Bristol, a charming coastal city in southern Britain, is renowned for its maritime heritage dating back to the 1600s. While historical maritime attractions in Bristol are popular tourist destinations, the city is also home to a dynamic street art scene nurtured by its creative residents. This is a lesser-known attraction but quite a captivating experience.
World-renowned artists like Banksy, Robert Del Naja, HazardOne, Bex Glover, and Andy Council have transformed the city’s walls into living canvases with their graffiti art. The city embraces this raw, unfiltered creativity, celebrating artists and their thought-provoking works through events like Upfest. Although relatively young, Bristol’s street art scene has become a cultural force to reckon with, transforming the urban landscape into a space for social and political commentary through unfettered artistic expression.
The best way to experience Bristol’s street art is by hiring a car from Dollar Car Rental. Drive through the city’s colourful streets at your own pace and stop to admire the murals up close or drive past the impressive artworks. Avoid the constraints of traditional street art tours and enjoy the freedom to discover the hidden gems of Bristol’s street art trail in your rental car.
Here are the places to visit in Bristol in your rental car to enjoy some of the city’s most brilliant artwork.
Frogmore Street
Frogmore Street, located near Park Street in central Bristol, is known for its proximity to popular shopping and dining spots. Drive to this area to see:
- “Well Hung Lover” by Banksy
This iconic piece by Banksy also called “Naked Man Hanging From Window” features a man hanging from a window ledge, trying to escape a man who’s probably the husband of the woman in question. You can see it on the side of a building, best viewed from Park Street, near the top of Frogmore Street. The hanging man is hanging in plain sight, while the jealous, worked-up man looks into the distance. - James Paul Scanlon’s Works
James Paul Scanlon’s intricate murals adorn the walls of Frogmore Street, showcasing abstract designs and vivid colours. These artworks, heavily inspired by Banksy, were created using just three stencils and can be seen on various building facades.
Stokes Croft
Stokes Croft, located in the northern part of the city, offers myriad things to do in Bristol with its vibrant nightlife and eclectic mix of cafes and shops. You can easily access this area by car through Cheltenham Road and discover:
- “The Mild, Mild West” by Banksy
Banksy’s famous mural depicts a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at riot police. This is a symbol of relaxed hippies putting up resistance against the authority of the Western police. This artwork can be found on the wall of The Canteen, at the junction of Jamaica Street and Stokes Croft. - Various Murals at The Canteen
The exterior of The Canteen features multiple murals by different artists, showcasing a range of styles and themes. The Canteen, located at 80 Stokes Croft, has murals covering the building’s facade, adding to the area’s artistic charm.
Bedminster
If you want interesting things to do in Bristol, UK, head over to Bedminister. Located south of Bristol’s city centre, it is known for its lively community and vibrant shopping streets.
- “The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum” by Banksy
Banksy’s “The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum” is a clever take on Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting. This mural features a girl with a large alarm box as her earring, and it should be added to your things to see in Bristol list. It’s special for its witty integration with the building’s features. You can find it on Hanover Place, near the Albion Dockyard, accessible via Museum Street. During the pandemic, someone also added a mask to this painting. - Various Upfest Murals
Upfest, Europe’s largest street art festival, brings numerous murals to Bedminster. These artworks, created by international and local artists, cover themes from social issues to whimsical designs. Each piece adds a unique flavour to the area. You can see these vibrant murals along East Street and North Street. - “Welcome to Bedminster” Mural
The “Welcome to Bedminster” mural, painted during the Upfest festival, greets visitors with vibrant colours and intricate designs. It symbolises the neighbourhood’s welcoming spirit and artistry. This mural is located on the North Street, a bustling spot with many shops and cafes around. - The Masonic Pub
The Masonic Pub, a historic landmark in Bedminster, features impressive street art. Artists like Will Barras and Xenz have created murals that celebrate local history and culture, adding to the pub’s charm.
Nelson Street
Nelson Street, in the heart of Bristol, is renowned for its large-scale street art and urban vibrancy. Easily accessible from the city centre, driving around this area is one of the essential things to do in Bristol, UK.
- “See No Evil” Festival
The “See No Evil” festival transformed Nelson Street with massive murals by international artists. This festival brought life and colour to the urban landscape, making it a must-visit for street-art enthusiasts. It was first held in 2011, and artists repainted the buildings in a second edition in 2012. This included tall towers including a ten-storey building. - “Vandal” by Nick Walker
Nick Walker’s “Vandal” is a standout piece depicting a graffiti artist at work, blending humour and skill. This mural captures the rebellious spirit of street art and is prominently displayed on Nelson Street, with the artwork extending from the walls to the pavements.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Bristol’s street art offers a unique way to uncover the city’s hidden gems and understand the culturescape of the place. This is indeed one of the major attractions in Bristol, UK. Bring your camera along; there’s plenty you’ll want to capture. Take the time to respect and appreciate the art and the artists before moving on to other things to see in Bristol City. With a rental car, you can benefit from the freedom to explore the city’s street art and other Bristol tourist places without hurrying from one site to the next.
Dollar Car Rental makes your exploration effortless. The diverse fleet, including electric, petrol, and diesel cars, in various sizes suits all needs and preferences. With convenient locations across the city, near major Bristol city attractions, pick-up and drop-off are a breeze.
Book your car hire in the UK with Dollar Car Rental today to experience Bristol like never before!
