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Christmas Steps Bristol

4.5
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Bristol's charming historic cobbled street, lined with unique shops and a beloved old-school pub.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Quieter atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Christmas Steps Bristol - Image 1

Christmas Steps Bristol

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Quieter atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bristol's charming historic cobbled street, lined with unique shops and a beloved old-school pub.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"An amazing old school pub, great vibe and superb selection of Ales, beer and cider."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the Unique Shops

Discover independent boutiques, antique stores, and quirky shops along the steps.

🍻 Enjoy Craft Beers

The Christmas Steps pub offers a superb selection of ales, beers, and ciders.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Christmas Steps Pub

The Christmas Steps Pub

Bottom of the steps

A historic pub with a great vibe, offering craft beers, ales, and hearty local food.

Reddit
20th Century Flicks

20th Century Flicks

Christmas Steps

A unique, nostalgic cinema experience showing classic films in a vintage setting.

Reddit
Aah Toots

Aah Toots

Bottom of the steps

Renowned for its delicious cakes and sweet treats, a perfect stop for a coffee break.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Discover the Charm of Christmas Steps

Explore Bristol's historic Christmas Steps, a picturesque cobbled street lined with independent shops and cozy pubs. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and unique finds. Reddit

Best Time to Visit for Atmosphere

Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, or evenings for a lively pub atmosphere. Weekends can get busy, especially with reservations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Lively pub scene
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Popular with locals
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What is the best thing to do at the Christmas Steps? I’m pretty new to Bristol, and saw this as one of the popular places, is there any popular cafe around?

🎯 Explore the Unique Shops

Discover independent boutiques, antique stores, and quirky shops along the steps. Reddit

🍻 Enjoy Craft Beers

The Christmas Steps pub offers a superb selection of ales, beers, and ciders. Reddit

reddit.com

Christmas steps

reddit.com

Best Pubs/Bars near Bristol Beacon

🍰 Indulge in Sweet Treats

Don't miss Aah Toots for delicious cakes and pastries. Reddit

🎬 Catch a Classic Film

Experience a nostalgic movie night at 20th Century Flicks. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Unique Shops

Discover independent boutiques, antique stores, and quirky shops along the steps. Reddit

🍻 Enjoy Craft Beers

The Christmas Steps pub offers a superb selection of ales, beers, and ciders. Reddit

🍰 Indulge in Sweet Treats

Don't miss Aah Toots for delicious cakes and pastries. Reddit

🎬 Catch a Classic Film

Experience a nostalgic movie night at 20th Century Flicks. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

The charm is in the serendipitous finds and the historic ambiance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Christmas Steps for its historic charm, unique independent shops, and the cozy atmosphere of its iconic pub. The selection of craft beers and delicious food at the pub, along with the nostalgic cinema and delightful cakes, are frequently highlighted as positives. Some reviewers noted inconsistent service and higher prices for drinks, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its picturesque and characterful appeal.

"This was one of the Timeout top pubs to visit in Bristol, we were not far away from it so we tried it, and it was an overall good experience : the Moor bitter was very good, the place is very neat and had lots of chairs and tables (a bar is also available upstairs too) and staff is very friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed our drinks sitting outside, watching people passing by while relaxing. We also loved the black walls of its building, it looks like it's been charred or smoked 😀"

Christophe PFERTZEL

"We only had drinks so can’t comment on the food. Lovely cozy pub. Very quiet. Lots of reservations on the tables some for 7pm and it was only 12.30pm. Thought that was abit preempt for a Saturday! One member of staff was friendly and the other was say say!"

Oaks Angle

"Interesting location, and pub. Entered on ground floor, took a while for staff to realise we were there. Upstairs service was much better. Lots of chatting staff, for size of pub/restaurant. Beers and wines expensive. We are elderly customers, 12noon it was obvious many younger persons were visiting, thats ok, and nor were we treated any differently by staff. Didn't stay long as we were 'on-tour'. Wife described outdoor patio area as basic."

Mike L.

What People Like

Historic charm
Independent shops
Cozy pub atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Expensive drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Christmas Steps is easily accessible by foot from Bristol city center. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from major attractions like Bristol Cathedral. Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity, so public transport or walking is recommended. Reddit

Yes, Christmas Steps is a pedestrian-friendly area. The cobbled street itself is best explored on foot to appreciate its historic charm and browse the shops. Reddit

Several bus routes stop along Park Street and Denmark Street, which are a short walk from Christmas Steps. Check local bus timetables for the most convenient options. Reddit

On-street parking is very limited and often metered. The nearest multi-story car parks are likely to be in the city center, a short walk away. Reddit

Cycling is possible, but the narrow, cobbled street might be challenging. There are bike racks in the surrounding areas, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Christmas Steps themselves are a public street and free to wander. Entry fees may apply to specific venues like 20th Century Flicks cinema. Reddit

The street is always accessible. Individual shops and pubs have their own opening hours, typically from late morning to evening. It's best to check specific venue times. Reddit

There are no entry fees for the pubs on Christmas Steps. You pay for your drinks and any food you order. Reddit

Yes, 20th Century Flicks is a cinema and requires tickets for film screenings. Booking in advance is often recommended. Reddit

Yes, reservations are often recommended, especially for evenings and weekends, as tables can be booked up in advance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the entire street for a panoramic view, focus on the unique shop fronts, and don't miss the atmospheric lighting in the evening. The historic architecture is very photogenic. Reddit

Absolutely! The narrow, cobbled street with its eclectic mix of shops and people provides excellent opportunities for candid and atmospheric street photography. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Evenings are also great for capturing the cozy pub atmosphere and streetlights. Reddit

Generally, no. However, always be respectful of individuals and private businesses. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people or inside shops if unsure. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the street's entirety, while a prime lens can be useful for detail shots and low-light conditions in the pubs. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Christmas Steps pub offers hearty meals made from local produce, including vegan options like vegan burgers and mac & cheese. Aah Toots is famous for its cakes. Reddit

Yes, the Christmas Steps pub has noted vegan options like the vegan hamburger and mac & cheese. Aah Toots likely offers vegetarian pastries. Reddit

The pub boasts a superb selection of ales, craft beers, and ciders, as well as wines. Reddit

Some reviews suggest beers and wines can be expensive. Food prices are generally in line with pub dining in the city. Reddit

Yes, Aah Toots is highly recommended for coffee and cake, offering a delightful treat. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Christmas Steps offers a charming, albeit short, adventure for families. The cobbled street and unique shops can be an interesting visual experience for children. Aah Toots is a definite hit, providing delicious cakes and treats that kids will love. While the Christmas Steps pub offers food, it might be more suited for older children or families looking for a relaxed meal. 20th Century Flicks could be a fun, unique outing for families with older children interested in classic movies. Be mindful that the street is steep and cobbled, so strollers might be a bit challenging. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While some reviews mention drinks being expensive at the pub, Christmas Steps can still be enjoyed on a budget. The street itself is free to explore, and window shopping is a great way to soak in the atmosphere. Consider visiting Aah Toots for an affordable treat rather than a full meal at the pub. For a budget-friendly experience, focus on enjoying the ambiance and unique sights rather than extensive spending. Reddit

couples

Christmas Steps offers a wonderfully romantic and atmospheric setting for couples. Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand down the historic cobbled street, popping into unique independent shops. The Christmas Steps pub provides a cozy ambiance for drinks or a meal, especially in the evening. For a truly unique date, consider booking a screening at 20th Century Flicks for a nostalgic cinematic experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Charm of Christmas Steps

Christmas Steps is one of Bristol's most atmospheric and historic streets, dating back to the 17th century. Its steep, cobbled incline and tightly packed buildings create a unique, almost timeless feel. The street's name is believed to originate from a nativity scene that was once displayed here during the Christmas season. Wandering through, you'll notice the distinctive architecture, with some buildings showing signs of age and character, like the 'charred' or 'smoked' black walls mentioned by visitors. Reddit

This area has managed to retain its independent spirit, housing a collection of unique shops, galleries, and the iconic Christmas Steps pub. It’s a place where you can step back in time and escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city. The atmosphere is often described as cozy and welcoming, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking for something a little different. Reddit

Experiencing the Christmas Steps Pub

The Christmas Steps pub is a central attraction, lauded for its 'amazing old school pub' vibe and 'great vibe'. It's a destination for those seeking a 'superb selection of Ales, beer and cider', with visitors specifically praising the 'Moor bitter'. The pub offers a cozy interior, complete with an iron chandelier, and a bar upstairs. While many enjoy the drinks, the food also receives high praise, with dishes like the 'vegan hamburger, mac & cheese, and croquettes' being called 'absolutely delicious'. Reddit

Service can be a mixed bag, with some staff described as 'friendly and welcoming' and others as 'say say'. Reservations are often necessary, even during lunchtime on Saturdays, indicating its popularity. The outdoor patio area is described as 'basic' by some, but sitting outside to watch people pass by is a pleasant experience for others. Despite some minor critiques, the pub is consistently highlighted as a must-visit for its atmosphere and quality offerings. Reddit

Unique Finds: 20th Century Flicks & Aah Toots

Beyond the main pub, Christmas Steps offers truly unique experiences. 20th Century Flicks is a beloved independent cinema that transports you to another era. It's praised for being 'something unique and nostalgic', offering a chance to see classic films in a vintage setting. This isn't your typical multiplex; it's an intimate and charming venue that appeals to film buffs and those seeking a quirky night out. Reddit

For those with a sweet tooth, Aah Toots is a must-visit. Located at the bottom of the steps, it's celebrated as 'one of the best cake shops around'. Visitors rave about the delicious cakes and pastries, making it the perfect spot to grab a treat and a coffee while exploring the area. Together, these establishments contribute to the distinct character and appeal of Christmas Steps, offering more than just a picturesque street. Reddit