Hi everyone,
I just wondered if anyone with experience driving in Bristol could clear up a question I have from the Rick Steves England book.
In the section on Bristol, he says "Bristol is great for a quick visit by foot, but it's a pain for drivers. From Bath Spa Station, trains depart four times an hour to Bristol's Temple Meads Station ...."
I don't know if he means driving into Bristol from Bath is the painful part or instead that Bristol in general is a pain to drive in.
Is it a pain just because it is a larger city or is there something specific about it? I was there last fall but only used trains and buses.
Thank you to anyone who knows.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1006 posts
I live in Bristol.
It is a pain for driving. We have officially the slowest traffic speeds in the country, including London. Poor public transport means we also have some of the highest rates of urban car ownership and use. Most of Bristol is Victorian so not built for car use and the numerous waterways mean a lot of bridges (all of which are old) and bottlenecks.
If you just want to drive into the city, park up and then explore on foot it’s fine. If you want to drive around and park at different locations it can get a bit tricky.
The Bristol to Bath journey is a particularly busy one as many people commute in both directions. If you choose your time it’s fine but slower than the train.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton Alberta Canada
75 posts
Thank you very much Helen.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32764 posts
Bristol used to have - and maybe still does, the last time I tried to drive in Bristol was about 30 years ago and I haven't gone back by car, not once - a seriously diabolical one-way road layout that was renowned for heads exploding. I hated the place and had experienced the one way scheme in Cheltenham first. That's like Bristol on training wheels (stabilisers), or at least it was.
Nothing wrong with the city, it has lots to see, but I won't drive there until somebody blows the all clear.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton Alberta Canada
75 posts
Thank you Nigel.