Bristol Sketching Tour for Beginners and Improvers

Bristol, GB

Included

  • inclusion
    Sketching advice and guidance
  • inclusion
    Full guided tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Art materials provided upon request only

Meeting Point

Meet in the Centre of Queen Square by the statue of the man on a horse. Try to arrive a little early to collect materials/paper from Cai. If you are running late, we'll be in Queen Square, King Street and Bristol Bridge for our first stops. Look for a group of people drawing together.

Meeting point

59 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JZ , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

The tour ends at College Green, close to lots of transport links for wherever you need to go. Head up Park Street to visit the museum or towards Clifton. Wander back to Millennium square, Watershed and We The Curious. Or cut through the centre to get to the Old City or shopping at Cabot Circus.

Meeting point

Bristol BS1 5TJ , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

Queen Square

Start at Queen Square - a green haven of calm in Bristol. Here, we will start with quickfire sketches of the statue of King Richard III, then learn about the Bristol Riots and history of some of the surrounding houses.

Duration 20 minutes
2

Bristol Old Vic

Compare the contrast between old and new at the Bristol Old Vic, one of Bristol's many theatres and creative spaces. On the left is their new foyer with hard lines and big windows. On the right is the grand original building. Learn about it's history as Theatre Royal, Coopers Hall and how it came to be.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Llandoger Trow

Sketch straight lines for wooden beams outside one of Bristol's oldest pubs. Hear stories about the characters who have visited this pub from Blackbeard to the ghosts that live here today! And get a feel for what it may be like during a busy evening drinking on King Street

Duration 10 minutes
4

Saint Nicholas Market

Draw quickly in the bustling market at the centre of the old town. Learn about where Bristol first became a county, and why the clock on the exchange has an extra minute hand. Take a quick break here too and use the loo, grab a drink and rest your pens and pencils.

Duration 20 minutes
5

St John on the Wall

From the cities oldest streets, we'll follow where the old walls used to stand. Through alleyways, we'll reach St John on the Wall - one of the old town's many churches. Learn about it's history as an entry and exit point of Bristol, where a water spring still exists and where the river used to run. As we walk, spot glimpses of street art covered buildings.

Duration 15 minutes
6

Centrespace

Continue along the city walls to find an art gallery hidden up an alleyway. Today, this is home to many artists in the heart of the city, but it used to be an old printing factory. Learn about this area's connections to printing, newspapers and journalism.

Duration 10 minutes
7

Statue of Edward Colston

Visit the plinth where the Edward Colston statue once stood. The statue had originally been erected without any public demand before struggling to be removed for many years. We'll talk about how it was thrown into the harbourside, and what should be there in its place. As we draw, look for skateboarders and people moving through the space.

Duration 15 minutes
8

Pero's Bridge

Finally in the heart of Bristol's Harbour, we'll stop at Pero's Bridge. Learn about who Pero Jones was and Bristol's historic links to the Transatlantic Trade of Enslaved People. There is lots to see and draw here from Arnolfini, Watershed, the Bristol Ferry Boats and many of the restaurants and bars.

Duration 20 minutes
9

Millenium Square

Pass through this busy square filled with fountains and attractions. Take more time to draw people and buildings in this area. From the watery blocks of fountains, the big, round, mirrored planetarium, to We The Curious and the curiosities within.

Duration 10 minutes
10

College Green

Finish your tour in College Green. This green open space sits at the bottom of Park street - filled with shops and cafes. Study beautiful old buildings such as the Central Library, Cathedral and City Hall. Here, we can share some of our favourite drawings and what we've learnt in our time together.

Duration 20 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Bristol Sketching Tours

What our experts say

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    Arrive early to collect materials.
  • icon
    Grab a coffee at St. Nicholas Market.
  • icon
    Check out nearby Bristol Museum.
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    Bring a light jacket, it can be breezy!
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    Visit local galleries after the tour.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Bristol Sketching Tour for Beginners and Improvers, a delightful experience that combines the beauty of Bristol's city center with the joy of sketching. Led by local illustrator Cai Burton, this tour invites both locals and tourists to unleash their creativity and find inspiration.

What to expect?

On this tour, you can expect to immerse yourself in the world of sketching, regardless of your drawing experience. This tour prioritizes observation and exploration, making it perfect for beginners and those looking to improve their skills. Over the course of 2-3 hours, you'll create unique sketches that capture the essence of your artistic adventure. These sketches will serve as lasting reminders of your time in Bristol.

Who is this for?

The Bristol Sketching Tour welcomes all individuals who have an interest in art and want to explore Bristol's city center through sketching. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone who has never picked up a pencil, this tour is designed for you. Cai Burton provides 1:1 support and teaches different techniques to improve your art. So, whether you're a local looking to discover new perspectives or a tourist searching for a unique way to explore Bristol, this tour is for you.

Why book this?

Booking the Bristol Sketching Tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with your creative side while exploring the vibrant city of Bristol. This tour stands out from the rest because it focuses on creating memories and embracing drawing, rather than placing importance on skill level. You'll have the chance to laugh, learn, and create with like-minded individuals, making friends along the way. Cai Burton's passion for both art and Bristol shines through, ensuring an engaging and inspiring experience.

Good to know

For this tour, no drawing experience is necessary. Cai Burton provides all the materials you'll need, so simply arrive ready to let your creativity flow. The tour begins in Queen Square, where you'll gather with the group and receive your sketching materials. From there, you'll explore various locations in Bristol's city center, each offering unique subjects and stories to sketch. The tour ends at College Green, conveniently located near transportation links and other Bristol attractions.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the Bristol Sketching Tour have raved about its ability to inspire and nurture creativity. They appreciate Cai Burton's expertise and 1:1 support, allowing them to improve their art skills. Many have praised the inclusive nature of the tour, making it accessible to individuals of all skill levels. Participants also enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and explore Bristol's vibrant streets through the lens of a sketchpad. Overall, reviews indicate high satisfaction with the unique experience provided by the Bristol Sketching Tour for Beginners and Improvers.

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