Discover Bristol with megabus
Bristol is a city with a distinctly rebellious streak. From the shopping scene, which has more independents than well-known stores, to the street art that brightens up every corner, it’s a one-of-a-kind type of place. So it’s no wonder this unique port city has played a starring role on TV in everything from Sherlock to Skins. You can see all the locations featured for yourself when you book bus travel to Bristol. Just don’t expect to be able to compare the place to anywhere else, because this city doesn’t follow the crowd.
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Bristol: top 3 things to do
1. See the city by boat
Bristol is built on the water, from its physical position on the River Avon, to its history a thriving trading port. Today, the city’s waterways provide the perfect introduction to the place, and you can jump – ok, step – onto a waterbus with Bristol Ferry Boats 364 days a year. That’s right – you’ll have to find another means of transport on Christmas Day.
2. Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Step aboard Brunel’s famous ship, launched in 1843, and find out what makes it one of Bristol’s top visitor attractions. It’s a ‘living’ museum, which means you can expect to meet Victorian characters when you head below-deck. Tickets are valid for 12 months, and you’ll find it on Harbourside.
3. The symbol of Bristol
You can't visit Bristol and not see the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Whether you just want to walk over it, pop along to the Visitors Centre to see history displays or take in a free tour of the bridge - this has to be one of your must dos. Or you can don your hard hat between Easter and October and take part in one of the famous Hard hat tours where you'll go behind the scenes to explore Brunel's hidden chambers.
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Explore local attractions
Bristol’s beautiful Cathedral is on College Green in the city’s West End, and it’s open 365 days a year. It dates back to the 1100s and its haunting interior has been featured in film and TV including, of course, the BBC’s Sherlock. This is Bristol, after all.
Right in the heart of the city you’ll find a secret garden of serenity, also known as Arnos Vale. It’s a Victorian garden cemetery that covers 45 acres. Follow the trail and you’ll find beautiful classical buildings, sculptures and monuments, all surrounded by nature.
Set off on a Sherlock or Skins location trail! Bristol Film Office has put together a downloadable walking trail of all the locations featured in Sherlock, and there are absolutely loads of them. Follow in the eccentric detective’s footsteps for free, or try the trail for fans of Skins, the grimy teen drama about a group of Bristol sixth-formers.
mega-fun activities
Booked your Bristol coach travel and wondering what to do in the evening? Take in a show at Bristol Old Vic, the longest continually-running theatre in the UK. Or, watch some stand-up comedy – there’s a Jongleurs on Canons Road, and you’ll find plenty more independent venues.
If you’re going out-out, the city centre has more bars and clubs than you can fit into the space of an evening. Clifton is the place for an upmarket night out, and Stokes Croft has an alternative feel. Wherever you end up, make sure you stop for a quick half at the Coronation Tap. Clifton’s only ciderhouse is something of a rite of passage for uni students arriving in the city.
Bristol’s Gloucester Road takes the crown as Europe’s longest street of independent shops. It’s full of one-off shops and tiny pop-ups, along with neighbouring Stokes Croft, which also happens to have some of Banksy’s best street art on show. Clifton Village will be more your cup of tea if you’re a fan of posh boutiques and classy cafés. And Bristol Shopping Quarter, in the heart of the city, is the place to go for high street brands and affordable labels.
Travel in style
With many great value fares on offer, travelling to Bristol by coach with megabus is the perfect way to make sure your journey is as comfortable and connected as possible. With more legroom than ever and charging points on board, you can take time to enjoy the scenery and snap some insta-worthy content for your social media as you travel along this route!
Let's get going
From Cardiff, megabus can get you to Bristol in under an hour and a half. From Manchester, it takes over 4 hours to get to Bristol with megabus.
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