Cabot Circus: Bristol’s Premier Modern Shopping and Leisure Destination
A vibrant, modern shopping and leisure hub in Bristol, blending iconic architecture with over 130 shops and diverse dining under a stunning glass roof.
Cabot Circus is a striking, modern shopping centre located in the heart of Bristol’s Broadmead district. Featuring over 130 shops, a vibrant mix of restaurants, leisure facilities, and a distinctive glass-domed roof, it offers an indoor-outdoor shopping experience. Opened in 2008, it blends contemporary architecture with sustainable design, making it a key hub for fashion, dining, and entertainment in Bristol city centre.
A brief summary to Cabot Circus
- Bond St S, Bristol, Broadmead, BS1 3BD, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-9 pm
- Friday 10 am-9 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
- Explore Quakers Friars for high-end boutiques and charming cafes away from the main shopping streets.
- Take advantage of the large multi-storey car park with electric vehicle charging and family-friendly parking spaces.
- Enjoy the seasonal events and festive decorations if visiting during the Christmas period for a magical atmosphere.
- Bring your dog along—Cabot Circus is officially dog-friendly with guidelines to ensure a pleasant visit for all.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Reach Cabot Circus easily by bus from various points around Bristol city centre, with frequent services running every 10-20 minutes. The nearest major train station is Bristol Temple Meads, approximately a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4 depending on distance.
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Car
Cabot Circus offers a large multi-storey car park with over 2,500 spaces, including accessible and electric vehicle charging spots. Parking fees vary but generally range from £2 to £5 per hour, with options for daily maximum rates. The centre is located near the M32 motorway junction, providing convenient access for drivers.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Bristol city centre, walking to Cabot Circus is straightforward via Broadmead shopping district. The terrain is flat and pedestrian-friendly, suitable for all ages and mobility levels. Walking times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
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Taxi or Ride-share
Taxis and ride-share services like Uber operate widely in Bristol and can deliver you directly to Cabot Circus within 10-20 minutes from most central locations. Typical fares range from £5 to £15 depending on distance and traffic conditions.
Cabot Circus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cabot Circus
A Landmark of Contemporary Retail in Bristol
Cabot Circus stands as a centerpiece of Bristol’s shopping quarter, opened in 2008 after a decade-long planning and construction effort. Covering approximately 139,350 square meters, the development integrates retail outlets, offices, apartments, and leisure spaces. Its name honors John Cabot, the Italian explorer linked to Bristol’s maritime heritage, chosen after a public vote. The centre’s architectural highlight is its shell-shaped glass roof, which shelters the pedestrianised streets while allowing natural light and fresh air circulation, creating a unique indoor-outdoor atmosphere.Shopping and Leisure for Every Taste
Home to over 130 shops, Cabot Circus offers a comprehensive retail experience ranging from high-street favourites like Zara, H&M, and Next to luxury brands such as Harvey Nichols and Ted Baker. The centre also includes department stores, electronics, footwear, and sports apparel retailers. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy leisure activities including an 18-hole jungle-themed adventure golf course and a multi-screen cinema set to reopen as an Odeon in 2026. The Quakers Friars area adjacent to the main circus offers designer boutiques and a vibrant piazza surrounded by cafes and restaurants.Architectural and Environmental Innovation
Designed by Chapman Taylor architects, Cabot Circus won the 2008 BREEAM Retail award for sustainable design. Features include natural ventilation, low-energy lighting, and rainwater harvesting. The centre’s glass dome not only protects visitors from Bristol’s often rainy weather but also maintains a fresh-air environment. The complex harmoniously blends modern structures with restored historic areas, such as Quakers Friars, enhancing Bristol’s urban fabric.Culinary Diversity and Social Spaces
Cabot Circus boasts a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries like Nando’s and Five Guys to more upscale restaurants including The Real Greek and French brasseries. The piazza area invites alfresco dining during warmer months, complemented by playful water fountains and live music events. Cafes and bars scattered throughout provide relaxed spots for breaks during shopping. The centre is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pets in designated areas.Accessibility and Visitor Convenience
Situated at the junction of major roads and close to the M32 motorway, Cabot Circus is easily accessible by car, public transport, and on foot. It features a large multi-storey car park with over 2,500 spaces, including facilities for disabled visitors and electric vehicle charging points. The nearby Bristol Temple Meads railway station and multiple bus routes connect the centre with the wider city. Opening hours typically run from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with shorter hours on Sundays.Festive Atmosphere and Community Engagement
During the holiday season, Cabot Circus transforms into a festive hub with twinkling lights, a large Christmas tree, and seasonal events such as Santa visits and live performances. The centre’s commitment to community and sustainability is evident in initiatives like hosting the UK’s first charity shop complex and promoting inclusivity. It remains a vibrant social and cultural focal point in Bristol, blending shopping, entertainment, and urban life seamlessly.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Castle
0.3 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
0.5 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
Fermentation Buildings
0.6 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.6 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Old City Walls
0.6 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.6 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Medieval Vaults
0.7 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.7 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Bristol Bridge
0.7 km
A historic Georgian stone bridge spanning Bristol’s floating harbour, blending medieval roots with modern pedestrian charm.
The Nails
0.7 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Old Post Office
0.8 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Templar Stone
0.8 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Statue of Edmund Burke
1.0 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
King George V Memorial Fountain
1.1 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
1.1 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bex's Hall Of Mirrors
0.0 km
Discover a mesmerizing world of reflections and illusions at Bex's Hall Of Mirrors, a captivating interactive attraction inside Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
BRISTOL
0.2 km
Broadmead: Bristol’s bustling historic shopping quarter blending heritage charm with vibrant retail and cultural experiences.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
0.3 km
Explore Bristol Shopping Quarter, where historic charm meets modern retail in a vibrant city-centre shopping and leisure destination.
John Wesley's New Room
0.3 km
Step into the world’s oldest Methodist chapel, where faith, history and social justice meet in the heart of Bristol.
Castle Park
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s historic heart and peaceful riverside green space at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet vibrant urban life.
The Bearpit
0.4 km
A sunken urban plaza in Bristol blending brutalist design with vibrant community markets and cultural events.
Round Pool
0.4 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
St Peter's Church
0.5 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
Castle Wharf
0.5 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
Charles Wesley’s House
0.5 km
Step into the Georgian home where Charles Wesley crafted timeless hymns and shaped Methodist heritage in Bristol.
St James' Priory
0.5 km
Explore Bristol’s oldest building, a Norman priory with nearly 900 years of history and stunning medieval architecture.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.6 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
The Lanes
0.6 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Bristol city centre
0.7 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
St Nicholas Market
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan crafts, and global street food in a charming Georgian arcade.
Essential places to dine
Caribbean Croft
0.5 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant culture in the heart of Bristol’s creative Stokes Croft neighborhood.
The Canteen
0.6 km
A vibrant vegetarian restaurant and live music venue in Bristol, blending ethical dining with a lively community spirit.
Nadu
0.6 km
Bold Tamil and Sri Lankan flavours in Bristol’s cultural heart, with fiery curries, giant dosas and creative rum cocktails in a vibrant Stokes Croft setting.
Caper and Cure
0.7 km
Savor expertly crafted British cuisine in a historic Stokes Croft setting, where heritage meets vibrant, flavourful dining.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.7 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.8 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.8 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
The Ox
0.8 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.8 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Pasta Ripiena
0.8 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Aqua Welshback
0.8 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.8 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.9 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Bianchis
0.9 km
Neighbourhood Italian trattoria serving refined Northern Italian cuisine and handmade pasta in Montpelier, Bristol.
Bambalan
1.0 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
& Other Stories
0.1 km
Discover contemporary women’s fashion and accessories blending Scandinavian design with urban style in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Menkind
0.1 km
Bristol's premier destination for unique gifts, gadgets, and toys that delight all ages.
Beyond Retro - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover unique, hand-picked vintage fashion treasures in the heart of Bristol’s bustling Broadmead shopping district.
Fig1
0.2 km
Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.2 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Everything one pound shop
0.3 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
Wild Thing
0.3 km
An independent Bristol boutique for alternative, festival and dopamine fashion with an ethical heart.
Garmden of Eden
0.3 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Good Store Studio
0.3 km
A vibrant independent shop and creative hub in Bristol’s Old Market, showcasing eco-friendly products and supporting local artists.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
That Thing
0.5 km
Discover unique festival fashion and original designs at That Thing, Bristol’s vibrant independent boutique in the heart of Stokes Croft.
Urban Fox
0.7 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
uchi clothing co
0.7 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
0.7 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.7 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
To The Moon
0.5 km
A bohemian bar in Bristol’s Old Market, blending creative cocktails, live music, and artsy vibes for unforgettable nights.
The Rummer
0.7 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
The Library Bristol
0.7 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
The Gold Bar
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
The Pipe & Slippers
0.7 km
A charming Bristol pub blending vintage style, excellent food, and lively local culture on Cheltenham Road.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.7 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.7 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.8 km
Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
The Boardroom
0.8 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Revolution Bristol
0.8 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.8 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Flight Club Bristol
0.8 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.8 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
The Milk Thistle
0.8 km
Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.8 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lakota
0.5 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
Popworld - Bristol
0.9 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.9 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Dare to Club
1.0 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
The Loco Klub
1.0 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Motion
1.2 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
Basement 45
1.2 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
1.2 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Thekla
1.2 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Silk Nightclub
1.3 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Antix
1.3 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
OMG
1.3 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
1.3 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
PRYZM
1.3 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.5 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
