Explore Bristol’s Harbourside on Foot: A Step-by-Step Itinerary

Bristol’s Harbourside is one of the most walkable and character-filled areas in the city — a blend of history, creativity, and great places to stop for a bite or a pint. Whether you’ve just landed at Bristol Airport, rolled in by train to Temple Meads, or hopped off the coach at Bristol Coach Station, you’re perfectly placed to start exploring on foot.

This guide gives you a relaxed, circular walking route through the Harbourside and its nearby highlights — with tips on where to pause, eat, and snap a photo (or five).

🧳 First Things First: Travel & Luggage

• From Bristol Airport: The Airport Flyer A1 runs regularly into the city centre, stopping near Temple Meads and Bristol Bus & Coach Station.
• From Bristol Temple Meads Station: You’re just a 10–15 minute walk to the Harbourside.
• Bristol Coach Station: Located near the top of the city centre, it’s a short downhill walk to the water.

If you’ve just arrived and have time to kill before check-in, consider dropping your luggage at a nearby storage service — so you can enjoy the cobbled streets and café culture hands-free.

Book your Bristol Luggage Storage now!

📍 Start: Millennium Square & We The Curious

Begin your walk at Millennium Square, just off Anchor Road. It’s the heart of the modern Harbourside, complete with open public space, fountains, and the silver sphere of We The Curious (a science centre with a rooftop viewing terrace when open).

Look out for street performers and seasonal pop-up markets — or grab a coffee from one of the local cafés and start the day slow.

🛥 1. Walk Toward M Shed & Wapping Wharf

Stroll along the waterfront heading south-west and cross over Pero’s Bridge (the one with the horn-shaped supports). On the other side you’ll hit:

• M Shed – a free museum that tells the story of Bristol through objects, voices and local legends.
• Wapping Wharf – a cluster of restaurants and shops built inside converted shipping containers. Stop for brunch, bao buns, or a coffee with a view of the water.

You’re now opposite the colourful houses of Cliftonwood — a great photo spot.

🌉 2. Detour: Swing by Ashton Gate Stadium (Optional)

If you’re a football or rugby fan and up for a longer walk (or a quick bus ride), you can detour across the Cumberland Basin and head south to Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears.

On match days, the area’s buzzing. Even if it’s quiet, nearby North Street is full of independent shops, murals, and pubs — a local alternative to the city centre vibe.

🛳 3. SS Great Britain & Spike Island

Back on the main route, head along the harbour to Brunel’s SS Great Britain — once the largest passenger ship in the world, now a floating museum and one of the best attractions in the city.

Keep walking toward Spike Island, where you’ll find an art gallery, artist studios, and a relaxed café by the water. Perfect for an afternoon pause or a quiet spot to sketch the view.

🖼 4. Princes Wharf to Arnolfini

Loop back toward the city centre along the opposite side of the harbour. You’ll pass:

• Watershed – great for independent cinema and riverside drinks.
• Arnolfini – a contemporary art space with exhibitions, books, and a great coffee bar inside.

This stretch gives you some of the best reflections of Bristol’s colourful buildings in the water.

🛍 5. Finish at the Old City or St Nick’s Market

End your walk near Baldwin Street and wander into the Old City. If you’re hungry, St Nicholas Market is a must — packed with global street food stalls, record shops, and vintage finds. A great way to end the day before heading back to the station or coach.

✈️ Getting Back

• Bristol Temple Meads Station is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus from the Old City.
• Bristol Coach Station is just up the hill via Union Street.
• Bristol Airport: Hop back on the A1 Airport Flyer from either the city centre or Temple Meads.

📋 Quick Itinerary Snapshot

Bristol’s Harbourside is where the city’s past, present, and future meet — a place of boats and bridges, street art and shipping containers, museums and music. Whether you’re on a long layover, arriving early before a match at Ashton Gate, or just want to kill a few hours before heading back to Bristol Airport, this walking route has you covered.