Welcome to the unique and vibrant city of Bristol
There’s always something interesting happening in the colourful city of Bristol, and that’s never truer than summer when over 100 hot air balloons soar over its skyline.
There’s something about Bristol. It has such spirit and energy, and you’re absolutely guaranteed a warm welcome from its friendly community. It packs an incredible amount of life into its relatively small city size. If you like to live life in colour, experience variety and make magical memories, Bristol’s a great place to do it.
An independent city
“Bristol’s a fiercely independent city. There’s always stuff going on in this vibrant place. You can walk or cycle anywhere and you’ll discover things to do, especially on The Downs or at the harbourside,” explains Knight Frank Clifton Office Head and Partner, Robin Engley.
Bristol’s vibrant, independent ethos is evident in its shops and eateries. Small, local brands abound. Head to the farmers’ market on Whiteladies Road on a Saturday for artisan produce. Gloucester Road boasts a vast array of independent retailers – boutiques, cafes, bars – in colourful, cosmopolitan surroundings. Whether you’re after rare vinyl, interesting artwork, organic veg or locally brewed coffee, you’ll find it here. But you’ll find interesting local businesses across Bristol.
Arts and cultural hotspot
Known as the home to Banksy, Bristol’s arty, eclectic, vibrant and fun. As you wander around the city, you’ll notice cutting edge street art, much of which has been inspired by the elusive, world-renowned local artist. Equally, you may find a homage to other local cultural icons, Wallace and Gromit.
You’re never devoid of opportunity to explore artistic endeavours in Bristol. You’ll find exceptional, contemporary art at the Arnolfini Gallery in the harbourside as well as in various smaller galleries across the city. Then there are the well established centres like Bristol Museum and Art Gallery or the Old Vic for theatre and Bristol Beacon for live performances.
Foodie destination
“The food and music scene is getting better and better here,” enthuses Engley. Head to Harbourside for a little bit of everything from tapas to tandoori or traditional British fare. Clifton Village has wonderful independent restaurants, old and new, and a great local pub, The Clifton. A firm favourite in Westbury Park is littlefrench where chef, Freddy Bird, devises an unpretentious French menu which changes daily.
Colourful events
Bristol has a buzz about it and there’s always something new to see, do and experience. Never is this truer than in summer. A highlight of the events calendar, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta runs for three days in August and has done since 1979. Over 100 hot air balloons take flight from Ashton Court to mark the city’s heritage in ballooning. It’s the time to get your instagram pic of multicoloured balloons against the Bristol skyline – particularly Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge – at dawn or dusk.
The Bristol Harbour Festival takes place in July and celebrates local music, arts and dance. With a backdrop of the iconic Bristol Harbour, the free festival is a great, fun place to enjoy magical performances by local talent. Also in July, Bristol Pride is a joyful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Year round you’ll discover food and drink festivals, poetry readings, literary events, music, film and comedy festivals. This is a city that likes to celebrate!
City living
There’s a range of attractive and desirable areas around Bristol. Being a relatively small city, it’s easily walkable. You don’t have to live right in the centre to enjoy its ever-changing offering. You can live in a neighbouring area and dip in and out of city life.
“It’s not just about Clifton and Redland as it used to be,” says Engley. Whilst they remain much sought after places, other neighbourhoods have increased in appeal too. Take Sneyd Park which is just over The Downs from Clifton. The 1920s and 30s detached houses tend to have bigger plots and are on tree-lined roads. “You get more breathing space here,” says Engley.
If you’re after characterful period properties, the Georgian and Victorian styles prevail in Clifton, Redlands and Cotham. This elegant Grade II listed, six bedroom Georgian home in South Clifton is a perfect example and has an asking price of £1,450,000. Split over five floors, you get spectacular views of Ashton Court and Dundry Hill, especially from its private roof terrace. It’s an ideal vantage sport for the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. The beautiful interiors are welcoming and stylish, seamlessly combining the contemporary with the traditional. Contact our Bristol office for more details on this property.
Clifton Village has enduring appeal, in part due to its private schools which include Bristol Grammar, Clifton College and Clifton High. Redlands Green and Cotham School are both well respected non-fee paying secondary schools nearby.
There are wonderful green spaces within Bristol, notably Ashton Court and The Downs, and surrounding it. If you desire private green space, this substantial, detached, five bedroom family home in Westbury on Trym is a wonderful example of the local offering.
The impressive, spacious home boasts privacy and a secluded south-facing garden, complete with a self-contained flat. A mere 4.5 miles from Bristol city centre, it has an asking price of £1,950,000.
The city’s within easy reach of outstanding countryside. For those after a more rural location, you’re in luck. “You don’t have to move far to find great country houses,” advises Engley.
Consistent appeal
There’s a lot to love about Bristol. It has a “robust and consistent marketplace” according to Engley. Being able to upsize and downsize across the city provides ample opportunity.
There’s a strong local industry including two universities. It’s really well connected to other cities too. There are trains to London, Cardiff, Southampton and Exeter, motorways to Oxford and Birmingham, as well as an international airport.
Once you’ve discovered Bristol, it can be hard to leave. There’s a high retention rate amongst university students who elect to stay in the city post-graduation. Post-Covid there was a tidal wave of people leaving London for a change of scene. This certainly wasn’t a new trend – Bristol’s always held strong appeal – but the influx definitely ramped up.
The regeneration of the city, especially the harbourside, has made it better than ever. For a relatively small city, it offers an incredible amount. It’s culturally rich and diverse with an approachable and welcoming feel. You’ll get none of the aloof, standoffishness that’s often associated with city life. And, it’s better value in many ways than other major cities.
Bristol prides itself in being an independent spirit. It really is like no other British city. And its difference is a massive part of its appeal and a trait to be celebrated.
