Essential Bristol & Cardiff: What to See, Eat and Drink in the Western U.K.

Just 25 miles apart, the United Kingdom towns of Bristol and Cardiff are united in dynamism but divided by nationality.

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a proud advertisement for this wonderful little country, with the Millennium Stadium, the most noisily tuneful of Britain’s great sporting venues, at its heart. Bristol, by contrast, is England’s most laid-back city, a place driven by creativity and a desire to do things differently.

Should you find yourself traversing the sights of the Western U.K., plan a pit stop in these unmissable towns.

BRISTOL

See

Bristol’s city center has plenty of charm, but the real showstopper can be found to its west. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, which opened in 1864, spans the Avon Gorge in dramatic style, making for a remarkable sight from above on the cliffs and below by the water’s edge. It’s almost certainly Bristol’s most well-known icon.

Back in town, Harbourside — a former sailors’ dock and current multi-use hub — is a wonderful spot for a walk and a bite to eat. Its colorful houses and boat-filled marina are the perfect places to while away a few easygoing hours.

Do

Perhaps the world’s most well-known graffiti artist, Banksy, hails from Bristol, and there’s plenty of the artist’s handiwork on show around town. It’s easy to take yourself on a tour of Banksy’s art, taking in famous pieces like “The Mild Mild West,” in which a teddy bear prepares to throw a dynamite stick at a group of police officers. It’s on a wall in Stokes Croft, a suburb close to the city center.

For a slightly different look at this city, head for M Shed, a fabulous museum that explores Bristol and its diverse culture in a variety of ways. This includes public transportation, animation, slavery, music and much more besides.

Eat

Bristol’s food scene has exploded in recent years. Casamia offers superbly sophisticated food that deserves more than just the one Michelin star it has and Hart’s Bakery, based underneath Bristol’s main railway station, Temple Meads, is one of the U.K.’s finest bakeries.

Then there’s St Nicholas Markets, an elegant indoor venue with a number of superb food vendors, like Pieminister, a Bristol company whose pies are gradually conquering the U.K.

Drink

This is one of the best places to drink modern beer in the U.K., with Moor Beer and Lost and Grounded leading the way. Still, it’s another craft brewer that has recently opened the most impressive venue: Left Handed Giant‘s new brewpub overlooking the water at Finzels Reach is a stunner.

Cocktail lovers are equally well-served. One of the most charismatic spots is The Milk Thistle, which spreads across four floors of a 19th-century office building. It’s a refined, relaxed spot with plenty to tempt the adventurous drinker.

CARDIFF

See

Situated right in the heart of Cardiff, Cardiff Castle‘s physical appearance bears witness to its significance over the centuries. First built shortly after the Norman Invasion of 1066, it played a key role in the English Civil War before being remade and remodeled by the 3rd Marquess of Bute in the late 19th century. He had it dolled up in the Gothic Revival style, a look it retains to this day.

Cardiff Bay used to be the point of departure for Wales’ most famous export, coal, as it made its way around the world. Now it’s an example of successful regeneration, with the Wales Millenium Centre, home to the Welsh National Opera, at its heart.

Do

Cardiff Central Market is a huge Victorian space filled with stalls offering everything from nuts and bolts to a full Welsh breakfast; it’s the perfect spot for a bit of midmorning meandering before a bite to eat. Of the many stalls, Ashton’s the fishmonger is definitely worth a visit; they’ve been trading here since the mid 19th-century.

St Fagans National Museum of History, located just to the west of the city, is worth visiting not only for its open-air exhibits, but also for an amazing garden. More than 40 historic buildings have been re-erected on its grounds over the years to bring Wales’ rich history to life. The Italian Garden, laid out in 1902 and restored in 2003, should not be missed.

Eat

The Potted Pig has been part of the Cardiff food scene for over a decade. Based in old bank vaults, it offers modern British food at its rich, heady best, with a focus (naturally enough) on pork.

In the suburb of Riverside, meanwhile, you’ll find Heaneys, an airy, modern spot with a much-loved tasting menu (and plenty for vegans, too).

Drink

The City Arms is a Cardiff institution, particularly when the Wales rugby team is playing at the nearby Principality Stadium. What to order? Brains, from Cardiff’s local traditional brewery, is the obvious choice at the bar.

The Libertine is a more recent addition to Cardiff’s nightlife, having opened in 2018, but for cocktail drinkers it has plenty to recommend it: Try the exciting flavorful shot roulette or pick an elixir from the expansive tarot-themed menu.