Bristol

1. Cabot Circus

Cabot Circus is Bristol’s premier shopping and entertainment destination, located in the city centre. It offers a modern, open-air shopping experience with a wide range of stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Types of Stores

• Fashion & Lifestyle: High-street brands like Zara, H&M, River Island, and Next, alongside premium stores such as Harvey Nichols and Michael Kors.
• Electronics: Apple Store, Currys, and other tech retailers.
• Beauty & Wellness: Boots, Lush, The Body Shop, and high-end beauty counters in Harvey Nichols.
• Home & Gifts: Typo, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, and Paperchase.

Entertainment Options

• Cinema: Showcase Cinema de Lux, a luxury cinema with reclining seats and an in-house bar.
• Seasonal Events: Regular pop-up markets, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Dining Facilities

• A wide range of restaurants and cafes, including:
  • Casual Dining: Wagamama, Nando’s, and Five Guys.
  • Fine Dining: Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant.
  • Cafes: Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and independent options like Friska.

Costs

• Shopping: Mid-range to high-end pricing.
• Dining: £10–£30 per person, depending on the venue.
• Cinema: Tickets range from £10–£15.

Accessibility

• Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps.
• Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities available.

Parking

• Multi-storey car park with over 2,500 spaces.
• Charges: £2.50 for up to 1 hour, £5 for 2 hours, and £15 for 6+ hours.

Public Transport Connections

• Bus: Served by multiple bus routes stopping at Broadmead or Cabot Circus.
• Train: A 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Opening Hours

• Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
• (Hours may vary for restaurants and the cinema.)

Local Tips

• Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
• Look out for student discounts in many stores.

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2. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

Located on the northern edge of Bristol, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is a large, enclosed shopping centre ideal for families and those looking for a more relaxed shopping experience.

Types of Stores

• Fashion: Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Primark, and Superdry.
• Electronics: Samsung Experience Store, Currys, and Game.
• Beauty: MAC, Lush, and The Perfume Shop.
• Specialty Stores: LEGO Store, Smiggle, and Waterstones.

Entertainment Options

• Ice Rink: Seasonal ice skating during winter.
• Events: Regular family-friendly activities and exhibitions.

Dining Facilities

• Restaurants: TGI Fridays, Pizza Express, and Carluccio’s.
• Food Court: Options like KFC, McDonald’s, and Subway.
• Cafes: Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger, and Patisserie Valerie.

Costs

• Shopping: Mid-range pricing.
• Dining: £8–£25 per person.
• Ice Rink: Seasonal pricing, typically £10–£15 per session.

Accessibility

• Fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and wide aisles.
• Free wheelchair hire available.
• Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.

Parking

• Free parking with over 7,000 spaces, including dedicated disabled and parent-and-child bays.

Public Transport Connections

• Bus: Direct services from Bristol city centre and surrounding areas.
• Train: Closest station is Bristol Parkway, a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Opening Hours

• Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM–9:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Local Tips

• Arrive early during the Christmas season to avoid traffic and parking delays.
• Check the website for exclusive offers and events.

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3. St Nicholas Market

For a more unique and local shopping experience, St Nicholas Market (or St Nick’s) is a historic indoor market in the heart of Bristol.

Types of Stores

• Independent Boutiques: Vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, and artisan crafts.
• Food Stalls: Local produce, baked goods, and international street food.
• Books & Records: Second-hand books, vinyl records, and antiques.

Entertainment Options

• Live music and cultural events are often held in the market or nearby Corn Street.

Dining Facilities

• A variety of street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world, including falafel, Caribbean jerk chicken, and vegan options.

Costs

• Shopping: Affordable, with many budget-friendly options.
• Dining: £5–£10 per meal.

Accessibility

• The market is partially accessible, but some areas may have uneven flooring due to its historic nature.

Parking

• Limited parking nearby; recommended to use public transport.

Public Transport Connections

• Bus: Multiple routes stop at The Centre or Broadmead, a short walk away.
• Train: A 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Opening Hours

• Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Closed on Sundays.

Local Tips

• Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept card payments.
• Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush.

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4. The Galleries

The Galleries is a more traditional shopping centre located in the city centre, offering a mix of high-street stores and budget-friendly options.

Types of Stores

• Fashion: TK Maxx, Peacocks, and The Works.
• Essentials: Poundland, Boots, and WHSmith.
• Specialty Stores: Toy stores, card shops, and gift shops.

Entertainment Options

• Limited entertainment options, but its central location makes it easy to combine with other city attractions.

Dining Facilities

• Cafes and fast-food outlets, including Greggs, Subway, and independent coffee shops.

Costs

• Shopping: Budget-friendly.
• Dining: £5–£10 per meal.

Accessibility

• Fully accessible with lifts and escalators.
• Accessible toilets available.

Parking

• On-site car park with over 1,000 spaces.
• Charges: £2 for up to 1 hour, £5 for 3 hours, and £10 for 6+ hours.

Public Transport Connections

• Bus: Well-served by city centre bus routes.
• Train: A 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Opening Hours

• Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Local Tips

• Ideal for quick shopping trips or budget-friendly purchases.
• Combine with a visit to nearby Cabot Circus or St Nicholas Market.

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Final Tips for Shopping in Bristol

• Seasonal Sales: Look out for Boxing Day and summer sales for great deals.
• Sustainability: Bristol is known for its eco-conscious culture, so consider visiting second-hand shops and markets for sustainable shopping.
• Local Products: Don’t miss out on locally made goods, especially at St Nicholas Market or independent stores in the city.

With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Bristol’s shopping centres and enjoy everything they have to offer!