4 min readBristol 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 free 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...
Severn Vale Art Trail (May)
Based in Thornbury, the Severn Vale Arts Trail reaches out to Berkeley, Dursley, Wotton Under Edge, Alveston and beyond. It’s a great way to explore some pretty South Gloucestershire villages and see creations from over 60 talented artists and makers.
North Somerset Arts (May)
A collective of artists from across North Somerset not only run recular exhibitions to showcase the work of locals, but also organise North Somerset Arts Week every May, where over 200 local artists open up their homes and studios or gather in shared venues to show you their latest work.
BS4 Arts Trail (June)
The first BS4 Arts Trail took place in 2023, celebrating the creativity of residents in Brislington, St Anne’s and Knowle. As well as artists, potters, jewellers, printers, woodcarvers and other makers, the trail also features pilates and yoga workshops, massage, kids workshops and more.
Image - Avon river trail between Paintworks and Brislington. Credit: Bristol Walk Fest
BS9 Arts (June)
Hosted in locations across the leafy North Bristol suburbs of Henleaze, Stoke Bishop and Westbury-on-Trym, in addition to seeing the work of local artists you can also visit the neabry University of Bristol Botanic Gardens.
Image - BS9 Arts
BS5 Art Trail (September)
An annual trail around the East Bristol suburbs of Easton, St George and Whitehall, 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.
Image - Junction 3 in Easton. Credit Paul Box
South Bristol Arts Trail (September)
Hosted around Southville, Ashton and Bedminster, this year’s trail includes over 100 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.
Image - South Bristol Arts Trail
Art on the Hill (October)
This community arts trails takes places across the Windmill Hill and Victoria Park areas of South Bristol. As well as the chance to see locally-made artworks, jewellery and homewares, there will be plenty of activities to join in with such as workshops, performances and concerts. While you're in the area, pay a visit to nearby Windmill Hill City Farm.
Image - Windmill Hill City Farm
West Bristol Arts (October)
Explore the artists’ homes and studios in Clifton, Cliftonwood, Redland and Hotwells; you can expect around 100 artists to take part in the weekend-long trail, with many local businesses also getting in on the fun.
Image - Cliftonwood houses. Credit Paul Box
Totterdown Arts Trail (November)
Totterdown Arts Trail, Bristol’s longest running arts trail, running for over 20 years! This free event is a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant arts scene in the colourful South Bristol surburb of Totterdown. Bring comfy shoes - there are quite a few hills involved, but the vibe is second to none during the weekend festivities.
Image - Totterdown houses. Credit: Paul Box
North Bristol Arts Trail (November)
North Bristol Artists is a group of over 120 makers based in and around Gloucester Road. The 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.
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