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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To find Bristol and Bath eerie?

206 replies

soulandwine · 08/09/2022 20:32

I wonder if anyone else feels this way about Bristol and Bath? I grew up in east Devon and often used to think about where I'd live as an adult. On paper, Bristol seemed like the perfect and logical solution. The right size, location, beautiful architecture, interesting people and culturally rich.

I'm at a crossroads in my life, and with nothing tying me to any particular area, I am considering once again where would suit me best. My first thoughts were Bristol, but after another recent day trip, I somehow can't bring myself to love the city.

It's hard to describe, but I find the atmosphere in both Bristol and Bath oppressive, disconcerting and somewhat creepy. Both cities have a coldness, as though the soul has been sucked out. I don't feel this way about London, Oxford, Exeter, Winchester etc., only Bristol and Bath.

I will say that I'm a reasonably sensitive character, and I absorb other people's emotions, as mad as that sounds. Does anyone else feel the same way about Bristol and Bath?

Apologies, not sure if this belongs in AIBU or not.

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 09/09/2022 11:38

I do see what you mean, OP. I find Bath distinctly creepy. Bristol is just oddly appointed (for me).

HilarityEnsues · 09/09/2022 11:39

Do you need to live in a city? There are lovely towns, villages and the edges of some cities that are brilliant to live in in the SW, you need to check the travel connections. I love the people in the SW but they are a bit odd at times as well, lots of alternative lifestyles, I've just been reading Devon Live about someone who 'trained' as a mermaid. Apparently, this is a thing...

whumpthereitis · 09/09/2022 11:43

Infinitemoon · 09/09/2022 10:16

It may be leylines. I had an odd encounter around Lizard's point in Cornwall. I set the Sat Nav to what was an easy trip home from the beach to the hotel. It was dusk and quite eerie. It took us down a steep one way road that turned into a track where the road fell away steeply at it's banks to a body of water it was overhung by heavy trees and hedges. I felt a feeling of absolute terror and had to navigate my way reversing back up this road. When I got to the top I was shaking and breathed a sigh of relief. Not even a minute later a van drove up from the road speedily past me. Where on earth it came from I do not know. That whole area felt sinister. I have had a quick look and it on a leyline point with high radon.

Oh, that reminded me. I did not like the lizard when I was there. Felt really eerie, and ‘wrong’. Same as fenland for me.

Never felt creeped out in Bath or Bristol though, despite the fact I walked around a corner straight into a crackhead brawl in the latter on my first visit (‘welcome to Bristol!’).

Richielogic · 09/09/2022 11:59

Highly likely your age has much to do with this

Bristol and Bath are both University Towns. In fact Bristol has 2 of them, University of Bristol and University West of England so whilst not sure of exact numbers that's something like 4,000 at UOB and 3000 at the other. Call its 7,000 min students roaming the city.

Not sure about Bath numbers either but highly likely similar, 7 to 8,000

A uni town will have loads for students, cafes, bars, clubs, shops for student clothing, student digs, cheap shops with discounts etc etc.

If you have been living in East Devon it's going to be quieter in Devon by comparison I guess and i suspect this could be the reason.

You could always rent somewhere for a few weeks to see what it's like but to live there on a perm basis, if it was me i would avoid UNi towns and go further out where its quieter but i'm 54, if i was 24 my answer might be different

Good Luck

Elphame · 09/09/2022 12:05

soulandwine · 08/09/2022 20:32

I wonder if anyone else feels this way about Bristol and Bath? I grew up in east Devon and often used to think about where I'd live as an adult. On paper, Bristol seemed like the perfect and logical solution. The right size, location, beautiful architecture, interesting people and culturally rich.

I'm at a crossroads in my life, and with nothing tying me to any particular area, I am considering once again where would suit me best. My first thoughts were Bristol, but after another recent day trip, I somehow can't bring myself to love the city.

It's hard to describe, but I find the atmosphere in both Bristol and Bath oppressive, disconcerting and somewhat creepy. Both cities have a coldness, as though the soul has been sucked out. I don't feel this way about London, Oxford, Exeter, Winchester etc., only Bristol and Bath.

I will say that I'm a reasonably sensitive character, and I absorb other people's emotions, as mad as that sounds. Does anyone else feel the same way about Bristol and Bath?

Apologies, not sure if this belongs in AIBU or not.

Agree about Bath - it does feel as though the soul is sucked out of it. I think it's partly the oppressive location, set as it is in a bowl. Although I live very close to it I rarely visit.

Bristol though - well most of it! Completely different.

LakieLady · 09/09/2022 12:13

I really like Bath and don't get an eerie or unpleasant vibe from it at all. However, it has struck me that it has always been a sunny day when I've visited, which may have something to do with the way I feel about it. It may well have a very different feel when it's gloomy and overcast, or pissing with rain.

I like most of the spa towns I've visited (including Buxton, mentioned upthread).

Mind you, I spent the first half of my life in Croydon, so most places are an improvement on where I grew up. I suspect my bar is set pretty low.

Orangesarenottheonlyfruit · 09/09/2022 22:00

Richielogic · 09/09/2022 11:59

Highly likely your age has much to do with this

Bristol and Bath are both University Towns. In fact Bristol has 2 of them, University of Bristol and University West of England so whilst not sure of exact numbers that's something like 4,000 at UOB and 3000 at the other. Call its 7,000 min students roaming the city.

Not sure about Bath numbers either but highly likely similar, 7 to 8,000

A uni town will have loads for students, cafes, bars, clubs, shops for student clothing, student digs, cheap shops with discounts etc etc.

If you have been living in East Devon it's going to be quieter in Devon by comparison I guess and i suspect this could be the reason.

You could always rent somewhere for a few weeks to see what it's like but to live there on a perm basis, if it was me i would avoid UNi towns and go further out where its quieter but i'm 54, if i was 24 my answer might be different

Good Luck

More like 20,000 Bristol Uni students and 30,000 UWE students! Every September the city totally changes but that isn't what makes it unsettling.

TokidokiBarbie · 09/09/2022 22:07

Bristol has always seemed very alternative and music driven/studenty to me.

Pourmeanotherwine · 10/09/2022 10:59

I couldnt imagine living anywhere except Bristol. Im not sure what i think about 30% of mumsnet finding my hometime eerie.
Bristol is leftie, creative, a bit anarchic at times, but is a friendly city that feels like home. As others have said, it is more a collection of villages than a normal city, and doesnt really have a proper centre, but i like that we have fabulous local high streets like North street and Gloucester Road with independent businesses. I love the docks, and green spaces like Ashton court and the Downs. There are some great cycle routes. The only downsides to Bristol for me are the congestion and the house prices.

Crikeyalmighty · 10/09/2022 11:16

@Pourmeanotherwine I think Bristol can be a great place to live if you don't mind a bit of grot on your doorstep or are prepared to live further out - we did that and then found it a bit of a fag getting in. If I'm totally honest my H disliked living there more than I did (and he's from there) ! Mainly because he still wanted the nice big house with a car, parking and facilities on the doorstep etc (we lived in Henleaze) but then hated the fag getting in and out of the city centre or on to the motorway- Clifton would have suited but there was nothing suitable to rent when we moved there- looked at several- all had damp issues.

But my son loved it and still goes back regularly to see friends- he likes living in a nice bit of London even more though

Bath was just more 'us' to be honest- but appreciate we are all totally different. Some people on here love living in Hackney etc- me, I liked living in Richmond area!

ClottedCreamAndStrawberries · 10/09/2022 11:37

I lived in Bristol for 10 years and it was ok. I don’t think it’s all that it’s made out to be.

ClottedCreamAndStrawberries · 10/09/2022 11:39

EmpressoftheMundane · 08/09/2022 20:48

Bristol always seems rough to me.

Did you go to Knowle West by any chance 😆

Bestcatmum · 10/09/2022 11:40

Iive in the area and enjoy going into both shopping but there is no way I'd live there. I live in a one of the villages near Glastonbury. They definitely are creepy.

HelpMeGetThrough · 10/09/2022 11:46

I don't like the feel of Bristol at all, I go there a lot for work and have always felt uncomfortable.

Bath, I've been a couple of times, but can't comment on it. I lived in Exeter for 3 years and also Plymouth for the same amount of time and enjoyed both places, Plymouth more.

booboo24 · 10/09/2022 12:05

I've lived in Oxford from the age of 5 but in a village about 4 miles out of town, I love it, however, I always had a 'odd' feeling about Witney. I went to college there and could never explain the feeling, just felt glad I didn't live there (it's nice to look at, just a feeling that made me feel odd) years later my now ex husband had a 'thing' with someone (never got to the bottom of exactly what) and that's where she was from. The feeling went after that, I can go there now and feel nothing at all. I've always felt it was really strange.

My partner however lives in Bristol and I love it. It's a personal choice or a feeling that noone else can make you feel better about, If you get that feeling just move to an area where you feel ok

AdoptedBumpkin · 10/09/2022 16:01

I've never really felt at home in Manchester on the few occasions I've visited. Conversely, I quite like Birmingham.

Original poster
soulandwine · 10/09/2022 16:08

Pourmeanotherwine · 10/09/2022 10:59

I couldnt imagine living anywhere except Bristol. Im not sure what i think about 30% of mumsnet finding my hometime eerie.
Bristol is leftie, creative, a bit anarchic at times, but is a friendly city that feels like home. As others have said, it is more a collection of villages than a normal city, and doesnt really have a proper centre, but i like that we have fabulous local high streets like North street and Gloucester Road with independent businesses. I love the docks, and green spaces like Ashton court and the Downs. There are some great cycle routes. The only downsides to Bristol for me are the congestion and the house prices.

I walked the length of North Street on my last trip -- didn't feel safe, and found it depressing and drab. I had the area bookmarked to check out, as read it was a great area to live.

Not quite sure why I feel the way I do. I'm from the SW, work in an 'arty field' and tend to not follow the crowd -- should be the perfect city for me. It's frustrating.

OP posts:
Original poster
soulandwine · 10/09/2022 16:10

Richielogic · 09/09/2022 11:59

Highly likely your age has much to do with this

Bristol and Bath are both University Towns. In fact Bristol has 2 of them, University of Bristol and University West of England so whilst not sure of exact numbers that's something like 4,000 at UOB and 3000 at the other. Call its 7,000 min students roaming the city.

Not sure about Bath numbers either but highly likely similar, 7 to 8,000

A uni town will have loads for students, cafes, bars, clubs, shops for student clothing, student digs, cheap shops with discounts etc etc.

If you have been living in East Devon it's going to be quieter in Devon by comparison I guess and i suspect this could be the reason.

You could always rent somewhere for a few weeks to see what it's like but to live there on a perm basis, if it was me i would avoid UNi towns and go further out where its quieter but i'm 54, if i was 24 my answer might be different

Good Luck

I don't think it's an age issue. One of my siblings lived on Whiteladies Road in Bristol in his late teens, and I used to go and visit a lot. I was 21/22 at the time, and felt the same way about the city then. It just feels somewhat haunted.

OP posts:
Original poster
soulandwine · 10/09/2022 16:17

Rotherweird · 08/09/2022 21:06

Really interesting - I like both places but I’m fascinated you get that vibe from them. Do you think it could be related to light? I don’t think of either as a “bright” city

I think you could be onto something with the 'light.' Perhaps it is the colour of the architecture -- I just find red brick warmer. A couple of times when I've been to Bath, there's been a low hanging fog, which hasn't helped.

OP posts:
Original poster
soulandwine · 10/09/2022 16:33

Forgot to add -- I DO like the docks, for the most part. But I still find it somewhat eerie. I cannot win.

OP posts:
Original poster
soulandwine · 10/09/2022 16:43

Forgot to add -- I DO like the docks, for the most part. But I still find it somewhat eerie. I cannot win.

OP posts:
Diverseopinions · 10/09/2022 17:10

You might be impressionable to the evil vibes of Bristol's heinous past.

I have to say that when I went shopping to Bristol, as a young child of six, seven, eight, I hated it. The reaction was like a sense of it having an oppressive atmosphere - as you say. I never shook it off.

I grew up outside both Bristol and Bath, by just a few miles, and I preferred going shopping to Bath and using the swimming baths, which used to contain the famous Bath mineral water. The tourists made the centre of Bath fun: my Dad would offer to take photos of the families or couples altogether. The association with Jane Austen was nice and the Pump Rooms, etc. I could imagine the past coming to life and the vicar guy - Mr Elton - from 'Emma', dancing there.

Rowing along the river from Bath to Bristol was delightful. Amazing to have a city in a rural location.

I think Bristol might be cliquey maybe - outside of the young and arty scene.

Diverseopinions · 10/09/2022 17:15

Mrs MoastyToasty

Keynsham and Saltford are nice places, with lovely Riverside pubs.

Diverseopinions · 10/09/2022 17:21

Soulandwine

The docks don't have that creepy atmosphere so much. They are more jolly, working people in vibe. The areas behind the centre and by Park Row and Park Street are creepy, and, as you say, as you walk out along those long roads - lonely and depressive.

I think Totterdown might have quite a different vibe, though.

Cleopatra67 · 10/09/2022 17:31

No! I work in Bristol and absolutely love it. Am planning to move there once my youngest has finished school. It’s the perfect size and really buzzy. Really have no idea what you mean.