Explore more of Bristol and beyond by bus this summer

Bristol is packed with so much to see and do that you simply couldn’t do it all in a day… or could you?

There’s never been a better time to take in as much of Bristol as possible. With much easier and cheaper ways to explore aboard First Bus’ many routes, now’s the time to sample a slice of this vibrant city, packed with its own unique character and charm.  

If you want a good excuse to cover off every corner of the city, then Bristol’s Unicornfest is a good excuse to take the kids on a whistlestop tour.

From 1st July until 1st September, join a magically colourful trail of 60 unicorn sculptures scattered across the city and further afield, with many at some of Bristol’s most iconic locations. Better still, First Bus’ group ticket offer (which runs throughout the festival) allows up to five people unlimited travel all day for just £10.

Image - 'Brizzlecoins' part of Unicornfest, at Cabot Circus

If it’s retail therapy you’re looking for, and the sun’s still shining, grab one of First’s six bus routes that head out to Gloucester Road’s famous independent shopping area, dubbed Bristol’s “indie shopping district”. Packed with many independent traders as well as household names, there’s more than just shops to explore.

With a great choice of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as its relaxed outdoor gallery feel with colourful graffiti that continually transforms its wall and buildings, Gloucester Road is far from your traditional shopping experience. And with single bus fares costing just £2 for adults and £1 for children, there’s never been a quicker and cheaper way of travelling to Gloucester Road aboard First’s services 17,72,73,74,75,76 and Y6.

Image - The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road

Of course, it’s the summer and it’s Britain, so we’ve got to expect some rain. If the dark clouds put a dampener on your trip to Bristol - but the pull of some shops is still too hard - then the huge undercover shopping centre at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway will meet your every need.

Set over several levels, and filled with a wide range of shops, the shopping centre - north of Bristol - also offers the chance for food and drink, as well as entertainment including a cinema and bowling. The Mall is served by First’s bus routes 1,2,3,4,76 and Y6. 

Image - The Mall at Cribbs Causeway 

If the thought of coming to Bristol to visit shops sends a shiver down your spine, and you’re pining for some culture and nature, then the city has that catered for too.

Ashton Court Estate is a chance to get lost in the sprawling 850 acres of woodland and grassland surrounding the impressively historic mansion. Head out to view the towering, centuries old Oak trees and count how many deer you can spot in the 600-year-old deer park.

Image - Ashton Court Estate

Just a few miles over the river is the highly sought after area of Clifton Village, with the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge as its showpiece, spanning the River Avon – great for photo opportunities. Just a stone’s throw away is the National Trust’s Leigh Woods described by the charity as “a wilderness of tranquillity set against Brunel’s famous suspension bridge”.

And if it’s open space you’re after then this part of Bristol has it all, with the Clifton Downs adding that peace and tranquillity that lulls you into thinking you’re in the heart of the South West’s stunning countryside. Clifton is also easily accessible via First Bus route 8.

Image: View of Clifton Suspension Bridge from Leigh Woods

It’s hard to admit, but Bristol isn’t the centre of the universe, and if you head just a few miles out of the city there’s lots on offer in the rest of the West of England.

If the coast is your thing, then direct routes on First Bus’ service X1 takes you right onto the famous seafront at Weston-super-Mare, with the first sight greeting you as you get off being the iconic Grand Pier. 

Image - The Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare

Travel in the other direction, aboard First’s 376 service, and you arrive in the shadow of the city of Wells’ awe-inspiring cathedral. In fact, the ride on the 376 is one of our prettiest, heading over the Mendip Hills with some of Somerset’s most spectacular views.

If you’re feeling super adventurous, why not take a trip to Wells after breakfast to enjoy a mid-morning cream tea, and hop on a bus over to Weston for a seaside stroll with an ice cream.

Image - Wells Cathedral

Travelling around Bristol and the West of England has never been easier. If you don’t fancy doing it on foot then bus routes head in all directions, and with adult single ticket costing just £2, and £1 for children, alongside lots of other special offers – such as First’s £10 group ticket – it’s cheaper and a more sustainable way of exploring what this part of the UK has to offer. 

First Bus has also made the region easier to enjoy with its app that allows you to buy tickets and plan your journey, and also view timetables, route maps and track live buses. It’s Tap On, Tap Off technology lets you simply board a bus, swipe your card or mobile phone and relax knowing you’ll always pay the cheapest fare. Download the app on the Apple and Google stores by searching ‘First Bus’.

Read more:

• First Bus website
• Summer in Bristol
• Plan your visit to Bristol