12 min readSet and filmed in and around Bristol, the cult classic teen drama has become synonymous with the city since it broke onto TV screens in 2007. The show follows three generations of Bristolian teenagers as they navigate the struggles they face during their two years at sixth form, and successfully launched the careers of many of its stars, including Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, Jack O’Connell, Luke Pasqualino, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Kaluuya, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards.
The show also made many locations across Bristol famous, including what is now known as 'Cassie's Bench' in Brandon Hill, as well as Park Street and College Green, among many others. Our friends from Bristol Film Office have put together the handy map below, to make finding key spots featured in show easy.
With Skins coming of age and turning 18 this year, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Bristol and immerse yourself in the world of the show. Read on for our guide on how to enjoy the ultimate Skins-themed break in the city...
Go for a wander around Brandon Hill
Start with a visit to Brandon Hill, to the west of the city centre. Set on one of Bristol’s distinctive inclines, this peaceful hideaway is a favourite haunt of many Skins characters, and we can't say we blame them! As you climb up the park's steep winding paths, you'll discover pretty gardens and meet roaming wild squirrels, as well as enjoying fabulous views over the city.
Image: Hannah Murray as Cassie Ainsworth in Skins - credit Company Pictures, Storm Dog Films and All3Media
However, the main attraction for Skins fans is waiting at the hill’s summit, where you’ll find the very same bench overlooking the city that Cassie dances on in the fifth episode of the first series, and later meets Sid at a few episodes later in the series finale. From here, you can enjoy one of the park's most spectacular vistas over Bristol and its surrounding countryside.
If you want to go one better, keep trekking up to Cabot Tower. Built in the 1800s to celebrate John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to discover North America, it offers panoramic views over the city in every direction, and is completely free of charge – other than the stamina you’ll need to make it up the spiral staircase!
Be sure to take in Brandon Hill’s nature reserve on your way back down, where Emily and JJ have a heart-to-heart in the sixth episode of the third series.
Explore Park Street & Queens Road
Running parallel to Brandon Hill, Park Street is always worth visiting for its eclectic range of trendy shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and Banksy’s famous ‘Well Hung Lover’ artwork. But Skins fans will also recognise it as the setting of some of the show’s best-known stunt scenes, including Tony and Sid’s drive through Bristol after stealing Chris’ coffin in a Mini Cooper during the finale of series two, and Freddie skateboarding down the street on his way to college in the opening episode of the third series, dodging a bus, policeman, and construction workers along the way.
Later in the third series, twin sisters Katie and Emily try on dresses at the former ‘Motel’ shop, which has since become a branch of vintage clothing chain Sobey’s. Follow in their footsteps and go for a browse in some of the shops, which sell everything from clothing for all occasions to books, music, art supplies, and furniture.
Park Street blends into Queens Road at the top of the hill. Here, you’ll not only be greeted by the stunning Wills Memorial Building and Bristol Museum, but also the former site of Rocotillos, another noteworthy Skins location. The 1950s-themed diner is Cassie and Sid’s eatery of choice in the first series, with the former seen devouring a burger there in the fifth episode, and both later sharing their first kiss together at the café in the series’ penultimate episode.
While Rocotillos is unfortunately now closed, you can still enjoy delicious food there in its latest incarnation as Eatchu, a Japanese-inspired diner selling gyoza and noodle dishes. If you're in the mood for something different, around the corner is the popular Pizza on the Park, or a few doors down you'll find Eat a Pitta, serving up the fabulous flavours of the Mediterranean, including falafels, hummus, and salads to die for, all wrapped up in your choice of the titular pitta bread, or loose in a box.
Image: Eat a Pitta
For more Japanese cuisine, head back down Park Street to Yakinori, followed by sensational souffle pancakes at Fluffy Fluffy.
Be sure to go for a wander around some of the grand side roads adjoining Park Street while you’re in the area, some of which may also look familiar from the car chase seen later in the second series finale, when Chris’ dad chases Tony and Sid’s Mini Cooper in a hearse.
Have a picnic on College Green
At the bottom of Park Street is College Green, which is easily the most recognisable Bristol landmark in Skins, thanks to being the characters’ hangout destination of choice. It’s not hard to see why, as the park is the perfect spot to relax in the heart of the city, with several major attractions based close by, including Bristol Cathedral (which overlooks the green) and We The Curious, among many others.
Image: Nicholas Hoult as Tony Stonem, April Pearson as Michelle Richardson, and Mike Bailey as Sid Jenkins in Skins - credit Company Pictures, Storm Dog Films, and All3Media
Pick up some of the city’s finest gelato at the nearby Swoon, an irresistible treat whatever the weather, or choose from the mouth-watering selection of sweet and savoury delights at the Pinkmans Café inside Bristol Cathedral, including the popular local bakery’s famous ‘sourdoughnuts'. Then sit back on the Green and reminisce on the memorable scenes filmed here while you eat, from Michelle confronting Tony and Abigail in the show’s first series, to Freddie, JJ and Cook’s iconic first encounter with Effy in the third series.
Walk the Harbourside Loop
This three-mile route is the perfect way to take in Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside, home to some of the city’s most iconic sights, a tempting selection of waterside bars and restaurants, and of course, plenty more Skins locations!
Image: Bristol Harbourside
Start from Pero’s Bridge, where Tony chats to a Big Issue seller in the eighth episode of the first series, then work your way past the Arnolfini and cross over Prince Street bridge to the south bank of the river.
As you follow the path, you’ll soon come across more recognisable backdrops from the show, including the spot outside the M Shed where Mini tells her dad that she is pregnant in the fifth episode of the sixth series, and the exterior of Liv’s house from the fifth series, sat between M Shed and Brunel's SS Great Britain.
One landmark you might not recognise from Skins is Wapping Wharf, which opened in the years after the show ended. However, the small community of bars, restaurants and cafes is a great place to stop for drinks or a bite to eat. Go for local craft beer from Bristol Beer Factory with some classic pub grub at Junction, sushi at Seven Lucky Gods, or tacos, burgers, pizza, coffee, pastries, and much more.
Image: Wapping Wharf
Just past Brunel's SS Great Britain on the harbour loop path is Baltic Wharf, where you’ll find the steps Effy and Pandora sit on to talk after discovering Effy’s mum’s affair in the fourth episode of the third series. As you loop back around onto the other side of the river at Cumberland Basin, you’ll pass by the very same bank the gang’s car rolls off of into the river in the show’s very first episode. Earlier in the same scene, Cassie admires a passing Bristol Ferry Boat – see if you can spot one during your walk!
Back on the northern bank of the river, keep an eye out for the path Tony walks along as he calls Maxxie and Sid earlier in the same episode, and the bench Chris and Jal make their pact on in the fifth episode of series two near Pero’s Bridge as you arrive back where you started.
Go for a meal at Mud Dock Café
In the seventh episode of the first series, Michelle meets up with the seemingly innocent Josh at this Bristol institution, which offers scenic views over the Harbourside and the colourful houses of the nearby Redcliffe Parade. Recreate the scene over one of the café’s crowd-pleasing brunches, lunches, or dinners, coupled with a cup of coffee from Bristol’s Clifton Coffee Co., or a pint of craft beer from one of the city’s many indie breweries.
Image: Mud Dock Café
Go for a night out at Bristol’s award-winning clubs
It wouldn’t be Skins without a wild night out, and where better to go than the very same legendary Bristol clubs that the characters frequent throughout the show’s run?
Make your first port of call Thekla, the city’s floating club, set inside a former cargo ship moored just down the road from Mud Dock. Unlike the characters in the second episode of series three, you won’t have to crash any private parties, as Thekla hosts a wide range of club nights multiple days per week, along with live music gigs.
Elsewhere in the city centre is SWX, which stars in the first episode of series four as the nightclub Thomas works at, and like Thekla, also hosts regular club nights and shows. If you’re looking to branch out to some of Bristol’s other iconic clubs which aren’t featured in the show, there’s also Lakota, The Prospect Building, Motion, OMG, Document, The Jam Jar, and Queenshilling.
Image: Thekla Bristol
Go mountain biking around Leigh Woods
Based just a short bus journey out of the city centre, Leigh Woods and its surrounding area is featured prominently in the show’s third season, most notably as the destination for the group’s party and camping trip in the eighth episode, Gobbler’s End.
The best way to explore Leigh Woods is by hitting some of the thrilling mountain bike trails scattered throughout the area, including the Leigh Woods Link and Yer Tiz routes. Pick up a suitable set of wheels from the nearby Pedal Progression in Ashton Court, then start following in Effy and the gang’s footsteps.
If you fancy a longer ride, keep heading further west to the tranquil surroundings of Abbots Pool, where Naomi and Emily give in to their feelings for each other a couple of episodes earlier.
Image: Mountain biking in Leigh Woods
Visit Tyntesfield
A few miles south of Leigh Woods is Tyntesfield, a stunning Gothic mansion nestled deep in the scenic North Somerset countryside, which stars as Cassie’s rehabilitation clinic in the first series. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in some self-care of your own, with a wander around the flower-filled terraces, lake, woodland, and gardens in the grounds of the house.
Inside, you’ll discover the story of Tyntesfield’s former owners, the Gibbs, and how they might have lived in what was once their family home.
Image: Tyntesfield, credit National Trust
Visit Bristol Aquarium
Not only is Bristol Aquarium the site of Mini’s reunion with her dad in the fifth episode of series six, but also a fun way to spend a few hours. Embark on a spectacular undersea safari, where you’ll encounter everything from rays and seahorses to puffer fish and piranhas, with lots more in between!
Image: Bristol Aquarium
Where to stay
Bristol city centre is the ideal place to stay on your Skins-themed break in the city. You’ll be close to many of the show’s most iconic filming locations, with excellent transport links to those further away. Best of all, there’s a fabulous range of accommodation options to choose from, whether you’re visiting with your own group of mates, your other half, or going solo!
Image: Brooks Guesthouse Bristol
Treat yourself to some luxurious lodgings in one of the chic apartments at Berkeley Suites near Park Street, a plush suite at the Marriott Royal Hotel on College Green, or one of the cosy rooms at Brooks Guesthouse Bristol in the Old City, including two ‘Retro Rocket’ caravans parked on the rooftop!
You’ll find more quirky yet lavish accommodation to the east of the city centre at the bohemian Artist Residence on Portland Square in St Paul’s, which features individually-designed rooms peppered with an eclectic array of artworks from local artists.
If you’re on a tighter budget, go for a spot of affordable luxury at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel and Premier Suites Plus Cabot Circus, or check in to boutique hostel The Bristol Wing.
Image: Artist Residence
All seven series of Skins are available to stream now on Channel 4 and Netflix.
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