Bristol’s best kept secrets

It’s time to dive into some of Bristol’s coolest secrets and hidden gems! Whether you’re a curious local or just passing through, Bristol is packed with surprises that’ll make you see the city in a whole new light.

So, let’s wander off the beaten path and uncover what makes this place so uniquely awesome! 

While Bristol is full of hidden secrets, it’s also home to plenty of hidden gems. We’ve put together a guide to the best hidden activities in Bristol—check them out here!

Two timezones, one City? Yep, that happened!?

Imagine a city so independent that it decided to run on its own time. Yep, that’s Bristol for you! For years, Bristol was living its best life a whole 10 minutes behind London. It wasn’t until the trains rolled in around 1840 that the city decided, ‘Alright, fine, we’ll get with the programme.’ But don’t worry, this quirky bit of history isn’t lost—just head over to Corn Street and check out the clock outside the Exchange building. It has two minute hands: one red for London time and a pink one for Bristol’s old time. Time travel, anyone?

The secret river under your feet?

So, you probably know that cities are built around rivers, right? But did you know that Bristol has a whole river flowing underneath it? Meet the River Frome, Bristol’s very own ‘lost river.’ This sneaky 20-mile waterway flows beneath the city, hidden from view. And guess what? Bristol isn’t alone! Loads of cities have hidden rivers—who knows, maybe there’s one right under your hometown too! Next time you’re wandering around, imagine a river gurgling just below your feet. Kinda wild, huh?

The docks that disappeared?

Think you know Bristol’s waterfront? Think again! Back in the day, where the Cascade Steps and St Augustine’s Parade now stand, there were once bustling docks. Yep, boats, sailors, the whole shebang! But between 1892 and 1938, the city decided to fill it all in. Why? Who knows—maybe they needed room for more pubs! Speaking of which, ever noticed the Drawbridge pub by the Hippodrome Theatre? Now you know why it’s there! If you’re curious for more, the M Shed down in Wapping Wharf is your go-to for all things maritime history.

Psst… There’s a speakeasy behind that door?

Ever wanted to step back in time to the roaring 1920s? Well, here’s your chance! Hidden behind an unmarked door on Colston Avenue is The Milk Thistle—Bristol’s not-so-secret speakeasy. Think leather armchairs, dark wood, and cocktails that would make Gatsby jealous. It’s like stepping into another world, where you can pretend Prohibition is still a thing (minus the actual prohibition, of course). It’s a fun little adventure to shake off the modern-day blues for a few hours!

Banksy, Banksy, and… more Banksy!

Bristol is the birthplace of Banksy, the mysterious street artist, and the city is covered in his famous murals. But, there are some hidden gems even the biggest Banksy fans might miss. Take the tiny stencil on Cave Street, for example—created as album artwork for Blowpop Records, with less than 100 copies in the world. It’s like a scavenger hunt with street art! So, lace up your walking shoes and see if you can spot some of these lesser-known masterpieces.

Bristol: The chocolate capital you never knew about?

Calling all chocolate lovers! Did you know Bristol is basically the birthplace of your favorite treats? Back in 1847, Joseph Fry and his crew invented the first solid chocolate bar right here in the city. And by 1873, they were making the UK’s first chocolate Easter eggs! Before this, chocolate was just something people drank—usually for “medicinal purposes.” Yeah, right. Next time you bite into a chocolate bar or unwrap an Easter egg, give a little nod to Bristol’s sweet, sweet legacy.

The Bristol Pound

Who needs the Pound Sterling when you’ve got… the Bristol Pound? That’s right, Bristol had its very own currency! It was a brilliant way to encourage people to shop local and support small businesses. You could only use it within the city!

Unlocking the vaults of the Clifton Suspension Bridge?

The Clifton Suspension Bridge isn’t just an Instagram hotspot; it’s hiding some serious secrets! Beneath this iconic structure are hidden vaulted chambers that no one even knew about until 2002, when they were discovered by accident! Now, you can join a tour and explore these mysterious vaults. Not many people have been inside, so you’ll definitely have some bragging rights.

From postbox to library—only in Bristol!?

Bristol loves to get creative, even with its old postboxes! Take a stroll to the corner of Clyde Road and Redland Road, and you’ll stumble upon the Little Clyde Library—a postbox that’s been transformed into a free little library. Grab a book, leave a book—it’s all part of the community spirit. Who says postboxes are just for letters?

So there you have it—Bristol is bursting with surprises at every turn. Whether you’re time-traveling 10 minutes back, hunting for hidden rivers, or sipping secret cocktails, there’s always something new to discover.