You'll likely find a slice of history and culture down every corner and alley you turn in Bristol - and a Greggs.
The city is home to so much heritage that you can forgive most of its residents for not knowing every hidden gem tucked away just out of plain sight. It’s true, whether you are new to the area or have spent your whole life in Bristol, you will never get tired of exploring.
BristolWorld has jotted down a list of 11 of our favourite hidden gems that we’re ready to share. From the old to the new, away from the usual sites and shopping centres, this list should lead you down rabbit holes and interesting turns with fascinating stories.
From a medieval church which withstood heavy German bombing to one of the city’s last remaining ‘proper’ pubs - here are 11 hidden gems to be found in Bristol:
1. Giuseppe’s, Baldwin Street
Bristol’s oldest Italian restaurant perched on the edge of St Nick’s Market. It’s a proper restaurant selling old-school Italian favourites. It may not draw in the tourists, but people in the know regularly fill the tables of this beautiful place with dark wood panelling and deep red furnishing. It’s timeless, and well worth a visit.
2. Beeses riverside bar, Brislington
It describes itself as ‘Bristol’s best kept secret’ - and it’s hard to argue with the bar situated along a pleasant wooded stretch of the River Avon. It opens in April each year and features food, drink and live music. You can get there by catching the number 1 bus from Temple Mead, and taking a 5 min walk from Broomhill Road.
3. John Wesley Chapel and New Rooms
Tucked away and shrouded by towering post-war shops, you’ve probably walked past the John Wesley Chapel and New Room hundreds of times without even knowing its there. The Grade-I listed Chapel is mostly unchanged from the 18th Century and is well worth a look on its own but, thanks to an expansion in 2017 the building also boasts a library, cafe and gift shop along with an incredible museum upstairs.
4. Temple Church, Victoria Street
Despite bombing during the Second World War, the tower and walls of this medieval church still remain. A rounded church was built by the Knights Templar, before it was replaced with the rectangular one you can see today. It was lit up frequently for Bristol Light Festival, and today it is open for people to walk around for free.