Bristol is known for its big ticket attractions like Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain, but the city has a quieter, more curious side too. If you’re staying at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe, you’re in the ideal spot to explore the local favourites, creative pockets, and oddities that most visitors miss. This blog dives into some of the best non touristy things to do in Bristol, all a short walk or ride from your serviced apartment.
1. St Nicholas Market on a Weekday
Skip the weekend crowds and visit St Nicholas Market midweek. This maze of indoor stalls and food vendors is one of the oldest markets in the city. Locals come for lunch, quirky records, vintage books, and handmade jewellery. Grab a Moroccan wrap or a sourdough toastie and wander through the hidden rooms of the Exchange Hall.
Distance from PREMIER SUITES Redcliffe: 10 minutes on foot
2. Redcliffe Caves (When They Are Open)
Tucked below the city streets, Redcliffe Caves are sandstone tunnels with centuries of history. While they are only open during special events or heritage weekends, it is worth checking the calendar to see if your visit overlaps. The caves were once used to store wine, glass, and even prisoners. Now, they sometimes host film screenings and art installations.
Distance: 5 minutes on foot
3. See Banksy’s Lesser Known Works
Bristol is Banksy’s hometown, and while many people rush to see The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum near the docks, there are a few more subtle pieces dotted around the city. Wander through Montpelier, Stokes Croft, and corners of Bedminster to find them. Use the Banksy Bristol Trail map to spot the originals. Half the fun is stumbling across them by accident.
Tip: Combine this with a local coffee shop crawl. Try Small Street Espresso or Little Victories.
4. Arnos Vale Cemetery
Not just a burial ground, Arnos Vale is part history lesson, part nature walk. This Victorian cemetery is a peaceful place to walk through tree lined paths, grand mausoleums, and forgotten gravestones. You will often find photography exhibitions or open air theatre performances here too. It is eerie, beautiful, and completely different.
Distance: 25 minute walk or 10 minute cycle
5. The Lido (Only for the Spa)
Locals know about Clifton Lido, but most visitors do not book unless they are swimming. You do not need to bring your togs. You can just go for a massage and lounge around the old Victorian baths. It is peaceful, stylish, and offers a perfect break from the usual city buzz. Pre booking is essential.
Distance: 30 minutes by bus or taxi
6. Explore Christmas Steps
This historic lane off Colston Street feels like a time warp. Tiny shops line the steep stone steps, from music stores and antique shops to an old school printmaker. Not many tourists bother with this corner of Bristol, but it is full of charm and character. Pop into The Christmas Steps pub after for a pint.
Distance: 15 minute walk
7. Windmill Hill City Farm
Just across the river from Bedminster, Windmill Hill City Farm is a working farm, café, and community garden all in one. There is no admission fee and you can walk through the vegetable patches, meet pigs and goats, or sit with a coffee under the trees. It is perfect if you want a slower paced morning and a break from sightseeing.
Distance: 15 minute walk
8. Spike Island and the Creative Harbourside
Most tourists stay near the M Shed and Harbourside restaurants, but if you go just a bit further, Spike Island offers a more artistic experience. It is a contemporary art centre with changing exhibitions, artists’ studios, and the occasional talk or workshop. It is less about big crowds and more about quiet exploration.
Distance: 20 minute walk
9. Southville Street Art and North Street
Instead of heading to Cabot Circus or Park Street, try North Street in Southville. Lined with independent shops, breweries, and a huge stretch of painted walls from Upfest (Europe’s largest street art festival), it feels alive and local. Grab a drink in The Tobacco Factory or catch a show in its theatre space.
Distance: 20 minutes on foot
10. Relax in Your Serviced Apartment
Sometimes the most non touristy thing to do is nothing. Skip the queues, stay in, and enjoy the calm of PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe. These serviced apartments offer more than just a place to sleep. With fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and flexible stays, it is easy to settle in and unwind. Perfect after a long day of exploring Bristol’s offbeat gems.
Staying at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe gives you more freedom to explore Bristol like a local. From hidden art to forgotten cemeteries, non touristy Bristol has a lot to offer if you are willing to wander. Choose your own pace, veer off the beaten track, and use your apartment as a quiet base to return to after the city’s surprises.
