Bristol Bridge
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Bristol Bridge is a historic stone bridge spanning the Floating Harbour in central Bristol, England. First built in the 13th century and rebuilt in Georgian times, it connects the Old City with Redcliffe and has long served as a vital crossing and social hub. Today it’s a pedestrian- and cycle-friendly route, lined with views of the harbour, Castle Park, and the city’s modern skyline, blending centuries of Bristol’s story into one elegant span.
A brief summary to Bristol Bridge
- Bristol Bridge, Bristol, BS1 6DT, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon to catch the golden light reflecting off the water and the contrast between the old stone bridge and the modern city skyline.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Castle Park on the west bank and explore the waterfront bars and restaurants along Welsh Back.
- Look for the subtle changes in the bridge’s structure: the Georgian arches, 19th-century walkways, and 1960s railings that tell its layered history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Bristol Temple Meads
From Bristol Temple Meads station, follow signs for the city centre and Castle Park. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes along level, well-paved streets and paths, passing through the heart of the city before reaching the bridge on the Floating Harbour.
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By bus from the city centre
Several local bus routes serve the Old City and Temple Quay area near the bridge. From stops on Broadmead or College Green, the journey takes 5–10 minutes; check real-time boards for routes serving the Old Market or Temple Meads direction.
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By bicycle
Bristol Bridge is fully accessible to cyclists via the city’s cycle network. Approach from the Old City or Redcliffe along marked routes; the bridge itself has dedicated cycle lanes and is part of a key central crossing.
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From Castle Park
The bridge is a short, level walk from Castle Park on the west bank of the Floating Harbour. Follow the riverside path eastward; the crossing is clearly visible and takes just a few minutes.
Bristol Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Bristol Bridge
A River Crossing Through the Ages
Bristol Bridge crosses the Floating Harbour at the heart of the city, where the River Avon once flowed before being impounded in the early 19th century. There has been a bridge on this site since at least the 13th century, when a fortified stone bridge linked the growing medieval town to its northern suburbs. That first stone bridge, completed around 1248, was more than a crossing: it was a bustling street lined with houses and shops, even featuring a chapel in the middle that doubled as a gatehouse. By the 17th century, timber-framed buildings five storeys high overhung the river, creating a dense, prosperous neighbourhood above the water.From Medieval Arches to Georgian Elegance
The medieval bridge eventually became too narrow and dangerous for increasing traffic, so it was demolished in the 1760s. The current bridge, completed in 1768, is a fine example of Georgian engineering: a three-arched stone structure designed by James Bridges and built by Thomas Paty. It was originally a toll bridge, with tollhouses later converted into shops before being removed. In the 19th century, iron walkways were added on either side to ease congestion, subtly altering its classical appearance. The bridge’s low stone parapets and later metal railings reflect layers of adaptation, yet its core remains a graceful 18th-century span.Heart of the Harbour and City Life
Today, Bristol Bridge is the furthest downstream of the fixed bridges across the Floating Harbour, marking the upstream limit for larger vessels. To the west, the harbour opens into Castle Park, a post-war green space created on land devastated by bombing, while the opposite bank is now Finzels Reach, a redeveloped area that once housed the Georges Brewery. The bridge connects the Old City’s historic core with Redcliffe and the Temple Quay district, making it a natural route for commuters, cyclists, and visitors exploring the waterfront. Its position offers views both upstream toward the city centre and downstream along the wharves of Welsh Back and Redcliffe Back.Modern Role and Atmosphere
In recent years, Bristol Bridge has been transformed into a more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly space as part of the city’s air quality and active travel initiatives. Private motor cars and most goods vehicles are now excluded, leaving the bridge open to buses, taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles. This change has shifted its character from a congested traffic artery to a calmer, more social crossing. Locals and visitors stroll across, pause to watch boats, or simply enjoy the interplay of old stone, modern architecture, and the ever-changing light on the water. The bridge remains a quiet landmark, less showy than Clifton Suspension Bridge but deeply woven into Bristol’s daily rhythm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Bridge
0.0 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Medieval Vaults
0.1 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Old City Walls
0.1 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.1 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.1 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Fermentation Buildings
0.1 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
0.1 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
The Nails
0.2 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
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
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
0.4 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
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.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.4 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.5 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Templar Stone
0.6 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Nicholas Market
0.1 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.
Floating Harbour
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
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.
St Peter's Church
0.2 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
0.2 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
Welsh Back
0.2 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.3 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Round Pool
0.3 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant British dining in a stunning former banking hall at the heart of Bristol’s Old City.
Bristol Old Vic
0.3 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.3 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
Castle Park
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s historic heart and peaceful riverside green space at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet vibrant urban life.
The Lanes
0.3 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
St John's Church
0.4 km
A medieval church built into Bristol’s city walls, St John on the Wall is the last of five gate churches, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fortified past and spiritual life.
Temple Church
0.4 km
Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Temple Church, a stunning landmark in Bristol that showcases the city's rich heritage.
Essential places to dine
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.2 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Aqua Welshback
0.2 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.2 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.2 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.2 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Pasta Ripiena
0.2 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
The Ox
0.2 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.3 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Adelina Yard
0.4 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.4 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Pieminister
0.4 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.
Bambalan
0.4 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Under the Stars
0.5 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Pasture
0.5 km
Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Over Here
0.1 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.1 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.1 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
0.2 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Urban Fox
0.2 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Memories
0.2 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.2 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Will's doss pit
0.4 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Garmden of Eden
0.4 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.4 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Everything one pound shop
0.4 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
my a2space
0.4 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Fig1
0.5 km
Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Library Bristol
0.1 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 Mothers' Ruin
0.1 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Rummer
0.1 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
The Boardroom
0.2 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Revolution Bristol
0.2 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
0.2 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 Gold Bar
0.2 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.2 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.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.2 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.2 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
Flight Club Bristol
0.2 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
The Clockwork Rose
0.3 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Kongs of King Street
0.3 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
0.3 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
0.3 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Thekla
0.6 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.
Basement 45
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
PRYZM
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.7 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
0.7 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
The Loco Klub
0.8 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.
Antix
0.8 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.
Silk Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.8 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
Lakota
0.9 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
The Pearl NightClub
1.1 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
Motion
1.1 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
La Rocca
1.1 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
