The Local's Guide: Totterdown

Close to Temple Meads station and within walking distance to the centre, Totterdown’s popularity is growing as a place to both live and visit.

Thriving local businesses, award-winning cafes and a warm, community feel make this suburb well worth an explore!

Totterdown from above. Credit: Joshua Perrett

Views

Before you come to Totterdown, make sure you pack your sturdiest shoes (and legs!) because it’s hilly – Vale Street is reportedly the steepest residential street in England, fact fans.

You know what hills mean though – views, and Totterdown sure does have those.Climb to the top of any slope and you have a great panoramic view of the city, taking in Bristol’s skyline and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s particularly magical at dusk, when the light takes on that golden hour feel and everything looks a little more special.

Speaking of pretty spots, Totterdown has iconic colourful houses abound, as well as Instagrammable graffiti and quirky artworks – take a stroll around the neighbourhood to see pompom-laden trees, painted fences and even graffitied drainpipes.

Steep street of Totterdown. Credit: Paul Box

Food and drink

When all that walking takes its toll on your appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

For breakfast, try Totterdown Canteen for a hearty full English, and lunchtime calls for Farrows’ award winning, quintessentially English Fish and Chips.

Stop in for delicious pizza at Acapella or pay a visit to Eat Your Greens, the town’s new 100% plant-based cafe. Assilah Bistro is a few doors uphill, a cosy Moroccan restaurant which has been open for almost two decades.

For a more traditional pub feel, try The Oxford for a favourite-with-the-locals roast, the newly re-opened The Star and Dove for a cider, or catch a live band in an intimate space at The Thunderbolt. 

Victoria Park & Arnos Vale

Victoria Park, a vast Victorian space that spans Totterdown, Bedminster and Knowle is the perfect relaxing spot for picnics, a game of tennis or simply chilling out with a book.

The park’s hills also make it the perfect place to spot hot air balloons when it’s sunny, or fireworks when the dark nights draw in. If you get peckish, try Mrs Brown’s Café, or if you’re up early enough (and brave enough!) sign up for a Bootcamp style workout.

Ramblers or fans of wildlife, try Arnos Vale Cemetery, a 170-year old cemetery accessible from Totterdown where you can explore nature trails, see impressive architecture and visit the café & gift shop. Bring the kids and the dogs!

Colourful houses of Totterdown. Credit: Faye Jenkins

Totterdown Arts Trail

Visit at the end November and you’ll happen upon Front Room Arts Trail, a friendly community event where artists open their homes to the public to display creative works, from pottery and sculpture to prints and handmade jewellery.

Chat to the creators, get a glimpse into the artist’s studios and purchase some one-off delights.  

> Read more about Bristol's neighbourhood art trails

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