Queen Square, Bristol: A Georgian Urban Oasis
Historic Georgian square in Bristol offering tranquil green space, classic architecture, and vibrant cultural events in the city center.
Queen Square is a historic Georgian park in the heart of Bristol, England, offering a tranquil green space framed by elegant 18th-century townhouses. Spanning 2.4 hectares, it features wide gravel paths, level lawns, and a central statue of William III. This public square is a peaceful retreat amid the city's bustle, hosting cultural events and surrounded by classic architecture that reflects Bristol’s rich heritage.
A brief summary to Queen Square
- Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4LH, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for a peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds.
- Check local listings for outdoor theatre and concert events held in the square.
- Use nearby public car parks like NCP Bristol Queen Square for convenient parking.
- Explore the surrounding Georgian townhouses to appreciate the historic architecture.
- The square is fully accessible with paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Queen Square is well-served by multiple local bus routes connecting various parts of Bristol. Bus journeys from central locations typically take 10-20 minutes. Use the First Bus Bristol app or website for current timetables and route planning. Bus stops are located within a short walk of the square.
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Car
There is no dedicated parking at Queen Square, but several nearby car parks such as NCP Bristol Queen Square and Trenchard Street Car Park offer paid parking options. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour. Street parking is limited and metered. Expect a 5-10 minute walk from parking to the square.
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Train and Taxi
From Bristol Temple Meads railway station, a taxi ride to Queen Square takes approximately 5-10 minutes with fares around £7-£12. Alternatively, take a local bus from the station to the square for about 15 minutes. Taxi availability is frequent but can vary during peak times.
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Walking and Cycling
Queen Square is accessible on foot from nearby city center locations, with walks ranging from 10 to 20 minutes over flat, paved terrain. Bristol is cycle-friendly, and bike racks are available near the square. Cycling routes connect Queen Square to other parts of the city safely.
Queen Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Queen Square
Origins and Architectural Heritage
Queen Square was laid out in 1700 and named in honor of Queen Anne in 1702. Originally marshland used for rubbish and military practice, it was transformed into a tree-lined promenade by 1622. The square is renowned for its magnificent Georgian townhouses, which surround the 2.4-hectare green space, creating a distinctive historic atmosphere. The central statue of William III, erected in 1736 by sculptor Rysbrack, stands as a focal point amidst the lawns and pathways.Historical Turmoil and Renewal
The square witnessed dramatic events during the Bristol Riots of 1831, when violent protests led to the destruction of nearly 100 buildings around the square, including key civic structures. The riots, sparked by opposition to electoral reform, resulted in significant loss of life and extensive rebuilding over the following eight decades. This turbulent history adds depth to the square’s character, blending resilience with its architectural grace.A Serene Urban Retreat
Today, Queen Square offers a calm and inviting green space in the city center. Its wide gravel paths and level lawns provide ideal spots for relaxation, picnics, and quiet reflection. The square’s layout encourages leisurely strolls and people-watching, framed by mature trees and cobbled streets. Despite its central location, it manages to maintain a peaceful ambiance, making it a favored respite for locals and visitors alike.Community and Cultural Events
Queen Square regularly hosts outdoor theatre performances, concerts, markets, and festivals, enlivening the space with cultural vibrancy. These events celebrate Bristol’s artistic spirit while respecting the square’s historic setting. The presence of public art installations and rotating sculptures adds a contemporary layer to the traditional Georgian backdrop.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The square is open 24/7 with no admission fee, welcoming visitors year-round. It features paved pathways and is largely flat, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. While there is no dedicated parking on site, several nearby car parks and good public transport connections make access straightforward. Benches and seating areas invite visitors to pause and enjoy the surroundings.Queen Square’s Enduring Appeal
As a blend of history, architecture, and green space, Queen Square embodies Bristol’s heritage and community life. It remains a vital urban oasis, cherished for its beauty, tranquility, and role as a cultural hub. Whether you are drawn by its classic Georgian elegance or its lively events, Queen Square offers a unique experience that connects past and present in the heart of Bristol.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.2 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Prince Street Bridge
0.3 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Cascade Steps
0.3 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.4 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Bristol Bridge
0.4 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.4 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Old Post Office
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.4 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.5 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Medieval Vaults
0.5 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
The Nails
0.5 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Old City Walls
0.5 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.5 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.5 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.5 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bristol Ferry
0.2 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Bristol Old Vic
0.2 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Narrow Quay
0.2 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
Welsh Back
0.2 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Pero's Bridge
0.2 km
Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
TimeTrail
0.2 km
Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
Floating Harbour
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Watershed
0.3 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Redcliffe Caves
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Bristol Aquarium
0.3 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
Bristol Harbour Railway
0.3 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
The Bristol Wheel
0.3 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Harbourside
0.3 km
Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
The Centre
0.4 km
The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
We The Curious
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Essential places to dine
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.1 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Adelina Yard
0.2 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
The River Grille
0.2 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Riverstation
0.2 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Rick's
0.2 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.2 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Under the Stars
0.2 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.2 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
The Bristol Stable
0.3 km
Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Aqua Welshback
0.3 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
No.1 Harbourside
0.3 km
Bristol's independent waterside gem serving bold burgers, local drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Pieminister
0.3 km
Award-winning British pies, piled high with mash, peas and gravy, in a lively harbourside restaurant with views of Bristol’s fountains and waterfront.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.3 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Will's doss pit
0.1 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
0.2 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Over Here
0.4 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.4 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.4 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Something Elsie
0.4 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
uchi clothing co
0.4 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
0.5 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.5 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.5 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Urban Fox
0.5 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Fig1
0.5 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Orendo
0.6 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
0.6 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.6 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kongs of King Street
0.1 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Small Bar
0.1 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Shakespeare Tavern
0.2 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Architect
0.2 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.2 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.3 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
The Clockwork Rose
0.4 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Revolution Bristol
0.4 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.4 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
The Boardroom
0.4 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.4 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.4 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 Library Bristol
0.4 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- 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
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
