10 of Bristol's Neighbourhood Arts Trails

Have you visited one of Bristol's many arts trails? Shonette Laffy tells you why they're one of the city's best ways to spend a weekend...

Southbank Arts Trail (Source: Southbank Arts)

Bristol is well known for being a hub of creativity, and one of the best ways to see the variety on offer is at one of the city’s many neighbourhood arts trails. 

Hosted in community venues and people’s homes, these trails give you an opportunity to meet local artists, buy handmade crafts & artworks and get to know areas of the city you might not visit otherwise. Here are when and where you can expect to find them...

Southbank Arts Trail (Source: Southbank Arts)

St George Arts Trail - February

An annual trail around the East Bristol suburb of St George, this event takes place at homes, community centres, pubs, cafes and even in St George Park.

Expect homemade ceramics, paintings, crafts and more, as well as music and food & drink offerings across the venues.

Southbank Arts Trail - May

Hosted around Southville & Bedminster, this year’s trail includes over 150 artists, makers & performers across more than 50 venues.

In addition to the temporary galleries, you’ll find live music, food stalls and markets across, with something for every age group and taste. 

Easton Arts Trail (Source: Easton Arts Trail)

Easton Arts Trail - June 

One of the more varied trails for its diverse mix of arts, crafts and food events, this year’s trail is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with illustrators, sound artists and stained glass makers among the exhibitors. 

BS9 Arts Trail (Source: BS9 Arts)

BS9 Arts - June 

Hosted in locations across Henleaze, Stoke Bishop and Westbury-on-Trym, in addition to seeing the work of local artists you can also visit the botanic gardens and take part in a family textile workshop.

Crowds at Redfest (Source: Redfest Bristol)

Redfest - August

Not technically a standalone arts trail, but this community festival in St George’s Park brings together local musicians, artists, traders and community organisations for a weekend celebration.

You may not get the opportunity to peek around people’s houses, but the spirit of East Bristol is alive and thumping during this lively weekender.

St Werburghs Art Trail (Source: St Werburghs Art Trail)

St Werburghs Arts Trail - September

It’s not just about viewing or buying art at this trail, people are also encouraged to take part in workshops across the weekend.

The programme will be announced fully in August, but this relaxed community is always guaranteed to put on a good event.

West Bristol Arts (Heather Henderson, West Bristol Arts)

West Bristol Arts - October

Explore the artists’ homes and studios in Clifton, Cliftonwood and Hotwells this October; the programme is still being finalised, but you can expect around 100 artists to take part in the weekend-long trail, with many local businesses also getting in on the fun.

Front Room Art Trail, Totterdown (Source: Katy Sanroman, Front Room Arts Trail)

Front Room Arts Trail, Totterdown - November

The oldest arts trail in Bristol, and one of the most biggest too. Around 200 artists will showcase their work in homes and venues across Totterdown, with this year having the theme of ‘Fairytales, Myths and Legends’.

Bring comfy shoes - there are quite a few hills involved, but the vibe is second to none during the weekend festivities.

North Bristol Arts Trail (Source: Jenny Urquhart, North Bristol Arts Trail)

North Bristol Arts Trail - November

This arts trail takes places in homes around Montpelier, Bishopston, Horfield and Cotham - so you can enjoy a scenic walk between the artworks, or stop into one of Gloucester Road’s many bars & restaurants for a refreshment en route.

Other arts trails to look out for are North Somerset Arts and Thornbury Arts Trail. Happy exploring!