5 min readBristol has played host to some of TV's most popular series through the years. Kiri - a captivating four-part Channel 4 drama set in Bristol - comes from Bristol-born BAFTA-winner Jack Thorne. The drama examines the abduction of a young black girl, who is soon-to-be-adopted by her white foster family, and the trail of lies, blame, guilt and notoriety that follows. Kiri stars BAFTA and RTS award-winning actress Sarah Lancashire.
The production filmed for two weeks in August 2017 at locations across Bristol and we’ve put together a little Kiri-inspired tour of the city so you can follow in the footsteps of the actors:
Gloucester Road
A vibrant and colourful neighbourhood, Gloucester Road is reputedly the longest independent shopping street in Europe. Famed for its non-conformist, bohemian vibes, it’s jam-packed with buzzing cafés, greengrocers, well-loved local boozers and some of Bristol’s quirkiest shops. In episode 1, Sarah Lancashire is seen driving up Gloucester road (albeit with a few continuity issues which locals will recognise!)
Did you know?
- Hollywood star, Cary Grant, née Archie Leach, was born in 1904 in Horfield, just off Gloucester Road. Look out for a street art tribute to the actor above Room 212.
- Learn more about the area in our local guides to Bishopston and Horfield.
Image - Gloucester Road
St Andrews Park
Also featured in the series is one of Bristol’s loveliest parks, St Andrews. There’s a great play area for children – including a huge sand pit and the park really comes into its own in the summer months, when the large outdoor paddling pool is filled with water. A lovely little kiosk at its centre sells refreshments.
Did you know?
- One of the park’s trees, the European black pine, survived being hit by a Wellington bomber which crashed in the park on 30 April 1941, during the Second World War. The plane sliced off the top of the tree and ripped another growing close by from the ground. Of the six crew on board, three died in the accident and there is a memorial in the park to record the event.
Image - Kiri filming on Leopold Street (near Gloucester Road & St Andrews Park), courtesy of Bristol Film Office
The Downs
The Downs, spanning 440 acres, is one of the largest green spaces in the city. A popular spot for picnicking on a summer’s day, football matches, Ultimate Frisbee, dog walking and outdoor fitness classes, if you head to the Sea Walls end (where the search party can be seen in Kiri), you’ll be treated to stunning views along the Avon Gorge to Clifton Suspension Bridge on the left and out to the Bristol Channel and Wales on your right.
The upmarket neighbourhood of Clifton Village is an easy stroll from The Downs, with lots of cafés, boutique shops and restaurants to explore. The University of Bristol Botanic Garden - a real green haven full of exotic plants and a sacred lotus collection.
Did you know?
- The land that makes up The Downs was originally used for grazing sheep and lead-mining but was often blighted by highwaymen. This led to gallows being erected for a time at the top of Pembroke Road - known back then as Gallows Acre Lane, and considered nowadays to be one of Bristol’s most haunted sites.
Image - The Downs
Cumberland Basin
The Cumberland Basin – pictured as a backdrop to Sarah Lancashire’s dog walk early in episode 1 - is the main entrance to Bristol’s Floating Harbour. The skyline here is dominated by the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, tree-heavy cliffs of the Avon Gorge, sweeping terraces of elegant Clifton houses, multi-coloured homes and domineering red brick former bonded warehouses. These days one of these warehouses is home to Bristol Archives, another has been re-incarnated as the Create Centre and Ecohome.
From here, it’s a picturesque wander (or ferry ride) to Harbourside attractions like Underfall Yard, Spike Island, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and M Shed. Or you could head out of the city on one of the scenic cycle paths which start here and follow the river along the gorge to Pill and Portishead.
Did you know?
- To get past the bonded warehouses, pirates used to stash goods such as booze and tobacco in the caves in Redcliffe to avoid being taxed.
Image - Cumberland Basin, credit Andrew Varcoe
Nine Tree Hill, Stokes Croft
In Kiri, Sarah Lancashire visits a woman in a graffiti-covered house on Nine Tree Hill, just off Stokes Croft. The area is renowned for its street art and you can learn more about the giant murals that adorn the city’s streets by taking a tour with Where the Wall, Graft or the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour.
Did you know?
- World-famous graffiti artist Banksy comes from Bristol and has a large collection of works featured around the city. One of them, Mild Mild West, can be found outside The Canteen on Stokes Croft.
Image - Outdoor gallery on Stokes Croft
The Bearpit
Once a nondescript pedestrian area between several busy roads in the centre of Bristol, has been transformed into a unique hub of trading and community activities, events and markets. The Bearpit has its own edible garden – one of 30 across Bristol - thanks to Incredible Edible Bristol and its volunteers.
Did you know?
- The Bearpit’s real name is the St James Barton roundabout. It takes its name from nearby St James Priory - the oldest church in Bristol that’s still in use.
- It was never used as a real bear pit
Read more:
