History, culture, & food walking tours of Bristol
Bristol walking tours

St. Nicholas Market & Old Town Walking Tour

Adults £14
Children £7
St-Nicholas-Market-+-Old-Town-Walking-tour

Step into the heart of Bristol’s Old Town and journey through a thousand years of drama, innovation, and unforgettable stories. Your local guide will greet you outside the iconic Corn Exchange—an architectural gem that sits amongst the independent traders of St. Nicholas Market.

Travel back to Bristol’s Saxon beginnings, then follow the city’s rise as a powerhouse of the Triangular Trade and its pivotal role in the movement that ultimately helped bring that trade to an end. Trace the scars of the Blitz, wander through ancient alleyways, and enjoy colourful Rock ’n’ Roll tales from the city’s swinging 60s.

Your route winds upward to a hidden vantage point above the first floor of the Corn Exchange, offering a rare and striking view across the rooftops of the Old Town. The tour concludes in the vibrant bustle of St. Nicholas Market, where you’ll be left inspired—and a little hungry—amid its legendary food stalls and Bristol’s finest independent traders.

The tour lasts 90 minutes, includes two flights of stairs, and is not suitable for dogs

When

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11am.

Need to know

Tour duration

90 mins

Distance

1.5 miles

Group size

Up to 25

Age restriction

No age restriction

Meeting point

Outside the Corn Exchange on Corn Street

Tour accessibility

Includes steps and stairs
Accessible toilets available
Not suitable for dogs

Tour highlights

Corn-Exchange-Bristol

Meet at the Corn Exchange

Bristol's most historic building, and we have the keys. We meet outside the main entrance of the Corn Exchange - the jewel in Bristol's crown, and the heart of the city for 1000 years.
West-of-England-Bank-Bristol

See spectacular architecture

Discover the finest architecture in the city, and hear about the trade which built it.
Dutrh-House-Bristol

Bristol's Old Town and trading past

Bristol's Old Town was lost during the Blitz. Hear about these fascinating medieval streets and the air raids which destroyed them during WW2.
All-Saints_Lane-Bristol

Ancient alleyways

Walk ancient alleyways, hear ghost stories, and about Bristol's role in the abolition of the slave trade. Every corner in the Old Town has a tale to tell.
St-Nicholas_Market

St. Nick's Market

Pass beneath the Glass Arcade at St. Nicholas Market - a Victorian survivor and now the vibrant heart of the city. You'll be able to explore the area and grab some lunch after the tour.
Rolling-Stones-Corn-Exchange-Bristol

1960s Rock 'n' Roll

Hear about the days when the Rolling Stones and The Who drank in our old taverns, and the legendary incidents which resulted in them being thrown out of a few more.
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Roof top views

Our tour finishes within the first floor of the Corn Exchange, where we have exclusive access to hidden rooftop views. Easily accessible and unavailable on any other tour.
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The best food in town

After your tour, you're free to explore and enjoy the delights of St. Nicholas Market.

Meet your tour guides

Duncan McKellar

Founder & Tour Guide

Duncan McKellar is the founder of our air raid shelter tours and museum space. Duncan has battled hard for 6 years to preserve and open the space to the public. His perseverance has paid off and now Bristol has another world class heritage attraction for all to enjoy!

Owen Lewis

Tour Guide

Owen is a trained Actor with a passion for history! Owen has been head warden at our air raid shelter for two years and is a weath of knowledge for all things WW2.

Theresa Roche

Air Raid Shelter guide

Theresa has many years experience guiding in both Bristol and Bath. She is a trained actor with a history degree and particular interest in WW2 and the French Resistance. She has performed on stage and T.V and currently teaches Georgian dance classes!

Book the St. Nicholas Market & Old Town Walking Tour tour

Adults £14
Children £7

Private tours & custom experiences

Want something a little more exclusive? Perfect for celebrations, team building, days out or just because – book a private tour that’s been made just for you.

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Book the St. Nicholas Market & Old Town Walking Tour