The Bearpit: Bristol's Urban Oasis
Explore The Bearpit: Bristol's urban park blending art, community events, and local markets in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Bearpit, nestled at the St James Barton Roundabout in Bristol, is a vibrant urban park that combines art, community events, and market experiences, making it a must-visit for tourists. This lively hub features colorful murals, local vendors, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for soaking in the city's culture and creativity.
A brief summary to The Bearpit
- St James Barton Roundabout, Bristol, BS1 3LY, GB
Local tips
- Visit during the weekend for pop-up markets and local events to experience the vibrant community atmosphere.
- Bring a camera to capture the incredible street art and murals that decorate the park.
- Take some time to relax on one of the benches and enjoy people-watching in this lively urban space.
- Check for any special events or performances happening during your visit to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Getting There
-
Walking
If you are near Bristol Temple Meads train station, exit the station onto Temple Gate. Head straight towards the roundabout and take the first exit onto Redcliffe Way. Continue straight until you reach St James Barton Roundabout. The Bearpit is located at the center of this roundabout. Look out for the large urban space surrounded by shops and market stalls.
-
Walking
From Cabot Circus shopping center, exit onto Glass Walk and head towards the Broadmead shopping area. Continue walking straight until you reach St James Barton Roundabout. The Bearpit will be directly ahead as you approach the roundabout. It's an easy walk and you will pass various shops along the way.
-
Bus
If you are using the bus, board any bus that stops at the St James Barton Roundabout. Popular routes include the 8, 9, and 2. Once you arrive at the roundabout, you will see The Bearpit immediately; just step off and explore the area.
-
Walking
From the Bristol Harbourside area, walk towards the city center. Head up towards the Bristol Cathedral and then continue onto College Green. Walk along Park Street and at the end, turn left towards St James Barton Roundabout. The Bearpit will be near the center, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city.
Discover more about The Bearpit
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Castle
0.4 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
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.
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.
The Nails
0.6 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Medieval Vaults
0.6 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
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 Post Office
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Bristol Bridge
0.6 km
A historic Georgian stone bridge spanning Bristol’s floating harbour, blending medieval roots with modern pedestrian charm.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.7 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
0.7 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.8 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Cascade Steps
0.9 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.9 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Templar Stone
1.0 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
Charles Wesley’s House
0.2 km
Step into the Georgian home where Charles Wesley crafted timeless hymns and shaped Methodist heritage in Bristol.
John Wesley's New Room
0.2 km
Step into the world’s oldest Methodist chapel, where faith, history and social justice meet in the heart of Bristol.
St James' Priory
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s oldest building, a Norman priory with nearly 900 years of history and stunning medieval architecture.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
0.2 km
Explore Bristol Shopping Quarter, where historic charm meets modern retail in a vibrant city-centre shopping and leisure destination.
BRISTOL
0.3 km
Broadmead: Bristol’s bustling historic shopping quarter blending heritage charm with vibrant retail and cultural experiences.
The Lanes
0.4 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Cabot Circus
0.4 km
A vibrant shopping and leisure destination in Bristol with over 130 stores beneath a stunning glass roof, blending modern design and historic charm.
Bex's Hall Of Mirrors
0.4 km
Discover a mesmerizing world of reflections and illusions at Bex's Hall Of Mirrors, a captivating interactive attraction inside Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.4 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
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.
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.
St John's Church
0.5 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.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.5 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
The Christmas Steps
0.6 km
Step back in time on Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps, a charming medieval street rich in culture, history, and cozy local character.
Essential places to dine
Caribbean Croft
0.2 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant culture in the heart of Bristol’s creative Stokes Croft neighborhood.
The Canteen
0.4 km
A vibrant vegetarian restaurant and live music venue in Bristol, blending ethical dining with a lively community spirit.
Nadu
0.4 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
0.5 km
Savor expertly crafted British cuisine in a historic Stokes Croft setting, where heritage meets vibrant, flavourful dining.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.6 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.6 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
The Ox
0.6 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Bulrush
0.6 km
A Michelin-starred tasting menu in a former greengrocer’s – inventive, intense, and unforgettable modern British cooking in Bristol’s Cotham.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.6 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.7 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Pasta Ripiena
0.7 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.7 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Chris and Jo's Kitchen
0.7 km
A Bristol gem serving hearty, seasonal British food in a warm, unpretentious setting where every meal feels like a home-cooked feast.
Bambalan
0.7 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Bianchis
0.8 km
Neighbourhood Italian trattoria serving refined Northern Italian cuisine and handmade pasta in Montpelier, Bristol.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wild Thing
0.1 km
An independent Bristol boutique for alternative, festival and dopamine fashion with an ethical heart.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
Beyond Retro - Bristol
0.3 km
Discover unique, hand-picked vintage fashion treasures in the heart of Bristol’s bustling Broadmead shopping district.
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.
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.
That Thing
0.3 km
Discover unique festival fashion and original designs at That Thing, Bristol’s vibrant independent boutique in the heart of Stokes Croft.
Menkind
0.3 km
Bristol's premier destination for unique gifts, gadgets, and toys that delight all ages.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.3 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Fig1
0.4 km
Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
& Other Stories
0.4 km
Discover contemporary women’s fashion and accessories blending Scandinavian design with urban style in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Blaze
0.5 km
Unique gifts and artisanal treasures in Bristol's creative heart—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Colston Street.
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.
Memories
0.6 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.6 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.6 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.6 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
The Gold Bar
0.6 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
The Pipe & Slippers
0.6 km
A charming Bristol pub blending vintage style, excellent food, and lively local culture on Cheltenham Road.
The Rummer
0.6 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.6 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 Milk Thistle
0.6 km
Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
The Library Bristol
0.6 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
Flight Club Bristol
0.6 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
0.6 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 Mothers' Ruin
0.6 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Boardroom
0.7 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.7 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Revolution Bristol
0.7 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
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lakota
0.3 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
Popworld - Bristol
0.8 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
0.8 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
1.0 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Basement 45
1.0 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Silk Nightclub
1.0 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Antix
1.0 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.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
1.0 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
OMG
1.0 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
PRYZM
1.2 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
1.2 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
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.
Lizard Lounge
1.2 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
The Pearl NightClub
1.2 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
La Rocca
1.2 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
