Everything is a bit different this year and if you are about to start your university adventure in Bristol in 2020, a traditional freshers week and regular visits to the night clubs won’t happen.
However, you are still in one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the country and there are a ton of great things to see and do here in the west country. Here are five things you definitely shouldn’t miss out and which are guarantee safe to visit during the pandemic.
The Downs
Good for… Walking, sport, and some sightseeing!
What it is… A large expanse of grass and open fields, right by the Stoke Bishop halls.
Why you should go… This is where all the sports societies come to play games on Wednesday afternoons, so if you join a team you’re bound to come here. But even if sport isn’t your thing, take some time out to stroll around the parks – or if you’re particularly adventurous, wander over to the Avon Gorge, where you get a fantastic view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Clifton Suspension Bridge (and Clifton Village)
Good for… Admiring architecture and engineering!
What it is… An awe-inspiring bridge that spans the Avon Gorge.
Why you should go… If you’re planning to study engineering, this should be your first stop when you come to Bristol. The mechanical engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the bridge, which was eventually completed after his death in 1864. It was only initially built to carry horse-drawn traffic, and yet it still functions today as an active road bridge for modern traffic. The bridge gives you a great view of the River Avon below, and is only a short walk from Clifton Village, which is famous for its beautiful Georgian architecture.
Stokes Croft
Good for… Finding out what Bristol is really like.
What it is… An eccentric, vibrant place – known as Bristol’s ‘cultural quarter’.
Why you should go… To check out the street art! Stokes Croft has wonderfully painted murals and stunning graffiti art, all up and down the main street. Stop off for a bite to eat in one of the local cafes, and then if you have time, take a look at the ‘outdoor gallery’ wall; there’s always something different up there!
Bristol Street Art Tour
Good for… Seeing the best street art in Bristol
What it is… A guided walk through the Bristol City centre visiting
Why you should go… Bristol has an incredible street art scene and the Bristol Street Art Tour is the perfect way to get to see the best graffiti in town, including some of Banksy’s masterpieces.
S.S. Great Britain (and the Bristol Harbour)
Good for… Lovers of the history of marine engineering.
What it is… A restored version of the great passenger steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Why you should go… This ship was the first iron steamship ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and in 1970 she was returned to where she was originally built – the Bristol dry docks. Walking from the city centre to the S.S. Great Britain gives you a fantastic insight into Bristol’s shipping-industry history, and with museums, exhibitions and bars dotted up and down the harbour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Source: Whatuni.com
