Bristol’s shopping tours blend retail therapy with fascinating history lessons. The standout experience is the St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour, which takes you behind typically closed doors to explore wartime bunkers while discovering the market’s bustling stalls. It’s a perfect mix of shopping and storytelling.
I’m especially fond of the Old Market Craft Beer Tour, which connects visitors with Bristol’s booming beer scene through well-planned stops at local breweries and pubs. The self-guided format lets you explore at your own pace, making it ideal for both serious beer fans and casual sippers.
These notable tours highlight what makes Bristol’s shopping scene truly special. Let’s explore the best options:
Key Points
- The St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of Bristol’s wartime history and local market experience.
- The Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour provides a curated selection of locally brewed craft beers across four unique venues.
- The Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market) features seven beer tastings and a booklet with area facts and a map.
- The Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour offers exclusive access to off-limits areas and highlights the largest air raid shelter.
- These tours provide immersive experiences into Bristol’s history and culture, with high satisfaction rates and unique insights for both locals and travelers.
St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour
The St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour is a highly-rated historical experience in Bristol, England.
With 1,345 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this 2-hour tour is a must-do for both locals and visitors. Priced at $15.98 per person, the tour invites participants to explore the city’s wartime past, focusing on the air raid shelters beneath the iconic St. Nicholas Market.
Led by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Duncan, the tour provides a captivating glimpse into Bristol’s resilience during World War II. Highlights include guided exploration of the shelters, viewing wartime memorabilia, and hearing stories from local residents.
Reviewers praise the guide’s ability to make history engaging and connect with the audience.
While there have been some issues with refunds for group bookings, the overall sentiment is one of high satisfaction. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is conveniently located near public transportation.
Suitable for history enthusiasts, the experience isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour Review
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Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
Visitors seeking to enjoy Bristol’s vibrant craft beer scene can embark on the self-guided Bristol: Old Market Craft Beer Tour. This 4-hour experience allows participants to enjoy 7 locally brewed craft beers and real ales across 4 venues – a brewery tap room, a traditional pub, a tiny bar, and a craft beer pub.
The tour is priced at €28.92 per person and offers a welcome package with a craft beer map, walking snacks, and drink tokens.
The tour’s highlights include tasting local beers at each venue and the opportunity to choose cider at the third and fourth stops. With a walking distance of around 5 minutes between venues, the tour offers a convenient and comprehensive exploration of Bristol’s Old Market craft beer scene.
While not suitable for those with mobility impairments or party groups, the tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 8 customer evaluations.
Read our full review: Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour Review
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Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)
This self-guided craft beer tour in Bristol’s Old Market district allows visitors to explore the vibrant local beer scene at their own pace.
With a Badge of Excellence rating and 19 positive reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive experience for just $30.68 per person. Participants will sample seven half-pint and third-pint pours of Bristol-brewed beers, accompanied by snacks as they walk between venues.
The tour also includes a booklet with area facts, a map, and venue information, as well as a pen and paper for noting down favorite brews.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, the maximum five-minute walk between venues is on flat terrain, and service animals are allowed.
Guests can extend their experience by purchasing additional drinks or enjoying hot food at two of the venues.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market) Review
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Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour
Nestled within Bristol’s historic Old City, the St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s past. At just $15.71 per person, this 75-minute to 2-hour guided experience is a budget-friendly way to explore Bristol’s iconic covered market and subterranean wartime shelter.
Led by a local guide dressed in World War II costume, the tour provides exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public. Highlights include the chance to sample food and drinks at the bustling market, as well as to discover the secrets of Bristol’s largest air raid shelter, which hosted famous bands like the Rolling Stones in the 1960s.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or extreme weight limitations, the vast majority of past participants have praised the knowledgeable guide and excellent value for money.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 167 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique and engaging shopping experience in Bristol.
Read our full review: Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Bristol offers a diverse range of shopping tours that cater to various interests. Visitors can explore the historic St. Nicholas Market, discover the vibrant craft beer scene in the Old Market area, or explore the city’s wartime history with a tour of the Air Raid Shelter. These self-guided and guided options provide a well-rounded shopping experience in Bristol.