Location: Old City
Top Things to do in Old City
Top 8 Sights & Landmarks in Old City, England
Bristol is a quirky British city with beautiful hilly vistas and plenty of historic sights to explore. Anyone interested in ships will have a blast aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great oceanliner, and the Matthew, a replica of the ship upon which John Cabot sailed to America in the 15th century. The graceful Clifton Suspension Bridge is another must-see.
Restaurants in Bristol
1. Christ Church with St Ewen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By DanielDay906
A lovely church, right in the middle of Bristol's Old City. The vicar and congregants are very friendly, the building is beautiful, the music is superb, and the Prayer Book services are solemn and dignified. Fully recommended – to worshippers and sightseers alike.
2. Bristol Old Vic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Built in 1766 as a place where the people of Bristol could come together, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world. It was built as a symbol of the pride we have in our city and what it can achieve and remains a place of joy, discovery and adventure to this day.
Reviewed By postscript65 - Hermanus, South Africa
We took the whole family - young and not so young - for a feast of festive season entertainment. The version of Charles Dickens’ masterclass in social conscience was magnificently created by the Old Vic team. Drama, inspiration, interaction, participation, humour, pathos and sensitivity were cunningly interwoven around a traditionally musical version of A Christmas Carol. We were all mesmerised for a full two and half hour performance which raised the roof on the 18th century theatre. Brilliant!!
3. Corn Exchange
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By stevel269 - Bristol, United Kingdom
If you are visiting the Corn Exchange, don’t forget to check out the clock on the front facade, or the four short pillars (called The Nails) outside. First the clock. Unique in that it has three hands. The history behind that relates to the railway. Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the railway between Bristol and London. And until then time keeping was determined by the sun. Midday was always when the sun was at its highest point in the sky. Due to the rotation of the earth, and the distance between Bristol and London, midday happens ten minutes earlier in London. Not an issue unless you are through to run an efficient train timetable between the cities. Time was standardised to Greenwich Mean Time but the clock continues to record the time in Bristol and also in London which is always 10 minutes different (according to solar calculations) Then the Nails. Built at different time hence the different styles, the earliest dates to 1623 and the reign of Charles 1. Corn and other merchants would have transacted business at these nails and possibly displayed a sample of their wares on them. When the deal was agreed the money would be placed on the top of the Nail, leading to the expression ‘paying in the Nail’. Deal finalised. If you have seen this and the market inside the Corn Exchange, look up The Church of St John in the Wall which is just around the corner. Dating to the 14th century, the only remaining part of the medieval wall, with the only remaining medieval gateway into the old city.
4. The Architecture Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
The Architecture Centre champions better buildings and places for people. By demonstrating the value of good design we aim to increase public awareness and enjoyment of the built environment, and stimulate demand for design excellence. The Architecture Centre exists to foster a greater understanding and enjoyment of architecture and to promote the value of a better built environment. We believe that by increasing public awareness and working with those responsible for development, we will help raise expectations and thereby provide both opportunities and demand for better buildings and places. Every aspect of the work undertaken by The Architecture Centre aims to: Widen public awareness Develop understanding and appreciation Demonstrate the value of good design Encourage good practice The Architecture Centre is the leading regional expert on engaging the public with the built environment and championing the creation of better quality neighbourhoods, buildings and public spaces. Based in Bristol and relating directly to that particular urban environment we respond equally to the needs of the wider South West region. The Centre’s programme includes exhibitions, events, lectures and critical debate, work with artists, and visits to inspiring buildings. Our learning programme delivers engaging built environment education to children and young people in the South West. We promote the value of good design - empowering communities undergoing change to shape their environment for the better, and working with built environment professionals, local authority officers and councillors to achieve design excellence. The Centre is based on Bristol’s Harbourside and our gallery is open to the public 5 days a week (we are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Please visit our website for more information on opening times and current exhibition and events programme.
5. Queen Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By 70ish - Worcester, United Kingdom
A beautiful well used square fabulous buildings surrounding a grassed area with large statue in centre. Plenty of seating and shaded areas a real delight.
6. St Nicholas Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
7. Pero's Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By ThomasApple - Cardiff, United Kingdom
As a tourist in Bristol I was much surprised when I came across this bridge! The padlocks were so colourful and really gave the area a shine. The rustic feel of each padlock each shares a story, and seeing how many there really are is breath-taking.
8. Prince Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By RobininBRISTOL - Bristol, United Kingdom
Just happened to be on my way and it was swung. Great guy in charge of the controls was a mine of information. The last water hydraulic power in the docks. Which explains the tower on the wooden building by the bridge. Would be a good idea to have some words of explanation for anyone who does not have the good luck of being there when it is working.
