and if you’re lucky, and there’s space, congratulations. The door will open and you’ve made it into Red Light.
See hydeand.co and redlightbristol.xxx
T-reasure Island
Have a pint at the The Llandrodger Trow, a 350-year-old pub that is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson when he was writing Treasure Island, and Daniel Defoe when he wrote Robinson Crusoe. Other patrons include infamous pirate Blackbeard, and up to 15 ghosts. Bristol was the fifth most bombed city during World War II and the old timber building was damaged quite badly but has been well restored. Today you can enjoy a drink among myths, legends, and the odd ghost story. Spend an afternoon at the historic shipyard which is now a scheduled monument – making it ‘‘nationally important’’. Explore the story of the city’s Floating Harbour, and go on guided tours that explain how things like water level and silt are managed. It’s a great, educational way to spend an afternoon with the kids, and understand how Bristol’s Docks have been running for centuries.
See underfallyard.co.uk
V-oyage
Journey on The Matthew, a replica of the 15th-century vessel John Cabot sailed on in 1497, when he discovered Newfoundland. The recreated boat reconstructed Cabot’s original journey and was welcomed into port by Queen Elizabeth II. Today the ship explores Bristol’s historic harbour, and often ventures into the high seas beyond.
See matthew.co.uk
W-herethewall
‘‘Oh yeah, that was Inkie’’, Rob Dean, our guide, says casually after he’d stopped for a chat during our walking tour of Bristol’s street art. Inkie... just one of Banksy’s inner circle. In the birthplace of Banksy, it seems everyone is in on the secret of his identity. But no one is giving it up. A walking tour of the city is the best way to take in the street art and graffiti art, the passion and the history of Banksy, and other Bristolian artists that have put this 1000-year-old city on the map.
The Bristol Street Art Tour costs £9.20 for adults and £4.80 for children. See wherethewall.com
Co-X & Baloney
There’s never a good excuse not to have afternoon tea, and doing so at this vintage tearoom is truly a delight. Think towers of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones served with lashings of clotted cream, strawberries and jam. Wash it all down with one of 14 looseleaved teas for an afternoon well spent.
Try Lily’s Afternoon Tea for £18.50 pp. See coxandbaloneytearooms.com
Y-oung Company
The Young Company is a team of successful theatre professionals who run workshops for young, aspiring actors. It’s run by the Bristol Old Vic – a theatre company with a star-studded alumni list including Academy award winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Jeremy Irons. It’s the oldest continuouslyrunning theatre outside of London.
See bristololdvic.org.uk
Z-oo
Bristol has the fifth oldest zoo in the world – opened in 1836. Run by the Bristol Zoological Society, a conservation and education charity, it’s home to more than 400 species from across the globe. Although many zoos the world over are criticised for keeping animals in captivity, this takes animal welfare seriously. The zoo works with others around the world to breed lemurs – which are critically endangered. Since it opened it has helped save more than 175 species from extinction.
See bristolzoo.org.uk
The writer was a guest of Qatar Airways, Visit Britain and Visit Bristol.