6 min readFor the latest of our Gromit Unleashed itineraries, we're heading south of the river.
The first route takes in the Gromit Unleashed 3 sculptures in Bedminster and Southville, which is easily walkable from the city centre and uncharacteristically flat for a walk in Bristol!
The second route focuses on North Somerset and the Mendips, which you can mostly do by bus, or take a road trip in the car. If you're planning to do this route with public transport, you can plan your journey with Travelwest.
Skip to: Southville and Bedminster or North Somerset & Mendips
All of the sculptures, including those located at attractions, are free to visit, but please check opening times before you visit. Don't forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram so that we can share them to our Gromit Unleashed gallery!
For a precise location and to tick off the sculptures as you find them, download the Gromit Unleashed app for £2.49. All profits from purchasing the app will go to The Grand Appeal for Bristol Children's Hospital. Available from Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Southville and Bedminster
📍 Spellbound at Victoria Park, BS3 4LL
Start your walk in Victoria Park in Bedminster. This pretty park is around a 20-minute walk from Temple Meads Station, or five minutes from Bedminster Station. The florally-themed Norbot, painted by Emily Ketteringham, is by the top playground, a popular spot for local families. The park also has another playground at the bottom of the hill, as well as a woodland area to explore, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a bowls club.
From here, you can head towards nearby North Street, with the option to stop off at Windmill Hill City Farm on the way if you want to spot some animals, or share some delicious Indian street food plates at Bombil.
📍 Scone with the Wind at Storysmith, North Street, BS3 1JD
A film-inspired Gromit, painted by Jessica Smith, is waiting for you outside the popular bookstore Storysmith, on one of Bristol's most bustling high streets. North Street is a great spot to grab a drink or bite to eat, with options including Michelin-rated small plates at COR, cheese and meat boards at KASK wine bar, and casual bites at Tobacco Factory, which also has a popular food and crafts market every Sunday.
Keep an eye out for impressive street art throughout the area, which has been painted in past years as part of Bristol's Upfest street art festival. Tours are available if you want to learn more about the murals and artists.
Image - The 'Six Sisters' murals on North Street
📍 Nemesis at Ashton Gate Stadium, Ashton Road, BS3 2EJ
Follow North Street along, past Bristol Beer Factory's taproom (feel free to nip in for some tasters if you like!), past Greville Smyth Park, and on to Ashton Gate Stadium, where you can tick off the next sculpture on the list. The comic book-style painting of Nemesis was done by artist Adam Stothard.
Ashton Gate is the home ground for both Bristol City football teams, and Bristol Bears rugby team. The stadium will play host to four games - two quarter finals and two semi finals - at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup.
Image - Nemesis at Ashton Gate Stadium
📍 Super Ply Guy at Ashton Court Estate, BS4 9JN
From Ashton Gate Stadium, it's just a short walk to historic park Ashton Court Estate, which comprises 850 acres of woods and grasslands. You'll find the final sculpture on this route, created by Merlin Crossingham, outside The Courtyard Cafe, close to the car park and main entrance.
There's plenty to do at Ashton Court once you're done Gromit spotting, including FootGolf, DiscGolf, mountain biking, a miniature railway and even a woodland high ropes course!
Image - Ashton Court Estate
North Somerset & Mendips
📍 Toucan Tango at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, BS48 1PG
You've seen him as a chicken, and now Feathers McGraw is impersonating a tropical bird! Designed by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park CBE and painted by Amy Timms, Toucan Tango is free to visit from 10:30am - 5:30pm daily at the Farm Shop at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. See him sunning himself next to the beach in Toucan Bay.
If you want to pop in and see some of the animals at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (including elephants, zebras, giant tortoises, and birds of prey), you can get 20% off gate prices when you book your tickets at least 5 full days in advance.
Image - Toucan Tango
📍 Hot Dog at TOUT’S, Cleeve, BS49 4NR
Around a 20-minute drive from Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset, you'll find a Gromit styled on an American diner and painted by Carys Ink, complete with rollerskates! Tout's have several shops in the area which all stock a great range of locally-made food and drink, so make sure you pick up some treats while you're here.
📍 Poppy at Puxton Park, BS24 6AH
Continue along the A370 for just over 10 minutes and you'll reach the popular family adventure park Puxton Park, where the next sculpture is free to visit via their Farm Shop (open daily until 5:30pm). Created in collaboration with DreamWorks, this bright pink Gromit was inspired by the one and only Poppy from Trolls.
Puxton Park has plenty of options for keeping all ages entertained, including play areas and obstacle courses, soft play, a pedal kart track, animal encounters, rides and much more.
Image - Poppy
📍 The Big Friendly Wallace at The New Inn, Blagdon, BS40 7SB
It's around a half-hour drive from Puxton Park to Blagdon, where you can find a BFG-themed Wallace, painted by Laurie Stansfield, in pride of place in The New Inn's scenic beer garden.
This is the perfect spot to unwind and take in the view across Blagdon Lake while you enjoy a pub lunch. The pub menu features organic produce from the nearby Yeo Valley Farm, which is also open to visitors throughout the week.
Image - The Big Friendly Wallace
📍 Wallace Aurelius at Cheddar Gorge and Caves, BS27 3QF
The final stop on this route is to meet the Roman centurion Wallace, designed by Mawford Arts, who you'll find on the path leading from the Cheddar Gorge & Caves car parks to Gough's Cave.
From here, you can choose to nab a ticket to explore the caves and viewpoints around the area. Your ticket to Cheddar Gorge and Caves includes access to six attractions, including Gough's Cave, Museum of Prehistory, Cox's Cave, Jacob's Ladder and the Lookout Tower, Cliff-Top Walk and Beyond the View: A cinematic experience. There is also the option to purchase a ticket for one of their escape rooms, or have a go at scaling the cliff faces with their Rocksport activities.
Image - Wallace Aurelius at Cheddar Gorge
Read more:
