St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour: Explore Bristol's Historic Old Town
5.0
814 Ratings
Bristol City
Discover Bristol's historic Old Town, explore the St. Nicholas Market, and visit the city's biggest public Air Raid Shelter on this unique walking tour. Experience Bristol's trading past, the swinging 60's, and the vibrant present. Don't miss out!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Corn Exchange - We’ve exclusive access to Bristol’s most important building and historic area. Enjoy privileged access to subterranean passageways, roof top vistas, WW11 air raid shelters and rooms which once rocked to the best bands in the world. We then finish amongst the best street food in the city in the heart of St.Nicholas Market!
What's Included
  • All applicable fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Experience the largest public Air Raid Shelter in Bristol, delve into the history of the Old Town and indulge in the country’s premier indoor market. Join us for a memorable adventure. Our local experts will lead you on an unconventional journey from Bristol’s peak trading era, through the vibrant 60’s, into the city’s dynamic present. Gain exclusive entry to underground corridors, skyline panoramas, WW2 air raid refuges and rooms once throbbing with the world’s top music. Having marveled and been captivated, you’ll be overwhelmed with options of eateries, bars and a plethora of local souvenirs to remember your Bristol visit.

  • Not suitable for dogs
Location
The Corn Exchange
Corn Street
We meet outside the main entrance of the Corn Exchange on Corn Street at 11am. The main door is located underneath the clock.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(814 Ratings)
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Augustasadom
Apr 23, 2024
Fascinating walking and superb air raid shelter tours - In depth and fascinating tour, we were shocked to learn that our humble guide has done the majority of the work himself of gathering artefacts and restoring the air raid shelter to a great piece of history frozen in time. Thank you kindly for having us go on this journey at the corn exchange! Our guide was also really flexible in accommodating our bigger group :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancybk6669av
Apr 22, 2024
Fantastic Tour Given By An Excellent Guide - I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this tour! The tour guide is incredibly passionate, funny, and interesting. The tour was well-researched and utilised incredible setting to tell the stories of our past. I was impressed by the guide's use of language, discussing difficult subjects with the words that felt right for it and portraying these events without rose tinted vision. With lots of fun facts, interesting behind the scenes, and visions into Bristol's past that wouldn't be possible anywhere else, I would recommend this tour to any tourist or local. I will note that previous to the tour, I did not realise there would be quite so many stairs involved apposed to flat walking. This was a slight struggle for one member of our party, although they still very much enjoyed themself, there was no rushing, and there were rest stops available. However, if you or a potential attendee have mobility issues, do consider this aspect before booking!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Josephinegu
Apr 18, 2024
A Most Enlightening Experience & One To Do Again - St. Nicholas Market & Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour was a great experience and one I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Bristol or to residents who live in the city. Duncan was exceedingly good - it was his idea to put this kind of tour together and we could not fault it at all. From his knowledge of the history of St. Nicholas Market to the tour of the air raid shelters and the artifacts that he had assembled in the shelters. It was a pleasure to meet him, we could understand all that he was saying, coupled with a sense of humor.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helenbv8171oh
Apr 17, 2024
Truly wonderful - It was exactly as described. We went as we wanted to see the air raid shelter underneath St Nics market. We all live in Bristol and we learnt so much more about St Nicholas Market, thanks to Duncan. He was so informative and made the couple of hours we were with him so much fun. We learnt about what Castle park was like before the war, the buildings in St Nics markets and the sculptures on them......look up the next time you are there. Did you know St Nicholas Market used to be a music venue and The Who played there. The air raid shelters were so interesting as we're the ladies who are hidden from everyone, apart from if you go on this tour. We would 100% recommend it, it's such good value for money. Let's make it a proper tourist attraction Bristol City Council
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruthd431
Apr 16, 2024
Fascinating tour taking you back in time! - This tour certainly didn't disappoint, it was so very informative about the whole area, we found out some very interesting facts!! Duncan was a great guide and put over all the information so that it was easy to listen to and understand. Visiting the Air Raid Shelter was fascinating and seeing some of the original equipment in there gave you a real feel for how it must have been during those terrible times. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone and think it was good value for money. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzanne_h
Apr 16, 2024
Amazing St Nicks Tour - A great tour, much more than we thought, so great value for money. Fascinating air raid shelter, needs to be seen! Should be made into a museum!
Review provided by Viator
Beckyg126
Apr 15, 2024
Super tour for all the family - Fantastic tour with the family - kids, aged 12 and 15, enjoyed it as much as the parents! Fascinating range of history - good humour - good pace - brilliant anecdotes. Easily accessible for all ages. Duncan could not have been more accommodating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard
Apr 14, 2024
Bristol Air Raid Shelter Tour - The tour was very well setup and executed. Duncan had obviously done a lot of research and work to put this tour together.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K8822kejanetw
Apr 14, 2024
Evocative experience being under Bristol’s old city. The Blitz must have been terrifying, worrying about friends family - So very interesting delivered with knowledge and humour. Always amazed at how much lies under our feet. This amazing archive must be protected.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderlustandrainy
Apr 14, 2024
Fascinating and a MUST when visiting Bristol - Amazing Tour. Highly recommended. I learned so much about the history of Bristol, in particular World War II history. Visiting an actual air shelter was fascinating. The tour guide was so incredibly knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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