Things to do and see in Clifton Bristol

7 awesome things to do for two in Clifton (2022)


Last updated on Friday 28 June 2024


Clifton is known for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and the huge variety of independent shops, cafes, boutiques, bars, and restaurants that you will find there.

This location is perfect for dates or to impress newcomers to Bristol. It's lined with leafy vistas, stunning architecture, and unforgettable views.

Here's a collection of just some of the awesome things you can find to do in Clifton:

1. BYOB cooking classes: 3 Chandos Road, BS6 6PG

Cookery school in clifton, cooking class for dates

In the heart of Cotham, you'll find busy cookery school Cooking It

Classes are varied and suit every taste (please excuse the unintentional pun) and many are BYOB, so they make an excellent night with partners or friends.

You'll find street food classes, global cuisine, baking masterclasses, kid's cooking clubs, and even Michelin star and molecular gastronomy classes. 

Discover all Cooking It classes here

2. Wes Anderson mini-festival: Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin, BS8 4LD

Incredible views of the Clifton suspension Bridge from avon gorge hotel

Wes Anderson films are renowned for their aesthetic charm and iconic style, so where else better to enjoy them than the Avon Gorge Hotel with Bristol's favourite view: the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Bristol Film Festival is holding a mini-series dedicated to Wes Anderson in this very location and you can choose from The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Royal Tenenbaums.

Discover all Bristol Film Festival screenings here

3. Enjoy a swim, massage and meal at Bristol Lido: Oakfield Place, BS8 2BJ

Bristol Lido and spa restaurant

Feel like a celebrity in this cool urban oasis that's tucked away in the heart of Clifton. 

This Victorian spa is known for its idyllic tranquillity, good food, and spa treatments. Bristol has a habit of having unexpected pleasures tucked away in unlikely places, and the Bristol Lido is no exception!

Find out more about Bristol Lido here

4. Learn magic from a theatre magician: The Square Club, BS81HB

magic lessons and magic classes in Clifton

Just off the Clifton Triangle, you will find magician Ava Beaux at The Square Club!

Learn up-close magic tricks and discover the arts of misdirection, sleight of hand, bluffing, and confidence. Perfect for party tricks or nights out, you'll walk away from this experience with a couple of tricks up your sleeve.

Find out more about magic masterclasses here

5. Drink basement gin at a gin lover's masterclass: 145 St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DB

gin lover's masterclass in clifton

Just off Cotham Hill and tucked behind the University of Bristol, you'll find Psychopomp Microdistillery on St Michael's Hill.

This distillery was first founded in the basement of a Bristol home, and now it's one of the most popular distilleries in Bristol making bespoke gins for Bristol's buzzing independent restaurant scene.

It's definitely a place you must visit if you like gin, there are walls lined with jewel-coloured gins and you can watch the latest concoctions bubbling away in Psychopomp's Willy Wonka-esque set-up.

Find out more about the gin lover's masterclass here

6. Get cake and cocktails near a Victorian arcade: Clifton Village, BS8 4JG

ANNA Cake Couture in Clifton

Clifton Village is not to be confused with Clifton! And anyone new to the city will discover that Clifton has many sides to it! This picturesque little shopping quarter is around the corner from the suspension bridge and home to some of the city's most stunning boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. You will be spoilt for choice!

A must-visit if you are in the area is ANNA Cake Couture (pictured above), the beautiful and unusual Victorian Arcade, and The Dirty Bird cocktail lounge.

Discover more Clifton Village here

7. Sparkling wine masterclass: 7 Princess Victoria Street, BS8 4BX

Sparkling wine masterclass in Bristol

If you are in the Clifton Village area you have to stop into DBM Wines for one of their wine tasting masterclasses.

This wine merchant is stocked with wines from across the globe, and they certainly know their stuff! Their sparkling wine masterclass makes a brilliant evening out and is one of the more unusual wine tasting masterclasses that you will find in Bristol.

Discover all DBM Wines masterclasses here


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