7 min readStephen Merchant’s comedy thriller The Outlaws was set and filmed in and around Bristol. The series follows strangers from different walks of life who are forced together to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol.
Throughout the series you’ll be able to spot many of the city’s famous landmarks and locations, including the Harbourside, St Werburgh’s City Farm, Wills Memorial Building, and many more. Read on for our guide on how to enjoy the perfect Outlaws-themed break in Bristol...
In collaboration with Bristol Film Office, we have created a movie map featuring The Outlaws filming locations across the city. Explore more Outlaws filming locations across the city with our handy Movie Map, created in collaboration with The Bristol Film Office.
Image: The Outlaws cast filming on location at St. Werburgh's City Farm
Things to do
Run through The Galleries
An Outlaws-themed trip has to include a dash through The Galleries! Take a look around the shops, some of which were in the backdrop of the series’ opening scene, where Rani, an academic highflyer turned shoplifter, is chased by the police.
Image: Rhianne Barreto films at The Galleries, Broadmead, Bristol
Do your time at Bristol City Farm
In season three, The Outlaws do their time at ‘Bristol City Farm,’ portrayed by St Werburgh's City Farm, which is open to the public, and hosts events running throughout the year. Check out the shed where the group discuss how to hide Smiler’s body in the first episode, and meet the very same pigs who almost revealed the body to Diane!
Image - Greg (Stephen Merchant) feeding the pigs at Bristol City Farm
Don’t Destroy Banksy Artwork
In the finale of season one, Christopher Walken’s character Frank deliberately destroys a piece of Bansky artwork at the community centre. If you want to see Banksy artwork which hasn’t been covered up by the cast, you can tour some of Bristol’s most iconic street artworks on a walking tour with Bristol Street Art Tours, or if you fancy trying out spray art yourself, book a graffiti workshop with Graft or Where The Wall.
Image - Banksy painted a rat with a can of spray paint for The Outlaws which Frank paints over in the final episode of Season One.
Tour the University of Bristol Library
The library inside the spectacular Wills Memorial Building was used as a filming location for scenes in the first season featuring Rani tutoring Christian’s sister, Esme Wills. You can tour the Wills Memorial Building and its tower for breathtaking views of the city every Saturday at 11am and 1pm.
Image - Rani (Rhianne Barreto) in Wills Memorial Building
Find out what drives Mryna
Bristol has long been a city of protest, a trait reflected in the character of Myrna, who is the founder of the fictional ‘Bristol Justice Collective.’ In the second episode of the first season, Myrna mentions that she helped tear down the statue of Edward Colston during Bristol’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests in 2020. You can visit the statue and learn more about Bristol’s history at M Shed.
Image - Toppled Colston Statue
Go on an unsuspecting walk in the woods
At the end of the season three opener, The Outlaws try and bury Smiler’s body in the woods, as well as sinking Rani’s car in what appears to be the River Avon. While we don’t advocate copying them, we do recommend taking a stroll around Leigh Woods and along the scenic Pill Path nearby, which hugs the bank of the river.
Image - Greg (Stephen Merchant), Myrna (Clare Perkins), John (Darren Boyd) attempting to bury Smiler in Leigh Woods
Go for a night out on the water
Bristol’s Harbourside features as the backdrop for the booze cruise scene in the third episode of season one, episode three where Rani and Christian run into trouble, and Greg’s colleague Spencer threatens to lead Lady Gabby astray. Go on your own booze cruise without the added drama and book a ‘Thirsty Thursday’ cruise with Bristol Ferry, or enjoy a river cruise with Bristol Packet.
Image - Bristol Ferry
Go on a daytrip to Weston-super-Mare
Ben’s dream of running his own beachside food shack in Weston becomes a reality at the end of season two, but not before Rani realises she doesn’t share his dreams, abandoning him on the train at Bristol Temple Meads, then stealing a convertible parked outside the station! Weston-super-Mare goes on to feature even more in the show throughout its third season.
You can go on a daytrip to Weston-super-Mare via the very same train line Ben takes from Temple Meads station. While you’re there, be sure to visit The Grand Pier, or take a walk along the long sandy beach.
Where to Eat
In the mood for Masala chai?
Claire's (Mryna’s second in command at the Bristol Justice Collective) favourite cafe for masala chai is a popular local cafe Flour House on Park Row. Order a coffee and see where Frank did the ‘Windy City Rail Road’ and swapped Claire’ credit card for Mryna’s!
Dine out, Outlaws style
For epic views of the city, Mediterranean vibes, DJ sets and more, get a drink from Bambalan (the setting for ‘Bar Revelation’ in season two). Just a stone’s throw away, Four Wise Monkeys featured as the exterior for a night club in season two. Pop in for pan-Asian food and cocktails.
Image - Bambalan
The perfect spot for a date with an old flame
For a cosy date night, put on a pair of heels and head to The Kensington Arms in Redland, where Mryna went on a date with her old flame, Sean. Just don’t eat a baked potato before so you can enjoy the meal!
Image - Myrna (Clare Perkins) in The Outlaws season 2. BBC
For breathtaking views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, decadent steak and great wines, go to Goram & Vincent at The Avon Gorge where Gabby tries to rekindle her relationship with Lara in the fourth episode of season two.
Image - Goram & Vincent, Bristol Avon Gorge
Stay overnight
For a night of luxury, book a stay at The Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, which served as the backdrop for the casino visited by Frank in the first episode of season two.
Image - Bristol Marriott Royal
In third episode of season three, Greg, Rani, and Ben book rooms at The Washington in Clifton in an attempt to snare bent copper, Burgess. Check into your own room for a stay, without any unwanted guests!
Image - Rani and Ben at The Washington
All three series of The Outlaws are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video internationally.
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All images credit: BBC, Amazon Studios, Big Talk Studios, Four Eyes.
