I know I'm biased as a proud Bristolian, but there's something extra special about Bristol in autumn. The busy streets get a little quieter, local pubs start bringing entertainment inside, the city lights up with different firework displays and the autumn markets get a new buzz about them as people start planning for Christmas.
Having lived in Bristol my whole life, Autumn is one of my favourite times of year to explore the city. After a busy summer jam-packed with events and adventures, and months of pointing lost tourists in the right direction every time you head into the city centre, autumn feels like a selfish opportunity for locals to take a breath and unwind for a while. Autumn offers the perfect opportunity to appreciate the peace and quiet between the two busy seasons, and enjoy orange-tinged views up the tree-lined streets - a sight that not many tourists stay to enjoy.
Autumn isn't typical tourist season in Bristol, but in my opinion it's one of the best times to visit - here are a few of my absolute highlights.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says autumn like a trip to a pumpkin patch, and Bristol has some brilliant options nearby, although I do have to admit to having a favourite. Avon Valley Adventure Park transforms into a pumpkin paradise every October, with a whole host of photo spots, great food, games and entertainment for kids and adults alike.
I will say that it is quite pricey, particularly if you're visiting with kids who are probably going to want snacks and to go on some of the rides, but in my opinion you get what you pay for here. Avon Valley's Pumpkin Patch has a special place in my heart - yes, pumpkin patches are primarily for kids and Instagram photoshoots, but this is one of the few pumpkin patches where there's more to see and do, and you're not going to get weird looks for visiting without children in tow. If you're on a budget I'd suggest paying the entry fee and treating yourself to a games combo ticket (the autumn games are BRILLIANT!), but bring a flask of hot chocolate to keep you company while you enjoy the music.
If you're on a tighter budget, Puxton Park is completely free to enter. If you're most excited about picking your own pumpkin and getting cute photos in the field then Puxton Park offers everything you need. There are a few props dotted about for pictures and they offer hot drinks and snacks on their late opening evenings, but don't expect any of the entertainment or extras that you'll find at Avon Valley. Puxton Park is an amazing free pumpkin patch, but it is just a pumpkin patch.
Both make for a great day out with friends, family or on your own with a camera in hand - I think it's pretty clear where my vote goes, but if you can visit both then you might as well!
Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch is open every weekend in October, and open all of Halloween week. You also have the option to visit in the evening, watch the sunset and pick pumpkins by torch light.
Puxton Park Pumpkin Patch is also open every weekend in October and all week in the run up to Halloween, but their pumpkin nights are a bit more sporadic and linked to special event promotions, so check out their website or Instagram for details.
Walk the Tree-Lined Street in Clifton
Arguably one of the best spots to soak up the autumnal atmosphere in Bristol is Clifton. The "village" that's not really a village but an upmarket suburb is full of cosy coffee shops, independent boutiques and the famous tree-lined street that you're probably sick of seeing on Instagram every year. Follow the path from Observatory Road towards Clifton Down to find yourself on a path that's lined with trees either side. If you visit towards the end of October you'll find the path turns yellow as the leaves fall faster than they can be swept away.
The actual walk along the tree-lined path on Clifton Down is very short, taking maybe five minutes to go from end to end, but while you're there it'd be remiss of you not to explore Clifton Village. Clifton Village isn't actually a village - it's the historic name for the area where all of the shops and bars are situated. The Victorian buildings are interspersed with little green spaces and trendy cafes, and you could easily spend a full afternoon here.
If you're looking for a local's recommendation, Primrose Cafe is my go-to for lunch spot - the indoor cafe is so cosy and perfect for sipping on a hot drink while you watch the rain fall on the cobblestone street outside. If you're looking for a sweet treat or takeaway recommendation, my current favourite is Salcombe Dairy on The Mall. Part ice cream parlour, part chocolate shop, Salcombe Dairy also offer hot and cold drinks. Be warned though, there's very limited seating inside the tiny shop, so you might want to save this for a sunny autumn day where sitting outside on a bench won't result in you looking like a drowned rat.
While you're in the area, make sure you walk up towards the Suspension Bridge. You can turn right at the bridge and walk up the hill to visit Clifton Observatory, which is a brilliant museum documenting the history of photography in Bristol and the South West. They also have an inviting cafe inside the stone walls that makes it feel like you're sipping coffee in a cave, or head up to the roof on sunnier days for an amazing view down onto the Suspension Bridge. There's also a tunnel through the rock to a viewing platform half way down the cliff face; it offers a unique view of the bridge from below, but with very limited room to manoeuvre its not for the faint hearted!
If you're looking for something a little more airy, turn left at the bridge and follow the road down the hill (keep the houses on your left) to find the viewing platform for Clifton Suspension Bridge and the remains of Clifton Rocks Railway. This is also where you'll find the White Lion Pub, home an enormous terrace with an uninterrupted view of Clifton Suspension Bridge offering an impressive backdrop for your latte.
If you have a bit more time to spare, consider walking across the bridge and popping into the free museum on the Leigh Woods end of the bridge. This fantastic free attraction goes into the history of the bridge and the process of its construction in such detail that, as a born and bred Bristolian, even I came away having learnt something new! You can also pay a small fee to join a tour down into the bridge vaults - it does involve climbing down a narrow ladder and over some uneven ground though, so not one for those with limited mobility.
Try a New Foodie Spot
Autumn is made for comfort food; Bristol’s restaurant scene is buzzing all year round, but in my opinion this is the best time of year to take a long walk then try a new foodie spot. From steaming bowls of ramen to Sunday roasts with all the trimmings, Bristol is proudly multicultural and reflects this in the restaurants that you'll find around the city. As a person with lots of allergies, I am admittedly a creature of a habit as I like to go somewhere and not worry about being made sick - if you're like me then my personal favourite allergy-friendly spots are Pizzarova, Low and Slow Barbecue, Batida and Loki Poke. The Lounges is another regular haunt of mine - started in Bristol, they do amazing small plates and regular meals, and they're one of the best at dealing with allergies. Yes they're a chain, but when it's a business that started in Bristol and exploded in popularity, I'm very happy to support them! Bristol is also no stranger to a street food market - look out for Temple Quay Market and the Street Food Market on St Augustine's Parade.
If you're in search of a tasty lunch, I'd recommend checking out St Nicholas Market which has an impressive range of small businesses serving international cuisine, but most places close after the lunchtime rush so get there early to get something good. I'd also recommend Wapping Wharf - most of the restaurants and takeaways here are open into the evening. If you're coeliac, visiting the Pancake Man is an absolute must! Everything is gluten free, you'll find everything from chicken strips to waffles and everything is top-tier quality.
If you're in the city centre on a sunny day, I'd also suggest grabbing a coffee and enjoying the gorgeous colours of the tree-lined cobbled streets in Queens Square.
See a Show at One of Many Theatres
As the evenings draw in, it’s the perfect time to get cosy indoors and catch a performance. The Bristol Hippodrome, Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatres all have brilliant autumn programmes. Bristol has an incredible local theatre scene, so expect amazing local talent in smaller theatres like Tobacco Factory, up to wildly successful touring productions in the Hippodrome. There's a good variety of classics and contemporary so there's something for everyone, and there’s something extra special about getting out of the cold for a bit of escapism on a dark evening.
Bristol Loves Live Music
October is the season of the gigs - I'm not sure if that's everywhere, or just Bristol, but all of my favourite bands seem to announce tours as soon as the "ber" months hit. Bristol is a city that loves live music, shouts from the rooftops about homegrown bands and where locals go out of their way to support small venues.
You'll find live music wherever you go in the city. Pubs around the city centre host open mic nights and regularly have smaller artists playing sets, and there are more gig venues than you can shake a stick at! My favourite pub for free live music is The Bristol Fringe in Clifton. For the best intimate gigs, check out The Fleece (my personal favourite), The Exchange, Lost Horizon and Thekla (a nightclub and venue on a boat - how Bristolian!). For larger gigs you'll be looking at Bristol Beacon and O2. That's definitely not an extensive list - there are too many incredible venues to name off the top of my head!
The only venue I don't really recommend is The Jam Jar - we went to one gig there and I felt so unsafe that I vowed never to go back, which is a real shame. I would never normally be negative towards small businesses, but when its somewhere that has actual safety concerns that aren't addressed (see the numerous Google reviews about the door staff that have gone unanswered, including my own), I have to say something.
Take a Craft Workshop
If you like getting creative, autumn is the ideal time to learn a new skill. Across the city, you’ll find workshops in everything from pottery and candle-making to embroidery and printmaking. Outside of the city, my personal favourite is Wolfridge Alpaca, which hosts craft workshops for children and adults, as well as multi-week courses.
YUUP is also a popular platform in Bristol - if you're not sure where to look for crafty workshops then this is a great place to start. Personally I love nothing better than getting crafty in the colder months, and taking part in a class is a great way to do this if you're lacking a little confidence or just want to be social. It’s a lovely way to spend a chilly afternoon and come away with something handmade as a souvenir.
Bristol was Made for Autumn
Bristol is known as a summery city, but Bristolians know how to enjoy life at any time of year, and the way that Bristol celebrates Autumn is testament to this. The city’s colourful character shines through as the leaves change colour, the winter warmer drinks start appearing on the menu and news of craft classes begins to spread. Whether you’re pumpkin picking, discovering new flavours, seeing a show or learning something new, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.
I've travelled all over Europe, but after 29 years Bristol still has my heart. Grab your coat, step outside and let the city show you its cosiest side.
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