I spent a weekend crossing off as many things on the Bristol bucket list as possible

Having only arrived at uni this year, I realised recently that most of Bristol is still a big unknown to me. Beyond Cabot Circus and Syndicate, I couldn’t really tell you what Bristol had to offer.

To try and change all that, I set myself the challenge of ticking off as many items as I could from this Bristol bucket list I found online. What followed was a 48-hour rush round a string of local landmarks, museums, and lots and lots of pubs.

Day One

Clifton Suspension Bridge

First on the list was a trip to Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, a pilgrimage for hardened Bristolians and a must-see for visitors to the city.  Perhaps it was the hangover, perhaps it was the lack of signage, but despite its size, this one proved surprisingly difficult to locate. Once we arrived though it was easy to see the attraction: the view here is beautiful.

The Cori Tap

If you’ve visited the Suspension Bridge, you’re pretty much obligated to stop at the Cori Tap. Exhibition cider, with a strength of 8.5 per cent, is the only thing you should be drinking.

Being a Cardiff girl, I approached a group of people at the next table upon hearing a familiar valleys accent. Of course, being Welsh, it turned out this lovely bunch were actually related to, or at least familiar with, a number of people I knew from back home. Let the sheep jokes commence.

The Llandoger Trow

At the bottom of Kings Street near Welsh Back sits the pub which inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe. Unfortunately, if history isn’t top of your priorities when picking somewhere to have a drink, then you’ll probably find this one disappointingly average. And not only because you won’t know how to say it.

The Hatchet

By this point it felt like we were on Bristol’s most expansive pub crawl, but I was keen to visit the next one out of morbid curiosity. Opposite the O2 Academy is The Hatchet Inn, Bristol’s oldest pub.

Rumour has it that underneath the layers of tar and paint, the front door is made of layers of human skin, so you may want to wash your hands once inside. For some reason, this place attracts a very “alternative” crowd.

Fish and chips on the Christmas Steps

As simple as it sounds. Particularly recommended to those who enjoy fish, chips, or steps.

Day Two

M Shed

On day two we started at M Shed. Entry is free, which was great news for us, and it’s a pretty cool place for anyone wanting to learn more about Bristol’s history, or those with easily excited housemates. Even if museums aren’t your cup of tea, it’s worth a visit to stand on the roof and admire the view.

Arnolfini

From M Shed it was only a quick walk to Arnolfini for one of the more cultural pints of the weekend. If sitting outside and enjoying the sun isn’t an option, you can always explore the gallery for free.

The Cathedral

It’s Sunday, so it would be remiss not to visit the cathedral on our bucket list tour. However, my atheist friends and I managed to walk in halfway through the Sunday service and found ourselves trapped with no other option but to sit, bellies full of Arnofini cider, and listen to the good word of the Lord until it ended. The architecture however, is beautiful, and I would recommend a visit (but perhaps check the timetable first).

Street art

If you’re a complete mug you can pay £7.20 to be walked round Bristol while someone points out the various bits of street art. Alternatively, do what we did and just wander round by yourself. It’s easy to find the most notable works by the likes of Banksy, Cheo, Sepr and 3Dom if you Google it.

The ferry

Did you know Bristol had a ferry? For about £2.50, you can get a return service that’s more reliable than a Wessex bus and see the city from a different perspective. Shame it doesn’t stop at campus though.

Harbour Market

Harbourside market runs every Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm, there is food, drink, books and crafts. You know, market things.

The Lanes

Our hectic weekend drew to a close with a visit to The Lanes for a bit of bowling and (of course) more drinks. If you go, make sure to try the “Hard Shake”, a milkshake with a shot of spirit in it. So good you’ll want to try it again at home.