Day Out in Bristol

[Cloudminnow]

We were thinking of having a day out in Bristol. Is there anything you would recommend (also hoping to fit in a bit of shopping)? Also, where would be a good place to park for the whole day?

Are you up for a bit of walking (for free car parking recommendations)? Do you have DC to entertain? There's lots of brilliant things to do - you could park near the zoo (lots of free parking on the Downs nearby). Have a wafer round the zoo, check out the suspension bridge. Wander round the shops in Clifton Village and then walk into town (about 40-50 mins) via Whiteladies Road (a few interesting shops, places for lunch etc) and Park Street (past Bristol museum and art gallery) all the way down to Cabot Circus for big name shops. Grab a bus (number 8 or 9, I think) back up the long hill to the Downs at the end of the day.

Other recommendations available (I love Bristol!)

Wander - not wafer! Not sure how that would work!

What sort of age/interests are your DCs (assuming you are going with children), and what sort of shopping? ClipClap's agenda sounds a good base to me. Big name shops are in Broadmead/Cabot Circus, but Clifton/Queens Rd and Park St have more interesting independent places, eg Bristol Guild is great for one-off Christmas presents. There is also St Nicholas' market (stalls/mini shops and some very good food), or the Christmas Steps area for quirky, arty little shops.

The harbourside area is also lovely if it's a fine day, and is easy to combine with the other things, as it basically starts at the bottom of Park Street. Either find somewhere to eat out on the harbourside (lots of options) or go for a boat trip, or try the @Bristol science museum, or MShed (industry/local history - more fun than it sounds).

Thanks Clipclap and Exexpat! Some great ideas. The DCs are 13 and 14, so walking no problem.