Leaving Bristol after 20 years - bucket list.

[Squashinthepinkcup]

We're moving out of Bristol in two weeks.

Have studied here, worked here, had children here, so have done a lot of the well known 'things to do'. Very familiar with the SS Great Britain, enjoyed the theatres, graffiti, treasure hunts, ghost trails, WTC, BZP, Bristol/Bath cycle path, have eaten at Whapping Wharf and St Nicks Market etc. We've got 8 Gromits left to see on this year's trail!

Do you know any hidden gems or quirky Bristol things I might have missed, to help break the monotony between packing boxes. Still have young children so heading out for dinners and raves not really going to make the cut, but any attractions, walks, history and things like that are great.

Something I learned today is Blackbeard was from Bristol and drunk at the Hatchet, so having walked by that a thousand times I shall go in next time 😁

Whatcha got?

Is that what that is?! We looked at the books through the window when hunting gromits but had no clue it's a bar. How very cool!

Oh boy, I feel like this is future me writing! It's been such a tough decision to leave. We've probably stayed 5 years longer than we would have if I wasn't so in love with the city.

I think you have to book - but it’s really lovely in there and the cocktails are great (not cheap but not ridiculous). If you haven’t been it should be on your list

It's our last full week! Beyond gutted to be leaving just before the balloon fiesta, but can't be helped.

We did some of the last Gromits this weekend, went up to Thornbury, Slimbridge and enjoyed a stop in Hawkesbury Upton on the way home. I work near Wotton so very familiar with the beautiful villages around there. Recommend a trip for anyone who hasn't been. We've really enjoyed cycling around seeing places whilst completing the trail. Taken us to so many familiar and famous sites, as well as getting us to do things which have been on the list forever but we'd not managed, like Cheddar caves! The pub overlooking Chew Lake had a dreamy view.

Spread out over the next week we're going to prioritise:

• Wake the tiger - a return visit for DC but first time for DH
• Brandons hill tower (kids haven't done it) and the camera obscura (we've done the cave, but the camera wasn't on my radar at all!) followed by Mrs Potts (I've not been, I tend to go to Ruby Hues instead) and perhaps a pizza at Left Handed Giant (I thought they just did beer, and I'm always with the kids so don't go in even though it looks like a wonderful place to while away some hours).
• We've done all the museums and galleries a lot, but might pop in and say bye to Alfred and the caravan if we have the energy.
• The botanical gardens.
• We might head to Beeses, wanted to get the boat but I'm slow to book every year, so give up on that and just go on the bikes. Or I might leave this for a return visit when we can get the boat and do it properly.
• If I can gather some friends together and visit The Library that sounds like an experience not to be missed. Otherwise it's a good one for when I come back.

Things I've added to my 'when we visit' list

• Sadly don't have an 'in' to Henleaze, and my children are too young, so not the one for this week. I'll stick with the portishead lido which I visit often!
• Goldney House with the shell grotto isn't doing tours at the moment, that was a new one for me, but will also have to wait.
• The hidden vault tour - this looks incredible!! I feel like I had heard about it once upon a time but I totally forgot they were there. Something to look forward to.

Otherwise feeling very good that I think I have done everything people have suggested at least once! Have had a grand ol' time in this amazing city <3

Thanks for all your suggestions :D it's been both a validating and inspiring thread!

DD is at uni in Bristol and I now love the place! Got lots to do when I visit now.

my own dd also went to uni in bristol and still lives and works there,
this thread, and others, are great to find out what to do when i visit

This is a great thread-thank you!

Have you hired the mini cinema at 20th Century Flicks on Christmas Steps? I think they still do it.

It might not be possible if you have so little time left, but it’s very cute. I think they have 11 seats.

@Justletmemoveon I have! My mums group used to rent it for our own version of baby cinema when my oldest was tiny :D It's such a lovely idea!

Don't worry. We live walking distance from Bristol and teens never go in, apart from Ashton Gate, which 16 y o adores.
18 y o still hasn't been out out in Bristol, although we aways thought our teenagers would be grateful to live so close.

Don't worry. We live walking distance from Bristol and teens never go in, apart from Ashton Gate, which 16 y o adores.
18 y o still hasn't been out out in Bristol, although we aways thought our teenagers would be grateful to live so close.

@Squashinthepinkcup the finzels reach LHG does good pizza. Unsure about the other venues.