Virtually visit Bristol to see Banksy's street art

While the Coronavirus pandemic has temporarily closed Bristol’s attractions, you can still experience the city’s rich history from the comfort of your sofa with these virtual tours and experiences. Culture lovers, travellers and families can explore Bristol’s heritage, famous Banksy street art, galleries, historic museums, music and top attractions online, with these virtual tours, podcasts and playlists.

Banksy's 'Mild Mild West' mural in Bristol showing a cartoon bear throwing a petrol bomb at three riot police — Tour Banksy's street art in Bristol with a virtual tour © Morgane Bigault

1. Banksy street art tour

Bristol is world-renowned for its vibrant street art, with political satire adorning many of its walls. Go on a virtual Banksy tour and see the anonymous street artist’s marvellous murals from your phone, wherever you are in the world (download the Android version here) which details the early history of Banksy. The app also includes his 2020 Valentine piece, articles with photos about the Banksy vs Bristol Museum show and his exhibit in Weston-Super-Mare, Dismaland.

A sculpture by Banksy at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery; angel with a paint bucket on its head — Take an online tour of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for more works by Banksy © Destination Bristol

2. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Another way to see a Banksy from your home is to go to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery’s virtual tour, where you can see Banksy's‘Paintpot Angel’ as well as the museum’s Egypt and Assyria galleries.

Exterior of SS Great Britain on a sunny day — Board Brunel's SS Great Britain from the comfort of your couch © Destination Bristol

3. SS Great Britain

Brunel's iconic Victorian luxury ship, SS Great Britain, is Bristol’s top visitor, award-winning attraction. With their virtual tour you can ‘wander round’ the ship’s decks, see the blue flags for additional sensory information and learn about this pioneering ship that changed the world.

4. We the Curious

Marvel at Bristol's interactive science museum, We the Curious’, exhibits through their virtual tour, where you can click on blue dots to discover information about each section and how to experience the exhibits hands-on when the attraction opens again.

A large crowd gathered around a man playing a drum — Tune into these playlists, close your eyes and imagine you're in Fleece, Bristol © kondr.konst / Shutterstock

5. Bristol's music scene

As the birthplace of ground-breaking music from legendary acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Roni Size and Tricky, Bristol is well known for its rich music heritage. Listen to this Spotify playlist to rediscover some of Bristol’s iconic sounds, or hear the new sounds from the city including Beak>, IDLES, Heavy Lungs, Fenne Lily and Harvey Causon.

6. Bristol History podcast

Discover Bristol History podcast, in collaboration with local-run magazine Bristol Cable. The podcast has several episodes and interviews outlining the city’s history including the role of Caribbean migration in the city, polling day in 18th century Bristol, natural history of the West Country, Bristol’s overseas trade in history, street art and many more Bristolian topics to delve into from your sofa.

Exterior of the world's oldest Methodist chapel, Bristol — You might not think to visit the world's oldest Methodist chapel under normal circumstances, but when in lockdown... © Destination Bristol

7. The New Room, Bristol

The world’s oldest Methodist chapel is a historic 276-year-old Grade 1 listed church originally built by John Wesley shortly after he arrived in Bristol in 1739. You can visit it virtually via The New Room’s online tour and see inside this historic chapel, which was also used a filming location for Poldark.

8. Bristol Cathedral

Bristol’s beautiful, historic Cathedral has stood for over a thousand years, but it came to prominence in 1140 when Robert Fitzhardinge founded the Abbey of St Augustine. You can still see The Cathedral's spectacular stained-glass windows and find out about its history via their online tour.

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