11 hidden gems to find in Bristol - including a century-old drinking den
Many of these tucked away delights you will pass by without knowing!
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:
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.
5. 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.
6. Redfield Cinema
The 110-year-old art deco cinema sits behind a former Wetherspoons at St George’s Hall on Church Road. It was built in 1912 and became a bingo hall in 1961 and then mothballed in the 1970s. Campaigners want to reopen the cinema - and stop the site being redeveloped. A planning application has been submitted to Bristol City Council to redevelop it.
7. Kings Weston Roman Villa
You could drive past it without seeing it. This historically important site is within a fenced area off Kings Weston Avenue. It’s the site of a Roman villa, and today you can see the remains of the bath suite, mosaic floors and Roman central heating. Tickets to look around are available from Blaise Museum.
8. Stokeleigh Camp
Leigh Woods is a popular jaunt for joggers and walkers with routes from the Clifton Suspension Bridge or down by the former Portishead railway on the bank of the River Avon. Those who venture in the woodland will spot the ditches and mounds of the Iron Age fortification which was occupied pre-Roman times. It’s believed it was occupied again in the Middle Ages.