BLACKBEARD TO BANKSY
BRISTOL HISTORY AND
STREET ART WALKING TOUR

★★★★★ The Times newspaper's #1 thing to do in Bristol
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WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

  • See world-leading street art and Banksy originals
  • Hear tales of pirates, merchants and voyages of discovery
  • Visit the places that inspired literary legends
  • Uncover 1000 years of history
  • Leave with hints and tips to make the most of your stay

Reviews & Accolades

  • 4.9 TripAdvisor — 2600 reviews
  • 4.8 GetYourGuide — 1400 reviews
  • 4.9 Booking.com — 648 reviews
  • 4.9 Google — 304 reviews
Total verified reviews: 4900 - 4.9 average

The Times — #1 thing to do in Bristol

The Times — One of the 7 best walking tours in the UK

Guests laughing during the Blackbeard to Banksy walking tour in Bristol

Award-winning Bristol walking tour – featured by The Times as the #1 thing to do in Bristol and recognized as one of the UK's 7 best walking tours. Our passionate local guides don't just show you Bristol – they bring its incredible stories to life.

Journey through 1000 years of fascinating history on this carefully crafted 2-hour walking adventure. From Saxon settlements to Norman fortifications, from medieval city walls to world-famous street art – discover how seafarers, authors, engineers, and graffiti artists all shaped the vibrant city you see today.

Your 2-mile route takes you from Bristol's magnificent cathedral through the bustling modern city center, into the atmospheric St Nicholas Market, and down to the historic harbourside. This isn't just sightseeing – it's a fun-filled, story-driven experience packed with insider tips and local recommendations to enhance the rest of your Bristol visit.

Guests laughing during the Blackbeard to Banksy walking tour in Bristol

Your journey begins at one of Bristol's most iconic landmarks. Discover the secrets hidden in plain sight around this historic square.

From civic grandeur to cheeky street art – see one of Banksy's most famous pieces and learn how Bristol became the world's street art capital.

Step back in time at a pub where pirates once drank and plotted. The stories these walls could tell...

Confront Bristol's complex past and witness where history was literally toppled. A powerful moment of reflection and change.

From tiny hidden gems to massive murals – experience the full spectrum of Bristol's street art scene on one incredible street.

Dive into Bristol's bustling heart where traders have been doing business for centuries. Taste, smell, and feel the city's vibrant culture.

Cross into maritime history and visit the pub that inspired Treasure Island. Blackbeard's ghost might still be at the bar...

Georgian elegance meets modern rebellion. Discover how this grand square played host to both high society and historic riots.

End your journey where old meets new – from cutting-edge contemporary art to maritime heritage. Plus insider tips for your onward Bristol adventures.

Starting at 11:30 and 14:30, although if you can't see a time that suits, we'll do our best to organise a tour, or get in touch with us for a private tour!

Outside Bristol Cathedral, College Green, BS1 5TJ. Look for your guide with a folder of pictures and our logo on the front!

2 hours in duration, covering a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km).

A 2 hour tour of Bristol covering 2 miles and 1000 years of city history, taking in Banksy original artwork along the way. Along with pirate haunts, tales of underground rivers, touch weird doors, hear bizarre echoes, see Long John Silver's Inn, and Robinson Crusoe's first port of call along with hints and tips to make the most of your stay!

Absolutely from 3-99 there is something on the tour for all ages, we don't swear or use bad language, content friendly for younger ears. We do cover aspects of Bristol's involvement in Slavery and other sensitive subjects though. Your guide will be sure to let you know in advance!

We are within eyesight of the meeting point for the first 15 minutes of the tour. From there head to Pizza Rova Park Street, and then Hatchet Inn for 30 mins later. Much later than that and you won't enjoy the experience as much, but give us a call and you can catch up!

Yes of course, from Couples to School groups and corporate events and conferences we've got you covered, for groups of up to 200 people!

Yes it is best to book in advance, we do accept walk-ups, but if the group is going to be too large, you may be refused, keeping the comfort of our booked guests in mind.

Officially it is 24 hours notice for a refund, but we understand that things can crop up last minute. We'll endeavour to rebook you, subject to availability, or offer a refund if we can resell ticket(s). Best thing is to get in touch for a chat!

Comfortable shoes, suitable clothing for hot/wet/cold weather, a drink, something to capture pictures and a taste for intrigue and fascination! Seems like a good list?

The Art looks better with a splash of water on it. And tours run all year round rain or shine. However if severe weather warnings for the area are issued, we monitor the situation and reschedule/offer refunds as necessary.

No problem, we have wheelchair and mobility scooter users joining the tour regularly. There is one set of steps usually, but we take an alternate route, and the tour is pretty much on flat ground. The ground around the harbour can be a bit uneven, but usually it is fine. Feel free to get in touch if you have any concerns!

Absolutely, our tour is designed to have frequent rest stops and also a few places to sit along the way.

Four-legged friends are always welcome, from guide and assistance dogs to inquisitive pooches.

We are available on all major platforms, but for the best service we would recommend booking directly.

Who?

Local artists and historians will share their knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for this wonderful city.

This unique walking tour will introduce you to all aspects of this magical city leaving no stone upturned. There is no better way to get an instant feel for all aspects of Bristol, leaving you with plenty to revisit and lots of ideas for your remaining stay. You will feel like a local ready to bring friends and family back with an insider's knowledge of the cities delights from Street Art to the best restaurants in town.

Guests laughing during the Blackbeard to Banksy walking tour in Bristol

Essential Information

Days
Every Day
Times
11:30 & 14:30
Duration
2 Hours
Distance
2 Miles
(3.2 km)
Adults
£12
Children
£5
Accessibility: This tour is suitable for most fitness levels. The route includes some gentle hills and cobbled streets. Please contact us to discuss specific accessibility requirements.

Meeting Point

Bristol Cathedral Main Entrance
College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ
Look for your guide carrying a Black Folder

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