What is Bristol famous for? 6 things that make the city iconic

Bristol is a city in the southwest with a vibrant cultural scene. From protests to inventions to beloved children’s characters, there’s a lot the city is famous for. We’ve made a list of some of Bristol’s most famous events and landmarks below.

1. Bristol Bus Boycott

In 1963 Guy Bailey OBE went for a job interview at the Bristol Omnibus Company, and was denied one after they realised he was Black. In response locals led a boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company due to its refusal to employ Black and Asian workers. At the time there was no Race Relations Act, meaning companies could discriminate against people based on their race without facing legal ramifications. The boycott soon gained momentum, garnering the attention of both national and local media. Depots were picketed and peaceful marches took place across the city. In addition to Bailey, pioneers of the movement included Paul Stephenson OBE and Roy Hackett MBE. Many students from the University of Bristol also participated in the movement. The Bristol Bus Boycott was successful. The Bristol Omnibus Company changed their policy, and on the 17th of September Raghbir Singh became Bristol’s first non-white bus conductor. Two years later the Race Relations Act was passed.

2. Aardman Animations

Aardman is the studio behind iconic stop-motion animations such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run. In 1976 the co-founders of the studio Peter Lord and David Sproxton moved to Bristol to make their first professional production and never left! Since then, the studio has been based in Bristol. Dotted across the city are statues and murals of famous Aardman characters. Next time you’re in Bristol, see how many you can spot! Aardman is also involved in Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital charity which has raised more than £70 million since 1995. Together they created Gromit Unleashed, a series of award-winning outdoor exhibitions and sculpture trails that raised money for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Gromit Unleashed is returning in Summer 2025, so make sure to keep an eye out. If you want to get your hands on some Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep merch, head over to the Gromit Unleashed shop. All profits both online and in-store are donated to The Grand Appeal, funding life-saving equipment, facilities and treatment at the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

3. Clifton Suspension Bridge

If you’ve spent any time in Bristol, you’ve likely seen the Clifton Suspension Bridge depicted somewhere. Based on an early design from Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge spans across the River Avon and Avon Gorge and connects Clifton to Leigh Woods. It’s an impressive (if windy) sight and offers a brilliant view of the river, especially at night when it’s illuminated by LEDs. The Clifton Observatory is also a great viewpoint. In 1979 the first modern bungee jumps were made from the suspension bridge by the University of Oxford Dangerous Sports Club!

4. Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a former Victorian steamship that’s been converted to a museum. The ship took passengers from Bristol to New York City and from 1845 to 1853 was the largest passenger ship in the world. Extensive restoration work has allowed it to reopen to members of the public. Visitors can explore the historic dockyard, venture under the dry dock, and take a peak at the engine. The inside of the ship has also been restored, with rooms including a Dining Saloon and a Galley & Bakery. Alongside the steamship is a museum called Being Brunel which is dedicated to the inventor Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

5. Hot air balloons

Britain’s first hot air balloon, the Bristol Belle was developed by Don Cameron, who went on to open a hot air balloon manufacturing business in Cotham, Bristol. Since then the city has been associated with hot air balloons. For the last 46 years Bristol’s links to hot air ballooning have been celebrated with the iconic International Balloon Fiesta. This free event takes place over three days and showcases the wonder of hot air ballooning. It’s held at Ashton Court Estate and will return in 2025 between the 8th and 10th of August.

6. Its universities

Boasting two universities, Bristol is known for being a student city. The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England bring in thousands of students every year. In 2o23 full-time students over 18 made up 9.2% of the city’s entire population! The University of Bristol’s botanic garden is also very well known. Located in the Holmes at Stoke Bishop, the botanic garden is dedicated to the conservation of local and national plant species. Entry is free for University of Bristol students.