Be it Angela Carter’s gothic tales of the city’s counterculture in her “Bristol trilogy” or David
Nicholls’ love letter to University Challenge, Starter for Ten, Bristol has lain backdrop to countless tales across the years. But Bristol’s literary exploits aren’t just limited to the pages of classics. If you are looking for creative inspiration, a bargain read, or to see your favourite books come alive in real locations, then Bristol has plenty on offer. Check out our literary guide to Bristol for some of the best spots for book lovers across the city.
1. Take a trip into Bristol’s pirating past with the self-guided Treasure Island trail
If you’ve ever read Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic novel, Treasure Island, then you already know the opening is set in Bristol. You might even recognise the Hole in the Wall pub as the inspiration for the Spyglass Tavern where readers first meet the infamous Long John Silver.
Starting on King Street, the trail is linked by eight wine barrels placed around the city’s historic Floating Harbour. For some added riches, consider booking the Show of Strength’s Story Walk to truly immerse yourself in a world of buccaneers and buried treasure.
2. Get the writing juices flowing with year-round events at Bristol’s Festival of Ideas
While not just limited to literary concepts, there’s still plenty for book lovers to get their teeth sunk into at the Bristol Festival of Ideas. Launched in 2005, events in the past have included readings of modern, debut authors to an annual series based on the radical, 18th-century lectures of Samuel Coleridge once given in Bristol.
Next week (March 8), ShelterBox Book Club showcases a landmark collection: the first anthology of short fiction by Afghan women. But there are always new events happening in the city.
3. Step into Regency England by heading to Bath and experiencing life like Jane Austen
Maybe we’re slightly cheating with this one, but how could we not bring up one of England’s greatest writers living on Bristol’s doorstep. The Jane Austen Centre should be your first visit to experience how the city impacted her beloved novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Don your bonnets and other regency attire to live your Jane Austen fantasies and head up to the teas rooms after! For a more full experience, try to time your visit with the Jane Austen Festival which takes place every September.
4. Grab a bargain for £4 at The Last Bookshop
You heard that correct. Every book at The Last Bookshop is £4 or less. These aren’t your old and dusty, second-hand books, about to kick-start your asthma, either. It specialises in buying up book returns, remainders, and samples, before the pulpers step in. Stocking a range of subjects and styles, with everything from rare gems to mainstream bestsellers, there’s something for everyone here. Easily one of the best bookshops in Bristol.
5. Begin your writing journey and sign up for a writing workshop
So you’ve seen the sights. You’ve heard how the best do it. Now it’s time to sharpen your pencil and start writing yourself. We all know how daunting a blank page can be, however, so we suggest signing up for a workshop to get the creative juices flowing first. Bristol Folk House is a great place to start looking first, as is Bristol Writers Group. But the city is full of creatives looking to share their work, you’ll find a writers group or workshop in most parts of the city.